Event Medical Emergency Tips

Do you know what to do if a medical emergency occurs at one of Indivisible St. Johnsbury's rallies or events? While we always hope for the best, we do what we can to prepare for the worst. One of our trained medics provided these tips for steps to take in a medical emergency.

1. Ensure Safety:

Make sure the scene is safe for you and the injured person.
If the area is unsafe, move the injured person to a safer location if it is safe to do so.

2. Assess the Situation:

Check for responsiveness (call, shake, shout).
If unresponsive, check for breathing (look, listen, feel).
Assess for life-threatening conditions like severe bleeding.

3. Call for Help:

Contact on site medical team by radio, group chat, or direct text message
If you are alone, call for help and then return to the injured person.

4. Provide Basic First Aid:

Control bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and elevate the injured limb.
Treat for shock: Keep the person warm and elevate their legs.
Burns: Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water.
Head, neck, and spinal injuries: Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary.
Breathing difficulties: Allow the person to assume a position most comfortable for breathing (usually sitting up).
Positioning: If the person is unresponsive and breathing normally, place them in the recovery position.

5. Continue Care:

Stay with the injured person until professional help arrives.
Provide comfort and reassurance.
If the person is responsive and awake, ask about their symptoms and medical history (SAM: Symptoms, Allergies, Medications).