A doctor has told how keeping calm is crucial to saving lives in an emergency and gave five frequent mistakes that people make.
Often in a sudden alarming situation adrenaline kicks in and people may make decisions out of panic that can actually be harmful, said Dr John Torres.
Now the emergency doctor at Premier Urgent Care in Colorado Springs has given a list of five errors that are made frequently.
He was speaking after American football star Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field of play earlier this month.
The Buffalo Bills player collapsed during the game against Cincinnati Bengals but fortunately was able to be revived with instant medical support on the pitch.
And Dr Torres talking the NBC News has given a list of things not to do in or before an emergency.
1. Don’t keep hands in your pockets
This first piece of advice is really to avoid an accident in the first place with the doctor saying that if you fall with your hands in your pockets then you are not able to support yourself and it can lead to facial injuries. "Keep your hands out of your pocket if you're going downstairs or on icy, slippery surfaces," Torres said.
2. Don’t call family and friends first
While it may be people’s first reaction to call a person’s loved ones after an accident, this could actually waste crucial time, said the doctor who instead said make sure that the first call is to emergency services. Then when at hospital family and friends can be contacted.
3. Don’t try driving someone injured or unwell to hospital
There are two reasons why it might be better to wait for an ambulance rather than driving somebody to hospital said Dr Torres. “The ambulance brings the treatment to you. They bring treatment and equipment, which is crucial to get there as quickly as possible,” he said. Also he pointed out that if there is somebody in need of aid in the car, then you could well be distracted and this would be a danger on the road.
4. Don’t leave someone alone at the hospital
If someone is unwell or injured they may not be able to make logical or coherent decisions and important questions may need to be made to hospital staff.
5. Don't forget your mobile phone charger
People are often waiting a long time in hospital while somebody receives treatment and it is a good idea to bring a mobile phone charger. "I can't tell you how many times people come in and their cell phones die because you're going to be there for six, 10, 12 hours," Dr Torres said.
