First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

3. DispatchDispatch is the communications system that processes calls from the outside to provide youwith the information you need to arrive prepared at a call. Most dispatch systems arecentralized and operate 24 hours a day with specially trained personnel. Your dispatchershould provide you with certain information about the call. This information includes thenature of the call; name, location, and callback number of the caller; and location of thepatient. Dispatch should also inform you if there is more than one patient, the severity ofthe patient’s condition, and any other special problems. The dispatcher is also your link tothe rest of the system. Update dispatch when you are en route, upon scene arrival, and ifthe situation has changed. Notify dispatch if you require additional help.4. Scene OperationsBefore starting toward the scene, make sure you have your seatbelt on and all equipmentyou need with you. Notify dispatch when you depart for the scene and when you arrive. Onarrival at the scene, evaluate the situation to make sure it is safe for you to approach. If thescene is not safe, do not approach. Notify dispatch and request the necessary help. Enteringan unsafe scene may potentially turn you from a First Responder into another patient. Thiswill increase the number of patients your system has to treat while reducing availablepersonnel.Use the necessary safety equipment before approaching the scene. If on initial assessmentyou determine that additional help is necessary, notify dispatch. You may need helpbecause of the number of patients, severity of the patient’s condition, need for extrication,or because of hazards. Once you determine that the scene is safe, begin patient treatmentunless you need to move the patient before treatment because of hazards. If the patient is ina position or situation that you consider dangerous you must get the patient to safety so youcan initiate care.Your job is not over even after the arrival of personnel with higher training. Assistemergency medical technicians or paramedics as needed. The First Responder will assistthe ambulance crew in preparing the patient for transport. After the run, clean and replacenecessary equipment to prepare for the next call.5. ExtricationSometimes it will be necessary for the First Responder to extricate a patient from a scene.Make sure the scene is safe for you to approach. Administer necessary care to the patientbefore extrication and remove the patient in a way that minimizes further injury. If thesituation presents a hazard to the patient, it might be necessary to extricate the patientbefore providing further care. The ease with which the patient can be extricated may varygreatly.Simple access involves extrication of the patient without the need for specializedequipment. Try opening doors, rolling down windows, and having patients unlock doors. Ifyou are extricating a patient from a vehicle with the engine running, turn the engine off andmake sure the vehicle is in park. Always try simple methods first. Try opening or, ifnecessary, breaking a window before trying to pry open a door. Before prying open a doorcheck to see if you can open or unlock it.226 First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002