Maybe you’re driving down the street and see an accident, or you’re out for the day, and an announcement comes over a loudspeaker, “Does anyone have medical training?”

If you’re an EMT or Paramedic, your skills and training don’t turn off just because you’re off the clock. But sometimes (like in the case of friends and family), we can get asked for medical opinions and assistance even when we’re off duty. So, what should be the EMT off-duty response? What should you carry to be prepared in any situation? How can EMS providers be prepared for a medical emergency?

Do EMTs Always Have the Duty to Act?

In most cases, off-duty EMTs are not obligated to intervene with medical care when they’re off-duty. Some programs take the Declaration of Geneva (a modern version of the Hippocratic Oath), but that doesn’t necessarily provide a legal obligation. Outside of EMS programs, all 50 states, along with the District of Columbia have Good Samaritan laws along with federal laws for specific situations, which can protect off-duty first responders in the case of responding to a medical emergency.

Of course, in an emergency situation, you likely don’t have time to consult a lawyer about the nuances of the emergency. So, the best thing to do is to take your own safety into caution first, especially in an off-duty emergency response. Many EMS professionals see it as their moral duty to offer emergency services.

You likely don’t have your team, your gear, or your ambulance service unit with you. That means you’re alone and less equipped for the emergency. You may also be the first on the scene, so it’s essential to keep yourself out of harm’s way, including violence, oncoming traffic, and similar hazards.

For most first responders, our ethical code is very strong. Our responsibility to help someone in need often outweighs other considerations. The key is to assess the scene safety realistically. Enlist assistance if you can, then do what you can until law enforcement and on-duty professionals arrive. 

Always Remember: Safety First

Safety is the number one priority in all medical emergencies. You don’t want to add to the casualties or create another emergency. So, before you approach the scene to offer patient care, make a good faith effort to ensure it’s safe for you as well as for any bystanders.

Look at traffic hazards, downed power lines, poor footing, or anything else that could put you at risk. If others are responding, you may want to ask and assess if your intervention is necessary. Sometimes, another off-duty medical professional may not have emergency training, so it’s important to communicate your background and ask how you can support and help the other responders. 

When you’re intervening in emergency situations off-duty, your primary role is to initiate basic life support (BLS) and stabilize the patient until on-duty responders arrive with equipment and gear. However, it can be a good idea to carry a few essentials with you so you’re always ready to help. You never know when the need may arise.

What Off-Duty Essentials Do First Responders Need?

Of course, we’d all like to be prepared for any situation at any time, but it’s not practical for an emergency responder to carry around an array of medications, a defibrillator, or other medical equipment in a handbag. However, there are a few assets you can carry with you and a few things that can be useful in almost any situation.

• PPE: Personal protective equipment helps protect you from bodily fluids, infectious disease, and other hazards. Keeping a pair of gloves, a pocket mask, and even a CPR mask can help protect you from any communicable disease while administering first aid.
• Absorbent Materials: Ideally, you may want to store a blanket or a few towels in your car (these can come in handy for a myriad of reasons). Even a feminine hygiene pad can be useful for stopping bleeding in an urgent situation.
• Personal Identification: Even when you’re off duty, you should carry your badge or EMT identification with you. This allows you to gain the trust of victims and bystanders, verifies your training, and lets on-duty responders quickly ID you as a potential assistant in an emergency.
• Cell Phone: Your phone is a literal lifeline. Try to keep it charged and consider a backup charger. Should you face an emergency, call 911 immediately. You can use your phone for notes and to document the scene, pinpoint your location, and more. It’s your direct line to help.

In an emergency situation, you also want to view bystanders as assets. Even if other people at the scene don’t have medical training, they can call 911, help keep the space around you clear, and signal on-duty EMTs when they arrive. People who know the patient are especially helpful as they may be able to share important information like health history with you.  

Your Mental Assets in an Emergency

Even if you don’t have the supplies on hand that you need for every emergency situation, as a paramedic or EMT, you have the most essential things—knowledge and training. Your experience gives you a huge boost; you know how to stay calm, assess the situation, and explain to others what is happening. 

Even if you feel a little discombobulated when you encounter an off-duty emergency situation, you can think on your feet and tap into your knowledge to save lives and assist with the scene. The most important things to remember are to:

• Tap into Your Training: You have the training and experience for the situation. Follow the policies and procedures you would use on duty. 
• Practice Situational Awareness: Observe your surroundings and any potential dangers. Remember that keeping yourself safe is essential when helping others.
• Focus on Your Calm Demeanor: You know how to stay calm in an emergency. Your reassuring presence goes a long way toward relieving distress in others.
• Communicate Clearly: Be clear in your requests to bystanders. Give direction as needed and be prepared to share information with first responders.
• Remember BLS: Stick to your basic life support measures. Don’t attempt any advanced life support training when you are off duty (to keep protection under the Good Samaritan Act). 
• Document Everything: Just as you do when you’re on duty, be sure to document as much as you can off-duty as well. Jot down your arrival time, assessment, and any interventions you perform. This information is valuable for legal purposes and for the continuity of care when other on-duty responders take over. 

When you’re on duty, you know the importance of keeping track of everything. When you’re off-duty, it’s still just as crucial. You might not be administering controlled substances or advanced measures, but you should still track your actions.

If you’re looking for a better way to track your actions on duty, explore LogRx. We’re the narcotics tracking solution created by first responders for first responders. We understand how it can be hard to track things on paper and recreate records after the fact.

That’s why LogRx works seamlessly with your handheld device. It turns your camera into a scanner. Scan the barcode on the medicine to keep track of where and when you dispense. LogRx helps you monitor inventory. Administrators have access to reports and tools to help them, too. 

Take some of the stress off your plate with LogRx. We’re here to help. Reach out to our team if you’d like to know more about this simple, effective way to track the dispensing of controlled substances.

As an EMT or Paramedic, you have a chance to be a true hero every day. Even when you’re off duty, you can be prepared to assist in an emergency. Your skills and training will help you save lives on and off the clock.