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You Are the Help Until Help Arrives

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How can I provide first care Until Help Arrives?

Life-threatening emergencies can happen fast and emergency responders aren’t always nearby. You may be able to save a life by taking simple actions immediately. You Are the Help Until Help Arrives.

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5 Simple Steps That May Save a Life

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 45. Life-threatening injuries require immediate action to prevent an injured person from dying. Those nearest are best positioned to provide first care.

First care focuses on five essential actions:

• Don’t assume someone else has already done so
• 911 operators are highly trained and will help you
• Let them coach you through the life-threatening situation
• Assess the situation: pause and use all available senses
• Decide whether to stay and help, grab the injured and get to safety, or get yourself to safety

Stop the Bleeding

• Apply steady, firm pressure on the source of bleeding until first responders arrive
• If you can't control the bleeding with manual pressure, consider a tourniquet

Position the Injured

• Lay the injured on their side, legs slightly bent, with bottom hand reached outward and head resting near hand
• Raise the chin forward with mouth pointed downward

Provide Comfort

• Share names and ask basic questions
• Tell them what you know happened, but do not speculate
• Keep them warm and offer a hand to hold

Interactive Video: Mysticat's Adventure Island

Ready to test your knowledge? Try out the interactive video to apply You Are the Help Until Help Arrives actions to each scenario.

Case Study: A Perfect Stranger

Kinneil and Angelia were strangers, until they weren't. Their story is an example of when Until Help Arrives actions saved a life.

Go to A Perfect Stranger

Learn From the Experts

Want to learn more? Let first responders drive home the importance of timely citizen response during emergencies.

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