Accurately Convey Details of the Incident to Emergency Response Services Where Required

When the emergency services arrive you will need to give them the details of the incident as you know them. Do not embellish! Just give them what you know and what you have done and answer any questions they ask you accurately.

Convey details of casualty's condition

Once you have connected with the emergency service's operator and requested an ambulance, hold the line to tell them details such as:

• Location of casualty-providing the exact address is best, but if you aren't sure of this, give some landmarks or nearest cross streets, and some directions
• Number of casualties
• Nature and extent of illness or accident-include the physical condition of the casualty, and any relevant signs and symptoms (see below for more details)
• The number of the phone you are using
• Your name

Then hold the line to answer any further questions and provide any other relevant details, such as damaged power lines.

The casualty's condition

When providing details of the casualty's condition, include the following:

• Colour-what colour is the casualty's skin?
• Conscious state-Is the casualty conscious?
• Breathing-is the casualty breathing? If not, have rescue breaths and CPR commenced?
• Bleeding-is the bleeding controlled? Is it bright red spurting blood or dark red flowing blood?
• Pupils-are the pupils of equal size and reacting to light?
• Shock-Are there signs of shock (pale, sweaty, nauseous, and cold)?
• Movement-does the casualty have coordinated movement?
• Can the casualty feel and move limbs, if conscious?
• Anything abnormal (such as bruising, a bone sticking out or swelling)

You should tell the 000 operator whether you need an ambulance, police or fire service.

Conveying physical details of the casualty to 000 isn't important because the paramedics will judge for themselves when they arrive.

The information that you have obtained about the casualty's condition and the nature of the incident should be passed on to relevant personnel.

Handing over to Emergency Services personnel

On the arrival of the ambulance:

• Continue first aid management and observation of the casualty until the ambulance officer is ready to assume care
• Provide as much information as possible, this may include:
  • The nature of the accident to the time you arrived on the scene
  • The types of first aid management provided
  • The duration of any basic life support
  • Provide any other information that is asked for, including your contact details
  • Stay and assist the ambulance officer if requested to do so