First Aid Tips

First aid is the immediate care given to the injured or suddenly ill person until competent medical care takes over. The first five minutes of any emergency is the most important and can possibly be the difference between temporary injury or lifelong injury for the victim. For Fire, Police or EMS (ambulance) Emergencies CALL 9-1-1

WHEN SHOULD I CALL 9-1-1 FOR Emergency Medical Service (EMS)?

Call EMS if the victim . . .

	Is or becomes unconscious
	Has chest pain or pressure
	Difficulty in breathing
	Severe bleeding
	Vomiting blood
	Seizure, slurred speech, severe headache
	Head, neck or back injury
	Possible broken bones
	Poisoning

The most critical steps in every emergency is to recognize an ill or injured person, alert 911 and assess the ABC's -- airway, breathing, circulation, and major bleeding. If the victim has no breathing, provide rescue breathing. If the victim has no heart beat, provide CPR. Severe bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure to the wound, do not apply wet compresses to bleeding. apply wet compresses to bleeding.

LISTED BELOW ARE SOME COMMON EMERGENCIES & CARE

BURNS

	Cool the burned area in water
	Cover with a clean dry covering
	Do not apply ointments
	Seek immediate medical attention

POISONING

N	Look for any containers or clues as to what was swallowed
N	Get the victim away from the source
N	Call 911 for EMS
N	Contact poison control if the poison source if known

STRAINS & SPRAINS

	Immobilize the joint area
	Apply ice
	Elevate the injured part

BREATHING DIFFICULTY

	Help victim rest comfortably
	Calm and reassure
	Call 911 for EMS

NECK OR BACK INJURIES

	Don't move the victim
	Stabilize the head and neck
	Call 911 for EMS

SEIZURE

	Protect the victim from injury
	Do not hold the victim down or put anything in his mouth
	Call 911 for EMS

CHEST PAINS

If the pains or pressure lasts longer than a few minutes, seek medical attention of call 911 for EMS

DIABETIC

	If conscious give juice
	Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious victim

**SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION SYMPTOMS**
	Feeling of tightness in the chest		Hives
	Nausea		Difficulty in breathing
	Swelling of the face, neck, lips and tongue		Can be life threatening
	Call 911 for EMS immediately

Emergency Management (911)
Central Dispatch Building - 300 S. Highlander Way Howell, MI 48843
Phone 517.546.4620 Fax 517.546.5008