Chapter 2

Action at an Emergency

Bystander Actions

• The bystander is a vital link between EMS and the victim.

Ordinary Bystanders

• Ordinary bystanders are less likely to help because:

• Lack of knowledge

• Confusion about what is an emergency

• Characteristics of the emergency

What Should Be Done?• Recognize the emergency.

• Decide to help.

• Call 9-1-1, if EMS is needed.

• Check the victim.

• Give first aid.

Recognize the Emergency

• Four factors in noticing that something is wrong:

• Severity

• Physical distance

• Relationship

• Time exposed

Decide to Help

• Decide to help before you encounter an emergency.

• Develop a helping attitude.

Call 9-1-1

• For serious situations, call EMS right away.

• To receive emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1 in most communities.

• It is always best to err on the side of caution.

Check the Victim

• Decide if life-threatening conditions exist.

• Decide what kind of help a victim needs.

Give First Aid

• Often the most critical life support measures are effective only if started immediately.

• Person is usually a layperson.

Seeking Medical Care

• Knowing when to call 9-1-1 is important.

• Always best to err on the side of caution.

• If a serious situation occurs, call 9-1-1 first.

How to Call EMS• Dispatcher will ask for:

• Your name and phone number• Victim’s location• What happened?• Number of victims and any special

conditions• Victim’s condition• Do not hang up unless the dispatcher tells

you to• May advise you how to provide care

Rescuer Reactions

• Sight of blood and cries of victims can be upsetting

• More than one rescuer has felt nauseated, weak, or fainted

• Desensitize yourself before and during the emergency

• Postcare reactions can occur

Scene Size-Up

• In ten seconds, look for:

• Hazards

• Cause of the injury or illness

• Number of victims

Disease Precautions

• First aiders must understand the risks from infectious diseases • Range from mild to life threatening

• Infectious disease can be transmitted from one person to another.• Also known as communicable diseases

Universal Precautions

• Developed by the CDC• Assume that all blood and certain

body fluids pose a risk for transmission of infectious diseases

• Follow body substance isolation (BSI) techniques• Provides additional protection

Handwashing

• One of the simplest and effective way to control disease transmission

• Wash hands before and after every victim contact

• Even if you are wearing gloves

Personal Protective Equipment

• Includes:

• Medical exam gloves

• Mouth-to-barrier devices

• Eye protection

• Gowns

Cleaning Up After An Emergency

• Wear heavier gloves.

• If trained, use absorbent barriers.

• Clean the spill area with soap and water.

• Disinfect with bleach.

• Discard contaminated materials properly.

Disease of Special Concern

• HIV

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• Tuberculosis

• SARS

Death and Dying

• Few incidents that involve more emotional stress.

• Seeing death and dying are the unfortunate parts of providing emergency care.

The Dying Victim

• Avoid negative statements.

• Assure the victim you will locate family.

• Allow for some hope.

• Use a gentle tone of voice.

• Let the victim know that everything that can be done to help will be done.

The Stages of Grieving

• Denial

• Anger

• Bargaining

• Depression

• Acceptance

Dealing with Survivors

• Allow survivors to grieve.

• Provide simple, honest, clear information.

• Offer support and comfort through your words and presence.

• Use a gentle tone of voice.