Personal Safety

Do Not Enter an Environment which May be or has the potential to Become Unsafe

If you are not careful, you may be risking your life.

Take some time to think about the danger you may be placing your self in if you don't have the proper training.

Think about how the patient might have been put in an unsafe position and what the result was - DO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE SAME SIUTATION??

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Always be cognizant of dangers or situations where danger is likely to manifest itself.

YOU CANNOT HELP SOMEONE ELSE IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM YOURSELF!

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear the Appropriate Protective Gear

Gloves should always be used when available.

Masks should be used when the patient has a cough or suspected respiratory illness such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

A gown should be used to protect the rescuer from body fluid splash.

Eyewear such as goggles should be used to protect the person helping

We realize that this equipment is not always readily available, therefore you MUST also wash thoroughly after performing first aid to prevent the transmission of disease.

Safety of Others

Remember: Your Safety Comes First

Then You May Look After Others

This Includes the Patient and Bystanders

Never Enter a Scene that is Unsafe Unless You are Properly Trained to Deal with It.

IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO LEAVE THE SCENE WHEN IT BECOMES TOO DANGEROUS OR UNSAFE TO YOU

Hand Washing

After performing CPR or First Aid, ALWAYS wash your hands with an alcohol based cleaner. If this is not available, wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 1 minute. Make sure to thoroughly clean your fingernails and creases in your hands.

EMS On Scene

Rest Assured that EMS Personnel are Taking Care of the Patient

Allow them the Opportunity to Provide Patient Care without unnecessary Interference

Be available to answer questions that providers may have.

Give Good Information

Speak Clearly and in a Calm Manner

Be Brief and Specific

Answer Questions when Prompted

Just remember, ALWAYS remain calm!

Questions

Think about the following questions regarding personal safety:

A person is floating in a canal with rushing water. Would you jump in to help without proper water rescue training?

A person has been shot or stabbed and the assailant has not been found. By going to help the patient, are you risking your own safety by getting too close?

A person has been hit by a car on a busy street. Are you going to run across busy lanes of traffic and help the patient on the street if there is no formal traffic control?

All of the previous examples are every-day situations that people may encounter. It is imperative to look at the entire picture and make absolutely certain that you can be safe while providing care. If you become a victim, no one is being helped.