Emergency medical services can’t always reach you immediately. Rural areas, natural disasters, and high-demand situations can create delays that put lives at risk. Knowing what to do during these critical moments can mean the difference between life and death.
At Safety Training Seminars, we’ve trained thousands of people across California to handle medical emergencies when professional help isn’t available. Our experience has shown us that proper preparation and training save lives—especially when ambulances face delays or can’t reach the scene.
The reality is sobering. According to a study, ambulance response times in rural communities average 13 to 19 minutes, with some emergencies seeing delays of 30 minutes or more. Urban areas usually experience faster response times—typically 7 to 9 minutes—but during peak periods or large-scale emergencies, significant delays can still occur. This means you might be the first responder in a life-threatening situation.
Assess the Situation Quickly and Safely
Your first priority is scene safety. Check for dangers like fire, electrical hazards, unstable structures, or ongoing violence. You can’t help anyone if you become another victim.
Look for these immediate threats:
- Gas leaks or chemical spills
- Downed power lines
- Unstable debris
- Traffic hazards
- Hostile individuals
Once you’ve confirmed safety, approach the victim and assess their condition. Check if they’re conscious and breathing. Look for obvious injuries like severe bleeding, broken bones, or burns.
Call for Help Immediately
Even if ambulances are unavailable, call 911. Dispatchers can provide life-saving instructions over the phone and may have alternative resources available. They might dispatch a fire department rescue unit, helicopter, or redirect the nearest available ambulance.
If cell service is poor, try these alternatives:
- Ask others to keep trying 911 from different locations
- Use landlines if available
- Send someone to flag down any passing emergency vehicles
- Contact local hospitals directly
Control Severe Bleeding First
Uncontrolled bleeding kills faster than most other injuries. Apply direct pressure to wounds using clean cloth, towels, or even clothing if necessary.
Follow these steps:
- Put on gloves if available to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens
- Apply firm, steady pressure directly on the wound
- Don’t remove objects stuck in wounds—stabilize them instead
- If blood soaks through bandages, add more layers without removing the original
- Elevate the injury above heart level if possible and if no broken bones are suspected
For severe bleeding that won’t stop with direct pressure, consider using a tourniquet if you’re trained to do so. Improper tourniquet use can cause permanent damage, so this requires proper training.
Perform CPR When Needed
If someone isn’t breathing normally or has no pulse, start CPR immediately. Brain damage begins within 4-6 minutes without oxygen.
Here’s the basic process:
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest between the nipples
- Place your other hand on top, interlacing fingers
- Push hard and fast at least 2 inches deep
- Compress at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute
- Let the chest fully recoil between compressions
- If trained, provide rescue breaths at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths
Don’t stop CPR until emergency help arrives or the person starts breathing normally. Quality CPR doubles or triples survival rates from cardiac arrest.
Use an AED If Available
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can restart hearts in certain types of cardiac arrest. Many public buildings, schools, and businesses have them.
AEDs are designed for untrained users:
- Turn on the device and follow voice prompts
- Attach pads as shown in the pictures on the device
- Make sure no one is touching the victim during analysis and shock
- Continue CPR between shocks as directed
The device will only shock if it detects a rhythm that needs defibrillation. You can’t accidentally hurt someone with an AED.
Manage Shock and Maintain Body Temperature
Shock occurs when the body’s vital organs don’t get enough blood flow. It can develop from severe injuries, blood loss, or medical conditions.
Signs of shock include:
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Confusion or anxiety
- Weakness
To treat shock:
- Keep the person lying down with legs elevated 8-12 inches if no spinal injury is suspected
- Maintain normal body temperature with blankets or coats
- Don’t give food or water
- Provide reassurance and monitor vital signs
Handle Common Medical Emergencies
Heart Attack: Keep the person calm and comfortable. Give aspirin if they’re not allergic and can swallow safely. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.
Stroke: Remember the acronym FAST – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Keep the person comfortable and monitor their breathing.
Seizures: Clear the area of dangerous objects. Don’t restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. Turn them on their side if possible to prevent choking. Time the seizure and call for help if it lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Help the person use their epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if they have one. Call 911 immediately as these reactions can be fatal.
Prepare Before Emergencies Strike
The best time to learn these skills is before you need them. We recommend everyone complete basic CPR and First Aid training. These courses teach you to respond confidently and effectively when lives are on the line.
Our American Heart Association certified courses cover all these scenarios and more. We offer convenient options including:
- BLS (Basic Life Support) for healthcare professionals
- Heartsaver CPR and First Aid for the general public
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) for advanced medical providers
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) for those working with children
Build a Comprehensive First Aid Kit
Every home, car, and workplace should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Basic supplies include:
- Various sizes of sterile bandages and gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Disposable gloves
- Instant cold packs
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers
- Emergency contact information
- Any personal medications (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)
Check and restock your kit regularly. Expired medications and dried-out adhesives won’t help when you need them most.
Know Your Limitations
While you can provide crucial care, recognize when situations exceed your training. Don’t attempt procedures you haven’t learned properly. Focus on the basics: airway, breathing, circulation, and bleeding control.
Always prioritize your safety. You can’t help others if you become injured or overwhelmed. Get additional trained help whenever possible, even if it’s just directing others to assist you.
Take Action to Save Lives
Emergencies happen without warning, but your response doesn’t have to be unprepared. The skills we’ve covered can keep someone alive until professional help arrives, but they require practice to master.
We offer American Heart Association certified training at over 65 locations throughout California, with classes available daily including weekends and evenings. Our hands-on approach ensures you’ll feel confident applying these skills in real emergencies.
Don’t wait until you’re facing a life-or-death situation to wish you had learned CPR or first aid. Take action now and gain the knowledge that could help you save a life when there’s no ambulance coming.
Visit our website to find classes near you, or call us at 800-470-9026 to speak with our customer service team. We’re here every day from 7 AM to 7 PM, including weekends, because emergency preparedness can’t wait.
For those interested in learning life-saving skills, BLS CPR Classes in Vallejo offer comprehensive training that prepares you for emergencies. You can also expand your knowledge through specialized programs like those at UCSF, enhancing your expertise in pediatric CPR and first aid.
