Chapter 2

Action at an Emergency

Bystander Actions
The bystander is a
vital link between
EMS and the victim.

Ordinary Bystanders
Ordinary bystanders are less likely to
help because:
Lack of knowledge
Confusion about what is an
emergency
Characteristics of the emergency

What Should Be Done?

Recognize the emergency.
Decide to help.
Call 811 or 990, if EMS is
needed.
Check the victim.
Give first aid.

Recognize the Emergency

Four factors in noticing that
something is wrong:
Severity
Physical distance
Relationship
Time exposed

Decide to Help
Decide to help before you
encounter an emergency.
Develop a helping attitude.

Call 811 or 990

For serious situations, call EMS
right away.
To receive emergency assistance,
dial 811 or 990 in most
communities.
It is always best to err on the side
of caution.

Check the Victim

Decide if life-threatening
conditions exist.
Decide what kind of help a victim
needs.

Give First Aid

Often the most critical life support
measures are effective only if
started immediately.
Person is usually a layperson.

Seeking Medical Care

Knowing when to call 811 or 990 is
important.
Always best to err on the side of
caution.
If a serious situation occurs, call
811 or 990 first.

How to Call EMS

Dispatcher will ask for:
Your name and phone number
Victims location
What happened?
Number of victims and any special
conditions
Victims condition
Do not hang up unless the dispatcher tells
you to
May advise you how to provide care

Rescuer Reactions
Sight of blood and cries of victims can
be upsetting
More than one rescuer has felt
nauseated, weak, or fainted
Desensitize yourself before and
during the emergency
Postcare reactions can occur

Scene Size-Up
In ten seconds, look for:
Hazards
Cause of the injury or illness
Number of victims

Disease Precautions
First aiders must understand the risks from
infectious diseases
Range from mild to life threatening
Infectious disease can be transmitted from
one person to another.
Also known as communicable diseases

Universal Precautions
Developed by the CDC
Assume that all blood and certain body
fluids pose a risk for transmission of
infectious diseases
Follow body substance isolation (BSI)
techniques
Provides additional protection

Handwashing
One of the simplest and effective
way to control disease transmission
Wash hands before and after every
victim contact
Even if you are wearing gloves

Personal Protective
Equipment
Includes:
Medical exam gloves
Mouth-to-barrier devices
Eye protection
Gowns

Cleaning Up After An
Emergency
Wear heavier gloves.
If trained, use absorbent barriers.
Clean the spill area with soap and
water.
Disinfect with bleach.
Discard contaminated materials
properly.

Disease of Special Concern

HIV
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Tuberculosis
SARS

Death and Dying

Few incidents that involve more
emotional stress.
Seeing death and dying are the
unfortunate parts of providing
emergency care.

The Dying Victim

Avoid negative statements.

Assure the victim you will locate family.
Allow for some hope.
Use a gentle tone of voice.
Let the victim know that everything that
can be done to help will be done.

The Stages of Grieving

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Dealing with Survivors

Allow survivors to grieve.
Provide simple, honest, clear
information.
Offer support and comfort through
your words and presence.
Use a gentle tone of voice.