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Dealing With Emergencies

Table of Contents


Overview

Review this topic before you need it. Then when you are faced with an emergency or injury, you will know what to do. Your confidence in dealing with both major and minor emergencies will reassure an injured person.

Here are the steps to take when an emergency occurs.

  1. Take a deep breath.
  2. Count to 10.

    Tell yourself that you can handle the situation.

  3. Check for danger.

    Protect yourself and the injured person from fire, explosions, or other hazards.

  4. Try to look at the situation as a whole.
    1. What is the most serious problem, and what do you need to do first? The most obvious problem isn't always the most serious.
    2. Treat the most life-threatening problems—like bleeding or shock—first.
    3. If you think that the person has a spinal injury, don't move the person unless the danger is great.
    4. Check for broken bones and other injuries.

If the person is unconscious or doesn't respond to your voice or touch, be ready to start CPR.

Call 911 or other emergency services, such as the local fire department, sheriff, or hospital, if you need help.

Making an emergency plan

A little organization can go a long way toward helping you feel ready to handle the unexpected. Having an emergency plan for your household can help you and your family be better prepared for any kind of disaster or emergency. Putting together an emergency plan is easy. Here are some tips.

You may have other things that you want to include, especially if you have children in school or if anyone in your household has special needs. Review your plan often, and make sure that phone numbers, email addresses, and other items are still current.

Making an emergency supplies kit

Having an emergency supplies kit for your household can help you and your family be better prepared for any kind of disaster or emergency. Here are some tips for assembling one.


Credits for Dealing With Emergencies

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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