Section 2: Emergency Response
Emergency
moves
In most cases, a first aid provider
should not move an ill or injured person. Emergency services
personnel are the best trained and equipped to do this, and
you should use them. However, in a life-threatening emergency
or catastrophic disaster, there may not be time to wait for
professional help. In these cases, it may be necessary to
perform an emergency move. There are many different types
and techniques of emergency moves. Some require two or three
people. Drags require only one person. In a situation such
as a fire, explosion or collapse, you may be able to drag
a victim to safety. Drag the victim in the direction of the
long axis Of the body to protect the spine as best as possible
Never pull the victim sideways or pull the head away from
the neck and shoulders.
If you must perform an emergency move,
use good lifting techniques.
- Use your legs - not your back -
and keep the weight as close to your body as possible.
- Lift without twisting.
- Consider victim's weight and the
need for help
- Know your physical ability
and respect your limitations.
EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS
Assess - Alert - Attend
to the ABCDS
The emergency action steps are intended to help the first
aid provider respond to an emergency and manage life-threatening
problems of the airway, breathing and circulation in a victim
Of any age.
Assess Scene
Whenever you recognize an emergency, you should assess the
scene for safety lf the scene is not safe or at anytime becomes
unsafe,
GET OUT!
Assess Victim
If the scene is safe, pause for a moment as you approach the
victim. What is your first Impression? If the victim is unresponsive
and/or appears badly hurt, looks/acts very Ill or quickly
gets worse.
Alert EMS (Call 9-1-1) or Activate
Your Emergency Action Plan
Next, attend to the victim's airway, breathing and circulation
(refer to Skill Guides on the following pages)
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