dps: MCEMS - Save A Life

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Learn To Save A Life
 
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a system designed to provide medical care at the scene of an emergency, during transport to a health care facility and, at the emergency department of a hospital. It is a unique system made up of dispatchers, ambulance attendants, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses and physicians.

Everyone, however, needs to know how to react in an emergency- especially when someone's life is in danger. You may not know it, but you are a vital link to the EMS system.

What to Do in a Medical Emergency:
Be prepared. Medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. The first few minutes of a medical emergency can be critical to the survival of the patient.

Learn These Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Recognize the Following as Medical Emergencies:
 
  • Unconsciousness
  • Drowning
  • Severe bleeding
  • Poisoning/Overdose
  • Seizures
  • Injury resulting from a fall
These and similar situations require immediate attention. It is important, however, not to abuse the system by calling unnecessarily. When in doubt, call 9­1­1.
When Calling for Help:
  • Do not panic.
  • Be prepared to answer the dispatcher's questions.
  • Speak clearly and slowly.
What to Say: Give the dispatcher your name and the address and phone number from where the call is being made. Remember, stay calm when talking with the dispatcher. It takes less time for the dispatcher to gather information from a calm caller.
  • Describe what has happened (motor vehicle accident, fire).
  • How long ago did the incident occur?
  • How many people are involved?
  • Is anyone in any immediate danger?

Where Are You?
  • Give the exact location of the emergency.
  • Include the street address and a building number.
  • Indicate the nearest landmark.
What Else Can You Do?
  • Post a list of all emergency telephone numbers (poison control centers, hospitals, physicians) on all phones in your home.
    Place a set of descriptive directions to your home alongside the emergency numbers.
  • Be certain your children know how to dial for help in the event of an emergency.
    Make certain your house numbers are posted clearly so the ambulance can easily find you.
  • Know how to begin basic life support techniques until professional help arrives. Courses in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and Basic First Aid are offered by your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
    If possible, have someone meet the ambulance.
  • Leaving on the porch light, even during the day, assists the ambulance in finding the correct location.

    In the event of a medical emergency, call the ambulance first before calling your physician.

    Help us help you.