Monday Morning Tip #35: Don’t be afraid to ask questions during an emergency, but know what questions to ask

We ask lots of questions throughout the day. Some get us information and some are asked, well, just to say something. But when someone is sick or hurt, you need to ask questions even though it may seem very intrusive. And you need to be ready for professional first responders to ask those and more questions.

Here are five questions that’ll enable you to help the ill or sick person and provide information to first responders:

1. The person’s name and age.

2. What’s wrong with the person? If he or she is sick, what’s bothering him or her and how long has it been going on? If he or she is hurt, what hurts?

3. What happened?

4. Has this ever happened before?

5. What are we doing for this person?

When emergency medical technicians or paramedics arrive, this will be important information. Don’t be insulted when they ask the person many of the same questions all over again. Plus, they’ll ask other questions so they have a complete medical history, including the victim’s medications and allergies. If you have this information in personnel or patient records, it’s appropriate to share it with caregivers. Remember, though, to protect the person’s privacy and not share what you hear anywhere else. If you work in the office of a doctor, dentist or other caregiver, you’re legally bound to protect the patient’s privacy.

Consider writing these questions on a sheet of paper and putting the list with your emergency response equipment.  

Medical emergencies happen anywhere people gather. If you want to talk about actions or equipment during an emergency at your office or workplace, feel free to call us. Conversation is always free.

(Note: You can see other Monday Morning Medic columns at www.criticalmoments.biz)