When it comes to your health or the health of a friend or somebody in your family, it is often very obvious if the person is seriously ill and needs immediate emergency care. An emergency is A CRITICAL OR LIFE THREATENING SITIUATION, it is hard to distinguish between what is and isn't an emergency. Below are some examples of what an emergency would consist of:
Unconsciousness
Heavy Bleeding
Suspected Broken Bones
Suspected Heart Attack
Difficulty in breathing
Head Injury
If you are ever in any doubt it is BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY! If you are in any doubt ring NHS DIRECT 0845 46 47.
How can you help somebody in an emergency?
The way to help a person very often depends on what is wrong with them. Sometimes the quickest way to help is to take the person to the nearest accident and emergency department. This will vary from area to area as it does depend on how close your local hospital is. However, even in an area where your hospital is fairly close, you should call and ambulance and not move the patient if:
You think they may have hurt their back or neck, or may have any other injury that may be made worse by moving them.
The person is in shock and needs your constant attention; or
The person has severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
This web site offers you basic information and tips on how to help somebody in an emergency situation. If you would like to learn more and gain valuable experience on how to help somebody in an emergency then contact the St Johns Ambulance, you can book a first aid course and learn how to SAVE A LIFE! www.sja.org.uk
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