MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
First Aid is the medical aid rendered at a crime or accident scene by a citizen or first
responder. The procedures given here are the basic steps for rendering first aid. A
more detailed description of first aid will be given in Unit 10. When coming across an
accident victim the following procedures must be taken:
1. Render First Aid.
2. Get medical help ASAP.
3. Be prepared to transport if necessary.
4. Know the appropriate agency to notify.
Getting immediate medical attention can take several forms. Some plants designate a
specific
employee who is trained in first aid. There will be one or more of these employees
assigned to each shift to render the immediate medical attention. Other plants retain a
resident nurse on all shifts. Some plants even retain a physician. In some cases, the
security officer must be trained to render the immediate first aid attention. Determine
the specific procedure for your site and be sure to know in advance what to do in the
event of an accident.
In general, a person involved in an industrial accident will go into shock (see
section on first aid). He or she may not be fully able to talk or think rationally. Never
discuss the extent of the injury with the person involved as you may cause further
problems. Instead, be calm and reassuring. Be helpful and comforting. Always treat
for shock if you are the first person to see the injured person. Getting the person
transported to a medical facility is a matter that you should be thoroughly familiar
with from your post emergency procedures. In general, don't allow an injured person
to drive himself to a medical facility. Remember, he or she is apt to be in shock and
could become involved in a traffic accident because of the shock condition. If there is
no other way, a taxi can be used. Most plants designate a specific ambulance service
to be called to transport injured people to medical facilities. If this is the case at your
facility, keep the phone number with you at all times with your other emergency
numbers. Of course, you can always call the police or sheriff's department and ask for
an ambulance. The law enforcement agencies will provide for transportation by
calling and ambulance service. The important thing to remember is to follow your
post order procedure. If there is no post order procedure, then follow the principles
outlined here. About rendering first aid, you should not do so unless you have been
properly trained. You must obtain a Red Cross First Aid card if you plan to remain a
professional security officer. It's really your professional obligation to do so. Each
emergency may present major problems that would be difficult to plan for. You must
keep calm, seek emergency assistance and remember your primary concern is to
protect life and property.
Basic First Aid
Step 1 Recognize Medical Emergency
A. Choking -- Breathing Difficulty
B. Severe Bleeding
C. Heart Attack
D. Poisoning
E. Serious Industrial Accident - burns etc.
Step 2 Number to call - 911
,Step 3 Know What to Say
Information You May Need to Provide When Calling EMS
Calling Party
• Our name
• Call back telephone number
Nature of the Emergency
• Extent of injuries and/or type of illness
• Number of patients
Location
• Location and grid coordinates
• Provide large landmarks if possible
PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF INJURY
Because of the liability involved, contract security personnel should refrain from
rendering first aid unless the situation dictates that it is absolutely necessary. If
arrangements are made with the client to supply personnel with first aid training,
special training is then required of Security Officers assigned. You must
use the greatest care and refrain from any practices that would (1) jeopardize the well-
being of an injured person or (2) increase the company's liability.
It is usually against company procedures to transport an injured person in your private
vehicle or a company vehicle. If the injury is minor, assist by calling a taxi to take the
injured person to the posted medical treatment center. In all cases first determine the
proper response as specified in the Post Orders.
EMERGENCY ACTION PRINCIPLES
1. Survey the scene, is it safe?
2. Do a primary survey. Check for unresponsiveness, then A B C.
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
3. Call for emergency medical assistance
4. Do a secondary survey
Interview
Vital signs
Head-To-Toe Assessments
Determine, as clearly as possible, the extent of injuries.
Determine what type of treatment is needed.
Document injuries
Conduct on all victims, even those that are awake.
Conduct your head-to-toe assessment systematically, checking body parts from the
top to the bottom in the following order:
1. Head
2. Neck
3. Shoulders
4. Chest
5. Arms
6. Abdomen
, 7. Pelvis
8. Legs
9. Back
Use verbal skills if patient is able to speak. Ask about any injuries, pain, bleeding, or
other symptoms. Try
to reduce anxiety. Use hands on after permission from victim; the victim has the right
to refuse treatment.
Pay careful attention. Look, listen and feel for anything unusual. Try to determine the
mechanism of injury.
(How the victim got hurt).
Watch for signs of shock, airway obstructions, labored, shallow, or difficulty
breathing.
Watch for excessive bleeding, bruising, swelling, severe pain, disfigurement.
Check your own hands periodically during the assessment for bleeding on
your gloves.
Step 1 Recognize Medical Emergency
Choking -- Breathing Difficulty
Severe Bleeding
Heart Attack
Poisoning
Serious Industrial Accident - burns etc.
Step 2 Number to call - 911
Step 3 Know What to Say
State calmly, " This is a medical emergency "
State calmly, " I need an ambulance at_______________ "
State calmly, “Our name, location of the victim, nearest crossroad, number
you are calling from.”
DO NOT HANG UP!! FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS!!
Step 4 Know What to Do
A. Contact additional help if the situation dictates and it is possible to do so.
B. Remain with the victim until help arrives.
C. Unless necessary, do not move the victim (fire, immediate danger)
D. Keep the victim warm and comfortable.
E. Practice first aid only if you have the ability and then only to the extent that
the emergency dictates, severe bleeding, stoppage of breathing, shock.
F. Contact your Supervisor as soon as possible.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
SHOCK
In almost every case of injury, there is some degree of shock. Often the victim feels
weak and wants to sit or lie down. Sometimes, he or she becomes nauseous. When
found in such a condition, the victim is usually described as being shaken-up.
Actually he or she is suffering from shock. Shock is defined as "a state of depression
of the vital processes of the body, which occurs as a result of wounds, crushing
injuries, blows inflicting pain, burns, poisoning and other similar injuries." The
severity of shock may vary from merely a moment's weakness to death. It is important
to remember that the condition of shock may be more dangerous to the victim than the
injury, which caused it. In most instances, the condition of shock can be recognized
by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pale face
, - Cold, clammy skin
- Perspiration on the forehead and palms of the hands
- Weak but a rapid pulse
- Shallow and irregular breathing
-Nausea
- Fright or apprehension on the part of the victim
When administering first aid to a seriously injured person, always treat for shock even
if the symptoms are not apparent.
The proper treatment for shock is:
- keep the patient lying down with his head lower than his feet (except in the event of
a head injury)
- Stop bleeding
- Keep patient warm, but not sweating
- Send for medical aid
- Give small amounts of water if the patient is thirsty. Do not give the water if the
patient is nauseated, unconscious or has a penetrating abdominal wound. In review,
remember these two important points:
a. Shock can cause death
b. Always treat a seriously injured person for shock.
CHOKING
If the person is choking but can breathe, speak or cough, DO NOT interfere with the
person unless the choking continues without lessening. In that case, call immediately
for emergency medical help. If the person is choking and CANNOT breathe, speak or
cough, have someone call immediately for emergency help while you:
1) If the person is conscious:
A) Ask if the person wants your assistance. Officers will state their Red Cross
Certification
before performing any first aid procedure.
B) Position yourself behind the person wrapping your arms around his middle
just above the
navel. Make a double fist with your hands and press in and up quickly, several
times.
Repeat this action several times.
2) If the person is unconscious:
A Place person on floor and begin artificial respiration. If the person does not
seem to be getting air in this manner,
B Place the person on his back. Place one hand over the other with the heel of
the bottom hand placed slightly above the navel and below the rib cage. Press
into the person's abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat four times as
needed. Then,
C Clear the person's air passage by holding his mouth open while using your
thumb to depress his tongue.
D Use your index finger to reach into his throat and feel for a foreign object,
which might be blocking his air passage. Repeat all of # 2, above, if necessary.
PERSON WHO IS UNCONSCIOUS
Before assisting someone, who is unconscious, check around the person to see if there
may be any external reason for his condition (electrical current, for example - if so,
shutoff electricity).
First Aid is the medical aid rendered at a crime or accident scene by a citizen or first
responder. The procedures given here are the basic steps for rendering first aid. A
more detailed description of first aid will be given in Unit 10. When coming across an
accident victim the following procedures must be taken:
1. Render First Aid.
2. Get medical help ASAP.
3. Be prepared to transport if necessary.
4. Know the appropriate agency to notify.
Getting immediate medical attention can take several forms. Some plants designate a
specific
employee who is trained in first aid. There will be one or more of these employees
assigned to each shift to render the immediate medical attention. Other plants retain a
resident nurse on all shifts. Some plants even retain a physician. In some cases, the
security officer must be trained to render the immediate first aid attention. Determine
the specific procedure for your site and be sure to know in advance what to do in the
event of an accident.
In general, a person involved in an industrial accident will go into shock (see
section on first aid). He or she may not be fully able to talk or think rationally. Never
discuss the extent of the injury with the person involved as you may cause further
problems. Instead, be calm and reassuring. Be helpful and comforting. Always treat
for shock if you are the first person to see the injured person. Getting the person
transported to a medical facility is a matter that you should be thoroughly familiar
with from your post emergency procedures. In general, don't allow an injured person
to drive himself to a medical facility. Remember, he or she is apt to be in shock and
could become involved in a traffic accident because of the shock condition. If there is
no other way, a taxi can be used. Most plants designate a specific ambulance service
to be called to transport injured people to medical facilities. If this is the case at your
facility, keep the phone number with you at all times with your other emergency
numbers. Of course, you can always call the police or sheriff's department and ask for
an ambulance. The law enforcement agencies will provide for transportation by
calling and ambulance service. The important thing to remember is to follow your
post order procedure. If there is no post order procedure, then follow the principles
outlined here. About rendering first aid, you should not do so unless you have been
properly trained. You must obtain a Red Cross First Aid card if you plan to remain a
professional security officer. It's really your professional obligation to do so. Each
emergency may present major problems that would be difficult to plan for. You must
keep calm, seek emergency assistance and remember your primary concern is to
protect life and property.
Basic First Aid
Step 1 Recognize Medical Emergency
A. Choking -- Breathing Difficulty
B. Severe Bleeding
C. Heart Attack
D. Poisoning
E. Serious Industrial Accident - burns etc.
Step 2 Number to call - 911
,Step 3 Know What to Say
Information You May Need to Provide When Calling EMS
Calling Party
• Our name
• Call back telephone number
Nature of the Emergency
• Extent of injuries and/or type of illness
• Number of patients
Location
• Location and grid coordinates
• Provide large landmarks if possible
PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF INJURY
Because of the liability involved, contract security personnel should refrain from
rendering first aid unless the situation dictates that it is absolutely necessary. If
arrangements are made with the client to supply personnel with first aid training,
special training is then required of Security Officers assigned. You must
use the greatest care and refrain from any practices that would (1) jeopardize the well-
being of an injured person or (2) increase the company's liability.
It is usually against company procedures to transport an injured person in your private
vehicle or a company vehicle. If the injury is minor, assist by calling a taxi to take the
injured person to the posted medical treatment center. In all cases first determine the
proper response as specified in the Post Orders.
EMERGENCY ACTION PRINCIPLES
1. Survey the scene, is it safe?
2. Do a primary survey. Check for unresponsiveness, then A B C.
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
3. Call for emergency medical assistance
4. Do a secondary survey
Interview
Vital signs
Head-To-Toe Assessments
Determine, as clearly as possible, the extent of injuries.
Determine what type of treatment is needed.
Document injuries
Conduct on all victims, even those that are awake.
Conduct your head-to-toe assessment systematically, checking body parts from the
top to the bottom in the following order:
1. Head
2. Neck
3. Shoulders
4. Chest
5. Arms
6. Abdomen
, 7. Pelvis
8. Legs
9. Back
Use verbal skills if patient is able to speak. Ask about any injuries, pain, bleeding, or
other symptoms. Try
to reduce anxiety. Use hands on after permission from victim; the victim has the right
to refuse treatment.
Pay careful attention. Look, listen and feel for anything unusual. Try to determine the
mechanism of injury.
(How the victim got hurt).
Watch for signs of shock, airway obstructions, labored, shallow, or difficulty
breathing.
Watch for excessive bleeding, bruising, swelling, severe pain, disfigurement.
Check your own hands periodically during the assessment for bleeding on
your gloves.
Step 1 Recognize Medical Emergency
Choking -- Breathing Difficulty
Severe Bleeding
Heart Attack
Poisoning
Serious Industrial Accident - burns etc.
Step 2 Number to call - 911
Step 3 Know What to Say
State calmly, " This is a medical emergency "
State calmly, " I need an ambulance at_______________ "
State calmly, “Our name, location of the victim, nearest crossroad, number
you are calling from.”
DO NOT HANG UP!! FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS!!
Step 4 Know What to Do
A. Contact additional help if the situation dictates and it is possible to do so.
B. Remain with the victim until help arrives.
C. Unless necessary, do not move the victim (fire, immediate danger)
D. Keep the victim warm and comfortable.
E. Practice first aid only if you have the ability and then only to the extent that
the emergency dictates, severe bleeding, stoppage of breathing, shock.
F. Contact your Supervisor as soon as possible.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
SHOCK
In almost every case of injury, there is some degree of shock. Often the victim feels
weak and wants to sit or lie down. Sometimes, he or she becomes nauseous. When
found in such a condition, the victim is usually described as being shaken-up.
Actually he or she is suffering from shock. Shock is defined as "a state of depression
of the vital processes of the body, which occurs as a result of wounds, crushing
injuries, blows inflicting pain, burns, poisoning and other similar injuries." The
severity of shock may vary from merely a moment's weakness to death. It is important
to remember that the condition of shock may be more dangerous to the victim than the
injury, which caused it. In most instances, the condition of shock can be recognized
by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pale face
, - Cold, clammy skin
- Perspiration on the forehead and palms of the hands
- Weak but a rapid pulse
- Shallow and irregular breathing
-Nausea
- Fright or apprehension on the part of the victim
When administering first aid to a seriously injured person, always treat for shock even
if the symptoms are not apparent.
The proper treatment for shock is:
- keep the patient lying down with his head lower than his feet (except in the event of
a head injury)
- Stop bleeding
- Keep patient warm, but not sweating
- Send for medical aid
- Give small amounts of water if the patient is thirsty. Do not give the water if the
patient is nauseated, unconscious or has a penetrating abdominal wound. In review,
remember these two important points:
a. Shock can cause death
b. Always treat a seriously injured person for shock.
CHOKING
If the person is choking but can breathe, speak or cough, DO NOT interfere with the
person unless the choking continues without lessening. In that case, call immediately
for emergency medical help. If the person is choking and CANNOT breathe, speak or
cough, have someone call immediately for emergency help while you:
1) If the person is conscious:
A) Ask if the person wants your assistance. Officers will state their Red Cross
Certification
before performing any first aid procedure.
B) Position yourself behind the person wrapping your arms around his middle
just above the
navel. Make a double fist with your hands and press in and up quickly, several
times.
Repeat this action several times.
2) If the person is unconscious:
A Place person on floor and begin artificial respiration. If the person does not
seem to be getting air in this manner,
B Place the person on his back. Place one hand over the other with the heel of
the bottom hand placed slightly above the navel and below the rib cage. Press
into the person's abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat four times as
needed. Then,
C Clear the person's air passage by holding his mouth open while using your
thumb to depress his tongue.
D Use your index finger to reach into his throat and feel for a foreign object,
which might be blocking his air passage. Repeat all of # 2, above, if necessary.
PERSON WHO IS UNCONSCIOUS
Before assisting someone, who is unconscious, check around the person to see if there
may be any external reason for his condition (electrical current, for example - if so,
shutoff electricity).
