Check, Call, Care

Taking Action in Emergency Situations

CheckCheck the scene and the person.

When Checking…Is it safe?

Check for spilled chemicals, traffic, fire, escaping steam, downed electrical lines, smoke, or extreme weather.

If these conditions exist and have potential to cause you injury or harm do not go near the ill or injured person.

Do Call 9-1-1

When Checking…What Happened

Look for clues to what caused the emergency and how the person might be injured.

How many people are involved?You may need to ask for help from

bystanders.

When Checking…Is there immediate danger involved?

Do not move a seriously injured person unless there is an immediate danger involved.What are some immediate dangers?

Is anyone else available to help?People surrounding may not always be

helping.Try to determine what is wrong?

CallAn adult is defined as someone about 12

years of age or older.Someone between 1-12 is considered a

child.Someone less than one year is considered

an infant.If you are the first person at the scene of

an emergency what should you do first?

ShoutIf no one arrives you will have to decide

whether to call or care first.

You should always call first for…An unconscious adult or adolescent. (age

12 years or older)A witnessed sudden collapse of a child or

infant. An unconscious infant or child known to be at

high risk for heart problems.These are usually cardiac problems.

You should care first for…An unwitnessed collapse of an unconscious

person younger than about 12 years of age.

Any victim of a drowning

In care first situations the conditions are often related to breathing emergencies, rather than sudden cardiac arrest.These situations provide support for Airway,

Breathing, and Circulation (abc’s) through rescue breaths or chest compressions.

CareOnce you have checked the scene and the

person and made a decision about calling 9-1-1, you may need to give care until EMS personnel arrive

These are some general guidelines:Do no further harm.Monitor the persons breathing and consciousness.Help the person rest in the most comfortable

position.Keep the person from getting chilled or overheated.Reassure the person.Give any specific care needed.

Transporting the Person YourselfIn some cases you may decide to take the ill

or injured person to a hospital yourself instead of waiting.Be sure you know the quickest route.Ask someone to come with you to comfort the

victim as you drive.However, never transport a person if…

The trip may aggravate the injury or illness or cause additional injury.

When the person has or may develop a life-threatening condition.

If you are unsure of the nature of the injury or illness.

Emergency Moves to Transport a VictimUse your legs, not your back, when you

bend.Bend at the knees and hips and avoid

twisting your body.Walk forward when possible, taking small

steps and looking where you going.Avoid twisting or bending anyone with a

possible head, neck or back injury.Do not move a person who is too large to

move comfortably.

Walking AssistMost basic way to

move someone.Place the injured

persons arm across your shoulders.

Put your hand around their waist.

Support the persons body weight while walking.

Pack-Strap CarryCan be used for

unconscious and conscious people.

Position yourself with your back to the person with knees bent, so that your shoulders fit into the persons armpits.

Cross the person’s arms in front of you.

Lean forward- lifting the person on your back.

Stand up and walk to safety.

Two Person Seat CarryUsed for someone conscious and not seriously

injured.Place one arm behind the persons thigh and the

other behind their back. Interlock your arms with a second person.Lift the person in the “seat” that you create.

Clothes Drag/ Foot DragClothes Drag- can be used

for someone suspected of having a head, neck or back injury.

This keeps the body stabilized.

Grasp the person’s clothing behind the neck.

Using a firm grip, pull the person (head first) to safety.

Foot Drag is used for people too large for you to carry or move. ( grasp ankles)

Blanket Drag A blanket can be used to move a person when equipment

is limited. Keep the person between you and the blanket. Gather half the blanket and place it on the person’s side. Roll the person as a unit toward you. Reach over and

place the blanket so that it will be positioned under the person, then roll the person onto the blanket.

Gather the blanket at the head and move the person.

Develop A Plan of Action