First Aid Level 1: Methods of Safeguarding the Emergency Scene

When you recognise an emergency, you must be prepared to take immediate action, preferably with an overall plan in mind. This plan must be one that occurs automatically. It should consist of basic steps that will help to establish control of the emergency scene. You must prepare yourself emotionally. Your own self-control may help to reduce the level of stress at the emergency scene.

The assessing and management of an emergency is the assessing of the scene, contacting of the EMRS and treatment of the patient (s).

On arrival first aiders should follow the procedure below:

Procedures	On arrival first aiders should follow the procedure below:
Step	Action
1.	Take charge of the situation
2.	Call to attract the attention of bystanders
3.	Assess hazards by establishing cause of accidents and secondary causes of the result of the accident
4.	Identify yourself as a first aider and offer help
5.	Before attending to the victim of any emergency, you must first survey the scene to ensure your safety
6	Then, do a primary survey of the patient
7.	After checking the victim, call the Emergency Services, giving them a description of the emergency situation as well as the location of the scene
8.	After calling the Emergency Services, provide appropriate care based on your primary survey of the victim until Emergency Services or other advanced medical personnel arrives and takes over

Primary Examination

The primary examination is done to determine any hazards at the scene and whether the patient(s) is has life threatening injuries/ conditions (i.e. Responsiveness and alive (breathing & pulse).

Assess Hazzards

Assess the emergency scene for safety. Is it safe to approach the patient(s)? The safety of a scene must always be taken into account before entering the scene to minimise the risk to the first aider, the casualty and the bystanders

Alerting the EMRS

When should I call EMRS?

Respiratory Distress Signals:

Call EMRS if patient:

Breathing irregular
Wheezing, gurgling or making high-pitched noises when breathing
Short of breath, dizzy or light-headed
Suffering from chest pain, pr tingling sensation in extremities
Flushed, bluish in appearance or pale
CALL EMRS.

Is or becomes unconscious
Has chest pain or pressure
Has difficulty breathing
Is bleeding severely
Has pain or pressure in the abdomen
Is passing or vomiting blood
Has slurred speech, severe headaches or seizures (fitting)
Has a head, neck or back injury
Has possible broken bones
Has been poisoned.

Once you have assessed the scene and patient and decided that you require the EMRS, this information must be passed on to the EMRS accurately. This enables them to respond quickly and efficiently with the correct equipment and manpower.

What number do I use?

Know the EMRS emergency numbers:

Local EMRS ................................................. 10177 (Telkom) / 112 (Cell phone)

BLS Medical.................................................. 086 1178 243

NetCare 911.................................................. 082 911

ER24 ............................................................ 084 124

SAPS ............................................................ 10111

WHAT DO I TELL THEM?

Give the nature of the incident/ illness ‑ when, who, how and give any complications.
State your name & telephone number.
Give the exact address/ location (use crossroads & landmarks).
Give associated problems (fuel spillage, HAZMAT).
Ask the EMRS operator's name.
Answer any questions the EMRS operator may have and follow any instructions given by the EMRS operator.
Put hand set down after the EMRS operator.

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