Emergency action

Assess the situation, stay calm and don't panic. Realize that the speed at which you act can save a life. Death follows four minutes after cessation of breathing, 5-10 minutes with severe bleeding.

Minimize danger to yourself,
(see road accidents, poisoning, electrocution)

Send for help.
Notify a doctor, hospital, parents, employers, and police as appropriate. If in any doubt, Call an Ambulance, Dial 911, or your local emergency services number.

Determine the priorities of treatment.

* Breathing:
Check that the airway is open and the casualty is breathing. If not, begin the: A-airway B-breathing C-circulation of resuscitation.

* Unconsciousness:
Place an unconscious person in the recovery position. But if there is any possibility of spinal injury, DO NOT MOVE unless difficulties in breathing make this essential.

* Bleeding:
Check the casualty for any severe bleeding and control it.

* Shock:
Keep the casualty warm and quiet until skilled help arrives. Treat for shock.

Stay with the patient and give all the reassurance you can.


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These files may be accessed through the web at http://firstaid.ie.eu.org/

I would like to thank the IEASR for allowing me to convert their pages over to the Pilot.

Gordon Thomas
#admin@dogpatch.org (Remove the # character in order to e-mail.)
http://www.dogpatch.org

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DISCLAIMER:
Information in these files is presented in order to impart  general information relating to first aid of various injuries and conditions. Such information is not  complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider, or as a substiture for actual training in first aid and/or CPR. While all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this information, Mary Jo Sminkey and Irish Emergency Ambulance Services Resource (IEASR) make no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Access to and use of the information contained herein is entirely at the risk of the user, Mary Jo Sminkey and IEASR shall not be liable, directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained or implied in the Pilot First Aid files.