Here are 4 simple steps you’ll need to take when you find yourself in an emergency situation as a caregiver with a responsive person. Practicing these will help you know exactly what you need to do in an emergency.
4 Steps to Take in an Emergency Situation
Keeping your wits about you will be key, should an emergency arise. Practice these steps so that you’ll know exactly what to do in an emergency situation with a responsive person:
1. Assess the situation (S.A.M.P.L.E.). Answer some questions to get a better understanding of the event, and so you can relay that to emergency rescue when they arrive. Is your loved one conscious and breathing? If they are not, call 9-1-1 immediately and begin CPR compressions. If they are conscious and responsive, look for:
(S)igns & Symptoms: What do you notice for deformities, open wounds, tenderness, swelling, if any? Do you notice any sweating, anxiety, rapid breathing?
(A)llergies: Do they have any?
(M)edical Conditions or medications being taken or when were they last taken?
(P)rior problems they have had? Prior health history or medical emergencies?
(L)ast food and drink they had?
(E)vents: What were they doing just prior to the emergency? Did you or they observe anything odd or different?
Other questions: Was there a complaint of pain or anything else relevant? What is different or unusual about your loved one? Observe and compile as much as you can before calling 911.
2. Call 911. Do this when you have the even slightest hint that your loved one is facing a life-threatening emergency. Do not attempt to take anyone with a potentially serious problem to the hospital yourself. Rather, 911 should be called immediately. It’s crucial to accurately describe the situation and speak slowly and clearly when talking with the 911 operator.
3. Loosen any tight clothing. Make sure your loved one has nothing constricting the airways, like a restrictive shirt or tie, and keep them in a comfortable position while you wait for help.
4. Comfort and communicate. Talk to your loved one until 911 arrives, but don’t encourage the victim to talk. You want them to be as calm as possible until emergency rescue arrives. Take slow, deep breaths to help yourself stay calm as well.
You don’t have to be intimidated by the potential for an emergency. When one happens it may seem frightening, but the time you take to be prepared can make the difference between life and death.
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, caregiver to your parents, office executive, or a blue-collar worker, Think Safe has innovative emergency first aid tools and training that can be customized to fit your needs. Check us out online or call our experts today at 888-473-1777!
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*Thanks to the following source: Linda Foster, MA at CarePages for some of the above content.