Prioritizing Emergency Procedures - Essay Example

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Prioritizing Emergency Procedures

1. Emergency situations involving electric shock requires immediate actions to save the victims. During the demonstration, some of the procedures were effectively performed. For example, the source of electricity was turned off before continuing with the process of saving the victim. While one person was removing nearby electric appliances, the other was assessing the patient by checking for circulation and any external injuries. CPR began immediately after discovering that the victim had signs of circulation

2. Since I had limited skills in emergency care, I followed orders from my sister. I helped her to turn off the main electric switch and remove electric appliances from the area to avoid further cases of electric injury. I also helped her during CPR by counting chest compressions and giving rescue breaths to help the victim recover from unconsciousness. Furthermore, I called 911 for emergency help so that my young brother can receive care from an experienced emergence care team.

3. Since I have adequate knowledge about emergency care, I will be at the center of all activities being performed by inexperienced helpers. I will allocate each of them to do simple activities that do not require emergence care experience. For example, in case of an electric shock, I will allocate one of them to turn off the main electric switch. Others will remove all the nearby electric appliances. Furthermore, I will quickly teach some of the helpers some CPR techniques so that they can do it under my supervision. Lastly, unexperienced helpers will assist in triaging the victims to prioritize their care.

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Bleeding

Firstly, call emergency help in case the bleeding seems to be severe. Remove all clothing and embedding debris from the wounded site, except deeply embedded objects. Place a bandage at the wound and apply pressure to avoid excessive bleeding. Help the injured victim lie down on a rug or blanket to avoid loss of body heat. In case the bleeding persists, add another bandage without removing the existing one. A tourniquet can as well be applied while awaiting the ambulance to take the patient to the emergency room.

Shock

Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, tachycardia, nausea, clammy and pale skin, changes in mental behavior, enlargement of pupils, and bluish lips.

DRSABCD. Check for potential dangers, including harmful objects and other patient signs that may worsen the victim’s situation. Plan how to help the patient survive symptoms of shock. Firstly, call for help by dialing the emergency number or any close individuals. Ensure that the patient has a patent airway. In case of vomiting or oral bleeding, turn the victim on the side to avoid choking. Also, make sure that the patient is breathing by examining chest movements. Start CPR if the patient shows no signs of life, such as breathing and coughing. Defibrillation can follow in case CPR does not prove successful. While performing the mentioned procedures, the victim should be lying down with elevated legs. Let him/her stay still by avoiding unnecessary movements. Also, loosen any tight clothing and cover the patient to prevent chilling.

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Neck and Spinal Injury

6. Symptoms include severe back pain and pressure in the head, neck, and back. Victims also experience numbness, incoordination, and loss of sensation in fingers and toes.

In case an individual develops neck and spinal injury, call 911 for emergency help. Keep the victim still by placing rolled sheets on both sides of the neck. If he has a helmet, keep it on. Seek the help of a second person in case you need to roll the patient to avoid damage to the injured spine.

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1. Situation analysis refers to the assessment of the presenting situation in an emergency to determine the appropriate measures and plans that should be taken to ensure that victims are assisted.

2. The acronym STOP means, stop, think, observe, and plan. It is vital while offering first aid during an emergency as it helps helpers and the emergency care team to make the right move in saving the lives of victims.

3. The "whole of body assessment" means that the body is interconnected such that dysfunctions and impairments in one region of the body can affect other regions. As such, assessment should focus on the whole body and not on a specific organ.

4. CPR in adults involves providing chest compressions using both hands placed in the center of the chest. The depth of compressions can go up to two inches. Every thirty chest compressions should be accompanied by two rescue breaths. In contrast, chest compressions in children involve the use of one or both hands, depending on the size of the child. The depth of chest compressions should be two and a half inches. Like in adults, every thirty chest compressions should be accompanied by two rescue breaths

5. Unlike in adults, infant CPR involves the use of two fingers to perform chest compressions. The depth of compression should be one inch to an inch and a half. Provide two gently rescue breaths every after thirty compressions.

6. Symptoms of shock include dizziness, rapid breathing and pulse, nausea, cold and pale skin, bluish lips and fingernails, enlarged eyes, and excessive thirst.

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Wounds (cuts and lacerations)

Signs and symptoms of wounds (cuts and lacerations) include bruises, bleeding, swelling, pain, and skin discoloration.

Management involves stopping bleeding by applying extra pressure at the wound. Clean the wound using warm water and soap. Close the wound with a clean bandage. If the wound is deep or bleeding is continuous, call 911 for immediate help.

14. Symptoms of fractures include pain, swelling over the bone, deformity of the arm or foot, inability to bear weight on the affected foot or arm, and protruding bones in open fractures.

Fractures

Emergency management of fractures involves assessing the severity of the fractures. In case of bleeding, deformity, or severe pain, call for emergency help. Keep the victim still while planning to help. Arrest bleeding by applying pressure using a clothe or bandage at the wound of the fracture. Immobilize the fractured areas without trying to align the bone. Treat shock, if the victim feels like fainting or has difficulties in breathing.