How to Respond to Emergency Situations

Remain Calm. Emergencies require quick action, but the most important factor in managing the situation effectively is staying calm. If you start feeling confused or panicked, stop what you're doing and take a deep breath. Remember that to stay calm under stress, you must control your behavior. Remind yourself that you are capable of handling the situation.

• Panic during an emergency occurs when the body automatically produces too much cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol sends signals to the brain and slows down the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for complex decision-making.
• By managing your body's response, you can continue using logical thinking. You won’t react emotionally but instead, thoughtfully. Observe your surroundings and assess the situation before deciding on your next steps.

Seek Assistance. In Vietnam, call 113 (Police), 114 (Fire Department), or 115 (Medical Emergency) for help. In the United States, dial 911 for emergency services. If you're in another country, reach out to the appropriate emergency service number. These numbers will connect you with an emergency coordinator who will need to know your location and the nature of the emergency you're facing.

• Answer all questions posed by the coordinator. Their role is to provide the most effective response, so they will ask several questions to understand the situation.
• If you're calling from a landline or a GPS-enabled mobile phone, emergency services may be able to locate you even if you can't speak. Therefore, it's important to call for help, even if you cannot communicate; rescuers are likely to find you and assist you.
• Prepare yourself with emergency communication strategies, especially if you anticipate needing help in a critical situation.

Identify the Nature of the Emergency. How can you determine whether an emergency is occurring? Is it a medical emergency, or is a property or building at risk of causing harm to people? It's essential to stay calm and assess the situation before reacting.

• Examples of medical emergencies include injuries from car accidents, burns, or smoke inhalation from a fire.
• Medical emergencies also include sudden physical symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, head injuries, unconsciousness, chest pain, choking, dizziness, or sudden weakness.
• A strong urge to harm yourself or others is considered a mental health emergency.
• Other sudden changes in mental health, such as behavior changes or confusion without a clear cause, can also be considered emergencies.
• The best response to a behavioral emergency is to stay calm, observe from a safe distance, and encourage the person in crisis to remain calm. This will help you react appropriately if the situation escalates.

Understand that Sudden Incidents Can Be Considered Emergencies. Events like chemical spills, fires, pipe bursts, power outages, and natural disasters such as floods or wildfires are examples of emergencies that can occur at the workplace. If you've been warned about a potential emergency, such as a flood, heavy snow, or a tornado, it's best to be prepared. However, emergencies can unfold unexpectedly.

• When assessing an emergency, keep in mind that the situation may change rapidly.
• If you've received warnings about a specific emergency, be sure to prepare ahead of time to respond effectively.

Be Alert to Human-Caused Emergencies. Incidents of assault or threats of violence at home or the workplace require a swift response. There are no clear rules or methods to predict these emergencies, as they often evolve quickly and unpredictably.

• If you find yourself in such an emergency, prioritize your safety. Move to a secure location or take cover. Avoid direct confrontation unless there are no other options.
• At the workplace, be alert to signs of aggression, such as pushing or shoving. Your workplace may have a protocol for handling workplace violence, including emergency contact numbers. If you're unsure of this process, ask a manager or a trusted colleague.
• Open and honest communication between employees and management fosters a safer and more effective work environment.

Evaluate Immediate Dangers. For instance, if someone is injured, consider whether you or others are at risk of harm. If someone is trapped in a machine, check if it has been shut off. In the event of a chemical spill, assess whether the chemicals are moving toward others. Are there individuals trapped in a collapsing building?

• If the hazard isn't contained, it will influence your response.
• Remember that any emergency situation can change suddenly, so stay vigilant and continuously assess the situation.

Escape from danger. If you or others are at risk, leave immediately. Follow evacuation procedures if available and head to a safe location.

• If you can't leave the area, seek the safest spot possible. For instance, taking cover under a sturdy surface like a table can be beneficial if there's a risk of falling debris.
• If you're near a traffic accident, ensure you're not on the road. Move to the sidewalk.
• Be aware that in an emergency, things can change rapidly. Look out for volatile or flammable chemicals. For example, gasoline from a car accident could catch fire unexpectedly.

Assist others in leaving dangerous areas. If you can help someone escape danger, do so. If returning to the scene is risky, let trained emergency personnel handle it as they are better equipped for the task.

• Comforting an injured person, especially if they are conscious, can help, even if you can't move them. Let them know who you are and what's happening. Ask them questions to keep them alert.
• If the situation is stable, stay with the victim.

Evaluate how you can assist. The most important thing you can do is stay calm and composed during an emergency. Sometimes, you won't be able to help, and that's okay. Don’t feel bad for not being able to assist.

• If others at the scene are panicking or afraid, reassure them and encourage everyone to help.
• It’s better to stay with the victim in a caring manner rather than doing anything that might cause further harm. If you're unsure what to do, just stay with the victim. If possible, check their pulse, recall the events that occurred, and ask about their medical history. This information could be useful for the rescue team.

Take a moment to think before acting. People often react impulsively in emergencies. Instead of jumping into action immediately, take a moment to calm yourself. Take a deep breath before proceeding.

• Things often change unexpectedly in emergency situations. Don’t panic if things don’t go as planned.
• Take a break when you feel overwhelmed, scared, or confused. Don’t hesitate to pause what you’re doing to regain your composure.

Prepare a first aid kit. A first aid kit is an essential tool for various emergency situations. Each kit should include personal bandages, gauze, tape, disinfectant, and other necessary items.

• If you don’t have a first aid kit, look for nearby items that could serve as alternatives.
• It’s advisable to have a first aid kit at home and also one in your workplace as required.
• A well-equipped kit should contain a 'space blanket,' a lightweight material with special properties designed to retain body heat. This is crucial for people who are cold or shivering, as it can prevent them from going into shock.

Ask the injured person basic questions. It’s important to assess the victim's level of consciousness to understand the nature of their injuries. If the victim seems confused when asked or gives incorrect answers, this may indicate additional injuries. If unsure whether the person is unconscious, gently tap their shoulder and ask loudly, 'Are you okay?'

• Ask basic questions such as: What's your name? What day is it? How old are you?
• If the victim doesn’t respond, try gently rubbing their chest or tugging on their earlobe to keep them alert. You can also lightly touch their eyelids to see if their eyes open.
• Once you’ve determined their level of consciousness, check for any medical complications. Inquire if they have a medical alert bracelet or an ID with medical information.

Avoid moving the injured person. If the victim has a neck injury, moving them could worsen spinal damage. Always call emergency services if someone has a neck injury and is unable to move.

• If the victim can't walk due to foot or leg injuries, you can assist by supporting their shoulders and helping them walk.
• If the injured person is afraid of leaving a dangerous situation, reassure them.

Use the phone only to seek help. You must remain focused on the current situation, as phone conversations can be distracting. Additionally, if you're using an older phone, you might miss calls from the rescue coordinator trying to reach you. Only use the phone to call for assistance.

• If you're uncertain whether this is a real emergency, call emergency services. The coordinator will help you determine if rescue personnel need to be dispatched.
• Don't attempt to document the emergency unless you're sure you've moved out of harm's way. Taking selfies or posting the ongoing situation on social media can lead to further harm and legal complications.

Prepare an emergency response plan. The best way to handle an emergency is to follow a pre-established response plan at home or at work. There may be individuals trained and designated to lead during an emergency. By adhering to the plan and the directions of the leader, even if you don't fully agree, you will save valuable time and energy in an emergency.

• The response plan should include a gathering point where everyone can meet after evacuating the building or home.
• Post emergency contact numbers near the phone.
• Store important medical information on your phone or keep it in your wallet.

Know your address. It’s essential to know your location to report to emergency coordinators. While it’s easy to know your home address, remember to also memorize the address of your workplace. Make it a habit to check the address every time you arrive at a new location.

• If you don’t know the exact address, provide the street name or nearby intersections and landmarks.
• If your phone has GPS, use it to identify the address. However, this could take valuable time in an emergency.

Identify the nearest emergency exits. Always be aware of the emergency exits in the building you're in, whether it's your home, office, or public space. It’s essential to have at least two emergency exits in case one is blocked. Emergency exits in workplaces or public areas are usually clearly marked.

• Choose two places where you and your family or coworkers can gather. One location should be outside the building, and the other should be further away from the incident zone, in case the area becomes unsafe.
• By law, emergency exits must be accessible in practice.

Take a first aid course. A first aid kit is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Learning how to bandage wounds, apply a tourniquet, and use other tools can be invaluable in emergencies. The Red Cross offers first aid courses in most areas in the United States.

• Many Red Cross courses are available online.
• First aid courses may target specific age groups. If you have children or just want to help children in emergencies, look for a course that teaches child-specific first aid. If you work with children, you will be required to take this training by law.

Consider learning CPR techniques in addition to first aid skills. CPR is a lifesaving technique for people experiencing a heart attack. Even if you’re unfamiliar with CPR, you can still perform chest compressions for someone who shows symptoms of a heart attack.

• Chest compressions involve applying rapid pressure to the chest at a rate of 100 per minute, or one per second.
• The Red Cross provides CPR training. If you have young children, take a CPR course specifically for children to prepare for emergencies. If your job involves working with children, this training is mandatory according to the regulations.

Be aware of the chemicals in your home or workplace. If an emergency arises at your workplace, it’s essential to know where to find safety instructions for every chemical in use. A list of chemicals used at home or work, along with the appropriate first aid measures in case of an emergency, is the most effective way to prepare.

• Your workplace should have an eyewash station if you frequently handle hazardous chemicals.
• Be sure to share chemical information with emergency responders.

Post emergency phone numbers near your phone. Place emergency contact numbers such as 113, 114, 115 along with those of family members. Include numbers for poison control, emergency services, and your doctor. You should also have contact information for neighbors, close friends, and colleagues nearby.

• Ensure that everyone in your household, including children, can access these numbers in an emergency.
• For children, the elderly, or people with disabilities, consider posting reminder notes to help them remember what to say when calling for help. You might also practice with them to ensure they know what to do in different emergency situations.

Wear a medical ID if you have a chronic condition. If you have conditions that emergency responders need to know about, such as diabetes, allergies, epilepsy, or other health issues, a medical ID can provide this vital information when you're unable to communicate.

• Emergency personnel typically look for medical IDs on the wrist of the victim. These IDs are often worn as necklaces as well.
• Individuals with disabilities or conditions like Tourette syndrome, autism, dementia, etc., may also need to wear medical IDs to help responders better understand their needs and behaviors.