Medical emergencies don’t come with a warning. It can happen at any place and at any moment, whether you are at home, at work, or out in public. It can happen with you, your loved ones, or even with a stranger. In those critical minutes your response can make a big difference, before professional help arrives. So, it is very important to be aware of common medical emergencies and know how to handle them. It is not necessary for you to be a doctor, you have to be just alert and prepared to save a life.

Let's explore five of the most common medical emergencies, how to recognize them, and what you can do until help arrives.

1. Heart Attack

A heart attack is a medical condition when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This can be life-threatening if not treated on time.

Symptoms:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or cold sweat
  • Pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
  • Dizziness or light-headedness

In case anyone has a heart attack, you should call emergency services immediately. You should tell the person to sit down and stay calm. If the person is not allergic, give them aspirin to chew, it can help in thinning of the blood.

2. Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. Early action can prevent brain damage.

The symptoms of stroke are:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden loss of balance or vision

If anyone has above any of the above symptoms, you should use the FAST test:
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, then it’s Time to call emergency services.

3. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Severe allergic reactions can happen within seconds of exposure to an allergen like peanuts, insect stings, or certain medicines. It’s life-threatening and requires immediate care. Its symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty in breathing, rash or hives and fast or weak pulse.
Call the nearest hospital helpline number immediately for help. If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), you can use it. Keep them lying down and calm until help arrives.

4. Choking

Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. In such conditions, the person is unable to talk or breathe. He might make wheezing sounds and his skin might turn blue  and lose consciousness.

For adults and children over one year, you can use the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts). If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR and call for help without making any delay.

5. Severe Bleeding

Heavy bleeding from an injury can lead to shock or even death if not controlled on time. You should apply firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth. Elevate the injured area if possible. Do not remove objects stuck in the wound,  instead bandage around them and call for emergency services.

Conclusion

Being aware of these common medical emergencies and knowing how to act can save precious time and lives. We should perform a basic first aid course, because that would make a huge difference.

with Dr. Sumit Mor

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