IN THE EVENT
There are measures you can take in the event of an emergency that will drastically improve your likelihood of a positive outcome. These tips will help you obtain assistance when an emergency occurs.
GETTING HELP
- Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number for your county.
- Provide the physical address. Emergency Responders cannot use post office box numbers to find your location, nor is it wise to use landmarks that may not be useful for someone unfamiliar with the area. Try to give specific road names and numbers. It would also be helpful to give details such as the color of your house and cars that may be parked in your driveway. If the emergency is somewhere other than a home or business try to give specific information that will assist responders in finding your location.
- Have your home clearly and visibly marked with your physical address. Your address should be visible either on your home or business, or on your mailbox. If your mailbox is at the end of your road with a cluster of other mailboxes you should have your address clearly marked on your home. If you do not have a mailbox the numbers should be clearly marked on your home preferably on an eve, or near the front door. If you are uncertain as to what your address is, contact the appropriate agency (911 Office or Sheriffs Office).
- Stay calm. It is imperative that you remain as calm as possible in an emergency. The dispatcher may ask questions that you have already answered but they are doing this to ensure the responders (whether it be EMS, Fire, or Police) can reach you quickly.
WHILE YOU WAIT
Quickly perform these steps:
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1. Ask the victim "Are you okay?" and "What's wrong?"
2. Check breathing and pulse and give artificial respiration or CPR* if necessary.
3. Control serious bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound.
4. Keep the victim still and comfortable. Have the victim lie down if necessary.
5. Try to determine the extent of the injury or probable cause of illness.
6. Protect the victim from disturbances, reassure the victim and do not move him or her unless absolutely necessary.
7. Look for emergency ID, gather information from witnesses and give all information to the emergency response personnel arriving on the scene.
* CPR should be performed only by those individuals who have undergone CPR training. NARMC EMS strongly encourages those interested to recieve CPR and First Aid training.
