Medical emergencies can be unpredictable and sometimes very traumatic.  No one plans for an emergency.  That’s why it is so important to be prepared.  In addition to knowing what constitutes an emergency, you should know where to get help and what to do while you’re waiting for help.  Being prepared may help save a life.

To help you get prepared, here are some tips from the American College of Emergency Physicians:

Prevention.

Be sure to get routine medical and preventive care from your physician and be sure to get necessary immunizations.  Also, treat minor illnesses before they become serious enough to require an emergency department visit.

Recognize emergency warning signs.

Warning signs of a medical emergency may include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure, fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision, confusion or change in mental status, sudden severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, severe or persistent vomiting, coughing up or vomiting blood and suicidal or homicidal feelings.

Know where to get help.

Dialing 911 will put you in touch with emergency medical help.  Teach your children to dial this number, too.

Waiting for help to arrive – what to do.

Knowing CPR and choking rescue procedures can be a great advantage, especially if you have small children in the house.  You should also know the basics of first aid, including how to stop bleeding, manage shock or handle fractures until help arrives.  Your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association chapter may offer CPR and first aid classes.

Waiting for help to arrive – what not to do.

Just as important as knowing basic first aid is knowing what not to do in an emergency.  A classic example is poison control.  While it’s smart to keep syrup of ipecac in the house in case a child swallows poison, it should not be used with all poisons. You should first call the Poison Control Center or the emergency department for advice.  In addition, you should never move anyone who is unconscious, has struck his head or was injured in a car crash unless the person is in danger.  When treating burns, do not use ice or butter or petroleum jelly. 

If you would like to learn more about emergency preparedness, contact your local hospital to see if they offer education classes.  Emergencies can be very scary, but being prepared may help you get through those unexpected events.