Responding to Medical

Emergencies

University of New England Emergency Medical Services

Scene Safety• Your personal safety always comes first even in

an emergency• Never go into danger to help a potential patient• Some dangerous scenes include:

o A combative persono Fireo Motor vehicle accidentso An emergency in open watero Down electrical lineso The presence of any weapons

• Always call security in any of these situations • If you find yourself in any danger, leave the scene

and call for help

When should you call for help?

• Unconscious person• Difficulty breathing• Chest pain• Alcohol or drug

overdose• Diabetic Emergencies• Attempt of suicide• Possible head, neck or

spine injuries• Possible fractures or

dislocations

• Choking• Severe burns• Allergic reactions• Profuse bleeding• Extreme pain • Seizures• Electrocution• Signs of stroke• Any time you are

unsure of what to do

How to Call for Help• Switch your radio to channel 1 for Security

o If you do not have a radio, use a hallway phone and call 3-6-6o If you are not in a building, use your cell phone to call 207-283-0176

• Request EMS • State:

o Where you are locatedo The nature of the callo How many patients there areo If there are any hazards on the scene (including combative patient)o A way to call back e.g. radio channel, cell phone number

*Never delay calling for help for a medical emergency for ANY reason!*

What to Do While You Are Waiting

• Stay with the patient • Reassure them that help is on the way• Never allow them to eat or drink• If they have a possible fracture or spinal injury, do

not allow them to move• Try to keep your patient as calm as possible• Do everything possible to keep other residents

from entering the scene

When EMS arrives• Give them the whole story of what happened

o Even if a patient has told you something in confidence, it is important that you tell the EMTs EVERYTHING in order to provide proper patient care.

o Laws are in place that do not permit healthcare professionals to disclose patient information to anyone unless they are in charge of patient care.

• Allow for the EMTs to talk to the patient to gain more information

• Make sure that all residents stay in their rooms to maintain patient privacy

• A staff member from Res Ed and Housing must be present in the room at all times.

Alcohol Intoxication• Alcohol intoxication can vary depending on how

much alcohol was consumed• Signs of severe intoxication include:

o Vomitingo Slurred speecho Loss of balanceo Cognitive impairment o Loss of consciousnesso Decreased respirationso Cool, clammy skin

• Do not allow the person to sleep or close their eyes.o Keep talking to them until EMS arrives

• Be cautious in dealing with intoxicated students because their mood can change abruptlyo Always treat any person needing medical assistance with the utmost

respect

Drug Overdose• Each drug is unique in how it affects the

body• Call EMS immediately for any suspected

drug overdoses• Be cautious that drugs can cause a

person’s behavior to change quicklyo Always speak to them slowly with a calm voiceo Once again, treat any persons needing medical

attention with the utmost respect

• Each drug causes different symptoms when an overdose occurso Stimulants cause an increased amount of energy which

can be erratic and unpredictableo Depressants can cause a person to lose consciousness

with difficulty breathing

Suicide Attempts• Anyone who has attempted to harm themselves

needs greater care than can be given by housing staff

• EMS will maintain any injuries and will call for Biddeford Fire Rescue to transport the patient to the most appropriate facility

• Never let the patient leave your sight even when calling security for EMS

Severe Bleeding• Anyone with gushing or spurting blood or

bleeding that cannot be controlled needs medical assistance immediately

• Have the patient hold something over the bleeding area e.g. paper towels, a clean towel, a clean article of clothingo Pressure must be put on the area to try and stop the flow of blood

Falls• Do not move a fall victim if they are in pain• Call EMS if the patient experiences:

o Head, neck or back paino Nausea or vomitingo Bruising around the eyes or earso Nosebleedso Loss of consciousnesso Altered mental statuso Loss of sensation to any part of the bodyo Inability to move

• Also call EMS if the person may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol as this can hide signs and symptoms of head, neck or back trauma.

Questions• If you have any questions about the University of

New England EMS or any content inside this slide show, please feel free to contact one of the chiefs.o Eric Senneville esenneville@une.eduo Lauren McCue lmccue@une.edu