Introduction

Although rare, there may be occasions where a patient becomes seriously ill whilst waiting, during a consultation, or when a procedure takes place. This could range from feeling faint & blacking out, to cardiac arrests & strokes.

We should all be trained to assist in an emergency, and whilst a clinician will usually take charge, there are actions everyone can take to ensure the wellbeing & safety of the patient.

Often we will provide support to the patient until the emergency services arrive - this could be anywhere from CPR to providing a chair & a drink of water. The clinician in charge of the situation will make it clear how best to help.

Equipment

Every site has:

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Equipment for Basic Life Support (BLS) including O₂
• Emergency Drugs
• First Aid Equipment

This is all stored in the site Emergency trolley

Record Keeping

• Detailed records of actions taken, and the timing of these should be recorded in the patient’s notes
• This may take the form of paper based notes, which are then scanned into the record
• In the unlikely event of treating a patient who is not registered with us, register the patient under ‘immediately necessary’ (see 📋Registrations)

How to deal with on-site medical emergencies

The below diagram takes you through our processes for dealing with on-site medical emergencies. There are three key stages:

1. Getting Help - Assessing the situation, and getting a clinician involved early
2. Once Help Arrives - Be around to help the clinician, the patient or to control the situation
3. After the emergency - Keep records, clean up, and debrief with the team involved