In the event of a medical emergency, the paramedics often need to be called to help transport an individual to a nearby hospital. For those who are waiting for the paramedics to arrive after making the phone call, it can often be difficult to know what to do until help is available.
While waiting for paramedics, there are a few steps to take to assist the victim and remain calm in the process.
Avoid Panicking
After you speak with a 911 dispatcher, it's important to remain calm to ensure that you think clearly and can make the right decisions.
Follow any directions or steps that you're provided and stay on the line with the dispatcher until the ambulance arrives.
Dispatchers are trained to provide callers with first aid assistance, making it important to follow each step and to communicate your needs clearly. You should be able to immediately provide an address and a phone number.
Start CPR
After calling 911, it's important to provide CPR to an individual who has stopped breathing or does not have a pulse. Avoid moving the individual to another room to prevent harming them until help arrives.
Begin CPR by lying the individual flat on their back and opening their airway by gently lifting their chin up and using your other hand to secure the position of their forehead.
If the individual has suffered a neck injury, avoid moving or touching the forehead.
Pinch the nose closed and cover their mouth. A one-way mouthguard can also be used if it's available and should be placed around the patient's ears.
Two rescue breaths should then be given with one second for each breath. If the victim's chest doesn't rise, reposition their chin and forehead. 30 compressions should then be given before two breaths are provided to their mouth. This cycle should be repeated until the paramedics arrive.
Use an AED
An AED,should be used when a patient is unconscious and is not breathing. The device is also ideal for those who do not have a pulse.
If an AED is available, it's important to use it by following the voice and visual responses after turning it on. Electrode pads should be attached to the patient's bare chest as the device analyzes the heart rhythm.
If the heart is in need of a shock to restart the rhythm, press a red flashing light after instructions are provided by the device.
Clear a Pathway
To make it easy for the paramedics to find your location and enter the property quickly and identify your location, turn a porch light on so the address is visible.
Clear off toys or personal belongings that are blocking the entrance to the front door. You can also clear a pathway in the house to make it easy for the paramedics to access the victim once they are inside of the property.
With the right steps taken as you wait for the paramedics to arrive, you can help stabilize the victim and increase their chances of survival until medical professionals are on the scene.
.jpg)
