How to be prepared for medical emergencies
Quick question – do you know what to do in case of a house fire? What if your home gets flooded during a heavy storm?
Sounds extreme, but these concerns are a reality. An emergency can pop up at any time and it’s smart to always be prepared, as much as possible.
5 common medical emergencies
Cuts and wounds
Sharp objects, knives or broken glass can quickly cause cuts and wounds. These injuries can range from minor to severe.
First aid: Clean the wound with mild soap and water, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to control bleeding, and get to a doctor or hospital immediately if the wound is deep and severe.
Burns
Burns can result from hot surfaces, liquids or flames in the kitchen or elsewhere in the home. Even something as innocuous as a heater could cause a burn.
First aid: Cool the burn with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and cover it with a sterile dressing. For severe burns, seek immediate medical help.
Choking
Choking can occur while eating or playing, particularly in young children who may put small objects into their mouths.
First aid: Perform the Heimlich manoeuvre (abdominal thrusts) for conscious choking victims. If the person cannot breathe, call for emergency help.
Falls
Falls are a common cause of injuries, especially among the elderly and young children.
First aid: Assess the person for injuries, administer the appropriate first aid (e.g. ice for minor injuries), and get to a doctor or hospital for severe falls or injuries.
Poisoning
Ingesting harmful substances, medications or household chemicals can lead to poisoning. Make sure chemicals and household liquids are locked in a cabinet that is inaccessible to children and pets.
First aid: Call emergency services immediately, follow the instructions from poison control, and provide as much information as possible about the ingested substance.
Major emergencies
In the case of an actual house fire, the first priority is to get everyone out of the house safely. Try to cover your head with a towel to avoid inhaling smoke. If there is smoke, crawl low to the ground where the air is clearer. Smoke inhalation can be very dangerous. If someone's clothes catch fire, they should stop immediately, drop to the ground, and roll to smother the flames.
In the case of an actual house fire, the first priority is to get everyone out of the house safely. Try to cover your head with a towel to avoid inhaling smoke. If there is smoke, crawl low to the ground where the air is clearer. Smoke inhalation can be very dangerous. If someone's clothes catch fire, they should stop immediately, drop to the ground, and roll to smother the flames.
Good to know
Always keep a first-aid kit handy – one in your home and one in the car, if possible. Make sure it’s stocked with sanitiser, a burn treatment, bandages, an antiseptic, gauze and an antibiotic treatment. Good emergency meds to keep in stock are aloe vera gel, anti-diarrhoea medication, calamine lotion, antihistamine, and pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen.
It’s also a great idea to learn basic CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first-aid techniques. In fact, this is helpful for all family members to know.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.