Although medical emergencies in primary care offices are rare, they’re not impossible. Just as a person can experience an urgent issue at home or work, it can happen at their doctor’s office, too.
With that in mind, doctors, nurses and other staff should know what to do until paramedics arrive. Below, learn more about the most common emergencies and what you can do to prepare for them.
Types of Medical Emergencies
Health emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, including at the primary care office. Here are some of the most common situations you may encounter:
- Anaphylaxis
- Hypoglycemia
- Respiratory distress
- Asthma attacks
- Seizure
- Shock
- Cardiac arrest
- Impaired consciousness
- Obstructed airway
Even if it’s not obvious which of these is occurring, there are several symptoms that point toward a health crisis, such as:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Choking
- Severe headache
- Change in mental status
- Coughing up blood
- Severe abdominal pain
In some cases, you may see these issues because patients misinterpret the severity of their symptoms or purposely avoid the ER. Or, an emergency may arise due to an in-office treatment, such as a vaccine, injection or medication.
How to Prepare for an Emergency
While rare, you and your team should be prepared to respond in the event of an emergency. Between prepping for common situations to stocking first aid supplies and providing life support, here are steps you can take:
Prepare for the Most Likely Emergencies
The urgent issues you’re likely to encounter vary depending on the population you serve. Here are some considerations about your patients to keep in mind:
- Age range
- Common conditions
- Critical or chronic illnesses
- Special needs
Additionally, it helps to think about your proximity to the nearest emergency department. The type of care you may need to provide during a medical crisis depends on the distance to the ER.
Stock Up On Supplies
To provide basic life support while awaiting emergency medical services, you’ll need a variety of supplies. Examples of equipment, medications and other supplies you may need include:
- Bag-mask ventilator
- Epinephrine
- Bronchial dilator and inhalers
- Morphine
- Cardiac monitor
- Fast-acting glucose
- Ativan
- Glucose monitor
- Pulse oximeter
- Benzodiazepine
- Automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Naloxone
- IV supplies
- Personal protective equipment
You and your staff should be trained on how to use the equipment and administer emergency services, such as CPR.
Take Action During an Emergency
Primary care providers should be able to identify a health crisis and stabilize the patient until they can go to the hospital. As a PCP, you should:
Perform Basic Life Support
Doctors must assess the person’s airway, breathing and circulation, as well as take their vital signs. Treatment decisions will depend on the urgency of the situation, but examples may include CPR or nebulization.
Document the Emergency
You should document the situation and patient’s information while awaiting EMS. Some important aspects to note include:
- Patient information
- Type of emergency
- The time EMS was called and when they arrived
- Vital signs and pain ratings
- Interventions and medications provided
- Patient response to treatment
Provide this documentation to first responders and the ED to ensure continuity of care.
Communicate With Patients, Families and Staff
During an emergency, communication is crucial. Medical professionals need to be able to speak to the patient or their families, providing guidance and reassurance. Keeping them in the loop during a stressful situation is a vital part of emergency response.
Additionally, your staff should know how to discuss the situation to help promote proper care and avoid causing chaos among others.
Learn More About Emergency Preparedness With CME
Refresh your basic life support skills and prepare for potential emergencies with CME Seminars!