Awareness

Before treating patients, ER24 medics first ensure that the scene is safe. 

Protecting themselves, their patients, and the public is always a top priority to mitigate any safety risks.

Once they arrive at the scene, emergency medical care professionals immediately focus on ensuring that they can work safely and efficiently while providing the best possible care for all injured parties. Their training equips them to manage the surroundings, coordinate with other emergency services, and maintain control of the scene so that patients aren’t further harmed while they receive treatment.

By ensuring that a scene is safe, paramedics protect themselves from harm, ultimately enhancing their ability to save lives. 

Save 084 124 to contact ER24

To ensure that every healthcare practitioner at ER24 can protect themselves and the patients at the scene of an accident, they undergo thorough training in scene safety. Scene safety is not just about protecting themselves; it's about safeguarding everyone involved at the scene, from EMS workers to bystanders. The moment a team from ER24 arrives at a scene, they follow strict safety procedures.

These are the basics that emergency personnel practice at every scene:

  • Approaching the scene with caution: Because scene safety is about protecting everyone, from the paramedics to the patients, and the public, ER24 follows strict safety procedures from the moment they’re dispatched. Paramedics slow down carefully when approaching an accident scene, signal early, and, if needed, use their vehicles to block traffic.
  • Ensure they are highly visible: Healthcare workers at ER24 wear high-visibility bibs, safety boots, helmets with goggles, rescue gloves, winter jackets, operational flight suits, and other appropriate temperature protective clothing, ensuring they can be seen both during the day and at night.
  • A safety buffer is created: The first ambulance usually stops 20 metres before the accident scene to create an early hazard warning and a protective buffer zone.
  • Warning signs: Warning lights, cones, and reflective signs are set up to alert other motorists by EMS workers. Emergency warning lights are strategically placed to provide a visual display from a 360-degree angle, visible from far, near, and close distances, as well as all oblique approach angles.
  • Ambulances are positioned strategically: Larger emergency vehicles often park at a 45-degree angle to shield first responders and patients from oncoming traffic.
  • Coordination with other emergency services: ER24 also coordinates closely with the police, fire and rescue, and traffic departments to ensure the scene remains secure while they attend to the injured patients.

The festive season is one of the busiest times for emergency medical services, as many people take to the roads to celebrate the holidays. Stay alert, stay safe, and look out for one another on the road.

This festive season remember to call ER24 on 084 124 in any emergency.