Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - North Mississippi - (Page 49)

EMErgEnCy D If the unthinkable happened, would you be prepared? In Case of Make the Call—Calmly When you or a loved one suffers a life-threatening medical emergency or injury, you know to call 911. Here are some tips for when you have to make that critical call. • take a deep breath and collect yourself. • Dial 911. • ask the operator for an ambulance. • Give them your location and the number of the phone you are calling from, if you know it. if you are in a public place, give the operator the nearest intersection or landmark. • tell them your name, the injured person’s name and why you need an ambulance. Relate as much medical history as you know. isaster can strike anytime, anywhere. However, you can be prepared to manage a medical emergency if you know what to do. Reacting efficiently and effectively in a life-threatening situation can make all the difference. Don’t Hesitate to Call If you are in a medical emergency, the ability to call an ambulance is not just a useful skill but could save a life. One of the first steps is calling for help. But that’s not the only step. “Call 911 for all emergency requests,” explains Josh Wenzel, director of Pre-Hospital Services at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. “Even though we are part of the hospital, 911 is the best, fastest way to get an ambulance.” Calling 911 is stressful and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 911 call-takers are trained to guide callers through the experience, but knowing what to expect helps make the 911 call go smoothly and get emergency help where and when it is needed. “When calling 911, attempt to stay calm and give the dispatcher answers to questions in a full but concise manner,” says Todd Shettles, director of Emergency Medical Services at NMMC–Eupora. “Always stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. If calling from a cell phone, make sure to give the number you’re calling from. If calling from a house phone and the patient is outside, make sure someone stays close to the phone in case additional information is needed.” Wenzel says 911 callers should be ready to answer a series of questions about the situation. Help is on tHe Way “Even though they are asking these questions, many times the ambulance has already been sent,” Wenzel says. “These questions are to provide responders with more information, get more resources if needed and potentially allow the caller to receive instructions to provide care until the ambulance arrives.” Shettles and Wenzel stress the importance of having a home address clearly posted to help emergency personnel locate it. “House numbers should be at the end of the road, preferably on a mailbox,” says Wenzel. “They shouldn’t be obstructed by decoration or vegetation. If a mailbox is not available, they should be easily seen on the residence by the door.” “Large reflective numbers that can be clearly seen from the road are best. If you have your numbers posted on your house, lighting and placement are important,” Shettles adds. “Each county 911 agency has a rule on the placement of house numbering, so check with your local 911 agency for that information.” To aid the emergency medical personnel coming to the scene, outside pets should be contained before the ambulance’s arrival. “Unblocked access to the home is something we need,” he says. “It’s one thing to be able to walk into a home. It is much different to take an ambulance stretcher into one.” In preparation for the medical personnel’s arrival, gather all medications and medical information including any alerts, bracelets, etc. When a medical emergency strikes your household, things can become chaotic very quickly. Understanding what to do when one occurs may make the difference between life and death. Vim & Vigor • S UM MER 2011 49

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Through Thick and Thin
Power and Possibilities
Girl Talk
Say What?
Action Plan
Like This? Try That
George Clooney
A Day in the Life of Your Heart
Unexpected Heroes
Unexpected Heroes
Get in Gear
Get in Gear
A Real Lifesaver
A Real Lifesaver
In Case of Emergency
In Case of Emergency
Heal Better
Heal Better
Back to Bed
Back to Bed
The Clinic at Walmart
The Clinic at Walmart
Top Notch
Top Notch
Catch the Spirit
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2011 - North Mississippi