Emergency Care & First Aid

During any major disaster, emergency personnel may not be able to reach injured or sick persons for a considerable period of time. People will have to help each other during the emergency, and will have to depend on their knowledge of first aid and emergency care.

Both adults and teenagers can acquire these valuable skills by taking a First Aid Course offered by the American Red Cross.

These courses are given at various locations throughout the state. Call 1-800-417-0495.


Report Emergencies to 9-1-1:

Assess the situation.

  • Immediately notify the appropriate agency.
  • Call 911 (or the appropriate number in your community).

Give the following information:

  • Nature of the emergency
  • Exact location and cross street
  • Your name
  • Telephone number from which you are calling
  • Most 911 operators can and will give instructions on emergency first aid until help arrives.
    Remain on the line.
  • Do not hang up before the operator tells you to, as additional information may be needed, and/or first aid instructions may be given.


Use the following symptom/situation guidelines and common sense to determine what is a true medical emergency and when to call 911:

  • Persistent or sudden chest pain;
  • Breathing emergencies;
  • Changes in level of consciousness due to injury;
  • Uncontrollable bleeding;
  • Life threatening injuries, such as injuries from falling, severe head injuries, severe burns, etc.).

The above signs/symptoms are only some potential life-threatening emergencies. Immediately call for medical assistance in emergency situations since time is of the utmost importance.

If you are unsure about the seriousness of the situation DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL 911.
 

General Rules for Any Medical Emergency

The following are general guidelines, they do not and should not replace the need for first aid training.

DO NO HARM: Often well-meaning but untrained persons aggravate the injury or illness in their attempt to help. Get competent medical assistance, if possible. If there is no one available who is better qualified, then take charge. Always call 911 or your community's emergency medical system.

TREAT SHOCK: Try to keep the victim warm at normal body temperature. Keep legs slightly elevated. If there is a suspected neck or back injury, keep victim lying flat.

MOVING PATIENTS: Initially don't move the injured patient, unless a danger exists. They should not be moved until breathing is restored, bleeding controlled, suspected broken bones sprinted, and/or rescue personnel arrive.

BE CAUTIOUS: Never risk injury to yourself in an effort to assist an injured person. Death or injury to a rescuer does nothing to help the injured person and only complicates a bad situation.

GET TRAINING: Take a Red Cross or American Heart Association first aid or care class so you are prepared in the event of an emergency.


Treating Burns

To Care For A Burn:

  • Remove patient from smoky area if no hazard exist to rescuers.
  • If clothing is on fire: Stop, Drop and Roll.
  • Roll victim on ground and smother flames with a blanket or other heavy material.
  • Cover the burn with dry, clean dressings.
  • Seek immediate medical care.

If Caused By...

  • Chemicals: Flush skin or eyes with large amounts of running water.
  • Electricity: Make sure power is off. Check breathing and pulse if victim is unconscious. Cover burn with a clean, dry dressing.

A Critical burn needs immediate medical attention. Call for an ambulance if a burn:

  • Involves breathing difficulty.
  • Covers more than one body part.
  • Involves the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals.
  • If a chlid or elderly person is the patient.
  • If caused by chemicals, explosions, or electricity.