How To Deal With A Medical Emergency?

Medical emergencies do not come with a warning, and when they come, they bring a lot of stress. Most of the time, people remain unprepared for such situations, which further induces panic. It is, therefore, essential to be familiar with basic knowledge that can help you minimize or prevent such serious events. If you can deal with such medical emergencies promptly, you may end up saving a life. 

Here is your helpful guide for dealing with a medical emergency. 

Keep Emergency Phone Numbers Handy 

Always keep all emergency contact numbers handy as you may need them any time. Program all the important numbers in your contact list and have a few of them on speed dial. This will allow you to take immediate action during an injury, accident, heart attack, or any urgent situation.

Some contacts that you must save on your smartphone include the Police, Fire Department, Local Hospital, Family Doctor, Poison Control Center, and Ambulance Service. 

Prepare a List of Medications 

It is highly recommended that you know the names of any medication prescribed to you and your family members. You must not only be aware of their names but also know why they are taking them..

Apart from this, prepare a list of all the medications you or your family member may need for headaches, severe allergies, acidity, etc. Always keep these over-the-counter medicines stocked at home.

Check all the Basic First-Aid Supplies 

Your first-aid supplies should be ready whenever you need them. Check your first-aid box twice a year and always keep it up-to-date. 

Some medicines and other supplies that you need to keep in your first-aid kit include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, antibiotic ointment, bandages, cold pack, over-the-counter antihistamines, safety pins, thermometer, tweezers, Hydrogen Peroxide, soap, scissors, rehydrating fluids, and latex gloves. You can also upgrade your first-aid kit with devices like an oximeter, blood pressure machine, etc.  

Maintain a First-Aid Kit For Your Car 

Apart from keeping a first-aid kit in your house, you must keep a small kit in your car as well. Include all the above-listed medicines and essentials in the first-aid box of your car and keep restocking it from time to time. 

Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 

You can learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR technique and save the life of someone suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Many local fire departments, hospitals, and other institutions offer short courses for CPR techniques. 

Some programs and institutions also offer first aid and safety classes to impart instructions on how to deal with emergencies. Enrolling in such programs is a good idea as well. 

What To Do During An Emergency? 

Dealing with an emergency can be panicky for many people, which is why it is important to intervene or ask for help. After making sure that the scene is safe, you need to determine what has happened and what caused the medical emergency. Calling for help is an immediate action that you should take. You can get in touch with your family doctor or contact medical temporary agencies that extend a helping hand for such situations. 

Intervention is an essential step, but be careful not to cause any further harm to the victim. Check their airway, breathing, and circulation. If they are not breathing properly, perform chest compression. Do not stop until they revive or an emergency personnel arrives. 

Takeaway 

Knowing what to do and having all the necessary supplies gives you enough confidence to act quickly during such events. Always remain calm and focused while dealing with such situations. Reassure the person going through the emergency and then calmly review the whole situation while you contact SAM medical.