Life-threatening emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing how to react promptly and properly could be the difference between life and death. This post details the most common medical emergencies and what you should do until help arrives.
Heart Attack
Symptoms:
Chest pain or discomfort
Discomfort passing to the arms, back, jaw, or even the neck
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness
What to Do:
Call 911 immediately.
Assist the person in sitting down and be calm.
If there are no contraindications to aspirin (the person is not allergic and does not have a bleeding disorder), then it should be offered.
If they lose consciousness and stop breathing, be prepared to do CPR.
Stroke
Symptoms:
Use the FAST method:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911
What to Do:
Get an ambulance Fast.
Try to keep the person calm and in a comfortable position.
Do not provide them with food, water or medicine.
Write down the time the symptoms started, for medical personnel.
Severe Bleeding
Symptoms:
Blood that spurts or pools fast
Soaked-through bandages
Pale or clammy skin
Rapid pulse
What to Do:
Place a clean cloth over the wound and apply steady, hard pressure.
Elevate the injured area, if possible.
Never take off soaked bandages - just add another layers.
Dial 911 or head to the closest emergency center.
Choking
Symptoms:
Inability to speak or breathe
Clutching the throat
Blue lips or face
What to Do:
Ask, “Are you choking?”
If the victim can not respond the Heimlich:
Stand behind your partner and then put your arms around their waist.
Fist with one hand placed above their belly button.
Then grab your fist with your other hand and push upward and inward.
Continue until object is expelled or person is unconscious.
If there is no response and the person is unconscious, start CPR and call for help.
Too much action of the sympathetic nervous system in - Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Symptoms:
Interference with facial, lips, or throat
Difficulty breathing
Hives or rash
Dizziness or fainting
What to Do:
If available, use an epinephrine auto-injector.
Call 911 right away.
Do not let the person stand or walk, unless he or she must do so to get to a better ventilated location.
Avoid any tight clothing and keep track of the breathing.
Seizures
Symptoms:
Sudden loss of consciousness
Movement because of jerks of the arms and legs
Confusion or fatigue after
What to Do:
I know you have low ceilings but else something XXXX nasty will get fucked up Move whatever is close to you and will hurt you when you go down for it.
Do not keep the person held down or put anything in their mouth.
Lie them down on their side once seizure is over to assist with breathing.
Remain with them and provide comfort.
Get medical attention if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, or if it’s their first.
Burns
Symptoms:
Skin that is red, blistered, charred
Pain and swelling
What to Do:
Cool the burn with cold running water for at least 10 minutes.
Do not use ice or ointments.
Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage.
For severe burns, 911 your way!
Fractures and Broken Bones
Symptoms:
Swelling or bruising
Inability to move the limb
Deformity or bone exposed through a cut in the skin
What to Do:
Do not attempt to straighten the bone.
Splint if indication is positive.
Keep the limb stagnant and above the heart, if you can.
Consult a doctor right now!
Fainting (Syncope)
Symptoms:
Unexplained dizziness or fainting
Pale skin
Sweating or nausea
What to Do:
And so attended to the persons lying them down, and the raising of their legges above.
Loosen tight clothing.
If they are alert, offer water when they wake up.
To find out why or if symptoms don't subside, call a doctor or go to emergency care Las Vegas.
When to Go to Emergency Care
If you are also feeling very unwell, you should consider seeking help immediately at an urgent care or ER if:
It is life-threatening
They are accompanied with severe pain or worsening of bleeding
Someone is breathing unconscious or has difficulty breathing
Symptoms are consistent with warning signs of heart attack or stroke
Las Vegas emergency care is always on 24 hours of the day for your urgent health matters. Whether it’s a serious injury, allergic response or odd symptoms, quick access to help can save lives.
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are a source of anxiety and stress, of course, but If you take the time to know what to do, you’ll be in a better position to help. And always remember the golden rule: When in doubt, call 911 — then stay calm while waiting for help to arrive. Basic knowing some first aid can make all the difference in the world in keeping someone stable until the pros can take over.
