HUMAN SIDE OF
EMERGENCIES It is important to understand the psychological impact of providing emergency care or being in an emergent situation. Your body’s natural response to stressful or dangerous situations is called the “fight or flight” response. This response will increase your alertness, heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and can cause anxiety. This natural body process can get you through stressful situations by stimulating your mind and body to act. It can also cause panic in the untrained person.
You undoubtedly know someone who would be great in an emergency. You probably also know someone who “falls to pieces” when something bad happens. How will you react? It is important that you prepare now to step up and direct emergency-care in a quick and appropriate manner.
When the outcome of an emergency situation is poor, it can leave you feeling like you’ve failed. These normal feelings can best be overcome by knowing you’ve done your best. Our bodies use coping mechanisms to deal with grief or loss. Typically, there are 5 stages to the coping process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
It is imperative that you give yourself enough time to cope with the emotions or anxiety that can occur after an emergency. If you notice a co-worker (or yourself) acting differently after an emergency, watch for signs of depression. Common obvious signs of depression:
• Difficulty sleeping • Nightmares • Lack of concentration • Personality changes • Mood swings • Feelings of guilt
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a type of counseling that may be required and is often an integral part of moving through the coping process. CISD will be discussed in more detail in the final chapter of this training manual.
FIRST STEPS Your primary concern during ANY emergency is to
protect yourself FIRST. You can’t provide help if you
become a victim too! Watch out for: • Fire or smoke in the cabin • Turbulence • Passengers with weapons • Passengers influenced by drugs/alcohol • Other cabin emergencies
When faced with an emergency on your aircraft, on the ground or in your personal life, ask yourself:
• Are there any potential risks for myself, the patient, or my co-workers?
• What is our location? Nearest divert?
• Has the pilot been notified and has ground communication (Aircare Access tele-medical) been established?
• Do I have any able-bodied passengers (ABPs) available to assist?
• Which of my crew can help me? • Where is the emergency medical kit? • Where is the oxygen?
Once you assure the safety of the environment onboard the aircraft, you can now attend to the patient.
TAKE CHARGE
Every emergency requires a scene manager. This person takes control of the emergency, thinks clearly and engages the help of others. Passengers will generally want to help but will need clear direction. A good scene manager can help others provide the best care to the patient and maintain a safe cabin for all involved.
As soon as you have determined there is a problem that requires additional assistance, you should notify the PIC. The 911 system is designed to provide quick service while on the ground; however, the cockpit will be your source for help when airborne. The pilot will determine the necessary steps based on your assessment of the emergency. You will need the following specific information:
1. What is the type and seriousness of the emergency?
2. How many passengers are involved?
3. Are there hazards that may affect other passengers, crew or the aircraft?
4. What is currently being done? The Basics 4
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101
