COMMUNITY
Public Service – Organizations, People and Programs Continued
Tip #4: Know how to call for help
When calling 911, know where you are calling from, where the
patient is located, a good number to call back, what exactly is
going on, what the problem is and if the patient who is ill or
injured is awake, breathing, bleeding, etc. Most importantly,
please answer the dispatcher’s questions to best of your ability.
They have a very specific process that works very well.
Tip #5 Pull to the Right for Sirens and Lights
As required by Pennsylvania vehicle code, please pull to the right
and stop. Our EMT’s and Paramedics are trained to anticipate
drivers following the law and pulling to the right. When drivers
do not do that, it make our jobs challenging and dangerous for
all. Additionally it can slow us down from getting to somebody
in need.
Tip #6 Learn CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed
When a person stops breathing, it takes about 4 to 6 minutes for
brain damage to begin. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
stops that clock and buys us time. We are saving more lives today
than ever before. Technology and science are amazing. They only
work when we have your help. Please learn CPR. First aid and
Stop the Bleed are wonderful programs as well and can really
make a difference.
For help with finding these courses please contact Jen Swab by
email at [email protected]
Tip #7 Put your pets away
No matter how nice and friendly your pets are, they love you and
they worry about you. When we come into your home during an
emergency, it can be scary for your pets. Sometimes they can be
unpredictable and protective of you which is ok. Let’s not take a
chance in one of us or your pet getting injured.
Tip #8 Crews may need extra help or equipment
There are times when our crew (2 people) may need additional
help or equipment to best care for you or your family member.
If you feel that this may be the case for your situation please
describe the concern to the 911 Communication Officer so that
they can give the crew the best information before arrival.
Some of these situations could be locked doors presenting
access difficulties to the patient, a patient who is in an awkward
or difficult position to move, a house or topography in which
the patient is located where crews will have difficulty removing
the patient, a patient who due to size or weight concerns may
need help to lift or move, long and inaccessible driveways where
an ambulance cannot access the residence, or other similar
concerns. Please let us know.
Tip #9 Help the crew find you
While trying to find you we may need some extra help to do so.
As such it is helpful to turn on the porch light, unlock and move
to your front door or main floor if possible, or send someone to
meet the crew near your door. Anything that we can do to get to
you more quickly is appreciated.
Tip #10 Extinguish open flames and cigarettes
When ems crews arrive at an incident we bring a considerable
amount of equipment to the patient so that we can begin
immediate care. One of the pieces of equipment which we bring
is medical grade oxygen. Because of this we ask that when you
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ROSS TOWNSHIP
call 911 please extinguish all open flames whether these be
candles, cigarettes or other open flames as we wouldn’t want to
turn a bad situation worse
Tip #11 Crews don’t like to play in traffic
As of Thursday 4/4 there have been 8 Police Officers, 6 Tow
Operators, and 2 Fire/EMS Staff members killed in roadway
incidents in 2019. If you see us working on the roadway, please
slow down and move past us slowly and safely.
Tip #12 Allow the crews to bring calm to the situation
It is no secret to anyone, especially our crews that emergencies
are emotionally charged events. Nobody wants to see their
friend, loved one, or even a perfect stranger in the middle
of a crisis let alone have the crisis happening to you. When
professionals arrive, please allow them to do their jobs and bring
control to the event. Rest assured you are in good hands and we
will do all that we can.
Tip #13 Don’t bring your luggage
A small bag or purse are fine but going to the hospital is not
vacation. You do not need multiple bags or luggage for this trip.
The more you bring along, the slower we go. We want to be as
swift and time efficient during an emergency as we can be.
Tip #14 Your chosen hospital may not be the best hospital for
you
Living in the North Hills of Pittsburgh we are blessed to have
amazing medical facilities not only in the city but also right in
our back yard and more facilities are under construction that will
give us additional hospital choices. But with that blessing comes
some difficulty for EMS crews as many patients are extremely
loyal to their hospital of choice and to their doctor. It is our
responsibility to get you to not only the closest medical care,
but also the most appropriate. Hospitals specialize in a variety of
services. They are not one size fits all. For that reason, our crews
may recommend a different hospital than you are expecting
based on your complaint. Please try to be appreciative of that
advice.
ROSS TOWNSHIP
VOLUNTEER
FIREFIGHTERS
NEED YOUR HELP
ROSS TOWNSHIP DOES NOT
HAVE A PAID FIRE SERVICE
Ever since 1908, volunteer firefighters have been protecting
the people of Ross Township. Today, with increased movement
of people in and out of our community, this misconception
surfaces over and over. Please understand that our volunteers
professionally staff our fire stations. All Ross Volunteers must
have the required firefighting training and certification along
with annual continuing education to serve our community.
CURRENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF ROSS TOWNSHIP
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS:
PUBLIC SUPPORT - Some Ross Township residents and
businesses are aware of and support our eight Volunteer Fire