PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When you have to call 911 for medical help, for you or someone you love, it's extremely stressful. But there are things you do to help medics make the process as smooth as possible.
Ed Martin, EMS field specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, has been a certified paramedic for 20 years. "I have seen a whole spectrum from the most minor to the most tragic," he shared.
He said there are things medics need to know when you call.
"Proper labeling of the address of the residence is key, especially for those of us who still work night shift," he said. "Making sure all pets are secured. They get very defensive and there have been documented incidences of first responders being bitten."
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Preparing before an emergency can save both time and a life.
"Having a file of life magnetized to the refrigerator," Martin suggested. "This is very helpful, especially when somebody is unconscious and there is no one in the residence or a bystander that can give us a good clear medical history of the patient."
Even a simple word document that lists meds and allergies clipped to the side of the fridge will work, Martin added. The most important thing to do, he said, is to remain as calm as possible.
"I know loved ones get very frantic, but when people remain calm things go very well," he said. "I have been on calls where the family is very calm and things go well and then I have been on calls where people use expletives and yell at us — and things do not go well."
Martin said paramedics stand ready to help whenever they get the call.
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