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During an emergency, our actions in the crucial moments before public emergency services help arrive can mean the difference between life and death.

Sometimes, we unexpectedly find ourselves the first person at the scene of a crisis—and it happens more often than we’d like to believe.

According to the American Heart Association, about 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home. In nearly 46% of those instances, a friend or family member is the one who steps in to perform CPR before emergency services arrive.

The American Red Cross points out that giving first aid quickly at the scene of a car accident can reduce the risk of death by up to 20% for those with severe injuries.

FEMA also notes that in the hours immediately following a disaster, like a fire, 90% of rescues are done by local community members. This often happens because professional responders are delayed by the scale of the emergency or challenges in reaching affected areas.

Here’s What To Do In An Emergency

Being the first person at the scene of any emergency can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel unsure of what to do, but doing something to help is always better than doing nothing at all. Read on to learn about five safety tips before emergency services arrive.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Take a deep breath. Give yourself a moment or two to gather your thoughts. Once you feel a bit calmer, look around to assess the situation. Is there a fire? Are there any electrical hazards or gas leaks? Is anyone injured?

2. Get Help from Emergency Services

By using the iER App, you can easily ensure emergency services are alerted and dispatched. During the call, be as clear and specific as possible. Let the dispatcher know if anyone is injured and how serious the situation is. The more details you can give, the faster they’ll be able to send the right help—whether it’s firefighters, paramedics, police, traffic department, or sea rescue.

3. Remove Yourself and Others from Immediate Danger

Once you’ve assessed the situation and the right emergency service provider is on their way, your next priority is safety—your own and that of others. In the case of fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends evacuating immediately (a fire can double in size every 30 seconds).

When it comes to road accidents involving pedestrians, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises moving injured individuals to a safer area, away from traffic. However, it’s essential to avoid moving anyone if you think they may have head, neck, or spinal injuries, as this could cause further harm.

4. Administer Basic First Aid

Anyone can administer basic first aid. If you need help with what to do, iER have trained advisors who can provide instructions over the phone until help arrives.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

 If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR immediately. Click here for a step-by-step video on how to perform CPR.

Stop Bleeding

 Press firmly on the wound with a bandage if the person is bleeding. If you don’t have a first aid kit, use clothing or any clean fabric to apply pressure.

Burns

 Run cool (but not cold) water over the affected area for minor burns for 10-20 minutes. Do not apply ice, butter, or oil, as these can worsen the injury.

Choking

 The Heimlich manoeuvre can dislodge an object blocking a person’s airway. To perform the Heimlich:

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel, thumb side in.
3. Grasp your fist with your other hand.
4. Quickly and firmly pull inward and upward in a “J” motion to force air from the lungs, which may dislodge the object.
5. Repeat until the object is expelled or the person can breathe.

Use back blows and chest thrusts instead of abdominal for infants and young thrusts. If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR.

5. Make the Area accessible for Emergency Responders

It’s essential to ensure the emergency service can reach you without obstacles. To ensure access:

Unlock Doors and Gates: If an emergency happens inside a building or behind a locked gate, unlock and open these for the responders. Send someone outside to wave them down.

Light it Up: At night, turning on outdoor lights can help responders locate you quickly. If you’re in a crowded area, like a concert or sporting event, try waving something bright (like a cellphone torch) to catch their attention and show them exactly where to go.

Help Them Find You: If you’re in a large building or complex, be ready to give clear directions, such as which floor or room you’re in. In rural areas or areas that have poor road signage, pointing out nearby landmarks can help emergency services locate you more quickly.

Stay Safe While Waiting: Even after you’ve taken these steps, you need to stay alert. The situation can change fast, and new risks might arise. Keep in contact with the emergency operator, and stay on the line to get updates on how close they are and any further instructions they may have.

Remember, in times of crisis, every second counts. iER is designed to respond to all kinds of emergencies, ensuring you’re never alone, no matter what you’re facing or where you are. The FREE-to-use iER is the gateway to emergency response services, including a national network of private, semi-private, and governmental emergency medical and non-medical services.

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