In social media of the Emergency Medical Teams in Bolesławiec published an important and practical text about properly preparing for an ambulance to arrive at a house or apartment. The material was prepared by paramedic Przemysław Patena and system nurse Karolina Nenkin.
Based on it, we publish below an informational text that will help you behave properly in a situation posing a threat to health or life.
Stay calm and call for help correctly
The first and most important step is to stay calm and conduct the conversation with the emergency dispatcher correctly. Provide the exact address of the incident (including the stairwell number, floor and intercom code), briefly and factually describe the situation, answer all questions and follow the instructions given. Do not end the call until the dispatcher allows you to do so. The calmness of the person calling for help has a real impact on the effectiveness of rescue efforts.
A quick and safe route to the patient
Even before the emergency medical team arrives, it is worth ensuring unobstructed access to the patient. Open the entrance door or gate, and if possible, go outside the building to show the paramedics the way. Removing obstacles from the corridor or stairwell can significantly facilitate any evacuation of the patient. In emergencies, every second counts.
Scene safety
For paramedics to focus exclusively on the patient, it is essential to ensure safe surroundings. Pets should be confined to another room, the number of people in the room should be kept to a minimum, and the scene should be well lit. You should also refrain from smoking cigarettes. A safe environment is the basis of effective medical assistance.
Documents and information that speed up assistance
If the situation allows, it is worth preparing the patient’s identity document, a list of chronic illnesses, medications taken along with their dosages, information about allergies and any available medical records, such as hospital discharge documents. Thanks to this information, paramedics can make the right medical decisions more quickly.
Do not act on your own
Until the team arrives, do not administer medications on your own, force the patient to eat or drink, or move them without an important reason, such as an immediate fire hazard. If the dispatcher instructs you to provide first aid—for example, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or the recovery position—perform the actions exactly according to the instructions given.
Cooperation with paramedics after the ambulance arrives
After the emergency medical team arrives, briefly and factually describe what happened and when the symptoms began. Answer questions specifically, follow the paramedics’ instructions and remain calm. The team is acting in the patient’s best interest and needs conditions that allow them to work with concentration.
Summary
Proper preparation for the emergency medical team’s visit shortens the time needed to provide assistance, improves the safety of the patient and paramedics, and allows medical efforts to be carried out more efficiently and effectively. In a situation posing a threat to health or life, knowing how to behave can be crucial.