Medical officers receive many health emergencies on a daily basis along their line of duty. Among these emergencies are seizures and accidents. Almost all of us respond to injury with panic; that is why Sugar Land inpatient beds are ready to handle all medical emergencies. Read on to understand some of the common medical emergencies.
1. Breathing Issues
Breathing difficulties may occur due to several reasons; asthma attacks and colds trigger this condition. You might encounter breathlessness when exercising, but you should take caution if it occurs suddenly. People with breathing issues have the following symptoms;
- Breath shortness or failure to catch breathe
- Tight chests and pain when inhaling
- Noisy breathing that can include whistling
- Shallow breathing
It will help to keep calm if someone has experienced breathing problems. Ensure the patient is relaxed since panic can make the condition deteriorate.Â
2. Scalds and Burns
Burns occur due to dry heat like fire or friction when moving a rope fast. A scald occurs after you expose the body to soft heat. Burns and scalds have the same effect. Both redden the skin and form blisters.
It would help if you considered the following rules when treating these injuries;
- Do not apply any lotion
- Do not break blisters or remove clothing
- Cover the infected area
- Bandage the infected area
- Treat to prevent shock.
3. Heart Attacks
Heart attacks happen when there is an insufficient blood supply to the heart. It occurs when a blood clot stops an artery from taking blood to the heart. Some symptoms of this condition include;
- Discomfort in the chest cavity
- Stomach discomfort and breath shortness.
Heart attack symptoms vary in men and women. Men experience cold sweats and feel pain in the left arm, while women feel more tired. Survival rates are high in this condition as long as you offer treatment within the first hour. It will also help to administer aspirin tablets to prevent clot formation.Â
4. Electrocution
Electrocution happens when you touch a naked or live wire. This shock is mild and can cause life-threatening injuries. Consider the following things when electrocution occurs;
- Reassure the victim
- Switch off the current by unplugging. Do not try to cut using a knife or scissors.
- Remove the victim from the current using the best care
- Lay the victim and observe them
- Ensure you loosen clothes around the chest and neck
- Wrap the patient in a rug or blanket
- Give them water.
5. Choking
Choking occurs when a substance obstructs the windpipe. This obstruction causes shortness of breath and can be fatal in minutes. It will help to bend the victim’s head forward to dislodge the obstruction. If it is a child, put them upside down and thump their back. Induced vomiting will also help the patient release things causing the blockage.Â
6. Seizures
Epilepsy is the main cause of a seizure. Its symptoms include fidgeting and weakness. First aid for seizure patients ensures they are safe until it stops on its own.
Most medical emergencies can cause death when ignored. You should have the right tips to help you overcome such times. Seek medical attention in case you or those around you fall victim to such.
