A Medical emergency may suddenly stare at you when you are expecting it the least. It could be you, your near and dear ones, friends, colleagues, a total stranger on the highway, or the whole of your neighborhood community at the center of it. Are you ready to face such a situation? For that matter, are you skilled enough to recognize a medical emergency when you see one? Do you know that having such awareness and undergoing some basic training would enable you to save a few lives even if medical professionals happen to arrive late? This article is an attempt to motivate you in that direction.

Identify the symptoms and then act without wasting time

If you are an suitably trained individual, who is able to identify the symptoms and recognize the Medical emergency without any delay, you stand a better chance to save a precious life; if the situation arises one day. The first aspect, perhaps the most significant one at that in managing a medical emergency is to understand its pointers. According to emergency physicians, it is our individual responsibility to learn how to read the indicators of a medical emergency. We must remember that in most emergencies, time is a vital component.

How to prevent an emergency

Injury is one of the major causes of death in the United States. Going by the general truism, it is better to prevent them than to treat their consequences. Keep safety as the first priority, advises the American College of Emergency Physicians. Like all good things in life, we must see that it starts from our home itself. Apart from safeguarding home, the whole family can enroll in courses like CPR (Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation) and other courses organized by American Red Cross or American Heart Association. We must also keep ourselves abreast of the safety needs of different segments, for example, elderly safety and child safety.

What to do during a Medical emergency

In case of a medical emergency, immediately call 911. While waiting for the arrival of Emergency Responders, provide the patient a first aid procedure as best as you can. In case the patient is pulseless, begin a CPR procedure, if you are trained in this technique. Keep the patient in the most comfortable posture as possible.

Collect all the prescriptions and other details of the patient if he or she has been undergoing any treatment recently. Always stay calm and display confidence that will provide the most needed reassurance to the patient.

A Good Samaritan is protected

To protect and encourage rescuers who help others out of good will, during emergencies, Good Samaritan laws have been put in place in many states. Hence a person who does not have an obligation to help a victim can do so without the fear of any legal complications arising out later.

Reference: A number of e-publications from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) downloadable from their website www.EmergencyCareForYou.org