Your Role in the EMS SYSTEM Chapter 1

EMS- Emergency Medical Services A network of community resources, including police, fire and medical personnel- and YOU! Role as an EMS System Step 1: Recognize that an emergency exists. Step 2: Decide to act. Step 3: Activate the EMS system. Step 4: Give care until help takes over.

STEP 1: RECOGNIZE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS Unusual Noises Screaming, moaning, yelling or calls for help Breaking glass, crashing metal or screeching tires A change in the sound made by machinery Sudden, loud noises, such as the sound of collapsing buildings or falling ladders Unusual silence

STEP 1: RECOGNIZE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS Unusual sights A stopped vehicle on the roadside or a car that has run off of the road Downed electrical wires A person lying motionless Spilled medication or empty container An overturned pot in the kitchen Sparks, smoke, or fire

STEP 1: RECOGNIZE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS Unusual Odors Odors that are stronger than usual Unrecognizable odors Inappropriate odors

STEP 1: RECOGNIZE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS Unusual appearances or behaviors Unconsciousness Confusion, drowsiness or unusual behavior Trouble breathing Sudden collapse, slip or fall Clutching the chest or throat A person doubled over in pain Slurred, confused or hesitant speech Sweating for no apparent reason Uncharacteristic skin color Inability to move a body part

STEP 2: DECIDE TO ACT The most common factors that keep people from responding are: Panic or fear of doing something wrong Being unsure of the person’s condition and what to do Assuming someone else will take action Type of injury or illness Fear of catching a disease Fear of being sued Being unsure of when to call 9-1-1

STEP 2: DECIDE TO ACT GOOD SAMARITAN LAW : Usually protects citizens who act the same way that a “reasonable and prudent person” would if that person were in the same situation. Developed to encourage people to help others in emergency situations. The person is required to use common sense and a reasonable level of skill and to give only the type of emergency care for which he or she is trained.

STEP 3: ACTIVATE THE EMS SYSTEM Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number Some facilities require a specific number before dialing to an outside line. Emergency dispatcher will ask for: Phone Number, Address, Location of the emergency, and questions to determine whether you need police, fire or medical assistance. DO NOT HANG UP before the call taker does so.

You should give appropriate care to an ill or injured person until: STEP 4: GIVE CARE UNTIL HELP TAKES OVER The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED class will provide you with the confidence, knowledge and skills you need to give care to a person in an emergency medical situation. You should give appropriate care to an ill or injured person until: You see an obvious sign of life, such as breathing Another trained responder or EMS personnel takes over You are too exhausted to continue The scene becomes unsafe

DISEASE TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION To prevent disease transmission when giving care, follow what are known as UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS. Avoid contact with blood and other body fluids. Use protective CPR breathing barriers and gloves. Before putting on personal protective equipment, such as gloves, cover any of your own cuts, scrapes or sores with bandages. Do not eat, drink or touch your mouth, nose or eyes when giving care or after care. Wash your hands with soap and running water. Tell EMS personnel at scene or health care provider if you came into contact with an injured or ill person’s body fluids.

DISEASE TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION Clean up blood or bodily fluids immediately after the scene is cleared. Use different gloves to clean up than what you used to treat victim. After floor is wiped up, use disinfectant to kill germs. ½ cup of Bleach and Clean Water Dispose of contaminated materials used to treat victim and clean up in a BIOHAZARD CONTAINER.