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:
- Stay calm and reassure the patient that help is on the way.
- Use precautions to prevent your exposure to bodily fluids.
- Provide first aid according to your level of training.
- 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.
- 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.