Medical Emergency

What is the situation?

A co-worker, student or guest complains of feeling seriously unwell, collapses or is injured.

What should I do?

• Stay calm and assess the situation. Look for a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace on the person requiring help.
• Have someone call 9-1-1. If you are alone, yell as loudly as possible for help. If you are unable to summon help, call 9-1-1 first then return and assist the person to the best of your ability.
• When calling 9-1-1, give the operator as much information as possible:
  • Type of emergency and what help is needed
  • Exact address, building name, room number, telephone number
  • Information from Medic Alert bracelet or necklace and victim information
• Don’t hang up until you are told to do so by the 9-1-1 operator.
• Provide first aid to the level you have been trained.
• Do NOT attempt to move an injured person unless necessary to avoid further injury.

If the person is unconscious:

• Check for unresponsiveness. If there is no response, call 9-1-1 and THEN return to the victim. In most locations the emergency dispatcher can assist you with CPR instructions.
• Tilt the head back and listen for breathing. If not breathing normally, pinch nose and cover the mouth with yours and blow until you see the chest rise. Give 2 breaths. Each breath should take 1 second.
• If the victim is still not breathing normally, coughing or moving, begin chest compressions. Push down on the chest 1.5 to 2 inches, 30 times right between the nipples. Pump at the rate of 100 per minute, faster than once per second.
• Continue with 2 breaths and 30 pumps until help arrives.
  • NOTE: This ratio is the same for one-person and two-person CPR. In two-person CPR the person pumping the chest stops while the other gives mouth-to-mouth breathing.

If the person is choking:

• Make sure they are coughing and getting air.
• If the person cannot speak or cough, and you think something may be lodged in their throat, approach from behind the person and slip your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and grasp your fist with the other hand. Place your fist right above the navel area. Press into the abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat until the object is removed or the victim starts breathing or coughing.

If the person is bleeding:

• Use rubber gloves (contained in the first aid kit) and apply pressure to the area.
• If possible, elevate bleeding area above the level of the heart.
• There is a First Aid and CPR guide located in all first aid kits. These guides give detailed steps in the event of a heart attack, choking, bleeding, poisoning, burns and other injuries, as well as CPR and infant CPR.
• EH&S recommends First Aid/CPR training for a handful of building volunteers to assist with medical emergencies associated with building evacuation and emergencies.