After Calling 911

You’ve called for an ambulance, and they’ll arrive as quickly as possible. What should you do in the meantime? Though it usually takes an average of 15 minutes in Lyme for the emergency medical services team to arrive, it can seem like forever.  Here’s how you can use that time to prepare for the EMS team.

  • Don’t panic!  Any emotion you display will be mirrored back to you, especially in an older person or a child.  Stay with them and reassure them that more help is on the way.
  • Never move someone unless the situation is dangerous to the patient.  Leave them where they are until ambulance arrives.
  • Follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions.
  • Administer CPR if instructed.