FIRE RESCUE

Emergency DIAL 911

EMS

Emergency Care Guide For Adults

Actions Immediately following injures have saved lives - Know What To Do!

CPR and first aid are often required in emergencies. Contact the Red Cross, American Heart Association, or a YMCA for information about training.


IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
  1. BREATHING AND CIRCULATION. If an adult victim is not breathing, have someone phone the Emergency Medical System (usually 911) while you begin rescue breathing. If you are alone with an unresponsive, unconscious adult victim, phone for help before beginning rescue breathing. Begin CPR only if there is no pulse and you are trained.

  2. BLEEDING. Apply direct pressure at the wound and elevate it to stop persistent bleeding.

  3. SHOCK. Lay the victim on his/her back and give assurance. Position the feet above the head. Monitor breathing and circulation. If neck or spinal injuries are evident or suspected, move the victim only if: A) it is necessary to establish or maintain a vital function such as breathing, or B) it must be done to avoid further injury.

  4. CHEST PAIN.
    1. Help a conscious victim into a comfortable position with the head raised. Loosen tight clothing.
    2. Help the victim take prescribed medication, if necessary.
    3. If the victim loses consciousness and is not breathing, proceed with the ABCs of rescue breathing. If victim has no pulse, begin CPR if you are trained.


FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:
  1. STAY CALM YOURSELF!

  2. PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL HELP. Have someone summon professional help unless you are alone with an Unresponsive unconscious adult victim. Phone the Emergency Medical System (usually 911) before beginning Rescue breathing.

  3. OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS. Check the victim for emergency medical tags and medications.

  4. FOODS AND LIQUIDS. Never give liquids to victims who are unconscious, semi-conscious, nauseated, or Severely injured.


WHEN CALLING FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL HELP, REMEMBER
  1. FIRST: Give the location. It's a good idea to mention something readily noticeable that will help them spot the scene.

  2. THEN: If feasible, give information about what happened, the number of injured persons, first aid given, and additional equipment needed.



WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES:

If victim has stopped breathing:
Determine Responsiveness
> If the victim appears unconscious, gently tap a shoulder and shout: "Are you okay?"
> If no answer, have someone call Emergency Medical Service (usually 911) and proceed to ABCs of rescue breathing. If alone with an adult victim, call for EMS before proceeding with ABCs.

A is for AIRWAY
> Roll the victim onto his or her back. Move the entire body as a unit.
> Open the airway by the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.
> Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 3-5 seconds.
> If none, continue.

B is for BREATHING
GIVE 2 FULL BREATHS
> Pinch the victim's nose. Put your mouth over the victim's mouth and make a good seal.
> Give 2 full breaths. If breaths do not go in, re-tilt the head and try again.
> Allow the victim's lungs to deflate between breaths.

C is for CIRCULATION
CHECK PULSE AND BREATHING
> Check the carotid pulse for 5 to 10 seconds.
> If there is a pulse but no breathing, give 1 breath every 5 seconds until the victim revives.
> If no pulse, begin CPR only if trained.



CHOKING
ADMINISTER THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER:

  1. ASK: "Are you choking?" (inability to breathe, cough, or speak indicates that the answer is probably yes.)

  2. PERFORM THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER:
    > Stand behind the victim.
    > Wrap your arms around the victim's waist and grab the thumb of one hand with your other hand.
    > Place the thumb side of your fist against the victim's stomach slightly above the navel and below the rib cage.
    > Press your fist into the victim's abdomen with a quick upward thrust. If unsuccessful, reassess the victim and technique and repeat thrusts until effective.



BLEEDING
> Cover wounds with clean sterile gauze or the cleanest cloths available and press firmly.
If available, always use gloves.
> Elevate bleeding arms and legs if fractures are not evident or suspected.
> Maintain direct pressure and elevation until professional help arrives or the bleeding subsides.
> Always wash hands thoroughly after providing medical care.



BURNS
> First put out the flames - Stop the burning.
> Call 911 if burn involves difficult breathing; covers more than one body part; involves head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals; is to a child or elderly person; or is caused by chemicals, explosions, or electricity.
> Begin rescue breathing at once if necessary; start CPR if the victim has no pule and you are trained.
> Cool the burnt area with large amounts of cool water, unless it is an electrical burn. Certain chemicals also require special care. (Check labels.)
> Don't break blisters.
> Don't remove clothes embedded in the skin.
> Don't use ice or any ointment on a severe burn.
> Keep the victim lying flat and lightly covered.



POISONINGS
> If victim is conscious, try to determine what he or she swallowed.
> Call the Regional Poison Control Center and report the incident. Mention what and how much was taken (if known), the victim's condition, and the name and location of the nearest hospital.
> If practical, obtain separate containers of vomit and urine from victim.
> Obtain an MSDS if available.