A medical emergency is an injury or illness that is acute and poses an immediate threat to a person’s life or long-term health.
Call 911. While you wait for help to arrive, the following procedures may be of great help to the emergency responders, the patient and you:
Provide first aid according to your level of training.
Use precautions to prevent your exposure to bodily fluids.
Refrain from moving the patient unless it is absolutely necessary for safety reasons.
If you determine that the patient is unresponsive, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Perform hands-only CPR if not trained. For CPR training please visit the NIU Police and Public Safey website.
Stay calm and reassure the patient that help is on the way.
Make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Clear the area for emergency responders if possible.
If possible, identify any medication the patient is prescribed.
If someone is available and willing to help, ask them to meet the emergency responder and guide them to the patient.