What To Do In a Medical Emergency
If someone is having a medical emergency:
- Call 911. Tell the dispatcher your location as well as the victim's injury or illness, status and age. Stay on the phone until you're released by the dispatcher.
- Check the scene for hazards. Exposed electrical wires, broken glass, chemicals and other hazards.
- Only provide life support aid if you are properly trained. If you are not trained in first aid or CPR, wait for professional help.
Do not move a victim unless they are in immediate danger. Do not jeopardize your health
or the victim's health.
After You Call 911...
What To Do
- Use gloves or other protective gear.
- Apply firm, gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.
- Immobilize the wound.
If you come in contact with blood or body fluids, wash with soap and water and seek medical attention.
What To Do
- Remove the victim from the source of the burn.
- Flush the wound with cool water. DO NOT use ice. DO NOT apply creams or lotions.
Dry Chemical Burns: Brush the chemical from the skin with gloves and then flush the area with cool water.
What To Do
- Check to see if the victim's airway is open, if they are breathing and if they have a heartbeat.
- If you are trained and it is needed, administer CPR.
Minimizing Disease Transmission
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating or drinking, inserting contact lenses, or after you sneeze, cough or touch a public surface.
- Stay home, especially when you are sick, and avoid public gatherings.
- Cover all new and existing cuts with waterproof bandages or dressings.
- Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm to limit transmission of bodily fluids.
- Put used tissues in a wastebasket immediately after use.
- Wipe surfaces periodically with a disinfectant solution.
Understand Disease Terminology
Epidemic: New cases of a disease that exceed normal expectations.
Pandemic: Epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading across a large region.
Precautionary Supplies
- Tissues
- Hand Sanitizer
- Disposable Gloves
- Aspirin
- Disposable Masks
Mix 1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of clean water.