“Without you, care is delayed” How bystanders can make a difference in an emergency

On Friday, the City of Houston Fire Department (HFD) and Mat-Su Borough Emergency Medical Services responded, along with Alaska State Troopers, to a report of a vehicle on the side of the road with an occupant who presented as possibly in medical distress.

Upon arrival, the first responders found a patient who was unconscious and unresponsive, requiring immediate intervention. The patient was transported without incident to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. According to responders, the patient had been there for an extended period of time.

The first responders were able to render emergency care on the scene and was transported in stable condition for further assessment and treatment.

The responders were able to make such a timely response, perhaps saving the victim’s life, because someone took a moment to show compassion and call 9-1-1.

“If someone hadn't called 9-1-1, the patient's condition would have continued to worsen,” said Houston Fire Chief Christian Hartley.

Houston Fire Department took to social media to thank the caller, who left before emergency vehicles arrived.

“We wanted to take a moment to thank the person who called 9-1-1 (who was already gone before our arrival) for saving this patient. Your actions activated the emergency response that was able to arrive in time to render aid. You saved this patient's life.”

For those who may have trepidation, or are unsure what assistance they can provide, the FEMA Community website lists 5 steps bystanders, or those nearest who may be best positioned to provide first care to follow.

First, make the call. In this day and age, it is easy to assume that someone else has made the call to 9-1-1, or that as a bystander making the call, it could overwhelm the system. Don’t assume someone else has already done so. The dispatch operators are highly trained to handle nearly every situation and are able to coach callers through life-threatening situations.

Second, maintain personal safety by taking a few seconds to look around and assess the situation. Use available senses-sight, smell, sounds, touch, and even taste- to determine if the scene is safe enough to render aid.

The next 3 steps should be done only if the scene is safe, and if bystanders are able to render assistance. If a victim is bleeding, FEMA advises to use best practices to apply direct pressure to slow down or stop bleeding.

Position the injured by laying the injured on their side, legs slightly bent, with bottom hand reached outward and head resting near hand. Raise the chin forward with mouth pointed downward to help the injured keep an open airway. Caution must be maintained, and if moving someone in a safe environment may cause more harm, leave them in the position they were found and provide comfort until help arrives.

Which leads to the final step, providing comfort. This can be done by simply talking to the injured. Exchange names and ask basic information. Try to remain calm and keep the injured calm. Keep them warm and perhaps offer a hand to hold.

FEMA provides more information and scenarios, along with links to other information that may be beneficial in preparedness.

"Early activation of 9-1-1 is essential to fast delivery is care and help. Minutes matter for medical emergencies," says Chief Hartley.

On the HFD Facebook page is written:

“Without you, care is delayed. Without you, a patient can lose hope. Without you, there is no fire department because we literally are made up of everyday people.”

For more information about FEMA Community Preparedness, please visit: www.community.fema.gov