LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Medical emergencies can happen at any time. Regardless of how or why it happened, there is someone in need of medical assistance. This could be a loved one, a stranger, or even you. Do you know what to do in this instance? Do you know what steps to take that can possibly promote a better outcome? Will you be a help or a hindrance in this situation? Are you willing to take charge and make precious moments count? Great! I am glad to hear that you are one of many ready to make a difference in someone’s time of need. However, allow me a moment to cover a few things to do to assist you in getting the patient the emergency medical resources they need.
The phone call
When calling 911, it is important to know that dispatchers are trained to hear your report and dispatch the assistance you need. This may be ambulance, law enforcement, or fire. Although a lot of the information will crossover and could be useful for all disciplines, here we will focus on EMS/ ambulance.
Before the call, take a breath and remain as calm as possible. Provide the dispatcher with your name, if you don’t mind being identified, and a phone number in case you get disconnected somehow. Briefly tell them what discipline you are requesting, i.e. EMS/ ambulance and at what address or location. Try to be as precise as possible. Then, tell them why. For example, someone has fallen on aisle 4 at the local grocery store. They hit their head and now they are confused. Inform them if they are bleeding or not. The dispatcher may or may not have a few follow up questions. Please be patient, he or she is likely dispatching the call as they take this information. They understand this may be a high stress situation and they are here to help. EMS arrival
Once EMS arrives, if it is possible, have someone direct the crew to the patient. Remember to be kind and accommodating, they are there to help. If you are irate or aggressive, it takes time and attention away from the patient to calm you down. Be ready to provide the crew with what happened, what time or how long it has been since it happened. If it is a seizure, how long did it last? Typically, seizures will last one to thirty seconds but can last 2 to 5 minutes. Five minutes, of course, being far worse. What happened afterwards? Did you provide any assistance like giving Tylenol, bandaging a wound, repositioning of the patient for comfort? If this is a family member or friend, or even yourself, provide a name and date of birth/ age. Provide a medical history. For example, does the patient have high blood pressure, heart/ cardiac problems, or asthma etc. Is the patient allergic to any medication or does he or she have any environmental allergies to latex, tape, or bee stings? If there are other family members or bystanders present, assist the crew in getting the patient to the stretcher and/ or to the ambulance if needed, if this is possible. Remember, before help arrives, you are in charge, and you could be the best chance someone may have for a better outcome.
We are all here to assist one another. This is one aspect that makes communities strong. If you want to become more proficient, consider taking a CPR/ First Aid class. If you want to be involved and provide your service more frequently, consider becoming a volunteer with your local volunteer fire department. If you are someone who wants to start a career or make a career change and you think this is something you want to pursue full or part-time, pursue being an EMT or paramedic. Contact your local EMA director for more details. In Clay County, this would be Torrey Williams. Torrey is the Clay County EMA director AND the Clay County E911 director. Based on your geographical location, Torrey can tell you what volunteer fire department covers your area. He can also arrange or advise on any upcoming CPR/ First Aid classes and/ or EMT classes.