What to do in a medical emergency?

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

In a medical emergency, immediately assess the scene for safety, provide care within your skill level, call emergency medical services (EMS), and begin appropriate first aid measures based on the victim's condition while awaiting professional help. 1

Initial Response

• Ensure scene safety first - protect yourself and the victim from any hazards before attempting to help 1
• Check for responsiveness by tapping the victim and asking loudly if they're okay 1
• If the person is unresponsive, shout for help and activate the emergency response system (call 9-1-1) 1
• For lone rescuers with mobile devices, call 9-1-1 immediately with the phone on speaker mode while beginning care 1

Assessment and Basic Life Support

• Check for breathing and pulse (if trained) - look for no breathing or only gasping 1
• If no normal breathing:
  • Begin high-quality CPR immediately with chest compressions 1
  • For untrained rescuers: perform compression-only CPR 1
  • For trained rescuers: perform conventional CPR with a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio 1
• If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible 1

Specific Emergency Situations

Life-Threatening Bleeding

• Apply direct pressure to the wound 1
• If bleeding continues and the wound location is appropriate, apply a tourniquet or pack the wound 1

Chest Pain

• Activate EMS immediately for anyone with chest pain 1
• While waiting for EMS, encourage alert adults with non-traumatic chest pain to chew and swallow aspirin (162-325 mg) unless they have a known aspirin allergy or medical contraindication 1

Suspected Stroke

• Use a stroke recognition scale such as Face, Arms, Speech, Time (FAST) 1
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if stroke is suspected 1

Opioid Overdose

• For unresponsive victims not breathing normally: activate EMS, provide high-quality CPR (compressions plus ventilation), and administer naloxone if available 1
• For victims with a pulse but abnormal breathing: provide rescue breathing or bag-mask ventilation until spontaneous breathing returns 1

Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

• Call 9-1-1 immediately 1
• If prescribed, help the person use their epinephrine auto-injector 1
• The recommended dose is 0.3 mg intramuscularly for adults and children >30 kg, 0.15 mg for children 15-30 kg 1
• Inject into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) 2
• If no response and advanced care will be delayed >5-10 minutes, a second dose may be considered 1

Hypoglycemia

• If the person is unconscious, having seizures, or unable to follow commands: call EMS immediately 1
• For conscious persons with diabetes reporting low blood sugar who can swallow safely: administer oral glucose tablets or dietary sugars 1
• Wait 10-15 minutes before re-treating if symptoms persist 1

Position and Care

• For shock without trauma: place the person in a supine position; raising the feet 6-12 inches may be considered 1
• Do not raise feet if movement causes pain 1
• For heat exhaustion: have the victim lie down in a cool place, remove excess clothing, cool with water, and encourage drinking fluids 1
• For drowning: remove the victim from water safely, begin CPR if needed, and activate EMS 1

Communication with Emergency Services

• Provide clear, concise information about:
  • The exact location of the emergency
  • The nature of the emergency
  • The condition of the victim(s)
  • Any first aid that has been provided 1, 3
• Follow the dispatcher's instructions 1

Important Cautions

• Do not move victims with suspected spinal injuries unless absolutely necessary 1
• Do not administer anything by mouth to unconscious victims or those with poisoning unless advised by poison control or EMS 1
• For chemical exposure to eyes: rinse immediately with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes 1
• Do not delay activating emergency response while waiting for a response to interventions 1
• Avoid injecting epinephrine into digits, hands, feet, or buttocks to prevent tissue damage 2