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KNOWING WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY CAN BE CRITICAL TO LIFE Minutes count in medical emergencies. What people do in the time between their call to 911 and when emergency medical technicians or paramedics arrive could prevent death or disability. Some of the most critical moments a medical emergency are right after the problem has occurred, whether it's a car wreck or heart attack. If you think it's an emergency, call Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Then take steps to help the victim until EMS arrives. Traumatic injuries are the leading killer of young people between the ages of 1 and 44. The Volusia County Medical Society (VCMS) offers these tips on the care that you can give an injured person before EMS arrives: HEART ATTACK/CHEST PAINS Call 911 immediately. Have the person sit or recline, whichever is more comfortable. Loosen clothing at the neck, chest and waist. If the person collapses and loses consciousness, try to awaken him or her. If there is no breathing and no pulse in the neck, begin CPR if you are trained.BROKEN BONES Call 911 immediately for a serious injury, such as a broken or dislocated bone. Keep the injured limb from moving. Apply cold (not ice) packs to minimize swelling. If a bone protrudes through the skin, cover it with a dressing, but DO NOT try to push the bone back in. For excessive bleeding use direct pressure around the area. If you suspect multiple broken bones, the bone protrudes through the skin or when the neck, back, pelvis or thigh might be broken, DO NOT attempt to move the person unless he or she is in immediate danger.BURNS Remove the person from danger and the source of the bum if it is safe to do so. For serious burns, call 911 immediately. Cover the burned area with a cool, wet cloth, but do not over-cool. Raise burned arms or legs higher than the person's heart DO NOT break blisters or remove burned skin. DO NOT use butter, ointments or home remedies. For small or minor burns, immerse in cool water. Keep the body temperature normal - cover the injured person lightly if necessary and if possible.CONVULSIONS/SEIZURES Call 911 immediately. Protect the person from further injury by removing obstacles. Turn the person to one side, and do not try to restrain movements. If the person has fallen or shows evidence of injury, do not move the person unless he or she is in immediate danger. Do not prop up the head, and do not put anything in the person's mouth.HEAD, NECK OR BACK INJURIES Call 911 immediately. DO NOT wait to see if pain or discomfort goes away. Tell the person to remain absolutely still and calm. Do not move the person unless he or she is in immediate danger. Severe, deep cuts should not be cleaned. Cover cuts with a clean cloth, and do not apply heavy pressure to the bleeding area. Do not attempt to stop bleeding from the ears, nose or mouth.POISONING/OVERDOSE Call 911 immediately. Then call the Florida Poison Information Center at 1/800/282-3171, and describe the product, the amount swallowed and when it was taken. Look inside the person's mouth. If you see burns or smell something similar to gasoline, do not induce vomiting Do not use syrup of ipecac unless the Poison Control Center tells you to use it. Send a container of the suspected poison to the hospital with the person.Whenever you call 911, remain calm or have a calmer person make the call. Answer the 911 dispatcher's questions, which usually will include the address of where the emergency is, the name of the ill or injured person, what is wrong, your name, and the telephone number where you are. Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Have someone wait near the street or in the parking lot to direct EMS to the injured or ill person. The care that you provide for an injured person may be the care that saves a life. Now is the best time to learn what to do in an emergency. |
Emergency Tips
P.O. Box 9595 Daytona Beach, FL 32120 |
Phone: (386) 255-3321 |
Fax: (386) 254-4296 |
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