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How to Access EMS Through Technology
You know, over the last few decades, we've seen an incredible evolution of technology occur, and this technology does interface at how we access emergency medical services and how sometimes they respond to our medical emergencies. We'd like to talk about a few aspects to help bring us up to speed, so that we know how to leverage technology to our best advantage and how to navigate some of the nuances. Let's talk about text messaging. In certain areas, they have adopted an aggressive text messaging ability to access 911, but I think its important to understand that its not every location, and you need to be aware of that before you depend on it. However, the advantages could be for those who are hearing impaired and need to be able to read the text versus being able to hear. I also noticed that this helps when you are in loud situations like factories, or an environment where its very difficult to actually hear through your speaker phone or regular phone speaker. I think its important to know that the preferred method of accessing EMS is by dialing 911 with the cell phone, and talking to them or calling them. You can use it through a normal speaker, or you can put it on speaker phone which is also the preferred method, so that you can lay your phone down, and actually be coaxed through the actual emergency through the actual emergency. A couple nuances in regards to dialing to that 911, is that we can find a phone in two states on average unlocked or locked. If its locked, most phones have an automatic emergency word, that if you push it, it will bypass the lock, and allow you to dial 911. This is especially important if you hand your phone to a bystander who doesn't know your unlock code, so its also important I believe to teach nannies, children, and babysitters, the nuances of each and every phone that they may have accessible to dial 911. All phones are different, so make yourself familiar with them, and be sure you know well how to access 911. Another exciting development is apps and software that help to draw in bystanders and volunteers, who are trained in available to rescue, but the problem is logistics, how do we know where they are when the emergency happens. There is an exciting application called PulsePoint that when the train rescuer registers with them, they enter into a pool of rescuers, who can be notified of local emergencies happening in their area that they maybe in a good position to actually respond and help in a crisis. In addition to that, there is an AED locator,so that we also know where the next available AED might be located in a way that when you see an accessible AED available, we can go ahead and check in, and put it into the database, so that it adds to the whole logistical map of where these lifesaving devices are, and how they're available in the time of emergency. And last, but not least, I think that its important that we talk on landlines and voice over internet protocol, or VoIP phone systems. These voice over IP phones, are extremely popular, because they access over through the internet, and can be moved from office to office or from home to home, and still maintain your phone number and your account. The problem is, it may not be registered with the actual accurate location, so if you move your account or move your locations, but you did not update your account, and you dial 911, there is no way for the dispatcher to actually know exactly where you're calling from. So, it is your responsibility to make sure that you go into the actual account system, and update your current location for that actual physical device that you'll be dialing 911 from accessing emergency medical services. Landlines might also have a little bit of a nuance that you should think about, and that is, if its an office, then they many times have an outbound calling dial number that you have to push first before you get an outside line. These are all things that could be very different, and you should just make yourself aware of it, and if you can't remember, make little signs and put them by the phones, so that you can be sure to remind yourself, but more importantly people who are visiting that may not know the internal workings of that local office. Some things to think about when you're dialing out for 911, try and access emergency medical services when they're needed most. Don't be slowed down by technology, its designed to help us, not hurt us.
The last few decades have seen a surge in the amount of technology available to the public. It affects every facet of our lives, including how we interface with and access Emergency Medical Services, along with how they're able to respond to those emergencies.
This lesson will help you better understand a few aspects of using the technology available to you, including how best to leverage it to your advantage while also navigating through some of its nuances.
Text Messaging
Certain areas of the country have aggressively adopted text message ability to reach 911 and access EMS. However, it's important to understand that this capability doesn't exist in all locations, so it pays to be aware of the situation in your particular area before having to depend on a service that doesn't yet exist.
There are obvious advantages to having this text service available, particularly for people who are hearing impaired. Or for people working in loud environments, such as factories and nightclubs. It makes sense in any situation where it's difficult to hear through either the speakerphone feature or the regular speaker. But even though it makes sense, it doesn't mean it's going to be available just yet.
Using Your Cell Phone to Call 911
This is the preferred way to contact EMS, via your cell phone and talking to them directly. Speaking will always be faster than texting, especially during an emergency.
A cell phone allows for hands-free communication, as you can put it on speakerphone, lay it down, and continue to help the patient while on the phone with an EMS dispatcher who can talk you through any problems you may encounter.
While cell phones have truly been game-changers in this industry, there are a couple of nuances to be aware of.
Does the phone in question have locking capabilities?
Let's say someone other than you is trying to use your phone to call 911, but it's locked. Most cell phones these days have an emergency word that will bypass the lock and allow the user to use the phone to dial 911.
This is particularly important in a situation where you hand your phone to a bystander to call 911 … a bystander who likely doesn't know your code. Time is of the essence in any emergency and seconds can sometimes matter a great deal.
All cell phones are a little different when it comes to accessing EMS. It pays, not only to become familiar yourself, but also to teach others in your household how to call 911 from all the cell phones in your home. This should also include nannies, babysitters, and anyone else in a similar position.
Applications and Software
There have been some exciting technological developments in the areas of apps and software. One such program enables access to nearby bystanders and volunteers who are trained and available to help in case of an emergency.
Pulse Point is one such application. After the trained rescuer registers with Pulse Point, they are entered into the pool of rescuers within a particular geographical area who can be notified of local emergencies. It allows those who have been trained in CPR and first aid to respond quickly in a crisis if they're nearby and available.
AED Locator
It's normal to be in a situation where you may need an AED but you don't have one or know where the closest one is. While this situation may be normal now, it may not be for long.
Publicly available AEDs are currently being put into a database and added to a logistical map. The way it works is, if you're in need of an AED, you check your AED locator for the nearest one in your area that's been cataloged and is ready for use. As more and more are added to the database, more and more will be available when nearby emergencies occur, saving time and lives.
Landline Phones and VOIP
Voice-over IP applications and phones have become extremely popular. Much like cell phones, you can move them and the service from office to office or home to home, while still maintaining the same phone number and account.
However, if you moved and failed to register your new location or update your account with the new information, calling 911 will be useless. The dispatcher will have no way of knowing where you're calling from.
With landlines there's also a nuance to consider, as it pertains to offices. In most offices or businesses, there's usually an outbound number that must be pressed to get an outside line. In an emergency, when heads can be a bit scrambled, or for visitors who may not know that number, it's a good idea to write it down and display it prominently at every phone.
Technology is great when it helps and when it speeds things up, like the time it takes to find an AED. But don't let it slow you down. Take the necessary steps to ensure that you're comfortable with all the technology available to you, as well as those coming around the next corner.