Health Emergency Preparedness: What You Know Could Save Lives

Whether as pets or in the wild, animals will bite in response to aggression or if they feel threatened. Animal bites may not be very dangerous on their own, but the possibility of contracting rabies from the bite can make the situation worse.

Aside from treating the wound left by the bite, having a health professional diagnose the bite is key to avoiding rabies or other infections.

Bleeding is typically caused by cuts, wounds, and other lacerations in the skin. In the case of severe injury, internal bleeding can happen.

First aid treatment may be enough for minor injuries like light bleeding. However, emergency treatment is needed if the bleeding does not stop even after administering first aid, there is an object inside the wound, the wound looks deep, or bone or tissue is visible.

There are several reasons why someone may experience breathing difficulties: physical activity, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, or the onset of cough or colds.

Symptoms include tightness in the chest or pain when taking breaths, feeling short of breath, breathing being shallower or faster than normal, and wheezing or gasping. Unexpected or sudden breathing difficulties can be a sign of a possible health emergency.

Cardiac arrest occurs when there is an electrical malfunction due to an abnormal heart rhythm, causing it to stop beating unexpectedly. Possible cardiac arrest warning signs include chest pains, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, chest discomfort, heart palpitations, and loss of consciousness.

If a person is experiencing some of these symptoms, it is critical to administer hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for emergency services to arrive for immediate medical treatment.

Fractures occur when there is a break in the bone. Depending on the situation, this break may be internal or external and happen in multiple places on the bone.

When dealing with a suspected fracture, stabilize the area with a splint, elevate the extremity, and put a cold pack over the injury to reduce pain and swelling. Emergency services should be contacted, as the affected area will need to be X-rayed to assess the injury better.

A stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is partially cut off, either due to a blood clot or bleeding on the brain. The critical time for detecting and treating a stroke is within 3 hours to 4.5 hours from the time of onset of first symptom, as early treatment can help mitigate lasting changes.

The main signs to watch out for are F-A-S-T or face, arms, speech, and time. Changes in the face (especially drooping), inability to keep both arms lifted, and slurred or changed speech patterns are all signs of someone suffering a stroke. Once any of these symptoms have been detected, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Typhoons, floods, and earthquakes are natural disasters that can change the environment and living conditions of the affected population.

Typhoons and flooding not only pose the threat of drowning but can also contaminate the water supply and cut access to basic needs. Earthquakes are highly destructive, and falling debris can injure or kill people, as well as destroy homes and other essential establishments.

A first-aid kit should have all the necessary supplies to provide basic first aid, including bandages and dressings, general medication like Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, antibacterial ointment, calamine lotion, hydrogen peroxide, and rubbing alcohol. It should also include equipment like scissors, safety pins, tweezers, thermometer, and gloves.

Having a first-aid manual in the kit makes it easier to administer the correct treatment to the injured, especially for those who are inexperienced. This first aid kit should be easily accessible and regularly inspected to replace any expired or used supplies.

Natural disasters, especially typhoons, are unavoidable in the Philippines. An emergency overnight pack contains all the essentials necessary for evacuees to survive harsh conditions or the aftermath.

The pack should include clean water and non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, face mask, plastic bags, moist towelettes or wet wipes, and whistle. Other things can be added to the pack depending on the family’s size and other circumstances, such as the damage or conditions expected in the area.

Severe health emergencies will need more intensive medical treatment to properly address the injury or save the injured person’s life. Committing emergency numbers to mind is good practice, but the stress and panic in an emergency can make it difficult to recall them.

Have a handy sheet or small card printed with all the emergency numbers listed for easy reference. After administering first aid, emergency services should be contacted immediately.