Text on a blog post about calling emergency services before performing CPR.

When faced with a life-threatening emergency, calling or activating EMS (Emergency Medical Services) can be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s a sudden cardiac arrest, a collapse, or an unresponsive individual, understanding the importance of EMS and knowing when and how to activate it can save lives, especially for adults and adolescents.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about when to call EMS and the steps to follow during emergencies. We’ll cover CPR guidelines, and essential techniques, and provide real-life scenarios to ensure you’re prepared. Whether you witness a collapse or find someone unconscious, knowing the proper steps is crucial.

When to Call/Activate EMS

Activating EMS is the first and most important step in any medical emergency involving adults or adolescents. Time is critical, and quick action ensures that the right professionals are on their way to provide necessary care. But when exactly should you call EMS? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Signs You Should Call EMS

If you are unsure whether to call EMS, ask yourself the following:

  • Is the person unconscious or non-responsive?
  • Is the person experiencing difficulty breathing?
  • Do they show symptoms of a cardiac arrest (no pulse, collapsed suddenly)?
  • Is there severe bleeding, choking, or another life-threatening condition?

In any of these situations, you must immediately call/activate EMS. Waiting too long or assuming the person will recover on their own could drastically reduce their chances of survival. This is particularly critical when dealing with cardiac arrest, which can occur suddenly without warning.

2. The Importance of Calling EMS Before CPR

While CPR is critical in certain emergencies, activating EMS first is vital. Why? Even if you perform perfect chest compressions and rescue breathing, professional medical intervention is essential for long-term survival. EMS personnel are trained to provide advanced care, such as administering medications or using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), which may not be immediately available to you.

Steps to Follow in an Emergency

Emergencies can be overwhelming, but staying calm and knowing the right steps will make a significant difference. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to handling an emergency involving adults or adolescents.

1. Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

When you come across someone who appears to be unconscious or collapsed, the first thing you need to do is check for responsiveness.

  • Gently shake the person or tap their shoulder.
  • Shout loudly, asking, “Are you okay?”

If there’s no response, this is a strong indicator that the situation is serious, and EMS should be called immediately.

2. Step 2: Call/Activate EMS

If the person remains unresponsive, don’t waste any more time—call EMS immediately.

  • Dial 911 (or your country’s emergency number).
  • Provide critical information such as your location, the person’s condition, and any signs of life (breathing or pulse).

3. Step 3: Start CPR (After Activating EMS)

Once EMS is on the way, begin CPR if the person is not breathing or their heart has stopped beating. High-quality CPR involves compressions at the rate of 100-120 per minute.

  • Place your hands in the center of the person’s chest.
  • Push hard and fast, ensuring compressions are at least 2 inches deep for adults.
  • Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to maximize blood flow.

CPR Guidelines After Calling EMS

Now that EMS is on the way, it’s time to perform CPR effectively. Let’s break down the guidelines and techniques to ensure you’re providing the highest quality care.

Compression Technique

When providing chest compressions:

  • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, between the nipples.
  • Place your other hand on top of the first, interlocking your fingers.
  • Push down hard, making sure you compress the chest at least 2 inches in depth.
  • Compress at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute—a rhythm that matches the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive,” which is often recommended to help maintain the proper pace.

Breathing Tasks: Rescue Breathing

In some cases, rescue breathing may be necessary. This is where you provide mouth-to-mouth breaths in combination with chest compressions. The general rule is to give two breaths after every 30 compressions.

  • Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway.
  • Pinch the nose closed and breathe into the person’s mouth, ensuring a tight seal.
  • Watch for the chest to rise, indicating that the breaths are entering the lungs.

Common Scenarios: When You Witness a Collapse

In an ideal world, you’d never have to witness an emergency, but preparation is key. Let’s discuss some common scenarios and what to do when someone collapses, whether it’s a child, an adult, or an adolescent.

If You Witness a Child Collapse

When a child collapses, the response is slightly different compared to adults or adolescents:

  • If you’re alone, start CPR immediately and provide two minutes of CPR before calling EMS. This is because children often collapse due to respiratory issues rather than cardiac events, so they benefit from immediate CPR.
  • After two minutes of CPR, call EMS and continue compressions until help arrives.

If You Witness an Adult or Adolescent Collapse

For adults or adolescents, your first action should be to call EMS if they collapse and are non-responsive. As soon as EMS is contacted, start performing CPR if needed. Adults often collapse due to cardiac issues, and immediate professional help is crucial for survival.

Additional Considerations

Why Activating EMS is Crucial

Why is calling EMS so important? In emergencies, seconds matter. EMS professionals are equipped with life-saving tools such as defibrillators, medications, and oxygen, which can dramatically increase survival rates.

Ensuring No Interruptions During Chest Compressions

One of the most important factors in high-quality CPR is ensuring that there are no unnecessary interruptions during chest compressions. Studies have shown that even brief pauses can reduce the effectiveness of CPR and lower the chances of survival. Make sure to:

  • Keep your hands on the chest as much as possible.
  • Only pause to give breaths if absolutely necessary.

What to Do If You Find Someone Unresponsive

If you stumble upon someone who is already collapsed or unconscious and it’s unclear how long they’ve been in that state, the process is similar:

  • Check for responsiveness.
  • Call/activate EMS immediately.
  • Start CPR if necessary.

Conclusion

Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared is key. For adults or adolescents, knowing when to call/activate EMS and how to perform CPR can save lives. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be equipped to handle critical situations confidently and effectively.

Remember:

  1. Always check for responsiveness first.
  2. Activate EMS immediately if the person is unresponsive or in cardiac arrest.
  3. Perform high-quality CPR with compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
  4. Ensure no interruptions in compressions and maintain a steady rhythm.

Preparation and knowledge can make all the difference in an emergency. Stay informed, stay calm, and always prioritize activating Emergency Medical Services in life-threatening situations.

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