Blood Pressure Chart: Understanding Normal, High, and Low Ranges
Mar 06, 2025
Last Updated On: February 10, 2025
Do you know approximately 500,000 ambulances are diverted annually in the United States, indicating the unexpected occurrence of medical emergencies? Emergencies are unpredictable and not limited to car accidents or medical conditions. You might encounter a variety of situations, such as someone fainting, having an asthma attack, suffering an allergic reaction, or even dealing with a severe nosebleed. Therefore, you need to be prepared in advance for handling medical emergencies and know how to react with confidence.
First aid training prepares you to handle a wide range of medical emergencies confidently, from basic wound care to more complex life-threatening situations. In this blog, let us explore the first aid technique for handling medical emergencies, providing you with the knowledge and skills to act in a time of crisis.
Being prepared with first aid training for handling medical emergencies will save lives by preventing complications, minimizing injuries, and ensuring a more favorable outcome for victims. Here we have compiled the proper first-aid techniques for dealing with some of the most common and life-threatening medical emergencies:
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a clot. This condition can damage the heart muscle and, if untreated, can be fatal. In most cases, it results from arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), heart attacks, or trauma. Below are key steps involved in first aid for heart attack:
If you suspect someone is experiencing a heart attack, dial your local emergency number without delay. Quick medical intervention is critical. Explain the situation clearly, provide the exact location, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions while waiting for professional medical help to arrive.
Encourage the person to stay calm, as anxiety can make symptoms worse. Reassure them and help them find a comfortable position, preferably sitting with their back supported. Ensure they rest and avoid any physical activity that could strain their condition.
If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, give them a chewable aspirin. Aspirin helps to thin the blood and can reduce the damage caused by a heart attack. Do not give aspirin if the person is unconscious, allergic to aspirin, or has been advised by a doctor to avoid it.
Keep an eye on the person’s breathing. If they become unconscious and stop breathing, start CPR immediately (if you are trained). If you’re not trained in CPR, emergency dispatchers can guide you.
If the person stops breathing or their heart stops beating, start chest compressions. Place your hands on the center of the chest, one on top of the other. Press down hard and fast, aiming for a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) and a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If you are trained in CPR, provide 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
If there’s an automated External Defibrillator (AED) nearby, use it immediately. The AED can analyze the person’s heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. Follow the instructions on the AED, which are designed to guide you through the process. You need to continue monitoring the person until emergency responders arrive.
Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the airway, which prevents the person from breathing. It’s a common emergency, especially with young children or older adults. A blocked airway can lead to suffocation. Here’s how you can quickly respond with the following first-aid actions:
Assess the situation before you devise the choking emergency response plan. If the person can cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing to try to dislodge the object. If the person cannot speak, cough, or breathe, they need immediate help.
If the person is conscious and unable to breathe or cough effectively, perform the Heimlich maneuver:
Perform the Heimlich maneuver in pregnant women higher up, placing your hands in the middle of the chest, just above the breastbone. Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) of a blood vessel. Stroke symptoms can vary depending on the affected area of the brain, but rapid intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respond to a choking emergency:
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, assess whether they have the common symptoms of a stroke. You can remember the stroke symptoms and actions with the acronym “BE FAST”:
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. The sooner medical treatment is provided, the better the chances of recovery. Provide as much detail as possible about the symptoms, including the time they started, as it can affect treatment options.
Ensure the person is in a safe position, ideally lying down with their head slightly elevated, but do not try to move them unnecessarily. Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink in case they have difficulty swallowing.
Check if the person is breathing. If they are not breathing or their breathing is irregular, begin CPR if trained. Keep the person comfortable and reassure them until help arrives.
When emergency services arrive, provide them with all the relevant information, including the time the symptoms began, any medical history, and any medications the person is taking.
Severe bleeding, whether from a traumatic injury or medical condition, can quickly lead to shock and death if not controlled. Bleeding from an artery is particularly dangerous, as it can cause rapid blood loss. Let us explore how you can deal with the severe bleeding.
Use a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or even a bandage to apply direct pressure to the wound. Place the cloth or gauze directly over the wound and press down firmly. Maintain this pressure continuously without lifting the cloth to check the wound, as this can disrupt any clot that may be forming. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, add more layers on top rather than removing the original cloth.
If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate it above the heart level to help reduce blood flow to the area, which may slow bleeding. Use pillows or any available support to raise the limb. Ensure that the elevation is comfortable for the person and does not cause additional pain.
For severe or arterial bleeding (where blood spurts), try applying direct pressure and, if possible, use a clean cloth or dressing to create a tourniquet above the bleeding site to reduce blood flow temporarily.
Once the bleeding has slowed, secure a bandage over the wound. Use a sterile bandage or dressing to cover the wound. Wrap it snugly but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Ensure that the bandage stays in place and continue to apply pressure to the wound.
Lay the person down with their feet elevated if they show signs of shock. These include rapid breathing, confusion, dizziness, and a weak pulse. Keep them warm and calm. Avoid giving them food or drink.
For heavy bleeding, deep cuts, or if the bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10-15 minutes, seek professional medical help immediately. If the wound is large, gaping, or involves vital organs (like the chest or head), call emergency services. Do not remove any objects that might be embedded in the wound. Apply pressure around them to control bleeding.
Emergencies are unpredictable, but when you stay prepared, you can greatly reduce their impact, save lives, and minimize damage. Below are practical steps you can take to stay prepared for handling medical emergencies:
An emergency kit will help you handle unforeseen events. It should contain essential supplies that can support you and your family for at least 72 hours. Regularly check and update the kit, getting rid of expired items and ensuring it’s tailored to your needs. You can include,
An emergency plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go in case of a disaster. Make sure to regularly review and practice your emergency plan so everyone is familiar with the procedures. Your plan should cover:
Taking care of your health can help you be more resilient during emergencies. Ensure everyone in your household is up to date on vaccinations and has regular checkups. Keep a medical history for each family member, including any chronic conditions, allergies, and medications they take, so you can quickly provide relevant information in an emergency.
Emergencies can be stressful, and being mentally prepared is just as important as physical preparation. Stay calm, and practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress. Encourage your family to remain positive and focused during drills and in the event of an actual emergency.
Handling medical emergencies often requires immediate action within the first few minutes. For instance, waiting too long to cool the burn can cause further damage to the skin. Moreover, it will increase the risk of infection or scarring. In contrast, proper first aid, like running cool water over the burn immediately, can reduce damage and improve healing outcomes. Being cautious about such symptoms and learning the basics of life-saving techniques will allow you to provide much-needed assistance until professional help arrives. Sign up for first aid training to save lives and promote faster recovery, and better health outcomes in victims.
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