Emergency Action Steps Flashcards

Study Notes

Emergency Action Steps

Begin by assessing the scene and the person in need of help.
Call 911 or the local emergency number when necessary.
Provide care to the individual as per the situation.

Checking the Scene

Ensure personal safety and assess the environment for hazards.
Identify any immediate dangers, such as fires, gas leaks, or traffic.
Analyze the situation for clues regarding what happened.
Count the number of people involved, distinguishing those who are visibly injured from others.
Seek assistance from bystanders for tasks like calling emergency services and calming victims.
Perform a quick assessment of the victim's condition, noting consciousness and breathing status.
Pay special attention to vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, especially those with medical alerts.
Identify critical, life-threatening conditions: unconsciousness, lack of breath, severe bleeding, critical burns.

Calling Emergency Services

Make the call first for unconscious adults or children over 12, infants or children (under 12) who collapsed suddenly, or those with known heart issues.
For unconscious children under 12 that did not collapse unexpectedly, or drowning victims, provide care first before calling for help.

Care First Situations

Administer two minutes of care for victims in critical cases before calling 911.
Breathing emergencies require prioritizing care first for effective response.
Continue providing care until trained assistance arrives.

Transporting an Injured Person

Ensure the person remains comfortable while being transported.
Remain vigilant for any changes in the individual’s condition.
Know the fastest route to a medical facility.
Advise against driving oneself to a hospital.

Situations to Avoid Transporting

Avoid moving the person if transportation may worsen their injury or illness.
Do not transport if there is uncertainty about a life-threatening condition or the nature of the injury.

Moving Injured or Ill Persons

Minimize unnecessary movement as it can complicate injuries.
Only move the person if the area is unsafe, if there’s another seriously injured individual, or if appropriate care cannot be provided without moving.

Techniques for Moving an Injured/Ill Person

Prioritize your safety and the victim's safety in decision-making.
Base movement decisions on environmental hazards, the victim’s condition, and your physical ability.
To avoid self-injury while moving, utilize proper body mechanics — use legs instead of back, avoid twisting, bend with knees and hips.
Maintain visual awareness by looking ahead during movement.
Take small steps forward, and do not attempt to move someone who is too large to handle comfortably.
Recognize physical limitations and remember to breathe.

Description

Test your knowledge on essential emergency action steps with these flashcards. Learn to check the scene, call for help, and provide care to those in need. Understanding these key procedures can make a significant difference in an emergency situation.