Emergency Response Guide: Assessing the Scene and Providing Care

TAKING ACTION

Check the scene • Is the scene safe? Check for anything that may make it unsafe: • Traffic • Spilled chemicals • Fire • Smoke • Steam escaping • Downed electrical lines • Extreme weather • Poisonous gas

The Scene • What happened? Look for clues: • Unusual sights • Unusual noises • Unusual odors • Unusual appearances/behaviors • How many victims are involved? • Most obvious victims: screaming, bleeding, etc • Less obvious victims: unconscious, infants, etc

The Scene • Can bystanders help? • Tell what happened • Direct traffic • Call 9-1-1 • Know the victim • Calm victims • Move/control crowds

Check- the victim • If the victim is unconscious: • Talk to them, reassure them, ask what happened, and ask if they want your help • If the victim is unconscious: • Speak loudly to victim and tap their shoulder to verify unconsciousness

Call • Call the emergency number if the victim: • Victim is or becomes unconscious • Breathing is strange or troubled • Chest pain/pressure • Sever bleeding • Pressure/pain in abdomen doesn’t go away • Vomiting blood • Seizures • Appears poisoned • Injury to head or neck • Possible broken bones

Call • Call if any of the following situations occur: • Downed electrical lines • Fire or explosion • Swiftly moving or rising water • Presence of poisonous gas • Vehicle collisions • Victim cannot be moved easily

Call • Follow these steps when calling for emergency assistance: • Dial 9-1-1 or 0 • Give dispatcher information: • Exact location • Telephone # • Caller’s name • What happened • # of people involved • Condition of victim • What help is being provided

Call • Do not hang up first when calling for emergency assistance • Return to and continue to care for the victim after calling for help

Care • Always care for life threatening emergencies first: • Unconscious victims • No breathing • Difficulty breathing • No pulse • Severe bleeding

Care • If conscious victim is an adult: • Introduce yourself • Get consent • Ask what happened • Ask if there is any pain • Remain calm • Reassure victim • Watch for any changes in the victim’s condition

Care • If conscious victim is an infant or child: • Follow the steps for a conscious adult • Always be sure to ask permission of the supervising adult

Care • Permission to give first aid care is implied if the victim is: • Unconscious • Unable to respond • Child/infant without supervision

Be Prepared! • 12 items found in a well-stocked first aid kit: • Ice pack • Tape • Scissors • Flash light • Band aids • Antiseptic cream • Aspirin • Rubber gloves

Emergency Response Guide: Assessing the Scene and Providing Care