Difference between revisions of "Call an Ambulance"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Calling the Ambulance === | === Calling the Ambulance === | ||
| − | #Compose yourself. Take a deep breath and take a few seconds to collect yourself. While time is of critical importance, you can’t help if you are hysterical.<ref>http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/first-aid/first-aid-treatment.htm</ref> | + | #Compose yourself. Take a deep breath and take a few seconds to collect yourself. While time is of critical importance, you can’t help if you are hysterical.<ref name="rf1">http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/first-aid/first-aid-treatment.htm</ref> |
#Know the number. Emergency service numbers depend on which country you live in. You should always have the number to emergency services in your area memorized. After all, it is only three numbers. Look below for a list of some well-known emergency service numbers. | #Know the number. Emergency service numbers depend on which country you live in. You should always have the number to emergency services in your area memorized. After all, it is only three numbers. Look below for a list of some well-known emergency service numbers. | ||
#* Dial 911(US/Canada) | #* Dial 911(US/Canada) | ||
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#* Dial 119 (Japan) | #* Dial 119 (Japan) | ||
#* Other countries and continents have their own numbers, so look yours up if it is not listed here. | #* Other countries and continents have their own numbers, so look yours up if it is not listed here. | ||
| − | #Ask the operator for an ambulance. The operator will want to know what type of help you need. In this case, make it clear that there has been a medical emergency and that you need an ambulance immediately. The operator will send the all necessary units to assist you.<ref>http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/first-aid/first-aid-treatment.htm </ref> | + | #Ask the operator for an ambulance. The operator will want to know what type of help you need. In this case, make it clear that there has been a medical emergency and that you need an ambulance immediately. The operator will send the all necessary units to assist you.<ref name="rf2">http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/first-aid/first-aid-treatment.htm </ref> |
#* If the injury happened during the committing of a crime, you will also need police officers sent to your location. | #* If the injury happened during the committing of a crime, you will also need police officers sent to your location. | ||
#* If the injury occurred as the result of a fire or car accident, you will likely need firemen to come to the location as well. | #* If the injury occurred as the result of a fire or car accident, you will likely need firemen to come to the location as well. | ||
| − | #Give the operator details. The operator will ask you a number of questions so that he can inform the proper parties about the situation. When asked, be prepared to provide the operator with the following information:<ref> http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/first-aid/first-aid-treatment.htm</ref> | + | #Give the operator details. The operator will ask you a number of questions so that he can inform the proper parties about the situation. When asked, be prepared to provide the operator with the following information:<ref name="rf3"> http://www.english-online.at/health_medicine/first-aid/first-aid-treatment.htm</ref> |
#*Your location. | #*Your location. | ||
#*The number of the phone you are calling from, if you know it. | #*The number of the phone you are calling from, if you know it. | ||
#*If you are in a public place- give the operator the nearest intersection or landmark (example First and Main street). | #*If you are in a public place- give the operator the nearest intersection or landmark (example First and Main street). | ||
#*Tell them your name, the injured person's name and why you need an ambulance. Relate as much medical history as you know. | #*Tell them your name, the injured person's name and why you need an ambulance. Relate as much medical history as you know. | ||
| − | #Stay calm and follow advice. The operator will stay on the phone with you until the first emergency responder arrives. The first responder will be followed by an ambulance.<ref | + | #Stay calm and follow advice. The operator will stay on the phone with you until the first emergency responder arrives. The first responder will be followed by an ambulance.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #* The phone operator may give you advice on how to help in the meantime. Follow this advice.<ref | + | #* The phone operator may give you advice on how to help in the meantime. Follow this advice.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Be prepared to assist. The emergency responders may ask you to help them on the scene when they arrive. Stay calm and collected and follow any instructions the first responders give to you. You may be asked to back away from the scene of the injury and wait for further instructions. If this is the case, do not interfere with emergency responders. | #Be prepared to assist. The emergency responders may ask you to help them on the scene when they arrive. Stay calm and collected and follow any instructions the first responders give to you. You may be asked to back away from the scene of the injury and wait for further instructions. If this is the case, do not interfere with emergency responders. | ||
=== Spotting Emergencies === | === Spotting Emergencies === | ||
| − | #Only call emergency services when they're really needed. As a general rule, if someone is fully conscious and able to walk there's no need for an ambulance, though they may need to go to the hospital. Only call in scenarios that require on-the-spot medical attention.<ref>http://www.911.gov/whentocall911.html</ref> | + | #Only call emergency services when they're really needed. As a general rule, if someone is fully conscious and able to walk there's no need for an ambulance, though they may need to go to the hospital. Only call in scenarios that require on-the-spot medical attention.<ref name="rf4">http://www.911.gov/whentocall911.html</ref> |
#* Minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises are not emergencies. | #* Minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises are not emergencies. | ||
#* A broken bone, while it can be dangerous, is often not a “life-threatening” emergency. | #* A broken bone, while it can be dangerous, is often not a “life-threatening” emergency. | ||
| − | #Err on the side of caution. If you are ever unsure about how badly a person is injured, it is better to call emergency services. You are not a trained medical professional and likely do not know how to treat or tend to serious injuries. So let the experts handle it if you unsure what you are dealing with.<ref>http://www.911.gov/whencall.html</ref> | + | #Err on the side of caution. If you are ever unsure about how badly a person is injured, it is better to call emergency services. You are not a trained medical professional and likely do not know how to treat or tend to serious injuries. So let the experts handle it if you unsure what you are dealing with.<ref name="rf5">http://www.911.gov/whencall.html</ref> |
| − | #Look for life-threatening emergencies. It can be difficult to spot life-threatening emergencies in crisis scenarios. However, there are a few signs that you should be aware of, as they will let you know if emergency services are needed. They are:<ref | + | #Look for life-threatening emergencies. It can be difficult to spot life-threatening emergencies in crisis scenarios. However, there are a few signs that you should be aware of, as they will let you know if emergency services are needed. They are:<ref name="rf5" /> |
#* The victim is not breathing | #* The victim is not breathing | ||
#* The victim is losing excessive amounts of blood | #* The victim is losing excessive amounts of blood | ||
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#* The victim is not responsive | #* The victim is not responsive | ||
#* The victim is experiencing dizziness, difficulty breathing, or seems to be in shock | #* The victim is experiencing dizziness, difficulty breathing, or seems to be in shock | ||
| − | #Call first, help second. Your first instinct may be to help the injured person, but it is critical that you call for help first. Every second counts. You don’t want to waste valuable time trying to determine if you can help before calling medical professionals.<ref | + | #Call first, help second. Your first instinct may be to help the injured person, but it is critical that you call for help first. Every second counts. You don’t want to waste valuable time trying to determine if you can help before calling medical professionals.<ref name="rf5" /> <ref name="rf1" /> |
=== Providing Assistance While Waiting === | === Providing Assistance While Waiting === | ||
| − | #Analyze the situation. After calling emergency services, there are often things you can do to assist the injured person. Analyze the situation to determine if you can do anything to help before the first responders arrive.<ref | + | #Analyze the situation. After calling emergency services, there are often things you can do to assist the injured person. Analyze the situation to determine if you can do anything to help before the first responders arrive.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Eliminate any immediate threats. If possible, do whatever you can to remove the injured person or persons from further danger. However, it is critically important that when doing this, you do not put yourself at risk of being injured. There is already one emergency, don’t make it two. | #Eliminate any immediate threats. If possible, do whatever you can to remove the injured person or persons from further danger. However, it is critically important that when doing this, you do not put yourself at risk of being injured. There is already one emergency, don’t make it two. | ||
| − | #* If the victim is bleeding a lot, apply direct pressure to the wound to stem the flow of blood. Tie a towel or shirt around the wound, then apply pressure. You can also use any available items around to create a [[Apply-a-Tourniquet|makeshift tourniquet]].<ref>http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/your-belt-is-not-a-good-tourniquet</ref> A belt will do in a pinch, but is not ideal for this. | + | #* If the victim is bleeding a lot, apply direct pressure to the wound to stem the flow of blood. Tie a towel or shirt around the wound, then apply pressure. You can also use any available items around to create a [[Apply-a-Tourniquet|makeshift tourniquet]].<ref name="rf6">http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/your-belt-is-not-a-good-tourniquet</ref> A belt will do in a pinch, but is not ideal for this. |
| − | #* If the injury occurred in a car accident, you may need to assist by [[Rescue-Someone-from-a-Burning-Car|removing the injured]] individual from a car that is smoking or smoldering. <ref>http://www.chandlerlawgroup.com/library/steps-to-take-after-a-burn-injury-virginia-car-fire-injury-attorney.cfm</ref> | + | #* If the injury occurred in a car accident, you may need to assist by [[Rescue-Someone-from-a-Burning-Car|removing the injured]] individual from a car that is smoking or smoldering. <ref name="rf7">http://www.chandlerlawgroup.com/library/steps-to-take-after-a-burn-injury-virginia-car-fire-injury-attorney.cfm</ref> |
| − | #* If the injured person is in a dangerous area, like a busy roadway, move her to the side of the road so that she doesn't get hit by a car or other vehicle.<ref | + | #* If the injured person is in a dangerous area, like a busy roadway, move her to the side of the road so that she doesn't get hit by a car or other vehicle.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #* Don’t ever approach a vehicle that is already on fire and, if the injured person has suffered a spinal injury, never try to move the person yourself. You could make her injury worse or get yourself blown up.<ref | + | #* Don’t ever approach a vehicle that is already on fire and, if the injured person has suffered a spinal injury, never try to move the person yourself. You could make her injury worse or get yourself blown up.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #[[Do CPR on an Adult|Provide CPR]]. If you are licensed and certified to perform CPR, you may need to do so. Check the injured person’s vital signs. If you don’t detect breathing, perform CPR. The steps are listed below. <ref>http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/quickcpr.html</ref> | + | #[[Do CPR on an Adult|Provide CPR]]. If you are licensed and certified to perform CPR, you may need to do so. Check the injured person’s vital signs. If you don’t detect breathing, perform CPR. The steps are listed below. <ref name="rf8">http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/quickcpr.html</ref> |
| − | #* When performing CPR, begin with chest compressions. Place your fingers over the center of the chest, push down two inches, 30 times. Make sure you pump your hands hard and fast, achieving a rate of at least 100 pushes per minute. You will be pushing down faster than once per second.<ref> http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/quickcpr.html</ref> | + | #* When performing CPR, begin with chest compressions. Place your fingers over the center of the chest, push down two inches, 30 times. Make sure you pump your hands hard and fast, achieving a rate of at least 100 pushes per minute. You will be pushing down faster than once per second.<ref name="rf9"> http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/quickcpr.html</ref> |
| − | #* After pumping the chest 30 times, you will need to blow two breaths of air into the person’s lungs. To do this, gently tilt the injured individual’s head backwards and lift the chin upwards. Then, form a seal between your mouth and the victim’s mouth by pinching his nose and covering his mouth with yours. When providing air, blow until you have seen the injured person’s chest rise up. Blow in two breaths each time. Your breaths should take one second each. <ref | + | #* After pumping the chest 30 times, you will need to blow two breaths of air into the person’s lungs. To do this, gently tilt the injured individual’s head backwards and lift the chin upwards. Then, form a seal between your mouth and the victim’s mouth by pinching his nose and covering his mouth with yours. When providing air, blow until you have seen the injured person’s chest rise up. Blow in two breaths each time. Your breaths should take one second each. <ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #* Repeat the process for as long as necessary, pumping the chest 30 times for each two breaths of air you give.<ref | + | #* Repeat the process for as long as necessary, pumping the chest 30 times for each two breaths of air you give.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#* If you are not familiar with CPR, it is better to allow someone else to administer it, as you could injure the victim in the process. | #* If you are not familiar with CPR, it is better to allow someone else to administer it, as you could injure the victim in the process. | ||
#Find help in the immediate vicinity. You may not know CPR, but someone else around the scene of the injury might. Ask people around the scene to assist you in any way they can to help the victim. If you are attempting to move an individual (without a spinal injury) ask people around the scene for help. | #Find help in the immediate vicinity. You may not know CPR, but someone else around the scene of the injury might. Ask people around the scene to assist you in any way they can to help the victim. If you are attempting to move an individual (without a spinal injury) ask people around the scene for help. | ||
#Comfort the victim. Even if you can’t provide medical assistance, you can provide moral support. The injured person is likely to be scared or anxious. Sit with her and provide support and comfort until the responders arrive. | #Comfort the victim. Even if you can’t provide medical assistance, you can provide moral support. The injured person is likely to be scared or anxious. Sit with her and provide support and comfort until the responders arrive. | ||
| − | #* Tell the person that help is on the way. Keep talking to her and keep her talking to you.<ref | + | #* Tell the person that help is on the way. Keep talking to her and keep her talking to you.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #* Try to help the individual relax and let her know she is not alone. If she is already on the ground, keep her lying there. If she is upright, have her lie down.<ref | + | #* Try to help the individual relax and let her know she is not alone. If she is already on the ground, keep her lying there. If she is upright, have her lie down.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #* If she asks, hold the injured person’s hand or rest a hand on her shoulder to let her know you are still there and willing to help.<ref | + | #* If she asks, hold the injured person’s hand or rest a hand on her shoulder to let her know you are still there and willing to help.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #* Listen to the injured person’s requests. Never give food or drink to a victim with unknown injuries. It may hurt more than it helps.<ref | + | #* Listen to the injured person’s requests. Never give food or drink to a victim with unknown injuries. It may hurt more than it helps.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Get out of the way. Once emergency services arrive, get out of their way and stay out of their way unless otherwise instructed. They are trained professionals who are prepared to respond to emergencies, but they do not need any distractions from you. | #Get out of the way. Once emergency services arrive, get out of their way and stay out of their way unless otherwise instructed. They are trained professionals who are prepared to respond to emergencies, but they do not need any distractions from you. | ||
#* In the case of an injury you witnessed, police will likely pull you away from the scene of the injury to ask you questions about what you saw. Follow the officers’ instructions and answer any questions you can while paramedics deal with the injured person. | #* In the case of an injury you witnessed, police will likely pull you away from the scene of the injury to ask you questions about what you saw. Follow the officers’ instructions and answer any questions you can while paramedics deal with the injured person. | ||
