Emergencies can happen anywhere ā 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.
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The Golden Hour
In emergency situations, the first hour of a traumatic or medical emergency is called the āGolden Hourā. The patientās 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.
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What to do in an emergency
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Common emergencies
- Choking
- Severe bleeding that does not stop
- Serious burns
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Seizures or āfitsā 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 āin case of emergencyā number ready in your phone or diary
- Stay calm and donāt 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, donāt lift the person. Just raise the head a little. Donāt feed the person or put something in the mouth. This could choke the patient.