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- $Unique_ID{BRK05001}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What To Do First}
- $Subject{First Aid emergency medical services EMS telephone number numbers
- Address Addresses}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- What To Do First
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- EIGHT BASIC STEPS TO TAKE
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- Call out for someone to get help.
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- Check breathing...if stopped, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
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- Check for a pulse...if the heart is not beating, perform CPR.
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- Stop bleeding by applying pressure directly over the wound.
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- If something has been swallowed, ask the victim what it was.
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- Keep the victim warm to avoid shock...if necessary treat for shock.
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- Perform the Heimlich maneuver for choking.
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- Try to remain calm and keep the victim calm.
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- WHAT TO TELL THE DOCTOR OR PARAMEDICS
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- Exactly what has happened.
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- Any noticeable injuries, symptoms or signs.
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- When it occurred, or when symptoms or signs began.
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- If known, what medications have been taken.
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- If poisoning has occurred, what has been swallowed and when.
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- Where the victim is.
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- The phone number and address of your location.
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- Ask what else you can do to help.
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- BEING PREPARED
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- When you call for help, be prepared to give your name, the location, and
- the type of emergency.
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- Know what professional medical services are available in your community.
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- Know the route to the nearest hospital emergency room.
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- Know the location of your family's medical records, and be prepared to
- provide a history of the victim's medical history.
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- Carry insurance ID cards, Medicare or Medicaid cards with you at all
- times.
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- WHO TO CALL
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- In an emergency, making the right phone call can mean the difference
- between life and death. Here are some guidelines to help you decide who to
- call.
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- Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) if the victim:
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- Is not breathing or is having difficulty breathing.
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- Has no pulse.
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- Is unconscious or semi-conscious.
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- Is showing signs of shock.
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- Has a neck, back or may have a spinal injury.
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- Has a head injury.
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- Has a serious fracture or a possible broken bone.
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- Is bleeding severely, or passing or vomiting blood.
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- Is ill or injured and cannot be moved easily.
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- Has an injury or illness that is life or limb threatening.
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- Call the Poison Control Center if you know or suspect that the victim is
- exposed to poison by mouth, skin contact or breathing.
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- Call a Doctor if the victim:
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- Shows decreasing alertness
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- Has severe diarrhea or vomiting
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- Has a sudden rise in temperature or a persistent high fever
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- Is in great pain or is suffering persistent pain
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- Is dehydrated
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- Fill out the following form now, and print out the copies you need to keep
- these emergency telephone numbers by every phone in the house.
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- EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
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- Phone Number and Address of Location_________________________________________
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- _____________________________________________________________________________
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- Doctor's Number and Address__________________________________________________
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- _____________________________________________________________________________
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- Doctor's Number and Address__________________________________________________
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- _____________________________________________________________________________
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- Emergency Room_______________________________________________________________
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- Ambulance____________________________________________________________________
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- EMS__________________________________________________________________________
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- Poison Control Center________________________________________________________
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- Police Department____________________________________________________________
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- Fire Department______________________________________________________________
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- Neighborhood Pharmacy________________________________________________________
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- 24-Hour Pharmacy_____________________________________________________________
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- Electric Company_____________________________________________________________
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- Gas Company__________________________________________________________________
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- Parents At Work______________________________________________________________
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- _____________________________________________________________________________
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- Babysitter___________________________________________________________________
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- Neighbors____________________________________________________________________
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- _____________________________________________________________________________
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- _____________________________________________________________________________
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- Nearest Relative_____________________________________________________________
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- If you can't reach help, dial "0" for the Operator. Say it's an emergency,
- and provide your address and telephone number.
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- ----------------
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- This Section has been prepared as a quick-reference, but should in no way
- substitute for the extensive and professional training you should receive to
- be fully prepared for an emergency. We recommend you contact your local
- hospital or American Red Cross for comprehensive First Aid training and
- certification.
-