Field paramedics and EMTs in the Philadelphia Fire Department respond to an average of 730 emergency medical calls across the city each day. What some people don’t realize is that bystanders, friends and family can also play life-saving roles during these incidents.
As part of National EMS Week, our Community Risk Reduction unit has teamed up with Councilman Bobby Henon to start Act Now, a free program that trains local residents how to react to a variety of medical emergencies:
- Cardiac arrest
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Opioid overdose
- Mental health crisis
The first event will be held Friday, May 25 at noon at Abraham Lincoln High School, 3201 Ryan Ave., Philadelphia. More than 100 students will participate in demonstrations of hands-only CPR and use of the AED (automated external defibrillator).
Other skills participants will learn:
- Effectively communicating with Philadelphia’s 911 operators, paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers
- Evaluating an emergency and responding safely and effectively
- Performing high-quality, hands-only CPR
- Operating an AED
- Applying a tourniquet to stop bleeding
- Administering naloxone to someone who has overdosed
- Supporting an individual experiencing a mental health crisis
“Taking action quickly is one of the most important aspects of helping to save a life,” said Crystal Yates, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for EMS. “We will help equip community members to ‘Act Now’ in cases of cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies by calling 911, starting CPR and providing other care while EMS is on the way.”
Additional Act Now trainings will be held in the coming weeks. To sign up, fill out a form or call 215-686-3444.
