OnStar Advisors Bridge Gap in Emergencies

First responders at a crash scene can be the difference between life and death for a critically injured person

First responders at a crash scene can be the difference between life and death for a critically injured person, but the time it takes to arrive can delay medical care. OnStar’s specially trained Emergency Advisors can help bridge that gap with a service called First Assist.

First Assist allows OnStar Emergency Advisors to provide immediate advice and guidance to Corry, PA and Northwestern Pennsylvania victims in distress while they wait for first responders to arrive. These Advisors are certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) to provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) to people in need.

“OnStar is at the forefront of emergency services, as they have the only advisors in the automotive space who are EMD certified,” said Robert Crotty, VP for Crotty Chevrolet Buick. “This cuts down the delay of getting critical help to victims, which is something that can really provide drivers in our area peace of mind in emergencies.”

OnStar Emergency Advisors are trained to obtain critical information on a crash victim’s condition and use the information to provide important first-aid instruction to victims or those who may be assisting them. While one Emergency Advisor is providing guidance to the victim(s), another Advisor is contacting local authorities to share information like vehicle location and specific crash details.

“Not all 911 Call Centers have the capabilities to provide EMD advice to parties over the phone. So depending on where an incident takes place, those who are in need of medical help may have to wait for someone to arrive on scene,” said Nick Pudar, OnStar vice president, Planning and Business Development. “With First Assist, OnStar Emergency Advisors can provide emergency advice regardless of where the callers are located.” OnStar deployed the service as a pilot in late 2010 and since has been averaging more than 1,200 EMD calls each month.

EMD guidance revolves around ensuring the general safety of the individual(s) involved. It can include advice related to bleeding control, airway management, coaching CPR or even helping deliver a baby.

Recently, OnStar’s First Assist service was named a Gold Edison Award winner in the Innovative Services, Personal Safety/Security category. OnStar FMV, the company’s new aftermarket product, also won a Gold Edison Award for Best New Safety/Security Product in Transportation. First Assist is offered to both traditional OnStar and FMV subscribers.

OnStar Advisors who seek to be Emergency Advisors are extensively trained. This process includes holding an exemplary OnStar track record, weeks of internal OnStar Emergency courses and specialized training by the NAED.

Over the past 16 years, OnStar’s Emergency Advisors have responded to more than 1 million Emergency Service calls and have directed numerous first responders to crash and other emergency scenes. First Assist service expands OnStar’s portfolio of safety, security and connectivity services.