My career as an EMT has been at times challenging and stressful but overall very rewarding . I enjoy the work I do and love knowing that I can be of some assistance and comfort on what may be someone’s worst day. With that said here are 5 things your first responders wish you knew, to better help us help you and others!
Non-emergency number
Many people don’t realize there is actually a non emergency number for their area in which they can get in touch with the necessary personnel for non emergency matters for instance reporting a nonviolent crime, setting up a non emergency transport, requesting a wellness check on a family member, and reporting structural damage or road way hazards.
Utilizing non emergency numbers keeps dispatchers and emergency phone lines open for those truly in need.
The easiest way to locate your area’s non emergency number would simply be to google it. Alternatively in the US you could also call:
311- Non emergency police/governmental services
411-local directory assistance
511-traffic & transportation information
611-immediate connection with a wireless service provider (US & Canada)
In the state of California- Move over to the RIGHT when you see and hear an ambulance heading towards you in emergency mode
Code 3 driving (responding to an emergency with lights and sirens) can be very stressful and intense for emergency personnel.
We truly appreciate when you all follow this request: If you see an emergency vehicle approaching from behind you, don’t panic, simply pull over to the RIGHT of the road you are on so that we can pass on your left. Don’t stop abruptly where you are in the middle of the road, don’t continue driving while we are behind you, and don’t pull over to the left. Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance for complying!
Report hazards in advance
When calling 911 for an emergency, it’s extremely helpful if you can inform the dispatcher in advance of any hazards present at the time of your call such as stairs, animals, perpetrators, downed power lines, etc. The more information the dispatchers can gather from you before emergency crews arrive, the better prepared and equipped those emergency service personnel are to handle and resolve a situation, minimizing unnecessary delays.
** This is ESPECIALLY true with the current Covid19 pandemic. Please exercise consideration for those coming to assist you or those in your household, by disclosing immediately to the dispatcher if you or someone in your household has recently been exposed to, tested positive for, or is exhibiting signs and symptoms of Covid such as: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headaches, chills, fatigue, and new loss of taste or smell.
Know how to preform CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation)
Everyone capable of performing CPR should learn and understand the proper sequence and method of it, at least at a bystander level. Don’t wait to learn until you NEED to know how to do CPR. >>Click here for a brief training video on basic CPR>>https://youtu.be/1lwRQTGzKcw
It’s actually very simple and does not require any mouth to mouth rescue breathing. If emergency responders are delayed for any reason, your immediate delivery of adequate chest compressions with consistency could be life saving for someone you witness fall unresponsive and pulseless.
Keep Advance directive / DNR orders easily accessible
An unfortunate fact of life is that many of us see our loved ones grow old and pass away. With this in mind many individuals, usually elderly, after speaking with their doctor will sign an advanced care directive (including but not limited to a POLST or Do Not Resuscitate order)
This form needs to be signed by your loved one or their medical power of attorney, and their primary MD.
In the event that 911 is called due to your loved one becoming pulseless and unresponsive, first responders must be able to see this physical form in order to honor your loved ones wishes.
Speaking about this matter in advance with close family members and those living in the home, as well as keeping this form somewhere easily accessible, such as on the kitchen fridge will prevent any added confusion to an already emotionally charged situation.
Why would someone choose not to be resuscitated if they had the opportunity? They may personally feel that their quality of life post CPR attempts do not amount to a life worth living. CPR can be very painful especially for those up in age whose bones become brittle and may actually fracture or break during chest compressions, potentially even puncturing their lungs. Older bodies tend to be more frail, increasing the downtime needed to heal.
I hope these 5 tips have proved to be helpful and informative. If you have any questions feel free to leave your name and email below!