Common Medical Emergencies and How to Deal With Them

While we encounter medical emergencies severally, many people still lack the knowledge on how to handle them. A medical emergency can occur anywhere, and you can help to save a life if you can handle it well. It is important that everyone is capable of dealing with minor medical emergencies until health professionals arrive or you get that person to a hospital. Here are five common medical emergencies and how to deal with them.

Heart attacks

Heart attacks and cardiovascular issues are among the deadliest medical emergencies you may experience. They can sometimes be fatal, and learning how to deal with them is essential. This is why you need an emergency medical course. When someone experiences a heart attack, call 911. You may perform first aid procedures like placing the victim in a comfortable position and loosening tight clothing. Go ahead and perform CPR if the patient is unconscious.

Cuts and bleeding

When doing your chores at home, such as cooking, you may end up hurting yourself. Bleeding causes blood loss that can sometimes lead to other health issues. Proper care for cuts can help stop the bleeding before you get treatment. If someone is bleeding, the first step is to clean the wound. You can clean the wound with antiseptic and remove any foreign material on it. Expose the cut to clean it, and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Cover it with fresh gauze.

Electric shock

Electric shocks are frequent with children or at workplaces, and a quick response to an electric shock emergency is crucial. The patient may have visible burns on their skin and injuries to their muscle, nerves, and blood vessels. If someone happens to get electrocuted near you, keep them safe by first switching off the appliance. Lay the patient down flat on the floor and their side. Remove any tight clothing around their neck and waist. Cover them with a blanket and give them something to drink, before seeking medical attention where the doctor can assess the severity of the shock.

Poison

The most common forms of a poison include pesticides, cleaning chemicals, agrochemicals, and medication. When a person swallows poison, you need to make them vomit the poison before it causes more damage. You can also try giving the patient neutralizers like milk or water in small amounts before seeking medical assistance as soon as possible.

Choking

Choking can easily lead to death. It may happen during eating or when kids put things in their mouths and accidentally swallow them. Quick thinking and first aid skills can save the patient’s life. If someone is choking, get behind them and put your arms around them. Bend them forward and hold the area above the belly button. Place your other palm on the fist and push inwards and upward as many times as you needed.

Endnote

Medical emergencies occur all the time, and with the right training, you can help your loved one or even a stranger when in need. First aid care improves the chances of surviving any ordeal.