Emergency Medical Training 2020 (Part 1)

Topics covered:

• Stroke
• Seizures
• Cardiac Arrest – review the steps DRSABCD
• Heart Attack
• Angina Pectoris
• CPR
• Practice the Defibrillator on “George”
• Use of Puffers
• Anaphylactic Shock
• Use of Adrenaline
• Maintenance and use of our Oxygen tank
• Maintenance and use of the our Red Emergency Bag
• Maintenance of our Defibrillator
• Medical Emergency Scenarios in the surgery and waiting room

Let’s start with “George” and CPR. It’s important to place one hand at the base of the sternum and tilt the head back.

The hand on the sternum is to locate the best place ready for the heel of the hand to start CPR compression.

The tilt of the head is to ensure the airway is open and be able to best inspect the mouth and throat for any obstructions.

We also learnt a new variation on the Stroke mnemonic of FAST. It’s now BE FAST:

• B – Balance: not standing up well
• E – Eyes: not responsive
• F – Face: facial expression distorted
• A – Arm: loss of grip
• S – Speech: slurred
• T – Time: get to hospital ASAP!

We also practiced our Send – for help. In our surgery we have a red bag that contains our medical emergency kit, so we would call out “Red Bag, Red Bag, Red Bag!” The other staff would respond that they have heard “Red Bag, Red Bag, Red Bag!” This sets off people to perform necessary tasks – Carry the Red Bag to the area of the emergency; Call the ambulance and if enough staff – document the event.

Why Red Bag? This not a normal terminology we would use in our day to day work. To say this is a big deal, rather than “need help”.

Next in Series: Emergency Medical Training 2020 (Part 2)