Pankaj Vyas, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Science, Sushant University, Gurugram
What is medical emergency?
A medical emergency is defined as any scenario in which a person’s life or health is jeopardized and immediate action is required. Everyone should be aware of what a medical emergency is, how to spot the symptoms, and how to react. In this blog, we will look at the numerous sorts of medical emergencies, how to recognize them, and what procedures to do in an emergency.
How to Spot a Health Emergency?
Recognizing the signals of a medical emergency can make the difference between life and death. The following are some broad signs that a health issue could be an emergency:
- Heart Attack:
Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or back are all signs of a heart attack.
- Stroke:
Symptoms include sudden numbness, disorientation, trouble speaking or understanding others, vision issues, or unsteadiness.
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Allergic Reaction
Face or neck swelling, breathing problems, hives, are signs of a severe allergic reaction. - Seizures:
Uncontrollable shaking, unconsciousness, and subsequent bewilderment are symptoms of seizures.
- Asthma Attack:
Breathing difficulties may result from a severe constriction of the airways. Breathlessness, chest tightness, and wheezing are among the symptoms.
- Choking:
Suffocation can occur when a foreign object blocks the airway. The inability to breathe, cough, or speak are symptoms.
- Ingested Toxins:
Symptoms such as disorientation, trouble breathing, or unconsciousness may arise from the unintentional consumption of poisons or medications. Seizures or organ failure may occur under certain situations.
- Drug Overdose:
Respiratory depression, altered mental status, or cardiac failure can result from taking too many prescribed or illicit medications.
How to Handle a Medical Emergency
Medical emergencies can occur at any time and without warning. Knowing how to act fast and efficiently can mean the difference between life and death in any life-threatening situation, including unexpected injuries, heart attacks, strokes, and more. A thorough guide to handling a medical emergency will be given in this article, with an emphasis on what you can do to support the person in need while you wait for professional assistance.
- For chest pain or a heart attack:
Encourage the person to sit down and maintain composure. If they are not allergic, give them aspirin if they are conscious as it can lessen the impact of the attack. Urge the person to refrain from exerting themselves or making abrupt movements.
- For choking or trouble breathing:
Use the Heimlich maneuver, which involves rapidly pressing upward and inward on the belly right above the navel, if someone is choking. Start CPR if they lose consciousness.
If someone is having trouble breathing, console them and assist them in finding a comfortable position, which is typically sitting up straight. Help them use any prescription inhalers or epinephrine injectors - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):
If properly trained, start CPR right away if the victim is unconscious and not breathing.
Adults should perform two rescue breaths after 30 chest compressions. Continue until assistance shows up or the person begins to breathe.
- How to stop bleeding:
Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a bandage or clean cloth to any cuts.
If someone has a major injury, don’t move them; instead, elevate the affected limb if at all possible.
