How to Handle a Medical Emergency

The trick to handling a medical emergency is to prepare for the worst. A plan of action can save you crucial time. To set it into action, you need a calm head. There will be enough chaos around you. Sticking to the plan will help keep you focused. Here are guidelines.

Instructions

• 1

  Call for help immediately if you think someone is in crisis. Don't delay. This includes seizures, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, chest pain, heavy bleeding, severe stomach pain, possible broken bones or poisoning.

• 2

  Stay on the phone with the dispatcher. They are trained to help during emergencies. They'll continue asking you questions and can help you stabilize the person until help arrives.

• 3

  Keep calm until the ambulance gets there. You need to be level-headed. Reassure the patient and keep her temperature comfortable. Take it one step at a time.

• 4

  Talk to the patient to keep him from going into shock. Ask him questions about himself, tell him stories. Fear and emotional stress can cause him to go into shock. Talking will keep him focused on something else.

• 5

  Make it easy for the ambulance to find you. If there are other family members or friends around, send them to stand on the nearest corner. Turn on all the inside and outside lights if it's night time. Anything to flag down the help, so they don't have to look for house numbers.

• 6

  Ask to ride in the ambulance. One family member is usually allowed in the front seat. If it's a young child, you may be allowed to ride in the back.

• 7

  Follow the ambulance to the hospital. Put on your flashers and headlights. Remember, you must still obey all traffic laws.