What to Do Before Paramedics Arrive
- Grace. T
- Dec 23
- 4 min read
What to Do Before Paramedics Arrive: Life-Saving Actions During a Medical Emergency
Medical emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient. They often occur at home, at work, or in public spaces, with little to no warning. Knowing what to do before paramedics arrive can make a life-saving difference during those critical first minutes.
Whether you are a nursing student, healthcare worker, caregiver, or member of the public, early recognition and immediate action can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Why the First Few Minutes Matter
During a medical emergency, the body can deteriorate rapidly due to oxygen deprivation, cardiac instability, uncontrolled bleeding, or systemic infection. Even with fast emergency response times, delays in early care can increase the risk of serious complications or death.
Emergency response systems and organizations such as the Heart & Stroke Foundation emphasize the importance of early intervention, including early CPR, early defibrillation, and early recognition of life-threatening conditions.
Step 1: Ensure Scene Safety
Before providing assistance, quickly assess the environment.
Check for:
Fire, smoke, or gas hazards
Traffic or moving vehicles
Electrical dangers
Unsafe or aggressive situations
Your safety is the priority. A rescuer who becomes injured cannot provide care.
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
Call 911 right away if a person is:
Unconscious or unresponsive
Having difficulty breathing
Experiencing chest pain
Bleeding heavily
Actively seizing
Showing signs of stroke or sepsis
Place the phone on speaker and follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully. Emergency dispatchers are trained to guide you step-by-step until help arrives.
Step 3: Perform a Primary Assessment (ABCs)
A rapid primary assessment helps identify immediate life threats.
Airway
Ensure the airway is open
Remove visible obstructions only if safe to do so
Breathing
Look, listen, and feel for breathing
Irregular or gasping breaths are not considered normal breathing
Circulation
Look for signs of life
Identify and control severe bleeding immediately
Step 4: Start Life-Saving Interventions
If the Person Is Not Breathing Normally
Begin CPR immediately
Use an AED as soon as it becomes available
If There Is Severe Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure
Use a tourniquet if trained and equipped
If Stroke Is Suspected
Use the F.A.S.T. method:
Face: facial drooping
Arms: weakness or inability to raise one arm
Speech: slurred or unclear speech
Time: call 911 immediately
If Sepsis Is Suspected
Watch for:
Fever or abnormally low body temperature
Rapid breathing or heart rate
Confusion, lethargy, or extreme weakness
Step 5: Care for the Patient Until EMS Arrives
Keep the person warm and comfortable
Place them in the recovery position if unconscious but breathing
Reassure them and remain calm
Monitor changes in condition and relay information to paramedics
Do not provide food, drink, or medication unless instructed by emergency services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Delaying the 911 call
Panicking instead of following dispatcher guidance
Moving the patient unnecessarily
Assuming symptoms will resolve on their own
When in doubt, it is always safer to activate emergency medical services.
Home Treatment and Self-Care
Some medical situations do not require emergency transport but still need proper care and monitoring.
Situations that may be appropriate for home care include:
Minor cuts and scrapes
Mild burns
Stable sprains or strains
Mild allergic reactions without breathing difficulty
Home care principles:
Clean wounds thoroughly
Apply appropriate dressings
Monitor for signs of infection or worsening symptoms
Seek medical care if the condition changes
If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, calling 911 is always appropriate.
Paramedics provide advanced medical care, but they cannot reverse lost time. First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) training equips individuals with the skills to recognize emergencies early, initiate CPR, use an AED, and support patients until professional help arrives.
At Saving Grace Medical Academy, training focuses on practical, real-world scenarios to prepare students for the emergencies they are most likely to encounter.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to be a paramedic to save a life. You need awareness, confidence, and the willingness to act.
In a medical emergency, you are the first responder.
💡 Ready to Get Certified?
Be prepared. Be confident. Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. Now enrolling: Basic Life Support (BLS) & Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses designed for healthcare professionals.
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Just Remember:
Protect Yourself. Call 911.Don’t Waste Time.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Grace. T
Medical Content Writer
