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How to help in an emergency situation



When to call an ambulance?

When an untrained person moves or transports someone that is badly injured it can make their injuries worse and delay emergency first aid treatment.

Calling an ambulance is important in an emergency when someone is sick or badly injured.

You can call St John ambulance free from any landline or mobile phone in PNG – simply dial 111.


Medical emergencies include:
   Faint, collapse or unconscious
   Severe breathing problems / severe asthma
   Chest pain
Skills and Qualifications
   Bleeding that is severe and cannot be controlled
   Burns
   Broken leg
   Person is badly injured

Other emergencies incidents were people may be hurt, such as:
   Motor vehicle collision
   Explosion
   Fire

The ambulance service is free for life-threatening emergencies.


How to call an ambulance:

Dial 111 or 303 1000 The call-taker will ask you questions. Be prepared to answer.

   What is the location of the emergency? Be prepared to give the exact address, e.g. street name and nearby landmarks e.g. SP Brewery building
   What is the telephone number from which you are calling?
   What has happened?
   How old is the patient?
   Is the patient awake?
   Is the patient breathing?

You may be asked to repeat some information. This is so the call-taker can make sure they have collected the correct information.


Follow the call taker's directions

The call taker is in the best position to tell you how to manage the emergency.


Do not hang up

St John call-taker are medically trained to give basic first aid while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Stay on the line and follow the directions given to you by the call-taker. The call-taker may instruct you to do basic first aid. Only hang up when told to do so.


Always wait for the ambulance

If the call taker tells you the ambulance is coming. If the patient is taken to hospital by alternative transport before the ambulance arrives you must call St John to advise them to cancel the job 111 or 303 1000 – select option 9.


Is 111 the number to the police?

The 111 emergency number is not to the police. For police emergencies, dial 112. If you are unable to get through to the police, our call-takers may be able to assist you to get help by passing your police emergency request to the police control centre.


Is 111 the number to the fire emergency?

The 111 emergency number is not to the fire service. For fire emergencies dial 110. However, our call takers may assist you by passing your fire emergency request to the fire service.