1. Lesson 4: Calling for Help/ Evacuation Considerations Emergency Reference Guide p. 97-101

2. Objectives Describe the 4 options for obtaining help Discuss options for calling in delayed help situations Identify critical factors for a successful evacuation Demonstrate planning an evacuation

3. Guidelines for Evacuation 4 options: –Stay & call, radio, signal for help –Send part of group for help, or leave patient & go for help –Transport the patient to help –Care for patient in place until he/she recovers –Mix of the above

4. Guidelines for Evacuation (cont’d.) Ask these questions: –Is advanced care needed? Is it urgent? –Will someone come looking for the group? –Can you call from the scene? Can you signal? –Is there a safe way to transport the patient? –Is it possible to give care where you are? –Is it safe to wait for help?

5. Guidelines for Making a Call Before calling, gather the following information: –Patient’s condition –Your location including GPS Coordinates Prominent landmarks How you marked your area (i.e. location & trail) Mileage, if you are sure (don’t guess) Other important info EMS would need

6. Signaling What ways can you signal for help? –Mirror –Smoke/fire –Flare Gun –Large Symbol (logs, backpacks, etc) –Others?

7. Providing Care While Waiting for Help Continue to monitor the patient until help arrives Record vital signs & hands on exam: –every 15 min, if patient stable –every 5 min, if patient not stable –Continuously, if unconscious Record all measurements, note changes Re-evaluate decision to evacuate as needed

8. Activities Scenario: Person is injured while kayaking. She made it to shore, but is drowsy, hypothermic & possibly had a seizure. There are 5 group members who can help. It is dark & starting to rain. Help is 2 miles away on a trail you are familiar with. There is no way to call. Form a plan for: –Evacuation –Sending someone for help –Caring for patient in place until well enough to travel

9. Sending for Help Before Sending for help ensure: –All tasks needing everyone’s help are done –Patient’s condition is fully understood & properly documented –Available resources are known to runners –Runners know where you are & know how get back to the accident site

10. Leaving a Patient Alone If alone with patient, you may have to leave them to get help: –Write/draw the route, when expected back, leave with patient –Write patient’s condition/location, etc. & take it with you –Give patient easy access to food/water –If patient is unconscious: Place patient in recovery position (i.e. H.A.IN.E.S.) Keep patient from becoming chilled/overheated

11. Transporting a Patient Consider transporting, if vehicle or other means of transportation is available Considerations: –Extent of injuries –Distance to be traveled –Additional help available at scene Do not transport, if head/neck/back injury suspected

12. Transporting a Patient Carry OutWalk out

13. Scenario: Moving the Patient Log Roll Fireman’s Carry Seat Carry BEAM lift

14. Log Roll

15. B.E.A.M. Lift

18. Temporary Shelter If unable to evacuate, provide shelter from bad weather Protect all members of party: –Artificial shelters (i.e. tents, tarps, buildings) –Natural shelters (i.e. caves, overhangs, etc.) –Build from branches/leaves, etc. Ensure proper ventilation Emergency candles may provide additional warmth

19. Questions??? What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?