An emergency situation is any situation that poses an immediate threat to a person’s health, security, property, or environment. Knowing how to assess the signs that make up an emergency will help you know how to handle it. In addition, your nonprofit volunteers, members and leaders should be well-prepared for an emergency situation.

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians , the following are warning signs of a medical emergency:

• Bleeding that will not stop
• Breathing problems ( difficulty breathing , shortness of breath )
• Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion , difficulty arousing)
• Chest pain
• Choking
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Feeling of committing suicide or murder
• Head or spine injury
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden injury due to a motor vehicle accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wound, etc.
• Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
• Sudden dizziness , weakness , or change in vision
• Swallowing a poisonous substance
• Upper abdominal pain or pressure

BE PREPARED

• Determine the location and quickest route to the nearest emergency department before an emergency happens.
• Keep emergency phone numbers posted by the phone. These numbers include: fire department, police department (emergency and non-emergency) and poison control center. Everyone involved in your nonprofit should have access to these numbers.
• Wear a medical identification tag if you have a chronic condition or look for one on a person who has any of the symptoms mentioned.
• Have a designated media spokesperson to ensure that the media receives accurate information regarding any emergency incident.
• Have a well-stocke d first aid kit available .
• Designate which individuals in your organization should be contacted in the event of an emergency and keep those numbers posted by the phone.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE NEEDS HELP

• Remain calm, and call 911.
• Provide on-site first aid. Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or rescue breathing, if necessary and if you know the proper technique.
• Place a semiconscious or unconscious person in the recovery position until the ambulance arrives. DO NOT move the person, however, if there has been or may have been a neck injury.
• Alert above-listed, designated individuals that an emergency is occurring.
• Be sure that someone is in the parking lot directing emergency personnel to the incident.

CALL 911 IF:

• The person’s condition is life-threatening (for example, the person is having a heart attack or severe allergic reaction )
• The person’s condition could become life-threatening on the way to the hospital
• Moving the person could cause further injury (for example, in case of a neck injury or motor vehicle accident)
• The person needs the skills or equipment of paramedics
• Traffic conditions or distance might cause a delay in getting the person to the hospital

Notify your insurance provider of the problem as soon as possible. Be sure to gather and provide comprehensive information to your insurance representative. Immediate action following a crisis can save an organization greatly.

For more information, contact your trusted local insurance agent, Sandi Purinton with The Insurance Connection. We help our clients Live Better. Save More. That’s what we try to help you do at The Insurance Connection. Offering the benefits of an independent agency, The Insurance Connection carefully considers your individual insurance needs and finds the right coverage for the best price for you, all with a smile. Contact us today at 678-439-8757 or sandi@insconnectga.com to get free insurance quotes

Disclaimer: This material is for information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. You are encouraged to consult with your own attorney or other expert consultants for a professional opinion specific to your situation. This information is only a general description of the available coverages and is not a contract. In an effort to keep your policy coverage affordable, the actual policy contains certain limitations and exclusions. Please refer to your insurance policy for the pertinent contract language and coverages. Some coverages and discounts are not available in all states. The Insurance Connection welcomes all applications, without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or familial status.