If Not You… Who?

EMS stands for Emergency Medical Services

The EMS system is a network of:◦ Police◦ Fire fighters◦ Medical personnel

If Not You… Who?

Every citizen has a role in the EMS system, including 4 basic steps:

◦ Recognize◦ Decide◦ Call◦ Provide

If Not You… Who?

The following are the most common factors that influence a person’s response to an emergency situation:

◦ Presence of other people

◦ Uncertainty about the victim

◦ The type of injury or illness

◦ Fear of catching a disease

◦ Fear of doing something wrong

◦ ???

If Not You… Who?

A citizen responding to an emergency will be covered by the Good Samaritan Laws by:

◦ Acting the same as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same conditions

◦ Providing correct emergency care

If Not You… Who?

5 Practical things a rescuer would do to care for a victim in order to be covered by Good Samaritan Laws:◦ Move the victim if life is endangered◦ Ask a conscious victim for permission before

giving care◦ Check for life threatening emergencies before

giving care◦ Call for professional help◦ Continue care until more highly trained personnel

arrive

If Not You… Who?

The worst thing you can do in an emergency situation is:

NOTHING!

Your decision to act in an emergency should be guided by:◦ Your own values◦ Your knowledge

If Not You… Who?

Emergencies can happen regardless of attempts to prevent them

3 benefits of practicing first aid common sense:◦ Can be the difference between life and death◦ Can make the difference between complete

recovery and permanent disability◦ You will be better able to manage your fears and

overcome barriers to action

If Not You… Who?

Most importantly, every citizen needs to:

◦ Recognize emergency has occurred

◦ Call local emergency numbers

◦ Provide help until professional assistance arrives

If Not You… Who?