Everyone should ask themselves this thought-provoking question, “Am I well prepared for emergency medical care?”
Making sure you are prepared for emergencies is not a one off activity. It is a continuous learning process that one must revisit through regular training. Emergency preparedness saves time and lives.
We all have roles to play in emergency management. You can prepare for what is within your control by having the knowledge of lifesaving skills. In addition, having the confidence to handle the situation calmly and quickly is quite important.
You can prevent or minimize serious injury by being familiar with emergency medical conditions and first aid protocols.
There are situations whereby basic knowledge of first aid can help save a life, but in some cases, advanced help needs to be sort for.
What To Do:
- Assess your surrounding. Check for potential dangers and ensure that it is safe before going over to render assistance.
- Send for help. Identify the number of victims involved and call the emergency medical services immediately. Report the situation at hand and clearly state the extent of the victim(s) condition. The earlier the call is made, the sooner help can arrive. Every minute matters.
- Assist the victim. Be careful not to cause harm in the process. If the victim is conscious and their airway is clear, assess how you can help with any injuries e.g. by stopping a bleed. If unconscious, check for any obstruction in the airways. Avoid slapping or shaking the victim inorder to help regain consciousness.
- Check for breathing. Look for chest movements, and listen by putting your ear next to the patient’s mouth and nose. If none, perform CPR immediately. Do not stop until help arrives or the person starts breathing. If the victim is injured, do not move the victim, especially if you suspect a spinal injury. Always wait for secondary medical personnel.
- Remain calm, and keep your patient relaxed in a recovery position to reduce the chances of any further injury or damage. Also, remember not to give the victim any fluid as it may enter their windpipe and restrict breathing or cause suffocation.
In summary,
No one wishes to find themselves in a medical emergency. While our immediate response to this situation might be panic, keeping calm is very crucial, to administering first aid. Whether the situation refers to an accident, a stroke, a heart attack, or any other serious ailment, the significance of the first few minutes in saving a life is beyond compare. Do remember to call The Ambulance Company for emergency medical assistance while still at the scene or while enroute a health facility!. Save our hotlines today-09155556030, 09155556040, stay ready, stay safe.
