Untitled Flashcards Set

Steps:

1. Call 911 to activate the chain of survival.

2. Move the injured away from danger to keep them safe.

3. Keep them alive until medical responders arrive:

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding.

• Help them to breathe by allowing them to sit up, lean forward, or place them in the recovery position if unconscious.

4. Talk to the injured to provide comfort.

• If in immediate danger, get them out of harm’s way before calling 911.

EMS Response Time:

• Typically 6–9 minutes, but life can be lost before responders arrive.

Good Samaritan Laws:

• Protect those who help from liability until professional help arrives.

• All 50 states and D.C. provide protection for reasonable actions to help.

• EMTs/paramedics are held to higher standards due to training.

• Laws differ by location—check your area.

Chain of Survival:

How emergency medical systems flow to keep people with life-threatening situations (LTS) alive.

• Components include:

1. You

2. Non-medical first responders

3. Emergency medicine

4. Surgeons

Impact of Stress:

In an LTS, you may experience physical and psychological effects such as:

1. Distortion of Time Assessment Loop:

• Denial

• Deliberation

• Action

2. Distortion of Senses:

• Sight (tunnel vision)

• Sound

3. Adrenaline (Fight/Flight Response):

• Temperature changes

• Shaky hands

• Loss of other functions

4. Nausea

• These are normal reactions to stress, and most people will experience them.

Calling 911:

• 911 operators are trained to:

• Assess the situation.

• Take appropriate actions.

• Help ensure safety.

Steps When Calling 911:

1. Take a deep breath.

2. Let the operator guide you.

3. Follow their specific instructions.

Types of Questions Operators Ask:

• Specific location (floor, room, landmarks).

• Severity of injuries to send appropriate help.

• Safety concerns (dangers or ongoing threats).

Stay Safe:

• Use your 5 senses (see, hear, smell) to assess the area.

• Ask yourself:

• Do you feel safe here?

• Yes: Stay and provide care.

• No: Move to a safe location and call for help.

Stop the Bleeding:

• Humans have about 5-6 liters of blood in their body.

• Losing 500 cc (half a liter) causes physiological problems.

• Losing half the blood volume can cause death, no matter the hospital care.

Key Points:

• Bleeding is irreversible if untreated.

• Body can lose fatal blood amounts in minutes.

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding.

• Major blood vessels are deep under the skin near bones—protect these areas.