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| During an emergency, there is little
time to think of all the things you need or want to do. It is also not the time for
the "I should have's" - there will be plenty of time later.
During an emergency, the only thing you should do is get
help as quickly as possible, and care for the injured or ill. The following
are some simple yet often forgotten or overlooked items that can be very critical.
There are many others, if you would like to share your favorite, click here to
pass it on to us.
TOPICS
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Before You Have An
Emergency
Where Are You?
If you have a mailbox or house number post on
the street, put your box number (and letter if applicable) on both sides.
It should be large enough to be easily seen as the ambulance approaches
from either direction.
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Patient History
Keep a current "patient history" for each family
member. Include information on prescriptions, allergies, medications to which each
may be allergic, important past medical history (diabetes, heart disease), doctors' names
and phone numbers and emergency contact numbers. Keep it in a place you, your
family and the baby-sitter, will have immediate access to and remember (on/in the
fridge?).
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"DO
NOT RESUSCITATE (DNR)" Orders
Now available and recognized in most areas, the
DNR, by this or other name, simply put, states the patient's decision (with the Doctors
concurrence) NOT to have resuscitative efforts (CPR) performed in the case of a cardiac or
respiratory arrest. This is NOT a living
will. Now available and recognized in most areas, the
DNR, by this or other name, simply put, states the patient's decision (with the Doctors
concurrence) NOT to have resuscitative efforts (CPR) performed in the case of a cardiac or
respiratory arrest. This is NOT a living
will. . Now available and recognized in most areas, the
DNR, by this or other name, simply put, states the patient's decision (with the Doctors
concurrence) NOT to have resuscitative efforts (CPR) performed in the case of a cardiac or
respiratory arrest. This is NOT a living
will.
If you or a loved one has a terminal
illness, and with the doctor's agreement, do not want emergency resuscitative attempts
(CPR) made, you must have a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order. It MUST
be on a form as approved by your locality, be clearly stated, and be properly signed.
It must include specific instructions to Emergency Response personnel.
We are required by law to provide all appropriate treatment to a patient unless
such a document can be produced. Providing us a copy before
the emergency and having one available on our arrival prevents confusion at a very painful
time.
This order does not mean that no care will be
provided - illness, injury, pain, difficulty breathing will be treated as always.
However, if the patient suffers cardiac arrest, CPR will not be performed.
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Wear Your Seat Belts
Wear your seat belts, and make sure your
children do also - they can save your life, and theirs. You may still be injured if
you wear one, but odds are you will stay in the car and be able to walk away.
If you don't wear one and are thrown out during an accident, you may NEVER walk.
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Living Wills and DNRs -
NOT THE SAME
A Living Will is generally prepared by an
individual when healthy to convey his health care wishes if in the future he
becomes incapacitated. It is usually invoked in a hospital setting, and generally
requires the concurrence of a stated number of doctors regarding the patient’s
condition and agreement that the Living Will’s requirements have been met. A
living will is typically not of use at an emergency scene.
Remember - we are not attorneys, and cannot take the time to
read and understand a lengthy legal document while a patient is in distress. We are
expected to immediately offer medical assistance if there is any doubt as to the
patient’s wishes. We will always act on the side of patient treatment
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TOPICS)
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