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Be Informed
Here are three key parts of being informed:
- Get Info - Learn the ways you would get information during a disaster or an emergency.
- Know Your Region - Learn about the disasters that may occur in your area.
- Action Steps - Learn first aid from the Eastern Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Learn about the available methods to obtain important information during a disaster, either from your local authorities or other services. These sources of information can include those listed here:
- Television
- Radio
- NOA Weather
- Printed Notices
- Telephone/Text Messaging
- Local Emergency Warning Systems
- Person to Person
Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area, and what to expect from them. If unsure call the Eastern Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross, for more information, (304) 725-5015.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, stay calm and follow these emergency action steps:
- Check the scene and check the person
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
- Care for the person based on the conditions you find
Before you can help an ill or injured person, first you must make sure the scene is safe for you and any bystanders. Look over the scene and try to answer these questions.
Check:
Check the scene for safety, to determine what happened, to find out how many people are involved, and to see if there are any bystanders who can help.
Check the person for what is wrong, especially any life threatening conditions.
Call:
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number for these life threatening and other serious emergencies
When your call is answered, you will be talking to an EMS call taker (or dispatcher) specially trained in dealing with emergencies over the phone. Focus on remaining calm so that you can give clear answers. No matter what, DO NOT hang up until the person at the other end tells you to do so.
The call taker will ask for your phone number and address and other key questions to determine whether you need police, fire, and/or EMS. It may seem that the call taker asks a lot of questions. Once EMS is on the way, the call taker may stay on the line with you. Many call takers are trained to give first aid instructions, so they can assist you with life saving techniques.
Care:
Once you have called 9-1-1, you may need to give care until EMS personnel arrive. If so, follow these guidelines. Now we will give you two examples of first aid events for which you can give care:
- Conscious choking for an adult victim
- Cardiac arrest for an adult victim, where CPR is needed
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