Medical emergencies may strike at any time and catch one off guard, though the ability to cope with them most definitely tends to make all the difference in saving a life. Whether it is an accident that happened in a flash, a severe allergic reaction, or even a heart attack, appropriate knowledge and skills will most definitely help. Here are the five steps any person should know in handling a medical emergency
Table of Contents
Assessment of the situation
The first step to be taken in any such case of a medical emergency. This may be done quickly but calmly to determine the nature and severity of the emergency, which always appears dreadful. One needs to breathe deep and focus his mind in order to think over things clearly and take effective action.
First check the scene for safety hazards, such as fire or leaking gases or passing traffic, which may still endanger you and the casualty. Check if conscious/breathing, then check pulse. In case of unconscious, not breathing, with no pulse, move on to the next step without delay.
Call Emergency Services
After you have checked the scene for potential dangers, the second crucial act would be contacting the authorities or emergency services. Most areas have a specific emergency number that will connect you with a dispatcher who can dispatch help. Clearly and concisely provide the dispatcher with the location of the emergency, what has happened, and the victim’s condition.
They will often provide advice about how to help the victim while you wait for the professionals to arrive. Sometimes they’ll walk you through things like CPR or even how to operate an AED system.
Provide Basic First Aid
While waiting for emergency services, basic first-aid help can aid in keeping the victim’s condition from deteriorating. The type of first aid you will perform depends on the nature of the emergency.
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If he/she is not breathing and has no pulse, begin CPR. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, allowing the chest to rise completely between compressions. If you’re trained, give a breath after every 30 compressions.
- Bleeding: In case of bad bleeding, press on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage; if it does not stop bleeding, continue to apply pressure .
- Choking: When the person is choking and cannot breathe, perform Heimlich: stand behind the person and lock your arms around his or her waist, then give quick upward thrusts just above the navel.
- Burns:Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes. Never use ice—it will exacerbate the injury. Dress the burn with a sterile, non-sticking dressing.
Stay with the Victim
It is of paramount importance not to leave the victim alone until professional help has arrived. Keep them as comfortable as possible and monitor their general condition closely. If conscious, keep them calm and reassure that help will come.
If the victim worsens, don’t be afraid to do further action like CPR or adjusting their position for keeping the airway open. Shock, which can result in severe loss of blood or sometimes severe trauma, can be managed by keeping the patient warm and elevating his or her legs to raise blood flow to some of the important organs.
Be Prepared and Educated
In fact, arguably, the most important step in dealing with a medical emergency is preparing for them before they happen. This means learning for yourself, and others, basic first aid and CPR techniques. Many organizations, such as the Red Cross, offer first aid and CPR courses to help you learn what to do in an emergency and feel confident doing it.
You should always keep first-aid equipment in your car, home, and workplace. Be familiar with the various contents of a kit and regularly check that it is up-to-date and restocked.
Conclusion
Medical emergencies are quite unpredictable, but a little preparation can make all the difference. Remaining calm, calling for help, administering basic first aid, staying with the victim, and being educated on the subject can all contribute to saving lives. Your swift response will help ensure that, when everything matters, things go right.
