|
TAKING ACTION
As a citizen responder, you are responsible for activating the emergency medical services (EMS) system by calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
WHEN TOU CALL 9-1-1
When you call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number, your call will be automatically routed to the police, fire, or EMS system. When your call is answered, you will talk to an emergency call taker who has had special training in dealing with crises over the phone. The call taker will ask you for a phone number and address of the emergency and will ask other key questions to determine whether you need police, fire, or EMS assistance. It may seem that the call taker asks a lot of questions. The information you give helps the dispatcher send the type of help needed, based on the severity of the emergency. When using a mobile phone to cal 9-1-1, it is important to know that the system that identifies a caller’s location and telephone number is still in its infancy and is not available everywhere. Therefore, you should tell the call taker the location of the emergency and you mobile phone number in case you are disconnected.
UNTIL HELP ARRIVES:
There may be actions you, other citizen responders, or bystanders can take before EMS personnel arrive. Always follow the pre-arrival instructions provided by the call taker. These instructions may range from taking actions that make the scene safer and more accessible to EMS personnel to giving more advanced care.
EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS
The emergency actions steps are three steps you should take in an emergency. These steps are-
CHECK the scene and the victim
- Is the scene safe?
- What happened?
- How many victims are there?
- Are bystanders available to help?
CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
CARE for the victim
WHEN CHECKING THE VICTIM
Do not move the victim unless he or she is in immediate danger. Tell the victim not to move if no immediate danger is present. Also tell bystanders not to move the victim.
WHEN TO CALL
At times you may be uncertain when to activate the EMS system.
As a general rule, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the victim
- Is unconscious or has an altered level of consciousness
- Has trouble breathing or is breathing in a strange manner
- Has chest discomfort, pain, or pressure that persists for more than 3 to 5 minutes or goes away and comes back
- Is bleeding severely
- Has pressure or pain in the abdomen that does not go away
- IS vomiting or passing blood
- Has a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes or has multiple seizures
- Has a seizure and is pregnant
- Has a seizure and is diabetic
- Has severe headache or slurred speech
- Appears to be poisoned
- Has injuries to the head, neck, or back
- Has possible broken bones
CALL
As a citizen responder, you top priority is to ensure that the victim receives more advanced care as soon as possible.
CARE FOR THE VICTIM
Once you have checked the scene and the victim, you may need to give care. Always care for life threatening conditions before those that are not life threatening. While you are waiting for more advanced medical help, watch for changes in the victim’s level of consciousness and breathing. A change in the victim’s condition may be a signal of a serious injury or illness. A condition that may not appear serious at first may become serious with time. Help the victim rest comfortably, and keep him or her from getting chilled or overheated. Reassure the victim.
IN SUMMARY
Emergency situations are often confusing and frightening. TO take appropriate actions in any emergency follow the three basic emergency action steps: CHECK – CALL – CARE.
CHECK the scene and the victim
CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number to activate the EMS system
CARE for the victim until more advanced medical personnel arrive.
|
Key notes in event of an accident or emergency happens on a ride
