Keep Your Emergency Priorities In Place

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." That expression often applies in an emergency situation, when well-meaning individuals fail to do the correct things.

Before you worry about treating any casualties, the first priority is to assess and secure the accident scene and prevent anyone else (especially you) from getting hurt. Whether it's a confined space incident or a motor vehicle collision, you can help a victim most by staying calm and following a few basic first aid steps:

• Shut off equipment and check for other hazards, such as downed power lines, escaping gases, flowing water, falling objects and violent people.
• Shout for help, but don’t wait for a response.
• Tend to the victim(s) if you can do so safely.
• Check airway first. Is the victim breathing? Ask if he or she is OK. Ask for a deep breath.
• If no verbal response is given, and the victim is not breathing, check mouth and throat for blockages. If this does not help, begin CPR.

Remember, being first on the scene of an accident means keeping a cool head, looking out for your own safety and then taking appropriate action to assist victims.