3.5 Seek assistance from emergency services and reporting incidences.
How to call for help
- Stay calm and dial Triple Zero (000) from a safe place, if calling from a mobile dial 112
- An operator will answer and ask you if you need police, fire, or ambulance. Be clear and precise and state the services you require and some additional information if calling from a mobile ➢ You will be connected to the nominated service operator who will take details of the situation.
- Always stay on the line, stay calm and speak clearly to answer the operator’s questions.
- State the following:
- The exact address or location with any clear landmarks or closest street cross-reference.
- An outline of the emergency.
- The number of casualties involved.
- Any information about the condition of the casualty/s.
- Any hazards are relevant to the area, such as fire, chemical, spill fumes.
- The telephone number where the caller can be contacted in case further information is needed.
- Wait until the operator tells you to hang up.
- Ask someone to stay in a prominent position to direct the emergency service vehicle to the correct area.
When sending for help, the first aider should arrange for someone to call an ambulance, and/or obtain resources such as gloves and defibrillator.
Communication and incident reporting to emergency services
When interacting with paramedics, ambulance officers, or other emergency personnel, it’s crucial to provide accurate details regarding the incident and the casualty’s condition. Stick to the facts and maintain clarity in your communication. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try to remain calm and take a few deep breaths before speaking.
When conveying incident details to emergency responders, respond to inquiries and provide information in a composed, clear, and concise manner. Essential details (if known) to include are:
- Name of the casualty.
- Age
- Address
- Time of the incident.
- Circumstances leading to the incident/injury.
- Description of injuries and/or illness.
- Changes in consciousness level.
- Changes in vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate.
- Alterations in skin colour.
- Administered treatments.
- Changes in mental state.
- Response to first aid provided.
It’s essential to adhere to privacy laws safeguarding personal information in medical reports. Therefore, ensure that verbal and written information is provided discreetly to maintain confidentiality.
Reporting to supervisors
In accordance with workplace or site procedures pertaining to CPR incidents, it is imperative to meticulously record the following details:
- Date and Time of Incident: Precisely note the date and time when the CPR incident occurred.
- Location: Specify the exact location where the incident took place, including any relevant details such as room number, floor, or outdoor area.
- Description of Incident: Provide a detailed account of what transpired leading up to and during the CPR incident. Include information about the individual requiring CPR, any bystanders present, and the circumstances surrounding the emergency.
- Actions Taken: Document the actions taken in response to the CPR incident. This should encompass the initiation of CPR, any assistance provided by bystanders, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) if applicable.
- Response Time: Record the time it took for responders to arrive at the scene following the initiation of CPR.
- Assessment of Casualty: Describe the condition of the individual receiving CPR, including their responsiveness, breathing status, and any visible injuries.
- Vital Signs: Document any changes in the casualty’s vital signs observed during CPR, such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, and skin colour.
- Treatment Administered: Detail the specific CPR techniques employed, including the number of chest compressions performed, breaths delivered, and any interventions administered to address complications or improve outcomes.
- Collaboration with Emergency Services: Note any collaboration with emergency services personnel, including communication exchanges and coordination efforts during the incident response.
- Witness Statements: If available, include statements from witnesses or bystanders who observed the CPR incident, providing their perspectives and insights into the events leading up to and during the emergency.
- Follow-up Actions: Outline any follow-up actions taken following the CPR incident, such as medical assessments, debriefings, or adjustments to workplace procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Signature and Date: Ensure the report is signed and dated by the individual documenting the incident, verifying its accuracy and authenticity.
By meticulously documenting incident details in line with appropriate workplace or site procedures related to CPR, organizations can effectively manage emergencies, uphold safety standards, and facilitate continuous improvement in emergency response protocols.
