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EMERGENCY CARE
In certain situations, it may be necessary to administer first aid. Ideally, first-aid procedures should be performed by someone who has received formal training from the American Red Cross or some other reputable institution. If you do not have such training, contact your physician or call your local emergency medical service (EMS) by dialing 911 or your local emergency number. In life-threatening situations, however, you may not have time to call for outside assistance.
In cases of serious injury or sudden illness, you may need to begin first aid immediately and continue until help arrives.
Calling for Emergency Assistance
When calling for emergency assistance, be prepared to give exact details. Be clear and thorough, and do not panic. Never hang up until the dispatcher has all the information needed. Be ready to answer the following questions:
1. Where are you and the victim located? This is the most important information the EMS will need.
2. What is your phone number and name?
3. What has happened? Was there an accident, or is the victim ill?
4. How many people need help?
5. What is the nature of the emergency? What is the victim\'s apparent condition?
6. Are there any life-threatening situations that the EMS should know about (for example, fires, explosions, or fallen electrical lines)?
7. Is the victim wearing a medic-alert tag (a tag indicating a specific medical problem such as diabetes)?
Are You Liable?
According to the laws in most states, you are not required to administer first aid unless you have a special obligation to the victim. For example, parents must provide first aid for their children, and a lifeguard must provide aid to a swimmer.
Before administering first aid, you should obtain the victim\'s consent. If the victim refuses aid, you must respect that person\'s rights. However, you should make every reasonable effort to persuade the victim to accept your help. In emergency situations, consent is implied if the victim is unconscious.
Once you begin to administer first aid, you are required by law to continue. You must remain with the victim until someone of equal or greater competence takes over.
Can you be held liable if you fail to provide adequate care or if the victim is further injured? To help protect people who render first aid, most states have \"Good Samaritan\" laws. These laws grant immunity (protection from civil liability) if you act in good faith to provide care to the best of your ability, according to your level of training. Because these laws vary from state to state, you should become familiar with the Good Samaritan laws in your state.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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