Chapter 2 Taking Action Introduction Goals You

Chapter 2: Taking Action

Introduction Goals: You will learn how to CHECK an emergency scene and prioritize your actions. You will be able to respond effectively in any emergency situation. 2

Until Help Arrives Always follow the prearrival instructions. Ask yourself… “In what other ways can I give help? ” 3

Preparing for Emergencies Keep important information. Keep medical and insurance records. Find out if your community is served by 9 -1 -1 or a local emergency telephone number. Keep emergency telephone numbers listed. Keep a first aid kit readily available. Learn and stay up to date on first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. Make sure your house or apartment number is easy to read. Wear a medical alert ID bracelet or necklace. 4

Emergency Action Steps Follow the emergency action steps: CHECK The scene for safety and the victim for life-threatening conditions. CALL 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number. CARE For the victim. 5

Scenario 1 A motorcycle with two riders weaves dangerously between parked cars in a crowded shopping center parking lot. As the motor cyclists dart between cars, they confront a moving car. Both the car and motorcycle veer to avoid a head-on collision. The motorcycle strikes the side of the oncoming car, throwing the riders to the ground. The car stops abruptly, throwing the driver into the windshield. 6

Scenario 1 (continued) Nearby, Jamie and Paul (two college students) hear the sound of crunching metal and blaring horns and decide to join the small group of bystanders. As they approach the scene, they are confronted with the sight of broken glass, strewn metal and a cracked windshield. A gas cap lies nearby, and they notice what appears to be gasoline, which has spilled from the motorcycle onto the roadway. One victim screams in pain as she sits holding her injured arm. The other victim lies motionless. 7

Scenario 1 (continued) Two people wearing safety belts are inside the stopped car. The driver appears to be shaken. Several onlookers turn away, apparently unable to cope with what they see. Other bystanders continue to gather. As Jamie and Paul look around, no one seems to be helping. They hesitate, wondering whether they should step forward to help. 8

Scenario 2 “Jamie instructs bystanders to stop traffic. Paul tells the people in the car to turn off the engine. The leaking gas from the motorcycle is not close to the motorcycle driver and passenger. Jamie checks the motorcycle driver and determines he is unconscious and instructs someone to call 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number for an ambulance. She then continues her check of the victim to determine he is breathing. The two people in the car are conscious and talking to Paul. The other motorcyclist, still screaming, is attended by another rescuer who helps to control the bleeding from the victim’s arm. ” 9

Scenario (continued) CHECK: The scene. CHECK: The victim. CALL: 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number. CARE: Give CARE until EMS personnel arrive. 10

Call As a citizen responder, one of your top priorities is to ensure that the victim receives more advanced medical care as soon as possible. The EMS system works effectively if information on the victim’s condition is given when the call is placed. Your training will help you make the decision on when EMS personnel are needed and when you should call 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number. 11

Making the Call If you send someone else to call 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number, tell the person to return to you after calling. If you are alone, Call First; that is, call 9 -1 -1 or the local emergency number before giving care for: An unconscious adult victim or adolescent age 12 years or older. An unconscious infant or child whose sudden collapse was witnessed. An unconscious infant or child known to be at a high risk for heart problems. If you are alone, Care First provide 2 minutes of care, then call 9 -1 -1 for: An unconscious victim younger than age 12 whose collapse was not witnessed. Any victim of drowning. 12

Closing The emergency action steps: CHECK—CALL—CARE will guide your actions in any emergency. If you are in a situation in which you are the only person other than the victim, you must make a decision to Call First or Care First : Call First situations are generally cardiac-related emergencies. Care First situations are usually breathing-related emergencies. 13