Personal Safety

You should take the following steps to ensure personal safety:
  • Do Not Enter an Environment which May Be unsafe or has the potential to become unsafe.
  • You should never take unreasonable chances and risk your own life to try and help someone else. If you become a victim as well, you will not be able to help anyone.
  • Take a moment to think about the danger you may be exposing yourself to, and question whether or not it is safe to do without 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 potential hazards and situations where danger is likely.
  • YOU CANNOT HELP ANYONE IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM YOURSELF!


    • Take a look the following pictures and attempt to identify what elements may present a danger. Remember, if you are not properly trained and equipped to deal with a situation, do not expose yourself to risk by entering the scene! Call 9-1-1 immediately!

        


    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?
  • Your friend has been bitten by his dog while play-fighting with his children. The dog appears very agitated and aggressive. Are you going to attempt to restrain the dog?


    • 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.


    Bloodborne Pathogens

  • Bloodborne Pathogens are Viruses or Bacteria that may cause infection
  • Proper precautions can lower risk to you.
  • With proper protective equipment this risk is lower (almost non-existent).
  • Always suspect the patient is infectious: It doesn't matter the patient's age!


    • Some of the most notable virus to be aware of include Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. You may lower your risk of exposure by using good barrier protection practices when available. For more information on bloodborne pathogens, review our Bloodborne Pathogens course.


    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 rescuer.


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    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.


    Safety of Others

  • Remember: Your Safety Comes First!
  • Look after others once your safety is insured.
  • Never Enter a Scene that is Unsafe Unless You are Properly Trained to do so.
  • IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO LEAVE THE SCENE WHEN IT BECOMES TOO DANGEROUS OR UNSAFE TO YOU.
  • YOU WILL NEVER BE FAULTED FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE!!
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    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 if Needed.
  • Let them know you have first aid and CPR education, should they need assistance.
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    Give Good Information

    The 9-1-1 Dispatcher will want to obtain information from you to relay it to responders. Additionally, they will use this information to determine the type and number of personnel to respond to the scene. It is important to answer questions and follow any instructions provided. Emergencies can become quite chaotic. When people panic, it may be difficult to obtain the correct information. Again, be sure to be specific, speak clearly and try to remain as calm as possible.

    Finally, Dispatchers are trained to first ask you where your emergency is and then what is happening. Be sure to provide this information when prompted.


    Call 9-1-1 When In Doubt

  • Call When in Doubt: It is Better to Air on the Side of Caution than to be Sorry Later.
  • Call As Soon As Possible.


    • Be sure to remain calm and answer all questions the best you can. Speak clearly, concisely, and provide as much detailed information as you can.