St John Ambulance Queensland is urging residents to be prepared for emergency situations across the holiday period, as the crucial minutes while waiting for an ambulance to arrive could make the difference between life and death.
In an emergency situation, the first thing people should do is call 000.
St John Ambulance Queensland Advanced First Aid Trainer Mark Richards said the first aid performed – whether it is performing CPR or treating a snake bite – while waiting for emergency services is extremely important and plays a key role in the survival of a patient.
“If someone you know, or even a complete stranger, became suddenly ill or injured, would you know what to do?” he said.
“The sad fact is people come face to face with these scenarios every day and many can’t act in the simplest of circumstances.
“It can be as simple as knowing how to tilt the head back to clear an airway, to more complex things like knowing the different treatments for various bites and stings.
“The most important thing you can do is to get yourself, your partner and your children trained in first aid – kids are never too young to learn and you never know when they could someday save your life.”
Learning first aid will give skills, knowledge and confidence to potentially save the life of someone who needs it.
Mr Richards recommends following the St John Ambulance DRSABCD Action Plan in an emergency:
DANGER – Ensure the area is safe for yourself, others and the patient. If possible, wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
RESPONSE – Check for a response by asking the patients name and squeezing their shoulders. If the patient is responsive, make them comfortable and monitor them. If there is no response:
SEND FOR HELP – Call 000 for an ambulance, or ask another person to make the call. Wait with the patient until the ambulance arrives.
AIRWAY – If the patient is unconscious, open their mouth and check for foreign material. If present, roll and place the patient into the recovery position and open mouth to clear the airway with your fingers.
BREATHING – Check for breathing – look, listen and feel. If your patient is breathing leave them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing until help arrives. If they are breathing, gently examine them overall, try to find a cause for their collapse. If they are not breathing, you will need to begin CPR.
CPR – Start CPR – 30 chest compressions and two breaths. Continue CPR until help arrives or the patient starts to breath.
DEFIBRILLATION – Apply defibrillator if available and follow voice prompts.
These first aid tips are not a substitute for first aid training.
For first aid course information, visit www.stjohnqld.com.au or call 1300 ST JOHN (1300 78 5646).
