When should you call EMS?

• A. after you finish safety checks
• B. if there is no life threatening injury
• C. immediately after arriving at scene
• D. when the victim has life threatening injury

Answer: (D)

Activating EMS is essential whenever a life-threatening injury is present, because professional responders can provide advanced care and transport that can save a life. Quickly look for signs of a life-threatening condition—someone not breathing or having trouble breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, chest pain with possible heart attack symptoms, or signs of a stroke; if these are present, call EMS immediately and start needed care without delay. You should still ensure the scene is safe, but you don’t wait to finish safety checks if the person needs urgent help. If there are no life-threatening injuries, you may still call EMS for guidance or if you’re unsure, but it’s not automatically required right away.