Did you know that there are more than 130 million visits to the emergency room each year in the United States of America? An emergency situation can happen anywhere and on any given day, so it’s vital that you’re prepared to handle life-threatening emergencies for yourself and those around you. Knowing to call 911 is a great start, but there are other things that you can do to stabilize the situation.
If you’re someone that can stay calm in high-stress situations then you’re going to have an easier time knowing what to do during an emergency. The good news is that you’ve found a great guide to learn some different tips that you can do when you find yourself in an emergency situation in your life.
Keep reading to stay prepared for emergencies today!
What Are the Most Common Emergencies?
Emergencies can pop up anywhere, but it’s a good idea to have a better picture of what you’re up against. Knowing the most common emergencies that happen each day will help you stay prepared and ready to identify when someone is in need of aid or an emergency room visit.
You should still get ready to call 911 if the emergency is severe, but your skills and the extent of the injuries will determine if you can do more in the situation. The biggest key is to remember to stay calm.
Bleeding
Bleeding is one of the most common emergency situations that you’ll encounter. The most common forms of bleeding are cuts and wounds, though internal bleeding is another severe issue to consider in the event of an accident. It’s good to remember that many cuts and wounds require nothing more than some basic first aid.
The biggest sign that you should call 911 is if you notice that the person is gushing blood and there is no way to stop the bleeding. You also need to consider an emergency room visit if the person has a foreign object deep in the wound as this could be difficult and dangerous to treat on the spot. Any time that you can see tissue or bone you should call an ambulance to get professionals there to provide aid as soon as possible.
Difficulties Breathing
Another emergency to keep your eyes out for is someone that is struggling to breathe due to an accident or a health complication. It’s possible that someone will suffer from breathlessness after a good run or exercise, but it might also happen from choking on food or an allergic reaction to something.
Try to stay calm if someone is having trouble breathing. Getting that person stressed out will result in them struggling for air even more. You’ll want to call 911 if you see someone having a difficult time breathing.
Epileptic Seizure
It’s also good to be ready for a life-threatening situation if you’re working with someone that has epilepsy. You’ll know that someone is having a seizure when they’re twitching or shaking uncontrollably. It’s also possible for people to have a seizure where they’re stuck looking off into space.
If you’re worried about someone in this state then you should ask them questions to find out if they’re okay. If they’re unresponsive then it could be a sign that they need medical attention. Avoid moving someone that is having a seizure if at all possible. Once the situation is under control it’s a good idea to call 911.
Heart Attack
One of the most common health issues that people face in the United States is heart attacks. You can learn the signs of a heart attack to ensure that you’re able to administer help to someone that is suffering from one until help arrives. Keep in mind that this is a life-threatening medical condition that requires help immediately.
This is an emergency situation that is more common with adults and seniors than it is with teenagers and kids. Chest pain is the biggest sign that someone is having a heart attack. Pain in the left arm and a noticeable lack of breath are other signs that the person is suffering from a heart attack.
You should also check to see if the person is sweating and try to determine if they’re lightheaded or anxious. It’s possible that the person that is suffering from a heart attack experiences it with a similar feeling to that of digestive issues.
Tips for an Emergency Situation
Now that you know some of the most common emergencies that you might encounter at some point in the future, it’s time to look at the things that you can do to ensure that you’re prepared. Good preparation is key to finding it in you to stay calm and handle the situation to the best of your abilities.
1. Prepare in Advance
One of the worst things that you can do in an emergency situation is to fail to prepare. Being proactive by learning new skills and healthcare knowledge will allow you to assist people that are in the midst of an emergency. If you’re prepared then you don’t need to worry about how you’ll react because you already have everything that you’ll need in order to help.
Stay calm and take some time to think about the things that you’ll need to help the situation. Next, check the resources that you have with you to make the situation better. Critical thinking will save lives during an emergency, and so will proper preparation.
2. Stay Calm
If you’re going to stabilize the situation in an emergency then it is essential that you stay calm throughout the events that unfold. Arguably the biggest thing that will help you stay alive during the emergency is your ability to remain calm rather than going into shock or starting to panic.
Another good step for emergency preparedness is to practice methods for keeping calm after a stressful experience. Breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to slow yourself down and take a full account of the situation. Look for time to practice breathing exercises so that you’ll have an easier time keeping a calm and cool mind.
3. Keep Emergency Supplies
It doesn’t matter if it’s your desk at work or your car when you’re out and about, it’s always a good idea to keep some emergency supplies with you. You never know when you’ll encounter a severe car accident, and it’s possible that no one will have first aid supplies to stabilize anyone that is injured.
The fact that you keep emergency first aid supplies in your car could save someone’s life someday. It’s always a great idea to have emergency supplies nearby and ready to go.
4. Learn New Skills
If you haven’t already, it’s a great idea to take a first aid course in your area. You can learn new skills about how to help people that are choking on food or others that have sustained burns or cuts. Knowing how to help someone that is suffering from a heart attack is vital when someone’s life is on the line.
CPR is a great skill to have under your belt, as is the Heimlich maneuver. You will have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to help people that are in the midst of emergency situations.
5. Use Empowerment
Odds are that other people at the scene of the emergency will have skills and strengths of their own. Helping injured people is difficult when you’re the only person that has skills and knowledge on how to help. Don’t be afraid to empower the people around you and give them instructions on how to help.
You should also remain open to their ideas for stabilizing the situation. It will allow everyone that is helping to feel like they’re working toward something bigger. The more talented people that you have helping the more likely you all are to save lives.
6. Practice Empathy
Expect people to experience different levels of distress after an emergency. Some people will cry or get angry over the stress caused by the accident while others will break down and have trouble helping. Odds are that everyone involved is scared of what is happening and how it is affecting themselves and those around them.
The best approach to handling an emergency situation is to practice empathy. People want to get help from others that can understand what they’re going through. Empathy is always the best option during an emergency.
Now You’re Prepared for an Emergency Situation
Having the right skills and knowledge is great when you encounter one of the common life-threatening emergencies in daily life. It’s good to practice empathy with the people around you and to stay calm as you get your bearings and determine what you can do to help in an emergency situation.
Don’t be afraid to empower people that are helping in an emergency situation, and do your best to prepare ahead of time. You never know when your car’s first aid kit will save the life of a stranger.
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