Health & Safety
How You Can Help in a Medical Emergency
Call 911 if the patient has the following problems
- Choking or trouble breathing
- A seizure or attack
- Won’t respond when you talk to him/her
- Sudden or intense pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Chest pain or pressure
- Neck or back injury
- Confusion or mental status change
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Sudden dizziness or vision change
- Patient is suicidal or homicidal
When you call 911 and the dispatcher answers
- Describe the emergency, speak slowly and calmly
- Give your name and telephone number
- Ensure your own personal safety
- Give exact location/address and nearby landmarks
- Give name, age, and number of patients if available
- Follow dispatchers instructions and answer all questions
- Don’t hang up until told to do so
- Don’t leave the scene until help arrives
What to do for the patient
- Stay calm, keep the patient calm, warm and awake
- Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink
- Do not move a patient who has been in a car accident, had a serious fall, or has been found unconscious, unless he/she is in immediate danger where they are
- Perform first aid if you are willing and able
What to do for the Emergency Responder
- Mark your location with a porch light, flare, or bright cloth
- If possible, send someone out to flag down and meet the ambulance
- Clear a route to the patient; move cars, furniture, plants, etc. if needed
- Close off pets from rescuers/put pets in another part of the house
- Gather or write down all the patient’s medications and allergy information and give to rescuers
- Gather the patient’s medical history
- Note the time
- when was the last time you talked with the patient?
- how long has the patient had the medical problem?
- if unconscious, how long have they been unconscious?- Check to see if the patient has any advanced directives such as Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
What to do for yourself and your family
- Arrange for children to stay with a friend or neighbor
- Pack a small bag for yourself
- Bring insurance cards and other important information
- Lock up your residence and turn off all appliances
MEDICAL TRANSPORT 304-342-1107
Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority
601 Brooks Street, Charleston WV 25301
304.345.2312 800.560.2055