Your Role In The EMS System Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the most important action you can take?
Calling 911.
When is the EMS system activated?
When someone like you RECOGNIZES that an emergency exists and DECIDES to take ACTION.
True or False: Early arrival of emergency personnel increases a person’s chance of surviving a life threatening emergency.
TRUE.
Your role in the EMS system can be summarized into what 4 steps?
- Recognize that an emergency exists.
- Decide to act.
- Activate the EMS system.
- Give care until help takes over.
What are some of the ways you can know if an emergency has occurred?
If you become aware of unusual noises, sights, odors, appearances or behaviors.
Give some examples of unusual noises.
Screaming, yelling, calls for help. Breaking glass, crashing metal or changes in noise made from machinery or equipment, screeching tires, sudden loud noises, or unusual silence.
Give some examples of unusual sights.
Downed electrical wires, person lying motionless, spilled medication, sparks, smoke, fire.
How can smells indicate that there may be an emergency occurring?
Becoming aware of odors or smells that are unfamiliar, inappropriate or stronger than usual.
How can a person’s appearance let you know a medical emergency may be occurring?
Unconsciousness, slurred speech, confusion, unusual behavior or drowsiness, trouble breathing, clutching chest or throat, or sudden falls.
What is a lay responder?
Any non-professional that responds in an emergency.
What is a good samaritan?
A person who gratuitously gives help to someone in distress without expecting anything in return.
Explain why a person may not want to call 911.
They may be unsure if the situation is a real emergency and do not want to waste the time of the EMS personnel.
