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Don’t Panic – How to Handle an Emergency Situation

No matter what type of emergency you may be facing, remaining calm is the first step. Precious time can be wasted by panicking, and nothing good will ever come of it. Knowing some basic emergency management steps will help you feel more confident should an emergency situation arise. So, take a deep breath and then take a look at what you should do during the following emergency situations.

Emergency Situation #1: A Bystander is Having a Seizure

  • Do not panic; have someone call 911 while you stay with the person experiencing a seizure.
  • Do not leave the person or try to move them to another location.
  • Move anything out of the way that could cause injury or fall on the patient.
  • Gently put a soft pillow under his or her head to prevent injury during the seizure.
  • Carefully and gently turn the individual to his or her side and allow any fluid to come out of the mouth, but do not open his or her mouth or put anything in it.
  • It is probable that the seizure will be over before an ambulance reaches you, but it is still best to have someone come just in case anything goes wrong.

Emergency Situation #2: A Bystander is Choking (adult or grade-school child)

  • Ask the person if he or she is choking. If coughing or answering you is not possible, then proceed to the next step.
  • Do not panic, but let others know what is happening and tell someone to call 911.
  • Let the person know you are going to help him or her by administering first aid.
  • Perform five back blows between the shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand.
  • If this does not help, move on to the Heimlich Maneuver.
    • Get behind the victim.
    • Wrap your arms around his or her waist.
    • Take the underside of one fist and place it just above the navel and below the   breastbone.
    • Put your other hand over your first.
    • Pull inward and upward into the victim’s abdomen with quick upward thrusts.
    • Alternate between the five back blows and five Heimlich Maneuver thrusts until the object is dislodged.

Emergency Situation #3: A Bystander is Having a Heart Attack

  • Stay calm and call 911 immediately. You will receive medical care sooner by waiting for an ambulance than by driving the victim to an emergency room.
  • Stay with the person. If his or her medication is nearby, try to give one dose.
  • Make the victim comfortable, loosening the collar and helping him or her into a relaxing position.
  • If the person collapses or stops breathing, administer CPR. Perform 100 chest presses a minute until the ambulance arrives. This simple move greatly increases the victim’s chances of survival.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, remember that remaining calm is of upmost importance. A big part of emergency management is remaining cool and collected. Your calm demeanor will put the victim at ease and allow you to provide the 911 operator with clear instructions. If you feel uneasy about performing any of the steps listed above, remembering to call for assistance and putting the patient at ease may be all you need to do to save a life.

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