Emergency Medicine

Preventing and Responding to an Emergency


Stay calm and act decisively. The first few minutes after an injury are often the most important. We advise that you take the following steps in case of an emergency.
 
1. Prevent medical emergencies             
  • Exercise regularly and undergo regular medical check-ups.
  • Reduce risk factors.    
  • Quit smoking.    
2. Prepare for emergencies                
  • Keep first aid kits at home, at work and in your car.    
  • Recognize emergency warning signs.    
  • Keep a list of the medications you and your family take; note allergies.
  • Take first-aid classes.    
  • Post emergency numbers near the telephone.    
  • Recognize life-threatening emergencies. Not every cut or burn requires a trip to the Emergency Department.    
 3. Warning signs to watch out for. If you experience any of these warning signs, get help immediately. 
  • Chest pain lasting more than two minutes        
  • Uncontrolled bleeding        
  • Sudden or severe pain    
  • Coughing or vomiting of blood    
  • Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath    
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness of or change in vision    
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea    
  • Change in mental status, such as difficulty in rising    
4. Act during an emergency 
Action during an emergency can range from calling paramedics, applying direct pressure on a wound, performing CPR, or splinting an injury. Never perform a procedure if you are not sure how to do it.
  • Do not move anyone involved in a motor vehicle crash or serious fall or found unconscious, unless the person is in immediate danger of further injury.
  • Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink. Keep the person     covered.
  • If the victim is bleeding, apply a clean cloth or sterile bandage. If possible, elevate the injury. Apply direct pressure on the wound.    
  • If the victim is not breathing, begin rescue breathing or CPR.    

It is best not to use the Emergency Department for minor or routine health problems. Patients at the Emergency Department are treated based on the severity of their condition. The sickest patients are cared for first. If your problem is relatively minor, you may have to wait for some time before being treated.
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