Lack of Preparedness
In the survey, 76% of respondents felt confident in their ability to communicate with 911 operators.
Only 55% of respondents felt ready to perform CPR. In addition, 47% said they were prepared to use a tourniquet for severe bleeding and another 47% to move the victim to safety.
Less than 29% of respondents felt ready to use an AED.
Quick Action
This survey continues to emphasize the importance of rapid action in medical emergency situations.
According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 90 percent of cardiac arrests outside of a medical facility are fatal. According to the CDC, CPR can triple the chances of survival if performed within minutes of a cardiac arrest.
Be Willing To Act
In addition, 83% of those who received emergency training were willing to respond and act in a medical emergency while they waited for emergency responders. The survey also found that 83% of adults who have received emergency training are willing to act and respond to a medical crisis while waiting for professional emergency responders.
Until Help Arrives
ACEP and the American Red Cross have partnered to create a program of education called “Until Help arrives” in order to address the issue of lack preparedness. This one-hour free training course is designed to teach the public how to deal with medical emergencies. It also provides them with lifesaving skills that they can use in the interim before professional emergency responders arrive.
You can prepare yourself and your loved ones for a medical emergency by following some simple steps.
* Always keep a first-aid kit handy.
* Make certain you and your family know how to contact the emergency services.
* Prepare an emergency plan with your family in case of an unexpected medical emergency.
* Be alert to your surroundings.
* Attend a first aid and CPR course .
* Know how to use medical devices like AEDs and EpiPens.
* Know the signs and symptoms of medical emergencies like strokes, heart attacks, and seizures.
* Be aware of the health status of your family and know how to deal with any medical emergency.
* Locate the nearest emergency medical facility.
It is possible to save someone’s lives by being prepared and trained for a crisis. In a medical crisis, every minute counts. The more people who are equipped with the skills to save lives, the better the chances of survival.
