WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY . . . .

First be prepared: post the emergency telephone number for your area on each phone. Businesses should include the location (Street address and/or floor and suite number) as well as any special dialing pre-fixes.

Recognize an emergency when you see one:

Someone who has fallen and can't get up

Chest pain lasting 2 minutes or more

Uncontrolled bleeding or fracture

A traffic accident, or

Debris along the roadway...skid marks... or other clue that an accident has occurred.

Assure your own safety. Do not place yourself in danger.

Call 9-1-1 or MVVAC. Be prepared to tell:

1.What has happened

2.Where it has happened

3.Your telephone number

STAY ON THE LINE until the dispatcher hangs up. If at home, turn on your outside lights to help responders find your home. Also, make sure your house numbers are at least 4 inches tall and visible from the street. Have someone direct responders to the patient. Several vehicles may arrive

QUICK FIRST AID TIPS

Do not move the patient unless the patient's location is an immediate threat to their life...eg: patient is in the water, a fire is burning in the building or vehicle, or there is no way to protect the patient from harm in their current location.

Protect the patient from the environment. Keep them covered.

If the patient is bleeding, apply a sterile bandage. If bleeding continues, apply additional dressings over the existing bandage. If possible, elevate the injury and apply direct pressure to the wound.

If the patient is not breathing or does not have a pulse, begin rescue breathing and/or CPR. If you have not been trained in these important skills, contact your American Heart Association local affiliate, your local American Red Cross chapter, or MVVAC.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE AMBULANCE COMES

Keep calm

Bleeding - Apply direct pressure

Minor burns - Apply cold water

Accidents/Fractures - Do not move patients

Smoke inhalation - Keep patient quiet, reassure patient, no liquids

Heart attacks - Keep patient comfortable

USEFUL TIPS

If you have a dog in the house, please put him away.

At night, turn the lights on at the front entrance,

If there is someone available, sent him/her outside to give us directions.

Make sure that you have a house number at the front entrance of your house. Numbers should be large enough to be seen from the street.

Never lock your door from the inside with a key and remove the key. In an emergency you may not be able to find the key quickly.

Remember - In an emergency, every second counts.

MVVAC CAN PROVIDE

First Aid Training

CPR Training

EMT Training

Public Education Programs

Blood Pressure Screening

Lectures On First Aid Procedures

FIRST AID STATIONS

At Games

Concerts

Block Parties

Other Public Events

MVVAC HAS LOAN OUT EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

If you need:

Crutches

Walkers

Commodes

Canes

Call us at 894-7951. These items are available at our headquarters for loan to residents of the area we serve at no cost.

DID YOU KNOW that a call to 911 for an ambulance can cost you over $350.00 if you are taken to a hospital? This fee is usually not seen because your medical coverage, if you carry any, will pay this cost. If your medical insurance does not cover this cost, you will be billed by the city. A private ambulance can cost you even more depending on where you are taken.

MVVAC will transport you to the hospital of your choice free of charge. In case of a medical emergency, you will be transported to the closest receiving hospital.

DID YOU KNOW?

That MVVAC Ambulance is New York State Certified? This means that an Emergency Medical Technician is aboard the ambulance whenever it responds to a call.

The ambulance must also carry specific types and amounts of FIRST AID equipment as mandated by The New York State Health Department.

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