Priorities and Procedures in Emergency Medical Treatment

Cardiopulmonary Rescuscitation 

Priorities and Procedures in Emergency Medical Treatment: When faced with a medical emergency, having a clear understanding of priorities and procedures can be the difference between life and death. This article explores the essential steps to take when encountering various emergency situations, from interference with breathing to cardiac arrest. Additionally, we will discuss the four levels of responsiveness and an exercise to test your knowledge. Finally, we’ll rearrange a list of individuals with medical conditions based on their priority for care.

Treatment of Emergency Priorities

1. Interference with Breathing:

   In a situation where a person’s breathing is compromised, immediate action is crucial. Start by removing any foreign objects from the mouth and throat, such as dentures or food particles. Next, initiate mouth-to-mouth breathing to ensure the patient receives oxygen. Ambulance attendants should be contacted to bring airways, Ambu bags, and oxygen equipment.

2. Severe Bleeding:

   When faced with severe bleeding, apply firm pressure over the wound using your fingers. If prompt treatment is not possible, use a thick pad and secure it with bandages. For limb bleeding, raise the limb while keeping the head and trunk flat to reduce blood flow. Monitoring the pulse below the bleeding wound helps assess the patient’s condition and blood supply to the affected area.

3. Unconsciousness:

   Patients who become unconscious should be placed in the left lateral position with their face slightly downward. This position aids in the drainage of secretions or vomit from the mouth and prevents the tongue from obstructing the airway. A pillow should be positioned behind the patient to maintain their airway. When lifting an unconscious patient, ensure that the head, body, and legs are lifted together and at the same level.

4. Cardiac Arrest:

   In cases of cardiac arrest, where the patient has collapsed and no pulse can be felt with dilated pupils, initiate external cardiac massage. Lay the patient flat on the floor, and if necessary, clear the airway. Perform sternal compressions at a ratio of 30:2 (30 compressions followed by 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths per minute).

The Four Levels of Responsiveness

Understanding a patient’s level of responsiveness is essential for effective care. There are four levels of responsiveness:

– A – Alert: The casualty is fully alert and responsive.

– V – Voice: The casualty can respond when spoken to and engage in a logical conversation.

– P – Pain: The casualty responds to pain stimuli, such as nail-bed pressure.

– U – Unresponsive: The casualty does not respond to any stimuli.

To assess responsiveness, use the “LLFF” acronym:

– L – Look for equal rise and fall of the chest, respiratory rate and pattern, use of accessory muscles, integrity of the chest wall, and position of the trachea.

– L – Listen for air escaping during exhalation by placing your ear near the casualty’s mouth and check for bilateral breath sounds or noisy breathing.

– F – Feel for the flow of air on your cheek.

This assessment should take no more than 10 seconds to complete.

In emergency medical situations, knowing the correct priorities and procedures can be life-saving. This comprehensive guide has outlined the steps to take when faced with interference with breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness, and cardiac arrest. Additionally, understanding the four levels of responsiveness and practicing your knowledge through exercises is crucial for effective emergency care. Finally, arranging individuals in need of medical care based on their condition and priority ensures that resources are allocated efficiently in critical situations.