Before The Ambulance Arrives

After you have called 911, there are several things you can do until Emergency Responders arrive. These simple procedures will greatly aid the Emergency Responders and the patient they will treat.

If you determine that the patient is pulseless and non-breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but only if you have been trained in this life saving technique. Stay calm; do not get excited. This will reassure the patient that help is on the way.

Make the patient as comfortable as possible.Gather all the medication that the patient may be taking. This will help Emergency Responders better determine the medical history of the patient.

Move all furniture or obstacles out of the way so Emergency Responders have easy access to the patient. Make sure all pets are secure in another part of the house.

Remember the time, this is very important. When was the last time you talked to the patient? How long has this medical condition existed? How long has the person been unconscious?

Caring For Wounds: In general, to care for wounds you should

Expose the Wound

Clothing over and around the open wound must be cut away. Avoid aggravating the patient's injuries. Do not try to remove clothing by pulling the items over the patient's head or limbs. Simply lift aside or cut the clothing away from the site of the injury.

Clear the wound surface

Remove foreign matter from the surface of the wound with a sterile gauze pad or clean towel. This method will reduce the chance of contamination from your fingers. Do not try to clean the wound or pick out any particles or debris. If bleeding from the wound is controlled, take care not to restart or increase the flow of blood.

Control the bleeding.

Start with direct pressure at the point of bleeding or with direct pressure and elevation. If the bleeding continues, try pressure point control. A tourniquet should be used as a last resort for life-threatening bleeding from a limb.

Prevent Further contamination.

Use a sterile dressing, clean cloth, or clean handkerchief to cover the wound. After the bleeding has been controlled, bandage the dressing in place.

Keep the patient still

Any patient activity increases circulation. Keep the patient lying down, using a blanket or other form of covering to provide protection from the elements.