You have had a medical or fire emergency, and you’ve just called 911. Now what?
Here are some tips on what to do before the emergency personnel arrive:
In Case of Fire
- If you have not gotten out of the building, do so immediately. Follow your family or workplace evacuation plan and go to your planned meeting place.
- Take inventory of your family or co-workers. When the fire department arrives, the FIRST thing they need to know is if anyone may still be in the building. If someone is missing . . . think of where they may be? Bedroom? Specific area of your office?
- Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you re-enter the building. Not for pets or any possessions.
- Think of any possible hazards inside the building that the fire department should know. Please let the FD know of any chemicals, pressurized cylinders, etc. that may be in the building.
In Case of a Medical Emergency
- After you have called 911, there are several things you can do until Emergency Responders arrive. These simple procedures will greatly aid the Emergency Responders and the patient they will treat.
- If you determine that the patient is pulseless and non-breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but only if you have been trained in this life saving technique.
- Stay calm; do not get excited. This will reassure the patient that help is on the way.
- Make the patient as comfortable as possible.
- Gather all the medication that the patient may be taking. This will help Emergency Responders better determine the medical history of the patient.
- Move all furniture or obstacles out of the way so Emergency Responders have easy access to the patient. Make sure all pets are secure in another part of the house.
- Remember the time, this is very important. When was the last time you talked to the patient? How long has this medical condition existed? How long has the person been unconscious?