Everyone freezes when an emergency occurs.
A stranger falls down at a party. A friends hand is bleeding really badly while cutting a vegetable. Somebody passed out in a public restroom. The person next to you looks awful and you have no clue whats going on.
What do you think?
"I dont know what Im doing. What if I do more harm."
Its understandable. Its an emergency after all. But you dont have to be a medical expert, EMT or know yourself as someone that is "good at" these types of situations to help.
You are not diagnosing someone. You are not fixing our broken medical system.
You are identifying that something is wrong, figuring out what needs to be done and doing what you can until more help is on the way.
Which can save a life.
Make sure its safe to assist someone
Look at your surroundings.
Cars. Fire. Electrical. Weapons. Animals. Anything else that could harm you in your environment.
If you become another victim that needs to be saved you are not doing anyone any favors.
Not saying you have to stop and analyze every aspect of the scene. Just be aware of your surroundings and if its safe to get closer to that person.
If so go over to them.
Speak with them
If they are conscious.
"How are you feeling?"
"My name is ________. Can I assist you?"
"What happened?"
"What can I do for you?"
Its easy to jump into an emergency situation and begin performing actions on someone. Whenever you can do this in slow motion.
Allow them to take care of themselves.
Let them know what you plan on doing before you perform any actions. Speak with them and listen to what they have to say. If they do not want you to do something do not force the issue unless they are unconscious or unable to make those decisions and require life saving measures.
Just because you are hurt or ill does not mean your not entitled to control what is happening to your body.
They may not be conscious
If someone does not respond to stimuli try and gain their consciousness and see if they are breathing.
Breathing like normal.
Gasping or weird snoring noises. If they are not conscious this is not normal.
If they are not conscious and not breathing call 911 and begin CPR.
CPR on a teenager or adult who has suddenly collapsed. Use hands only CPR by pushing on their chest hard and fast. Use an AED if one is available and follow instructions.
There is no way to know if they are having a heart attack, overdosing, having a stroke or what ever. You just need to know that they are not responsive and breathing normally.
Call 911 if you need help
You don't have to know everything that is going on either.
That is why 911 exists.
Let them know where you are at, what happened, what you are seeing and they will ask you questions. They can guide you on CPR and other lifesaving measures.
Utilize others
Instead of screaming "somebody call 911!" point to someone.
"Sir with the blue shirt please call 911."
"Miss will you go get us an AED?"
"Can you retrieve the first aid kit."
"Will you meet the paramedics at the front of the building and lead them to us."
Having more than one person involved will help you manage an emergency situation.
Assess what is the greatest concern right now
Don't worry about all of the things that could be wrong with someone.
What will hurt them or cause death if nothing was done?
If someone passes out and is not breathing call 911 begin CPR and use an AED.
If they are bleeding heavily apply direct pressure to the wound. Apply a tourniquet if they are bleeding life threateningly from a limb.
If you suspect someone is overdosing on narcotics administer Naloxone. Call 911 and assist with breathing if you know how to. Stay with them. Naloxone will not harm someone if they are not high on narcotics.
If they are conscious speak with them.
Ask them what they feel. Ask them what they think happened. What will make them feel better.
Chances are they will know more about their body than you who have known them for 30 seconds.
Stay
After you have assessed and helped someone with their emergency. Stay with them.
Monitor for changes.
Are they becoming less responsive?
Is their breathing deteriorating?
Is the wound bleeding more?
Are they acting confused?
Are they telling you something feels off.
While monitoring their condition remember they are a person too.
Educate them on what is going on.
Tell them what you are going to do.
Help keep others away that aren't helping or trying to film.
Provide them privacy.
Offer to call someone for them.
Be there for them if they are panicked, scared, ashamed or angry. You don't have to have the right words just be calm and there.
That is first aid too.
Helping is ok
I feel like one of the road blocks to providing first aid in a community is that you need to be a professional to do so.
No you don't.
There are many situations that will require the aid of a professional. Paramedics, nurses, doctors, hospitalization, medication, etc.
But they are not always going to be there when someone needs help.
We are.
You can call 911.
You can use an AED.
You can give someone naloxone.
You can press on someone's wound to stop the bleeding.
You can be there for someone when they are scared.
"I don't know what’s happening to you but I'm going to stay here with you and we will get you the help you need."
Learn more by getting training. Practice. Have a good first aid kit available.
You don't have to know everything to do something.
That is what we hope people will learn from us here at EQUIP.
We don't want to make everyone an EMT.
We want people to know that they can help. Know what to do. Know when to call for help and have the confidence to step up.
Because when someone needs help the ambulance is not always first on the scene.
You are.
This resource is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice, emergency medical services, or hands-on first aid training.
