Try to remain calm and speak slowly and clearly. The dispatcher may ask you if anyone has been injured and, if so, how many; and the condition of the victim(s). Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you it's OK to do so. Wait on the scene until emergency help arrives.

Paramedics ride in ambulances and take care of injured victims at accident scenes. In hospitals in some states they may work as technicians, starting IV lines, drawing blood, splinting, and prepping wounds. A hospital ER is staffed with doctors and nurses specially trained in emergency medicine. They know how to treat accident victims and patients who suddenly become sick (heart attack, for example).

If your area does not have 911 service, also post emergency numbers for police and fire. Other useful numbers are your local hospital and ambulance service. If you have pets, post your veterinarian's number, as well.

You should also call an ambulance if the victim cannot be safely moved without the help of emergency medical personnel.

In the meantime, review CPR procedures every 6 months to keep them fresh in your mind.

Use hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds, the calamine lotion to relieve itching from insect bites or poison ivy, and the aspirin in case of heart attack symptoms while waiting for emergency medical personnel.

A tourniquet, such as a cloth or bandage twisted tight, should be used with caution because it can damage nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to greater injury. Use a tourniquet for life-threatening bleeding only after you've been told how to use one. To raise a leg wound above the heart to slow bleeding, have the victim lie on the ground and elevate the leg. If you have put pressure to a wound for at least 20 minutes, but it continues to bleed, seek medical help. Do not remove any objects that have pierced the victim. Medical personnel should do this.

Even if a victim's injuries aren't life-threatening, the victim can go into shock and die. Shock occurs when the victim's organs and tissues don't get enough blood or oxygen. The victim may be unconscious, but not always. Call for emergency help first, then follow these steps:

• Maintain an open airway for breathing
• Control obvious bleeding
• Elevate the legs about a foot, unless the injury makes that impossible
• Cover the victim with blankets
• Keep the victim on his or her back, unless the victim vomits (move victim onto his or her side at that point)

Minor burns are defined as first-degree burns and any second-degree burns that extend over an area of skin no larger than 3 inches. In a first-degree burn, the skin is red and may be swollen and somewhat painful. If blisters are present, it's considered a second-degree burn. Don't use ice water, ice, butter, and oil on a burn. These substances can damage the skin. Instead, for minor burns, soak the area in cool water. When the burn is cool, put an antibiotic ointment on the wound and cover it with a dry, sterile gauze (not fluffy cotton) bandage. The burn should heal in 2 weeks. Change the dressing every day and watch for any signs of infection. More serious burns are a medical emergency and should be treated right away in the ER.