chapter 3- when an emergency occurs having a better understanding of what to do in an emergency...

Chapter 3-When an Emergency Occurs

Having a better understanding of what to do in an emergency situation.

Chapter 3- When an Emergency Occurs

2

Guidelines for the First Responder

• The first responder is defined as the first person to initiate care or assistance in the event of an emergency situation.

• It is important for a person to be able recognize an emergency.

• After recognizing an emergency the first responder must contact the proper authorities.


3

Three Basic Responsibilities of a First Responder

• Stop and assess the situation.

• Activate the emergency medical service system.

• Render emergency care if properly trained.

• There are many things that the responder must take in upon evaluating the situation.


4

Making Quick Observations

• Questions that need to be answered:– What has happened?

– Are there any injuries?

– What are the injuries?

– What procedures should be used to help the victims?

– Where is the emergency located?

– How many victims are involved?

These procedures will help give an accurate picture to the response team.


5

Perform a Cursory Exam

• Information from the scene:– Make sure there are no longer any hazards.– Assess the situation-What happened?

• Information from the victims:– Begin to asses the injuries.– Examine the victims state of consciousness.– Do not move the victim unless they are still in

danger.


6

Performing a Cursory Exam Con’t

• Open the Airways, look listen and feel.• Check for the carotid pulse to determine cardiac

function.• Check for blood loss.• Examine the head

– Eyes, check for dilated or unequal pupils.– Ears and nose, check for blood or discharge.– Mouth, check for bleed or obstruction.– Skull, feel for lumps.– Neck, check for deformities.


7

Performing a Cursory Exam Con't

• Examine the thorax, arms, and abdomen– Thorax, check for lumps and deformities in spinal area

– Arms, examine for swelling

– Abdomen, check for abnormal masses or ridges

• Examine pelvic girdle and lower extremities– Pelvis, listen for crepitus and observe for instability

– Low extremities, examine for swelling


8

Making an Emergency Call

• First gather information from cursory exam, including the number involved and location.

• Give your name.

• Try to give the phone number from where you are calling from.

• Do not hang up until emergency personal do.


9

Legal Liability

• Many first responders fear being sued after administering care

– No Certified First Responder has been sued for using established response procedures to date.

• New Good Samaritan Laws Help

– Law states that a first responder who tries to administer trained help cannot be liable for injuries that the victim(s) obtained as long as the responder acted in a reasonable and trained manner.


10

Guidelines for the First-Responder

• We all have an obligation to help people in need.

• Certain occupations are required to administer first aid weather on or off duty.

• Police, Fire-Fighters, EMT's, Nurses, Teachers

• Once you have started to administer care, you should not stop until professional help comes.


11

Guidelines for the First-Responder

• Never attempt to treat someone above your level of ability.

• Never force treatment unless it is an emergency and the victim is unconscious.

• The Law assumes that the victim will consent if it is a matter of life or death, this is called implied consent.


12

Helpers and Their Responsibilities

• It is important to know whom to call, many people are fearful that they do not know the right person to reach in an emergency.

• Many cities now have implemented the 911 system to make it easier.


13

Law Enforcement

• City Police– Responsible for enforcing the laws of the city.

• Sheriff's Department– Providing bailiffs, maintaining jail facilities,

transporting prisoners, and enforcing codes in buildings.


14

Fire Protection Services

• Fire Fighting is not the only role of fire service personnel.

• They also; – Inspect Buildings and residential dwellings.– Enforce building and fire codes.– Fire prevention education.– Fire Investigation.


15

Emergency Medical Service

• EMT– A paraprofessional specialist trained to provide

care and transportation to victims in an emergency.

– Training is about 100 hours in an emergency room setting.

– They are trained in basic life support skills.


16

Emergency Medical Service

• Paramedics– Emergency specialists qualified to deliver life

support in an emergency.– They can perform defibrillation, endotracheal

intubations, cardiac monitoring, and intravenous therapy.

– They receive 150-1000 hours of training on top of EMT certification.


17

Emergency Rescue Service

• Rescue Specialist– Main goal is to allow access to the victim.– Is trained to asses the situation and move the

victim in a safe way so they can receive medical attention.

– Many are associated with volunteer fire-departments.


18

Summary

• Prevention is an important factor in emergency situations, but preparation is key.

• Using a cursory exam can help the medical professionals in an emergency.

• Everyone should know who to call in case of an emergency, the numbers should be posted on all phones in your home.

• EMT’s, Paramedics, and Rescuers can help doctors in sustaining life until the patient is in their care.


19

Phone Numbers in our Area

• Police

• Fire

• Hospitals

• Poison Control

• Schools

• Parents at Work

• Others who might help you


20

Questions to Ask 911 Personnel

• When a call is made how does the 911 Center know where the call is coming from?

• What information does the caller need to give the 911 Center

• What is a 911 call versus a call for information about help

• Can you think of some other questions?


21

Emergency Service Offices

• 911 Center

• Sheriff Dept

• Mobile Unit dispatch to coordinate efforts

• Disaster War-room to house FEMA Federal Emergency Officials, State, County, City Personnel, Back up Power Systems.

chapter 3- when an emergency occurs having a better understanding of what to do in an emergency...

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