An injury due to a motor vehicle accident, smoke inhalation, or burns from a fire are examples of medical emergency situations. A medical emergency consists of sudden physical symptoms, such as seizure, intense bleeding, head trauma, loss of consciousness, chest pain, lack of breath or pulse, choking, sudden dizziness, or weakness.
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How to deal with emergency situations?
Here are some of the most common medical emergencies that people experience: 1. Bleeding Cuts and wounds cause bleeding, but severe injury can also cause internal bleeding that you can’t see. Not all incidents of bleeding need emergency medical treatment, often they can be treated by first aid at home following advice from a pharmacist or GP.
How do I handle an emergency in my therapy session?
Dec 28, 2017 · A workplace emergency is any unexpected occurrence that creates an unsafe space, prevents you from operating your normal business processes, or causes damage to anyone or anything on your property. Emergency situations don’t have to be massive hurricanes or raging wildfires threatening entire cities (but see How to Make Sure Your Workplace Is …
What is an example of a medical emergency?
5 Common Emergencies. Imagine these common situations. Here's what to do: Emergency: Dizziness, Fainting. You're sitting at a game, maybe in the airport. A …
When should you seek emergency medical treatment for an injury?
Dec 26, 2020 · First aid. In many emergency cases, the best thing you can do is to stay calm and collected. Heightened emotions tend to hamper your critical thinking skills and your ability to think quickly. In addition to staying "cool under pressure", several concrete skills can make the difference in life-and-death situations.
What to do if you can't breathe and you are unresponsive?
Before the person reaches a hospital, an aspirin tablet can lower the risk of clot formation. Seat the patient in a comfortable position. If breathing isn’t normal or the patient is unresponsive, hands-on CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be applied, to double the chances of survival. Read more here.
What are the aids in common household injuries?
The following is a list of aids in common household injuries. If the situation is grave, do remember to call for medical aid afterwards. 1. Burns and Scalds :-. A first-degree burn can be painful, and requires first aid. Image Credit: Dalton Supernault.
How to treat a wound that is near a joint?
Immobilise the injured part. When the wound is near a joint, immobilise it using splints if needed. Remember, that if there is a foreign body in the wound which cannot be removed easily, cover it with a dressing, and build up sufficient pads around the wound without applying pressure to the foreign body.
What to do if you have a burn on your arm?
Cover the area (including burned clothing), with a dry sterile dressing if possible, or similar material such as clean lint, freshly-laundered linen. 5. Bandage firmly, except when blisters are present or suspected, in which case, bandage lightly. 6.
How to stop a shock from burning?
Perform the following steps. 1. Switch off the current, and if it cannot be put off, cut off supply by removing the plug, breaking the cable or wrenching it free.
Why is first aid important?
First aid is extremely helpful to make a casualty feel comfortable before professional medical help arrives. W hile our immediate response to an injury might be panic, keeping calm has never been more helpful, whereby we can give first aid. The following is a list of aids in common household injuries.
Do you apply dressing after first aid?
For a cut, be sure to apply clean dressing after administering first aid. Image Credit: Wayne Kam
What is an emergency in the workplace?
A workplace emergency is any unexpected occurrence that creates an unsafe space, prevents you from operating your normal business processes, or causes damage to anyone or anything on your property.
What should be included in an emergency response plan?
Your emergency response plan should include access to protective gear suitable to handle the substances found on your site, along with proper disposal receptacles. For most worksites, gloves and perhaps disposable respirators will be enough.
Why should first aid kids be maintained?
Like fire extinguishers, first aid kids and AEDs should be maintained regularly to ensure that everything is functional. Your emergency response team should be trained on how to respond to an incident, as well as how to use the PPE at their disposal.
What happens if you spill a chemical?
If a spill takes place, you might have to worry about more than slip hazards and clean-up procedures. A spilled chemical might also give off harmful vapors. It's important to also consider the possibility that more than one chemical could spill at one time and mix together in the process. The reaction of multiple chemicals coming into contact could release airborne toxins that can harm internal organs inhaled. If this is a possibility, be sure to have enough protective suits and SCBAs on site.
What supplies are needed for shock?
Elastic wraps. Splint. These basic supplies can be used to treat shock, lacerations, fractures, and most other injuries until trained medical personnel arrives. There should also be an automated external defibrillator (AED) near at hand in case a worker suffers a cardiac arrest.
What does it mean when a job site uses liquids?
Whether it's the cleaning supplies found in most workplaces or the harsher chemicals used in manufacturing and industrial application, their presence means that hazardous material spills and leaks could occur at any time.
Why is it important to have a response plan?
Having a response plan can improve the outcomes of these common emergency scenarios . Emergencies can put your employees at risk and even force you to shut down operations. By their nature, they are unexpected and unpredictable, but with proper planning you can face these events in a safe and efficient manner.
Where can emergencies happen?
After all, emergencies can happen anywhere -- at a game, on a city street, at the grocery store, at home. What should you do?
How to help someone with a seizure?
Any seizure warrants medical attention. Call 911. While waiting for paramedics, make sure the person does not hurt themselves. "If they fall down, get everyone away from them," says Ramirez. "Don't get near them; they could hurt you. Don't try to put something in the person's mouth (as used to be advised); it's too dangerous. Also, watch the clock -- how long the seizure lasts."
How to make a patient comfortable in heat?
Make the patient comfortable: "If this person has been out in the heat, move them to a shady spot. If they're sweating, pour water over their skin ," Ramirez tells WebMD. Elderly people or very young children are more prone to heat-related conditions. "If they're awake, give them fluids to drink," she says.
What are the symptoms of seizures?
Emergency: Seizure. The symptoms of seizures vary. The person may fall down and/or make erratic movements. Or their head might jerk and eyes flutter. This can happen to children who have a high fever, to someone with epilepsy, or when someone is having a stroke.
What to ask a nurse if they are unresponsive?
Check alertness: Ask, "Are you OK?" advises Elda Ramirez, RN, MSN, FNP, CEN, professor and division head of emergency care at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston. "If they respond, ask 'Do you know where you are?' Ask things to determine level of orientation. If they become unresponsive, check for pulse, check to see if they're breathing. If you're by yourself, you have to find someone to help you."
Can you use a tourniquet for partial amputation?
Don't make a tourniquet: "We don't use tourniquets anymore," says Ramirez. "They cause too much damage to tissues. We advise putting direct pressure on the site. Even if it's a partial amputation, put a rag around it, hold it tight."
What are the most common emergency situations?
While each person runs into slightly different risks, depending on lifestyle and geography, many of the most common emergency situations can happen to anyone. Health-related emergencies, such as sudden heart attacks or strokes, can affect a surprisingly wide cross-section of the population. Automobile accidents are anNaturally, takin extremely common cause of injury. Whether an accident results in minor whiplash or more serious injuries, it's important to learn how to respond quickly. Many emergency situations involve threatening situations with other people. It's worth learning what to do in cases of muggings, home burglaries, and other scenarios where your personal safety may be endangered.
What is the best thing to do in an emergency?
First aid. In many emergency cases, the best thing you can do is to stay calm and collected. Heightened emotions tend to hamper your critical thinking skills and your ability to think quickly. In addition to staying "cool under pressure", several concrete skills can make the difference in life-and-death situations.
Why is it important to have an emergency action plan?
In emergency situations, it is important to respond quickly. A clear emergency action plan is a good way to streamline your responses. If you break down your plan into steps, you'll be sure to know exactly what to do. For example, your family might draw up an emergency action plan in case of a house fire. Each family member should know ...
How to avoid injury?
Naturally, taking preventive steps to avoid injury is far better than trying to mend the problem afterward. In many cases, a few common sense practices can go a long way. Follow the same simple safety rules you were taught as a child, and teach them to any children you might have, as well. For example, every child learns to look both ways before crossing the road, but many grow up to be inveterate jaywalkers as adults. When driving, abstain from imbibing any alcohol,instead, use a "designated driver" system or plan to take a taxi when appropriate. Finally, learn to trust your gut. If you're walking down a dark street in a shady part of town and you begin to question your safety, follow your instinct and find a better means of getting wherever you need to go.
How to prepare for an emergency?
Be prepared for an emergency. The first step you can take towards emergency preparedness is education. Take time to learn about the most common emergency situations that could affect you and your loved ones. Research which types of natural disasters are most likely to affect your community, whether it's hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes.
What to put in a first aid kit?
Depending on the circumstances, the kit may include bandages, clean water, an antiseptic, and other critical supplies. A first aid kit for your car might include a blanket, ...
Why is it important to learn first aid?
By learning in advance, you'll ensure that you can respond quickly and appropriately if there is an emergency situation . From natural disasters to traffic accidents, you never know when a situation will arise ...
What are some examples of medical emergency situations?
An injury due to a motor vehicle accident, smoke inhalation, or burns from a fire are examples of medical emergency situations.
How to respond to an emergency situation?
Have an emergency plan. The best response in an emergency situation is to follow the emergency plan of your home or workplace. Certain people may be identified as emergency leaders, with special training. In an emergency, you will save necessary time and energy by following the plan and your designated leader, even if you don't fully agree with them.
What are some examples of workplace emergencies?
Chemical spills, fires, breaking water pipes, electrical outages, natural disasters such as floods or fires are all examples of potential workplace emergencies. If you have advanced warning of the possibility of an emergency, such as the warning of a flood, heavy snow, tornado, etc., you may be better prepared.
How to calm down in an emergency?
Take time to think before acting. Being in an emergency situation can result in panicked thinking and actions. Instead of reacting to a situation, take time to calm down. Breathe deeply before you take any action.
Why do you need a psychiatric risk assessment?
In an emergency, a psychiatric risk assessment is crucial to understanding what level of care that patient needs. If you're a lay person and you're with someone who's in a lot of distress, start with validation. Make sure that person understands that what they're feeling is okay. Then, proceed on to see if they're willing to accept help. Going to the nearest emergency room sounds like a very big step to take, but if you've been validating them, it may be easier.
How to stay with someone in an emergency?
If you're not sure what to do, simply stay with the person. If possible, take their pulse, make notes of events as they happen, and ask them about their medical history. This is information you may need when talking to the emergency team.
What is an emergency?
An emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property, or environment. Knowing how to assess the signs that make up an emergency will help you know how to handle it. In addition, being well-prepared for an emergency will pay off when it's time to handle any emergency situation.
How to handle an emergency situation?
Handle emergency situation: take time to think before acting. Being in an emergency situation can result in panicked thinking and actions can reveal to have disastrous outcomes. Instead of immediately reacting to a situation, take time to calm down. Breathe deeply before you take any action.
What to do when you need to stop in the middle of an action?
If you need to stop in the middle of taking an action to calm down , that’s okay. 3. Handle emergency situation: get the first aid kit. A first aid kit should contain helpful emergency tools for taking care of many medical emergencies.
What to do when someone is a bystander?
Dr Tarun Kumar Tiwari explains what to do. 1. Determine if you can do anything to help. The most important thing you can do is to remain calm, and stay in control of the situation. Sometimes there is nothing that bystanders can do, and that’s fine. Don’t be worried about admitting that there’s nothing you can do to help.
What to do if you can't retrieve first aid kit?
If you can’t retrieve the first aid kit, consider what other items in your immediate vicinity might be good substitutes. You should keep a first aid kit at your home, and your workplace is required by law to maintain a first aid kit. A good first aid kit should also have a “space blanket” which is a light-weight piece of special material meant to conserve body heat.
What to do when someone can't walk?
If the person can’t walk because of leg or foot injuries, you can help move them by holding them at the shoulders. If the person is afraid to leave a dangerous situation, respond with reassurance. 5. Handle emergency situation: use the telephone only to ask for help.
Why is it important to understand the mental state of a patient?
It’s important to understand the mental state of the patient in order to better understand the type of injuries. If the person appears confused by the questions or provides the wrong answer, this may suggest additional injuries than the physical ones. If you’re not sure if the victim is unconscious, touch their shoulder.
Should you document an emergency?
Don’t try to document the emergency unless you are sure you are out of danger. Taking “selfies” or posting about your situation on social media in ongoing emergency situations may result in additional injury
What to do when a client is experiencing an emergency?
Even though your client is there for an Individual Session, use everything you can to resolve the emergency. Plans are great, but no plan can cover all possibilities.
What to do if a client threatens to harm you?
If a client threatens to harm you or attacks you, you do not need them as a client. If something has occurred that is an emergency, but not a threat to you, also take charge. Your client needs to know you are there and you will handle it. If a client is suicidal, do what is in the best interests of the client.
How to be a better therapist when things end badly?
No matter how the emergency ends, learn from it. If things end badly, analyze why they ended badly. If the situation ended well, remember what you did so you can repeat it in the future. Life is a series of learning experiences. Some will not go well, and others will. Many people learn more from failure than from success. In this, there is something to be gained in failure. The more you learn, the better therapist you will be for your clients.
How to deal with a new professional?
The most important thing to remember is to keep calm. If you begin to panic, your client will notice and will panic as well. Take a deep breath, and begin to think as rationally as possible. Think about your training; what your supervisor or your professors from school would do if in your place. Remember, you are the professional; your client is there to be helped by you. If you fall apart, your client may loose respect for you, or worse, carry out a destructive act.
What to do when you panic?
If you begin to panic, your client will notice and will panic as well. Take a deep breath, and begin to think as rationally as possible. Think about your training; what your supervisor or your professors from school would do if in your place. Remember, you are the professional; your client is there to be helped by you.
What to do when you are alone?
Take Charge. If there is an emergency situation, deal with it right away. If you are alone, and there are no other professionals around, then you have no choice but to deal with the situation at hand. Of course, if you feel your life is in danger, or your client’s life is in danger, call the police. Do not worry about rapport with the client in ...
What to do when you have an electrical accident?
With electrical accidents, separate and/or break contact somehow between the injured individual and the electrical source. If there are live wires on the ground, use a non-conductive material to move them out of the way (a broom, a stick, or a branch would be ideal if you can get your hands on any of these things).
How to deal with high stress situations?
The first thing you should do is assess the situation. Look to see who is at the emergency scene, and find out what others at the scene are doing. If anyone is in danger or hurt, you should immediately take charge of the situation. In high stress situations, people tend to panic if they or someone they know has been injured.
What to do if you get in a car accident?
In terms of motor accidents, turn off the ignition if at all possible, and be on the look out for pools of gasoline and smoke. Carefully carry the injured away from the wreckage if it is possible to do so, as gas leaking gas tanks + shorted wires are a sometimes lethal combination.
What happens when a fire is involved?
Fires lead to structural instabilities and potential explosions, so if there’s fire involved and you’re trying to help out, remove casualties from the scene as quickly as possible. Of course, it need not be said, but check on the casualties prior to even thinking about tackling the fire, even if the fire may spread to take out more property – a human life is more important than any building or physical possession.
Do emergency situations happen everywhere?
Whether we like it or not, emergency situations happen everywhere, no matter which country, state, city, and/or town we find ourselves living in. Although some locations may have more emergency situations occurring than others, there are bound to be car crashes, fires, collapsed buildings, electrical grids down, and natural disasters happening everywhere at least once in a while. Of course, it isn’t your job to help those around you, but if you feel at all obliged to, there are a few steps you can take that will help to ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you.
Do you need an EDC bag for first aid?
Ideally, you’d have an EDC bag with a first aid kit on you, or perhaps even a trauma kit in a bug out bag to use. If not, do the best you can with what you have: alcohol in your car or tearing up clothes to use as bandages would be great in these types of situations.