Emergencies can happen anywhere - at home, at the workplace, on the street, at a movie theatre. A medical emergency can arise when one least expects it. This is most likely when you have young children or elderly people living with you.

The Golden Hour

In emergency situations, the first hour of a traumatic or medical emergency is called the 'Golden Hour'. The patient's chances of survival and recovery are greatest if they receive care within the shortest period of time after a severe injury or medical emergency. In cases of severe trauma, for example internal bleeding, surgical intervention may be required. Complications such as shock may occur if the patient is not taken care of appropriately. This is the reason the time between injury and treatment should ideally be kept to a bare minimum.

What to do in an emergency

Common emergencies

Choking
Severe bleeding that does not stop
Serious burns
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Seizures or 'fits' that do not stop
Persistent, severe chest pain

Other emergency situations

Poisoning, insect stings
Medicine or drug overdose
Drowning
Head injuries due to fall from a height
Severe dehydration due to gastroenteritis
Sunstroke

What to do

Call the emergency number of the nearest hospital or an ambulance. Describe the nature of the emergency so the paramedics can assist you with first aid tips before they reach you. Always keep the 'in case of emergency' number ready in your phone or diary
Stay calm and don't move the patient especially if he has had a fall
Check for alertness. Check pulse to check if the person is breathing
If the person has had a seizure, don't lift the person. Just raise the head a little. Don't feed the person or put something in the mouth. This could choke the patient.