1. STEP #1 CHECK

2. CHECK Check what? Check the scene. Why? Before you can help an injured or ill person, make sure that the scene is safe for you and any bystanders. Look the scene over and ask the following questions.

3. Is it safe? Check for anything unsafe, such as spilled chemicals, traffic, fire, downed electrical wires, smoke or extreme weather. If these or other dangers present themselves, stay at a safe distance and call 9-1-1. If the scene is still unsafe after you call 9-1-1, do not enter the scene.

4. Is immediate danger involved? What is immediate danger? Examples include: fire, flood, poisonous gas or chemical spill. Do not move an injured person unless: there is immediate danger, you have to help another person with a more serious injury, or you need to move the injured person to give proper care. If you must move an injured person, do it quickly and carefully.

5. What happened? Look for clues to what caused the injury or illness. Survey the scene for clues like a fallen ladder, broken glass, a shattered windshield or something that looks out of place.

6. How many people are involved? Details, details, details….. Look carefully for more than one person, especially in a motor vehicle accident. It is easy to overlook a small child or an infant. If more than one person is injured, prioritize care.

7. Is anyone else available to help? As you already know, the presence of bystanders does not mean that an injured person will receive help, Barriers To Action. Bystanders may be able to help you with the details of what happened. Or, make the call to 9-1-1.

8. NEXT LESSON CALLING 9-1-1