How to Respond in a Medical Emergency
First, I’m no doctor so this advice is not intended to be substitute for consulting with a medical professional. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
But I am a Dad and these things interest me. So I hopped on over the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and took a page out of their book “What to do in a Medical Emergency” They have information on everything from Abdominal Pain to Snake Bites to Vomiting. But what interests me the most is the fundamentals like “Is It An Emergency?” because before we go diving into the particulars of specific emergencies, its’ good to look at it from 30,000 feet.
AECP says it is essential to know how to recognize the signs of a medical emergency – because correctly interpreting and acting on these signs could potentially save the life of a loved one — or your own life — one day. Many people experience the symptoms of an emergency, such as a stroke or a heart attack, but for various reasons (such as fear), delay seeking care right away. For many medical emergencies, time is of the essence, and delays in treatment can often lead to more serious consequences.
Emergency physicians believe it is the responsibility of every individual to learn to recognize the warning signs of a medical emergency. The following signs and symptoms and are not intended to represent every kind of medical emergency, but rather to provide examples of common issues.
Then they go onto discuss:
Should You Drive or Call an Ambulance?
Symptoms of Childhood Emergencies
What to Expect in the Emergency Department
When Your Child Has an Emergency
AECP says you also can learn to recognize — and act on —emergency warning signs by taking a first aid class and learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Your local hospital, American Red Cross or
American Heart Association may conduct first aid courses in your area or can guide you to organizations that do so.
Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist toHome Security Source discussingADT Pulse on Fox News. Disclosures
