One of the most important steps in medical emergencies is to prepare
in advance. The most basic step is to have an emergency first aid kit
available. These come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of
contents. Read the first aid manuals that are often included so you
know beforehand how to use the contents so you're not trying to find
information in a state of emergency.
- The first step in a medical emergency is to contact emergency
personnel. Call 911 for further instructions as well as to receive aid
- and also to be instructed on how to continue in regards to the
present situation.
- Be cautious not to deliver first aid beyond the level you are
trained for. If you do not know for sure what the next step is, do not
proceed with it. You may cause more hurt than help.
H1N1/Influenza Links
UNK's 09/10 Flu Season Policy
Information from UNK on Influenza
For up-to-date H1N1 information, visit the U.S. Government's page for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
Medical Emergency Procedure from UNK:
Medical Emergencies: (Life threatening or serious injuries)
1. Call 911. Police and Parking Services will be dispatched along with other emergency personnel.
2. Return to the victim and make them as comfortable as possible. Never
move a seriously injured person unless it is a life threatening
situation.
3. Render first aid up to your trained ability
4. If possible, have someone meet emergency personnel at the building entrance.
Pandemic Procedure from UNK:
1.
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs
when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no
immunity in the human population, and the virus begins to cause serious
illness, then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
2. If a pandemic occurs, it is expected that it will have world-wide
impact with an unpredictable timeline, comprising multiple fast
spreading events or waves. Major disruptions are likely for health
care, transportation, infrastructure, education, suppliers and other
public services. Although physical facilities will not be damaged,
human resources will be affected, with high levels of absences from the
work site. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate
actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic. To be prepared for
such an emergency;
- a. Create a home emergency plan.
b. Have necessary preparedness items on stock at home (food, water, medicines) A preparedness list can be found at http://www.tworiverspublichealth.com/documents/Preparednessbrochure.pdf
c. Talk with your local public health officials and health care
providers, who can supply information about the signs and symptoms of a
specific disease outbreak and recommend prevention and control actions.
d. Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home.
e. Prioritize job duties to anticipate how to function with a significant decrease in your workforce.
f. Develop guidelines to modify face-to-face contacts.
g. Limit / discontinue travel for university business.
h. Discontinue extracurricular events and large gatherings.
i. Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet,
exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest. In addition, take
common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand
washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying away from others as
much as possible when you are sick.