Before the Ambulance Arrives

 

FIRE

 

After you have called 911, there are several things you can do until Emergency Responders arrive. These simple procedures will greatly aid the Emergency Responders and the patient they will treat.
  1. If you determine that the patient is pulse less and non-breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but only if you have been trained in this life saving technique or are receiving instructions from the 911 Dispatcher.
  2. Remain calm, this will reassure the patient that help is on the way
  3. Make the patient as comfortable as possible. Apply direct pressure to any uncontrolled bleeding. Keep them still, don’t move them. Attempt to keep the patient awake, calm and warm.
  4. If the patient has a vial of life, retrieve it or gather all the medications that the patient may be taking. Emergency Responders will need this to determine the medical history of the patient.
  5. Move all furniture or obstacles out of the way so Emergency Responders have easy access to the patient.
  6. Secure pets in another part of the house to protect the pet and the Emergency Responders.
  7. The Emergency Responders may want you to provide some information so remember the time and the events that lead to calling 911 .
    • When was the last time you talked to the patient?
    • How long has this medical condition existed?
    • How long has the person been unconscious?
    • Does the patient have advanced directives (Do Not Resuscitate orders)?

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