CPR and Emergency First Aid
If you have a medical emergency, dial 911 to activate the emergency medical response system. In Atlanta, Fire Fighters trained as EMT's and/or Paramedics respond to all life-threatening medical emergencies along with the appropriate ambulance service.
The following is intended as a basic first-aid guide until higher qualified emergency medical personnel arrive. You should prepare yourself for medical emergencies before they happen by getting proper training and having the correct equipment and medical supplies on hand.
1. Act promptly, but not hastily. Examine the injured person carefully and quickly from head to toe. Look for breathing obstructions, bleeding, and broken bones. Call doctor or ambulance immediately or have someone else do it if you are busy with the victim.
2. Start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if breathing has stopped. Learn this method now - before an emergency arises. Take a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course from your American Heart Association (click here or call 800-242-8721). Be prepared!
Links for basic CPR instructions:
3. Stop the bleeding. A snug bandage or a pressure dressing will usually check bleeding. If not, press firmly at the point that cuts off blood flow to the injured area of the body. Use direct pressure - not a tourniquet.
4. Look for shock- face drained of color, skin cold and moi st, rapid, weak pulse, and fainting. Wrap victim in blankets or clothing; make him lie down, unless doing so will make other injuries worse, and try to calm him. Call an ambulance.
5. Give aid at once in poisonings. Get medical help, but do not wait to start first aid! If the poison container is nearby, follow directions on label. Otherwise, give victim egg white beaten in water, milk, or plain water to dilute poison. If poison was not a corrosive or a petroleum product like kerosene, give syrup of ipecac to make victim vomit. Nationwide Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222
6. Handle with care. A person with suspected neck or back injuries should not be moved until an ambulance, rescue personnel, or experienced person is on the scene. If you must move the victim, use a stretcher or make one with blankets, a board, or a ladder padded with clothing. Usually, it is best to wait for the ambulance.
7. Splint broken bones. A splint can be made with almost any firm object - an umbrella, a broomstick, even a tightly-rolled newspaper. Splints should be long enough to reach well beyond the joints above and below the suspected break.
8. Burns result from heat (thermal) or chemicals. For small thermal burns, if skin is unbroken, place burned area in cool water. Cover large burns with plain, clean cloth. For chemical burns, flush with water. All except minor burns should be seen be a doctor to prevent shock or infection.
9. Bandage wounds to help protect against infection, reduce bleeding, and lessen pain. The wound should be covered with a sterile dressing before the bandage is applied.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. If you're in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately.
