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DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES
Take a deep breath. Count to 10. Tell yourself you can handle this situation.
Assess the danger. Protect yourself and the injured person from fire, explosions, or other hazards. If you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the person unless the danger is great.
If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, check the ABC's: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. If the person is not breathing, perform rescue breathing or CPR.
Warning: Improper CPR or CPR performed on a person whose heart is still beating can cause serious injury. Never perform CPR unless: 1) Breathing has stopped, 2) There is no heartbeat, 3) No one with more training in CPR is present.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES MAY INCLUDE:
Severe Bleeding
If direct pressure does not control bleeding after 15 minutes
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
If a victim does not respond (tap or gently shake victim and shout 'Are you okay?'), roll person on to back--unless there is a possible spinal injury--then: [Adults & children age 9 and older] call 911 immediately, then begin CPR, [Children 8 and younger] give one full minute of rescue breathing (and CPR if there is no pulse), then call 911.
Head Injuries
After severe head injury, if any of the following signs appear immediately or within 24 hours, call 911
Confusion
Inability to move arms and legs on one side of body, or slower movement on one side or the other
Lethargy, abnormally deep sleep, or inability to wake up
Vomiting that continues after the first two hours
Poisoning
FOR ANY POISONING, Call 911 or Poison Control number
(1-800-732-6985) immediately
Shock
Signs of shock include:
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Dilated pupils
Weak, rapid pulse
Shallow, rapid breathing
Low blood pressure
Thirst, nausea or vomiting
Confusion or anxiety
Faintness, weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
Unconsciousness
Call a health professional immediately if:
A person has completely lost consciousness
If unconsciousness follows a head injury
If a person with diabetes loses consciousness
Identify and prioritize injuries. Treat the most life-threatening problems (bleeding, shock) first. Check for broken bones and other injuries.
If you are not sure if you need emergency assistance, call 911.
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