Emergencies are notorious for their shock value, and how one reacts in critical situations can be the difference. Hence, here’s how to seek medical emergency help:
Assess The Risk
First of all assess the environment around you and the victim in case you need to render help, determine if the area is safe. Where there is an imminent threat (fire, busy road etc), transfer to a safer area.
Request Assistance:
Make sure you call the relevant emergency services as appropriate (for example 911) so that a medical team is sent to your location. Relate the brief facts of the scene to the operator starting with its address and the victim’s status.
Provide Simple First Aid:
In case you are versed with simple first aid methods, check the victim’s airway, breathing & circulation (ABC). If the person is conscious but not breathing, start mouth to mouth or hands only CPR.
Bleeding Control
Apply clean cloth with some pressure where the bleeding is occurring. If the injured area is a limb, that limb should be elevated as well and pressure maintained until medical assistance comes.
Management of Shock:
While waiting for assistance, speak kindly to the patient and encourage them if necessary. If the patient is alert, place him or her in a supine position with legs elevated from the level of the trunk.
Management of Burns:
For superficial burns, apply cool water to the injured area. Dressing with a clean non adhesive gauze should be used over the burn. Severe burns should not be treated with ice packs or cold water.
Tackle Bone Fractures:
In order to cause no further injury to the damaged limb, it should be immobilized using a splint or a bandage. Prohibit any ‘farmers carry’ or unnecessary movement of the person, especially on a suspected spinal injury.
Provide Comfort:
Give the victim moral support and comfort. Try to control the bystanders and get them to relax instead.
Administer Medications:
In case the casualty was using laxatives prescription, help him/her to follow the requirements. Medication should be taken as per the prescription and approved drugs only.
Reach Out to Professionals:
Once emergency personnel arrives, give a brief overview of the victim’s condition and what actions have been taken to the nurses or the paramedics. Follow their directions and be as helpful as possible.
Document Details:
If acceptable, provide information on the timeline of the emergency and anything else that would assist the medical personnel who will respond. If available, provide the medical history of the victim.
Using the Automated External Defibrillator (AED):
If there is one available, use an AED as directed when a person goes into cardiac arrest. With the AED, you can be assured that anyone can use it since it has instructions that are easy to understand with easy step directions.
Keep in mind your safety and that of the others come first. You should never attempt to perform any complicated medical procedures without the help of a qualified medical practitioner. Being aware and ready can make a difference in emergencies. It is good for every individual to periodically update their basic first aid and CPR skills.