MONROE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - To honor the first responders who provide EMS services in our communities, the American College of Emergency Physicians sponsors EMS Week beginning today. This year's EMS Week theme is "EMS: More than a Job, a Calling".
EMS Week provides an opportunity for communities to learn more about what EMS caregivers do and how residents can keep themselves safe and increase their chances of surviving a life-threatening illness or traumatic injury.
The paramedics and EMTs with American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service of Ouachita Parish offer these tips to improve safety in our community:
Prevent emergencies by using safety equipment such as safety belts and child car seats and by making homes and workplaces safer from falls, poisons, unsecured guns and other hazards.
Take care of your body with proper diet, exercise, rest and stress management to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Promptly call 9-1-1 whenever someone suffers a sudden serious illness or injury. Studies show that many people wait too long to call for help. After calling 9-1-1 answer all of the dispatcher's questions and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up.
Pull to the right for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens to prevent delaying responses to emergencies.
Make sure your house number or mail box number is easy to read from the street or road by day and night so emergency responders are able to easily locate your residence.
Learn lifesaving skills, including CPR and first aid.
Keep a kit containing food, water, extra medicines, a battery radio and other essentials that can help you survive a disaster.
Support organizations like the American Heart Association, The American Red Cross and The National Safe Kids Organization that promote injury and illness prevention.
Support your local EMS providers. Stay informed about issues that affect EMS and ask elected officials to provide funding for EMS training and equipment.
