Emergency Care Steps
Essential protocols and contact information for handling medical emergencies with confidence and clarity.
Critical Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
911Poison Control
1-800-222-1222Oregon ADRC Helpline
855-673-2372Aging & Disability Resource Connection — serves Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion & Yamhill Counties
Stay Calm and Assess
Take a deep breath. Quickly assess the situation to determine the severity and type of emergency.
- Is the person conscious and breathing?
- Are there any visible injuries or signs of distress?
- Is there an immediate danger (fire, gas leak, etc.)?
Call for Help
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately. For non-emergencies, contact the primary care physician.
- Clearly state your address and the nature of the emergency
- Describe symptoms and any relevant medical history
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up
Provide Basic Care
While waiting for help, provide basic comfort and care if safe to do so.
- Keep the person still if you suspect a fall or injury
- Apply pressure to any bleeding wounds with clean cloth
- Keep them warm and comfortable with a blanket
- Do not give food or water if surgery may be needed
Gather Information
Prepare information that emergency responders will need.
- Current medications list
- Known allergies
- Medical conditions and history
- Insurance information and ID
- Primary doctor contact information
Follow Up
After the immediate emergency, ensure proper follow-up care.
- Contact family members and care team
- Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended
- Review what happened to prevent future incidents
- Update emergency plans if needed
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