Medical Emergencies involve significant bodily harm or threat of life and/or limb, whether or not there are bleeding wounds (example: hitting your head). A list of medical emergencies can be found on Medline Plus, a U.S. government site, but when in doubt, call Emergency Services (UCPD). In the event of various medical emergencies, here's what to do, based on whether the patient is conscious or not:
Patient is Conscious:
1) Stay calm.
Staying
calm (or at the least, giving the appearance of it) is crucial to
making sure everything that follows goes smoothly. Panic may make things
worse, for both yourself and for the patient.
2) Ask the patient what is injured, if possible.
We want to be able to inform Emergency Services of what is the issue. This also acts as a mental check to see their level of consciousness and awareness. Explain to the patient that you're calling the paramedics to check them out and assist them. Remind the patient that
a) THIS IS FREE AND COSTS THEM NOTHING.
(It's the hospital visit that could cost them money, not evaluation by paramedics)
b) They may refuse care if they so wish upon their arrival.
2) Contact Emergency Services immediately.
Technically, this is either 911 or the ideally the UCPD Emergency Line. They are the campus 911. Their number from a landline is:
2-3333
(you only need to hit those 5 digits)
-OR-
911
The full emergency phone number for phones not campus landlines is:
(510) 642-3333
2) Explain the situation to the dispatcher best you can.
They may ask you clarifying questions like "Do you see any injury?", "Did you see what happened?" How long have they been unconscious?", etc.. Try your best to describe the scenario (we know it likely won't be perfect but it's important we try our best without touching the patient unless instructed to). Try to be specific with the patient location, as well. Ask the patient for clarification if needed. Follow any instructions the dispatcher gives, if any.
3) If necessary, act. Per the CDC:
Do not put yourself in harm's way.
If personnel trained in First Aid are not available, as a minimum, attempt to
provide the following assistance:
1. Stop the bleeding with firm pressure on the wounds (note: avoid
contact with blood or other bodily fluids).
2. Clear the air passages using the Heimlich Maneuver in case of
choking.
consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment. Attempt first aid ONLY if trained and qualified.
4) Contact Security
Use the radio to fill in security. Remember, we don't use names on the radio.
5) Inform other Info Deskers what's going on.
Everyone needs to be in the loop. The google chat is the best location for this. Let your supervisor know as well if they're on site.
6) Wait for Emergency Services.
They know what to do. Try not to take action unless instructed to do so, but your own expertise may influence this (Example: You're also an EMT and know what steps must be done in advance if possible).
7) Talk with the patient, if possible.
Calmly,
inform the patron that help is on its way. Check in with them to see
how they are doing, if there's any major changes in the injured area or
new symptoms. It also helps to just chat with them to help reduce the
tension a little (Examples: "I'm [xxxx], what's you're name?" or "What
major are you?")
8) Incident Report
After Emergency Services come to assess the patient and likely take them to the hospital, fill out an Incident Report of what happened. No names are allowed in this format either, so things like "patron" or "paramedics" should be used. Try to note the location, the time of the incident, and when Emergency Services arrive.
Patient is Unconscious:
1) Contact Emergency Services immediately.
Stay as calm as you can. Technically, this is either 911 or the ideally the UCPD Emergency Line. They are the campus 911. Their number from a campus landline is:
2-3333
(you only need to hit those 5 digits)
-OR-
911
The full emergency phone number for phones not campus landlines is:
(510) 642-3333
2) Explain the situation and location to the dispatcher best you can.
They may ask you clarifying questions like "Do you see any injury?", "Did you see what happened?" How long have they been unconscious?", etc.. Try your best to describe the scenario (we know it likely won't be perfect but it's important we try our best without touching the patient unless instructed to). Try to be specific with the patient location, as well. Follow any instructions the dispatcher gives, if any.
3) If necessary, act. Per the CDC:
Do not put yourself in harm's way.
If personnel trained in First Aid are not available, as a minimum, attempt to
provide the following assistance:
1. Stop the bleeding with firm pressure on the wounds (note: avoid
contact with blood or other bodily fluids).
2. Clear the air passages using the Heimlich Maneuver in case of
choking.
consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and wear the appropriate personal
protective equipment. Attempt first aid ONLY if trained and qualified.
4) Contact Security
Use the radio to fill in security. Remember, we don't use names on the radio. Let them know that emergency services have already been contacted.
5) Inform other Info Deskers what's going on.
Everyone needs to be in the loop. The google chat is the best location for this. Let your supervisor know as well if they're on site.
6) Wait for Emergency Services.
They know what to do. Try not to take action unless instructed to do so, but your own expertise may influence this (Example: You're also an EMT and know what steps must be done in advance if possible).
7) Incident Report
After Emergency Services come to assess the patient and likely take them to the hospital, fill out an Incident Report of what happened. No names are allowed in this format either, so things like "patron" or "paramedics" should be used. Try to note the location, the time of the incident, and when Emergency Services arrive.
After any of these scenarios, check in with yourself; your mental health is important too.
No comments:
Post a Comment