Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

360 Emergency and First Aid
3. Is the person’s HEART beating? Feel for a
PULSE in the side of the neck, two finger-widths
below the notch toward the back of the lower
jaw. Listen, with the EAR against the chest, for a
heart beat.
4. Is the person bleeding severely? External
bleeding is generally obvious; look at the person’s
front and back. Indications of internal
bleeding include unusual or rapid swelling.
It is essential to assess all four life-threatening
factors as well as the context of the situation
before initiating emergency care because the findings
determine the most appropriate response.
Multiple life-threatening injuries present a complicated
situation, especially when there is only
one responder and he or she may have to make
rapid decisions about what to do. It may be necessary
to stop severe bleeding before proceeding to
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR), for example.
The first action of the responder—call 911 to summon
emergency aid—is often the most crucial.
See also BLEEDING CONTROL; RESPONDER SAFETY AND
PERSONAL PROTECTION; SITE AND SITUATION ASSESSMENT.