First Responders Update

I have written before about some of the topics I’m covering in this month’s article. I think some things are worth repeating. Many are new to the island, and some only read my article periodically. Redundancy with EMS information can only be advantageous.

When someone is experiencing a true emergency, the adrenaline can create chaos when reaching for the phone to call for help. I find it helpful to have a plan in place so that all the helpful information is provided during said call. Having the exact location where the emergency is occurring is KEY. We can’t get to you quickly if we don’t have accurate coordinates for where YOU are.

When you call 912-355-6688 or even 911, you ALWAYS are on a recorded line. Although you might confidently think you gave the appropriate information, when reviewing the tape, you likely would be shocked at what you actually said when you called EMS.

The most important details are the nature of the emergency, the precise location, and ANY details you can provide EMS that will be helpful. The dispatcher will ask you specific questions to discern what kind of emergency it is, whether they need to provide help over the phone while you wait, and what to tell responding units when we are paged.

If dispatch asks you a lot of questions, please do not get annoyed or angry. The dispatcher is trained to ask these questions to gather as much pertinent information as they can. When you call and quickly hang up, you can hinder the help you need.

Anyone who has read or seen the news lately has most probably heard about the people who’ve recently died from water intoxication. Coming from someone who always says, “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate”, I think it’s important to also understand the risks involved with OVER HYDRATING too rapidly.

It isn’t common for someone to consume too much water accidentally. The few cases I’ve read about recently were done purposefully as individuals tried to catch up with fluid too fast. Hyponatremia (which basically happens when the sodium levels in your blood becomes dangerously low) can occur if your body is holding onto too much water. Imagine if you will a balloon filled with helium. It’s full. You decide to add more without letting some out first just because you can. I’m sure you can guess what happens next.

You’re basically drinking more water than your kidneys can naturally flush out. If you’re consuming liquids too fast in a short period of time and not urinating or sweating, you are more at risk for hyponatremia. All that to say, IT IS VERY RARE. I think it’s important to at least be knowledgeable about the risks of this since we’ve seen it so polarized in the news.

Recently, we’ve been on some medical calls where the spouse/caretaker/family member knew absolutely nothing about the patient’s health history. Medical history is key in treating the patient responsibly and quickly. Please make sure you have the yellow medical cards (we’ve provided for the community) filled out and updated. As always, they can be picked up at The Landings Association (600 Landings Way South) at the front desk.

We will need a copy of the patient’s ID and insurance card if we are transporting. I STRONGLY suggest making a photocopy of each and attaching it to the yellow cards. We all prepare for hurricanes, and I think it’s equally as important to prepare for a medical emergency. At least we get time to prepare for a hurricane.

As summer comes to an end, the warm temperatures won’t be leaving anytime soon. Be mindful of the importance of SLOWLY hydrating before, during, and after you’re planning to be in the elements. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. The sun still is there even if you don’t see it.

In closing, please don’t let children drive vehicles. Please wear bike helmets. Please stop at stop signs. Please show due regard for pedestrians and bicyclists. Please don’t drink and drive.

Happy September!