Medical emergencies are life-threatening situations that require quick attention. The way you respond to certain medical situations can be the difference between life and death. You can do so by recognizing and responding to warning indications in such instances.
Heart attack
When the heart does not receive enough blood, the cells are damaged, and the cardiac muscles perish as a result of a lack of oxygen. When a large number of cells die, it results in a heart attack.
The most common signs of a heart attack are chest pain and discomfort. Shortness of breath, stomach discomfort, fainting, sweating, and pain in the neck, jaws, or shoulders may also be present. Men and women experience different symptoms. Men may have chilly sweats and soreness descending through the left arm. Shortness of breath, stomach trouble, dizziness, and weariness are more common in women.
Do not disregard these signs. If the patient is treated within 90 minutes of the attack, he or she has a chance of survival. Allow the patient to sit in a position that is comfortable for him or her. If the patient’s respiration is abnormal or he or she is unresponsive, hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double the odds of survival.
TBI (traumatic brain injury)
A traumatic head injury happens when a hard object strikes the head. It is a hazardous ailment that must be dealt with immediately. Otherwise, it can result in brain injury or dysfunction.
Symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness, brief loss of consciousness, confusion, or memory loss. Ringing in the ears, blurred eyesight, changes in taste and smell, and photophobia are examples of sensory issues.
Call for medical assistance right away. Then examine the individual’s airways, breathing, and blood circulation. Begin with CPR if necessary. If the victim is unconscious, do not move him or her until medical treatment arrives. If there is bleeding, firmly press one or more towels against the wound. Ice packs should be applied to the swollen areas.
Fires
Heat causes burns, which can occur as a result of fires or explosions, or as a result of suicidal attempts. First aid assistance differs depending on the etiology of the burns.
If burns are caused by heat, quickly cool the burns with cold water until the pain is eased. Ice blocks should not be used to cool burns since they can cause further harm to the skin. Apply a sterile dressing to the burns.
Be extremely cautious in the case of electrical burns, which typically induce inside harm with a minor external burn. Turn off the electricity before rescuing the sufferer. Determine the necessity for CPR and make it available.
If the burns are the result of chemical leakage, use a cloth or gloved hands to remove the chemicals from the skin. Remove the infected garments with caution, taking care not to contaminate yourself.
In any case, while you are delivering first aid, make sure that the medical team arrives as soon as feasible.
A stroke
Stroke is another medical emergency in which brain cells die as a result of insufficient blood flow. This can be caused by hemorrhages (excessive bleeding) or ischemia (blockage of the vessels due to clots).
Among the stroke symptoms are:
Speaking impairment: despite being awake, there may be slurring or no speech at all.
Facial weakness-drooping of the lips and one or both eyes, inability to smile or communicate emotions
Arm weakness-difficulty lifting or even maintaining the arms in place, as well as numbness in either arm
Other symptoms include vision blurring, an intense headache, dizziness, and a sudden fall.
If you detect these symptoms, contact a medical emergency room right away because treatment must be done within 3–4 hours for the person to survive.
Seizures and convulsions
A convulsion, sometimes known as a seizure, is an uncontrollable, fast, and rhythmic shaking of the muscles caused by repeated contraction and relaxation. It is caused by aberrant electrical impulses in the brain. The most common symptoms include shaking of the entire body; drooling or frothing at the lips; behavioral abnormalities; strange eye movements; grunting; snorting; and teeth clenching.
After a while, the majority of the seizures will end on their own. The goal of first aid for convulsions should be to prevent more damage or injury while also maintaining airway stability. Do not restrain the person in order to stop the shaking. Lay the person down to avoid a fall. Remove any objects in the area to protect the head.
Nothing should be put in the mouth since tongue biting and bleeding from the mouth are common. Loosen the garment, particularly around the neck. Reassure the victim until the victim’s recovery or a medical team arrives.
During medical emergencies, never delay in administering first aid to victims. Identify the warning signs and provide the necessary and timely assistance to preserve their lives. While assisting the victim, you can always ask for help from others. Self-care is just as crucial as offering first aid during a medical emergency.