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any problems with the "A,B,C's"
Airway - choking, any injuries to the mouth or throat
Breathing
- difficulty breathing, shallow or no
respirations, severe asthma attacks Circulation
- severe or uncontrollable bleeding, weak
or absent pulse, chest pains, suspected
heart attack or stroke
Other
medical emergencies
Shock -
depressed state of vital signs, fainting,
loss of consciousness or disorientation.
This may be the result of an illness or
injury.
Poisoning
- ingested, inhaled, absorbed or injected
poisons. Allergic reactions to food,
medications and bee stings
Head Injury
- of any kind, including injuries to the
neck or back
Diabetic
Emergencies - known or suspected
diabetics who appear to be disoriented
Burns -
that appear to be more serious than
sunburn, that were caused by a chemical
or that are accompanied by any
respiratory distress.
Fractures
- any injury that results in a possible
broken bone. These are usually
accompanied by pain and swelling.
Injuries
- resulting from a fall, automobile
accident or any other trauma where the
patient is unable to move under their own
power or has loss of feeling to an area
of the body.
When in doubt, call the
ambulance!
Dial 9-1-1
If you have to consider calling EMS, you probably
need it.
When
calling for help...
Identify yourself. Be sure that
the dispatcher knows exactly where the emergency
is and the phone number you are calling from. If
calling from an apartment or condo, be sure to
include the unit number.
Explain briefly, the nature of
the emergency. Is the patient conscious?
breathing? bleeding? What caused the injury? How
many people are ill or injured? Is there danger
of further injury (from fire, smoke, electricity,
etc.)
Hang up last. The dispatcher may
need more information from you and may be able to
give you first aid instructions over the phone.
Until help
arrives...
Remain calm. Someone should stay with the
patient. Talk to and reassure them.
Unless absolutely necessary, do not attempt to
move the patient.
If available, assign someone to meet the
ambulance at the street. be sure that any outside
lights are turned on.
(Is your house number clearly visible
from the street?)
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