1. Chapter 2
Action at an Emergency

2. Bystander Actions
The bystander is a vital link between EMS and the victim.
© Jones and Bartlett Publishers

3. Ordinary Bystanders
Ordinary bystanders are less likely to help because:
Lack of knowledge
Confusion about what is an emergency
Characteristics of the emergency

4. What Should Be Done? Recognize the emergency. Decide to help.
Call 9-1-1, if EMS is needed.
Check the victim.
Give first aid.

5. Recognize the Emergency
Four factors in noticing that something is wrong:
Severity
Physical distance
Relationship
Time exposed

6. Decide to Help Decide to help before you encounter an emergency.
Develop a helping attitude.

7. Call 9-1-1 For serious situations, call EMS right away.
To receive emergency assistance, dial in most communities.
It is always best to err on the side of caution.

8. Check the Victim Decide if life-threatening conditions exist.
Decide what kind of help a victim needs.

9. Give First Aid
Often the most critical life support measures are effective only if started immediately.
Person is usually a layperson.

10. Seeking Medical Care Knowing when to call 9-1-1 is important.
Always best to err on the side of caution.
If a serious situation occurs, call first.

11. How to Call EMS Dispatcher will ask for: Your name and phone number
Victim’s location
What happened?
Number of victims and any special conditions
Victim’s condition
Do not hang up unless the dispatcher tells you to
May advise you how to provide care

12. Rescuer Reactions Sight of blood and cries of victims can be upsetting
More than one rescuer has felt nauseated, weak, or fainted
Desensitize yourself before and during the emergency
Postcare reactions can occur

13. Scene Size-Up In ten seconds, look for: Hazards
Cause of the injury or illness
Number of victims
© Jones and Bartlett Publishers

14. Disease Precautions
First aiders must understand the risks from infectious diseases
Range from mild to life threatening
Infectious disease can be transmitted from one person to another.
Also known as communicable diseases

15. Universal Precautions
Developed by the CDC
Assume that all blood and certain body fluids pose a risk for transmission of infectious diseases
Follow body substance isolation (BSI) techniques
Provides additional protection

16. Handwashing
One of the simplest and effective way to control disease transmission
Wash hands before and after every victim contact
Even if you are wearing gloves

17. Personal Protective Equipment
Includes:
Medical exam gloves
Mouth-to-barrier devices
Eye protection
Gowns

18. Cleaning Up After An Emergency
Wear heavier gloves.
If trained, use absorbent barriers.
Clean the spill area with soap and water.
Disinfect with bleach.
Discard contaminated materials properly.

19. Disease of Special Concern
HIV
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Tuberculosis
SARS

20. Death and Dying Few incidents that involve more emotional stress.
Seeing death and dying are the unfortunate parts of providing emergency care.

21. The Dying Victim Avoid negative statements.
Assure the victim you will locate family.
Allow for some hope.
Use a gentle tone of voice.
Let the victim know that everything that can be done to help will be done.

22. The Stages of Grieving
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

23. Dealing with Survivors
Allow survivors to grieve.
Provide simple, honest, clear information.
Offer support and comfort through your words and presence.
Use a gentle tone of voice.