Injury and sickness happens anytime without anyone’s notice leaving the victim and the family under a lot of stress. At such times, it is helpful to know the right steps to take in order that a save can be made. It is possible to reel a person into stillness until the right intervention agencies have arrived on the scene. This means in case of an emergency, you know exactly what to do and be ready to make life changing decisions.
Importance of Knowing How to Respond to Common Medical Emergencies
Time is of the essence when one is in an unexpected calamity. If proper response elicits in time, the situation which may go as fatal can be avoided. This is why learning first aid techniques is so important . It truly applies to ‘knowing that you know’ it’s about time for the right action and getting it done.
Some of the incidents, such as heart attack or choking, can only be handled if urgent attention is offered. Something must be done, after all, and it is much better to perform even the simplest action until professional rescuers arrive. For example, making a chest compression or cutting off a massive hemorrhage could even be a matter of life and death. The sooner the better; this implies that the quicker the intervention, the higher the prospect of the orderly resolution.
Obtaining first aid certificates demonstrates you know how to respond to common medical emergencies. Many certificates are available online and are convenient, providing the practical knowledge and confidence to act swiftly in emergencies. No one expects to find themselves in a life-threatening situation, but being prepared ensures you can step up when it counts.
First Aid Instructions for 10 Medical Emergencies
Emergency 1: Cardiac Arrest
Pulse is discovered to be one of the severest urgencies that may befall people. It can suddenly cease pumping and a circulation of blood to the brain and other parts of the body will be affected. Prompt action is vital. Immediate action is crucial. Here’s what to do:
Call for help. Dial emergency services immediately. Time is crucial.
Check for responsiveness. Tap their shoulder and ask if they’re okay. If they don’t respond and aren’t breathing normally, start CPR.
Start CPR. Lie the palm of your hands over the middle of the chest, one hand on the other and begin to apply pressure with considerable force and at a rapid rate. Target to deliver 100 & 120 compressions within a minute and at least two inches of force.
Remember to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). If it has one then switch it on and do as you are being instructed by the recorded voice. It will then scan the AED at the heart’s rhythms and charge it, then it shall give a shock.
Do not stop CPR until an emergency person gets there or until the person starts breathing.
Emergency 2: Choking
Choking can happen fast, cutting off oxygen to the brain. Quick thinking is essential. Here’s what to do:
Ask if they’re choking. If they can’t talk, cough or breathe, they’re choking.
Give five back slaps. Stand behind the person, lean them forward slightly and deliver five sharp blows between their shoulder blades.
Choke the baby to provide relief with or without doing Heimlich maneuver. Pull your arms around their waist and make a fist with one of your hands and place it above their belly button. You ought to try to jab in a fast, quick, and upwards movement but not towards your face.
This has to be repeated until you get the object out on the table. If the object that the child has ingested cannot be expelled by either of these measures try taking turns between back slaps and leg bumps.
If the person becomes unconscious then begin performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation immediately while checking the mouth for blockage in between each breath.
Emergency 3: Severe Bleeding
Severe bleeding can result in shock, which poses a serious threat to life. Here’s how to control it:
Apply pressure. Use a clean cloth or your hand to press directly on the wound.
Elevate the injured area. If possible, raise the injury above the heart to slow the bleeding.
Use a tourniquet if necessary. If the bleeding is uncontrollable and help is delayed, tie a tourniquet above the injury (between the wound and the heart).
Watch for signs of shock. Pale skin, dizziness, rapid breathing and confusion may indicate shock. Keep the person calm and warm while waiting for medical help.
Emergency 4: Stroke
A stroke usually occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Immediate recognition and action are critical:
Remember the FAST acronym.
○ Face drooping on one side.
○ Arm weakness or numbness, especially on one side.
○ Speech difficulties, like slurring.
○ It is time to call emergency services immediately.
Lay them down. Place them on their side with their head slightly elevated.
Monitor their condition. If they become unconscious, be ready to perform CPR if needed.
Never give them food or water, as they could choke if their ability to swallow is impaired.
Emergency 5: Burns
On our skin, burns are sensitive and may lead to severe consequences if not well treated. Here’s what to do for different types of burns:
For thermal burns (caused by heat): Rinse under ‘cool’ running water for about 15-20 minutes if the burn is on your skin or limb extremity. Do not use ice, since it is fire damaging for the skin.
For chemical burns: Rinse the affected area clean with water, as adequately washing the area is the first step required for all treatments for burns. If the chemical is dry then throw the chemical off using a brush before washing the chemical off.
For electrical burns: Ensure that the person is not near the point of contact again with the said electrical source. Electrical burns may not necessarily look severe, yet they can lead to deep tissue damage; consult for medical help if the burn is little.
Emergency 6: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a critical allergic reaction that can be fatal. Here’s how to handle it:
Recognise the signs. Difficulty breathing, swelling, hives and dizziness are common symptoms.
Administer an EpiPen. If they have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use it immediately. Hold it against their thigh for 3-5 seconds.
Call emergency services. Even if they seem better, anaphylaxis can return, so professional help is a must.
Keep them calm. Encourage slow, steady breathing while waiting for help.
Emergency 7: Seizures
Witnessing a seizure can be alarming, but your calm response is essential:
Keep them safe. Move objects away that could cause injury. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
Turn them on their side. This helps keep their airway clear.
Time the seizure. If it lasts more than five minutes, call for emergency help.
Stay with them. After the seizure ends, they may be disoriented. Offer reassurance until they are fully alert.
Emergency 8: Fractures
Broken bones can be extremely painful and moving the injured area can cause more damage. Here’s what to do:
Immobilise the area. Stabilise the injured limb with a splint or rigid object (like a stick or rolled-up newspaper).
Apply ice to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid frostbite.
Keep them calm and still. Movement can make fractures worse.
Get medical help. Call for professional assistance, especially if the bone is protruding from the skin.
Emergency 9: Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Some of the effects linked to heat include heat illnesses. Recognise the signs and act quickly:
For heat exhaustion: The person may also become pale, have excessive sweating, dizziness and nausea.
Move them to a cool place.
Offer water or a sports drink.
Use damp towels or a fan to cool them down.
Heatstroke. This can be much more serious and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include confusion, hot skin and lack of sweating.
○ Call for emergency help immediately.
○ Begin cooling them down by any means available (cool bath, wet towels, etc.).
○ Do not give them anything to drink if they are unconscious.
Emergency 10: Hypothermia
Cold weather can also be dangerous. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat more quickly than it can generate it.
Recognise the symptoms. Shivering, slurred speech, confusion and fatigue are common signs.
Move them to a warm place. If you can’t get indoors, shield them from the wind and cold.
Warm them gradually. Use blankets, warm (not hot) drinks and body heat. Don’t apply direct heat like hot water bottles, as this can cause shock.
Seek medical help. Severe hypothermia requires professional treatment.
Conclusion
Having knowledge of when and how to go about it may help save the day or rather the life. Whether it is acting as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or treating burn, these simple initial aid methods are extremely beneficial in emergency periods. The time of an emergency can be decided by anyone, but the moment an emergency occurs, the one that is affected has no say over it.
Qualitative outcome First aid at work course online Taking an online first aid at work course is a small investment with a significant return. This course gives the first aid procedural skills needed to cover the risks which a first aider may come across such as electric shock, choking, bleeding, or burn. Therefore, be ready, be ready to know and be ready to demonstrate what you can do most especially when it counts.
