OnStar advisers bridge gap in emergencies

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 advisers can help bridge that gap with a service called First Assist.

First Assist allows OnStar emergency advisers to provide immediate advice and guidance to victims in distress while they wait for first responders to arrive. These advisers 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 Mindy Sanders for Jerry Haag Motors, Inc. “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 advisers 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 adviser is providing guidance to the victim(s), another adviser 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 advisers 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.

OnStar subscribers Jeff and Kim Haines of Leesburg recently used their emergency connection on the way to the hospital for the birth of their third child. (See the accompanying sidebar).

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 advisers 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 advisers 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.

About Jerry Haag Motors, Inc.

Jerry Haag Motors Inc. is a second generation, owned and operated General Motors full service dealership with two automotive lines including Chevrolet and Buick located in Hillsboro.

About OnStar


OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

About the Edison Awards


The Edison Awards were established in 1987 to honor and advance Thomas Edison’s wide-ranging contributions to technology and consumer products, as well as to inspire continued innovation in the world. In addition to the Edison Achievement Award, the organization also recognizes new product and service innovations through its annual Edison Awards and Edison Green Awards and, through its non-profit organization, Edison Universe, supports future innovators and fosters future innovation.