The world we live in is unpredictable. You never know when an emergency medical situation will occur. We must, in short, “expect” the unexpected. It is important to be prepared and ready for the unexpected. Sometimes, things happen so fast that we don’t have time to think about them all. If we know what to do, it will help us think clearly and manage the situation instead of just worrying and fretting.
These tips can help you prepare for an emergency medical situation:
Keep a first-aid kit at your home and workplace. “Prevention beats cure.” Check that your first aid kit contains the following: antiseptic cream/solution, sterile gauze, adhesive plasters (roller bandage), scissors, painkillers, and a thermometer. Check the expiry date. Store it in a safe and accessible place.
Keep your personal information with you at all times: Make a list of important details such as your name, phone number, address, and blood type. Also, include any illnesses you suffer from, a list of your medications, the name of your doctor, who to contact in an emergency, etc.
Keep important contacts handy: Make a list of the people you could contact in an emergency. Include numbers for nearby hospitals, doctors, and neighbors.
Know the local medical services and professionals: Many websites offer a comprehensive database of doctors, including their specialties, clinic/hospital addresses, contact numbers, and hours.
Keep a record of your medical history: Don’t throw away any prescriptions or reports. All of it – X-rays, CT scanners, MRIs, etc.
Invest In Medical Insurance: Many people are skeptical about buying medical insurance. Considering the cost of healthcare today, it is wise to invest in medical coverage. You can ask your agent for advice on the best health insurance plan. Be sure to read all the conditions and terms of your insurance carefully.
Attend some basic courses: Spend some time to attend some basic life-support courses. Hospitals all over the world offer these courses. CPR is vital when dealing with a person who has lost consciousness or whose heart stopped working.
Knowledge is power: Understanding the symptoms of common medical emergencies could save someone’s life. Heart attacks, breathing problems, seizures, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and burns are among the six most common medical emergencies.
Heart Attack Treatment within 90 minutes increases survival rates dramatically. If the person is not allergic, have them chew and swallow Aspirin. Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which is the act of reviving someone who has stopped breathing and gone into cardiac arrest when they have a heart attack, is not necessary. CPR can keep blood flowing while you wait to call an ambulance or get someone with a defibrillator.
Preventing medical emergencies is the best thing you can do, according to my experience.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka MBBS, MD
Breathing Problems: Make sure the person is in a wide-open area. All clothing that is too tight should be loosened. To determine if CPR is possible, check for the airway and pulse.
Seizures: Move all dangerous items away from the individual. Check their breathing and cushion their head with a soft thing.
Traumatic head injury: Call for immediate medical assistance. Check the airway of the patient and their breathing. Compress the area if there is bleeding. If there is swelling, apply ice packs.
Stroke – Call 911 if you experience symptoms such as slurred or shaky speech, weakness in the arms and face, severe headaches, and blurred vision. Treatment must be administered within three to four hours in order to guarantee the victim’s survival.
In the event of a cardiac crisis, it is important that an individual knows the basics of CPR and can reach out to the hospital helpline if necessary.
Burns: The first aid for burns depends on the cause. Pour cold water on the burn until it stops hurting. Cover the burn with a sterile bandage. Be sure to shut off the electricity before you help the victim if an electric shock causes the burn. Evaluate the need for CPR. If you believe the burns were caused by chemical spillage, use a towel or gloves to clean the affected area.
Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with enough basic medications to last you a week.
What to do in an emergency
Stay calm and focused. If you feel yourself getting panicky, take a few breaths and remain calm. If you’re with an injured person, and they seem agitated or confused – reassure them if you can.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer. The information above has been prepared and reviewed by a medical professional. It may not reflect the practice followed worldwide. Since every patient is unique, it’s best to consult with your doctor before acting on this advice. Lupin Limited is only providing this information in the interest and welfare of patients.
