Center News

Memorize the three C's of medical emergencies

A survival guide from the Environmental Health and Safety Department

People often say, "Seattle is the best city in the world to have a heart attack." And it is true. The survival rate for out-of-hospital sudden-cardiac arrests in Seattle is 35 percent. Nationwide the survival rate is 7 percent to 10 percent. Health-care workers from cities around the world study our Emergency Medical System of care — a system that begins with you.

Medical emergencies can be frightening and stressful. However, in order to remain effective, someone on the scene must remain calm and composed. Here is a procedure to follow for greater effectiveness during a medical emergency at the Center or at home.

• Check the scene for your safety, the safety of bystanders and the victim
  The scene of a medical emergency can be dangerous. You want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Take care of yourself first to better care for others. So, look at the scene and assess whether it is safe to enter. If it doesn't appear safe, call 9-1-1 and do not enter. Fire fighters are trained and equipped to handle these situations.



• Check the victim for life-threatening conditions
  If you have determined it is safe to enter the scene, gently, tap or shout to arouse the victim. The victim may be unconscious. If he or she is not breathing, and you have the training, do cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If at the Center, get an automated external defibrillator (AED). These units are located throughout the Center. You should know the location of the nearest AED to your work area. (If you are not trained in the use of an AED, get training as soon as possible.) Look at the victim for any other signs of life-threatening conditions. If you detect any life-threatening conditions or you are unsure:



• Call 9-1-1
  One of the most important roles you have in the EMS system is activating the EMS system as soon as possible. So if you think the victim has a life-threatening condition, Dial 9-1-1. The dispatcher will gather the necessary information and dispatch an EMS unit. They may also provide you with instructions on what to do until the ambulance arrives. After calling 9-1-1, at the Center it is important to dial (206) 667-6000. Security plays an important role in getting the EMS unit to the correct building and floor. Building occupants can also help by meeting the fire department at the main entrance or the elevator lobby on the floor where the victim is located. Finally, dial (206) 667-4866 for both non-life-threatening and life-threatening emergencies. The occupational health nurse can often get to the scene and provide assistance before the fire department's arrival.



• Care for the victim
  If you are trained, provide care for the victim until the fire department arrives. Monitor the victim's ABCs, Airway-Breathing-Circulation. Make the patient as comfortable as possible. Gather all the medication that the patient may be taking. This will help EMS personnel determine the medical history of the patient. Clear all furniture or obstacles so that EMS personnel have easy access to the patient.

At home, make sure all pets are secure in another part of the house. Send someone outside to the street to flag down the responding EMS personnel. Get training so that you can help save a life. Sign up for a CPR/AED and first-aid class by contacting EH&S at (206) 667-4866.

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