What do you if a patient collapes?
If a patient collapses, it is important to respond quickly and appropriately to ensure their safety and recovery. Here's a general overview of the steps to take if a patient collapses:
1. Assess the Scene:
- Safety first: Secure the environment and make sure it's safe for both yourself and the patient.
2. Determine Responsiveness:
- Try a gentle "tap and shout" to assess if the person is responsive.
3. Activate Emergency Services:
- If unresponsive, immediately call for medical assistance (911 or local emergency number).
4. Clear Airways:
- Open the airway and assess breathing. Check for any breathing difficulty.
5. Check Breathing:
- Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
6. Begin CPR if Necessary:
- If there's no breathing or normal breathing, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths if qualified and appropriate.
7. Control Bleeding:
- Quickly check for obvious bleeding and attempt to stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth.
8. Place in Recovery Position:
- Once breathing and circulation are restored, gently roll the unconscious person onto their side (recovery position) to prevent choking and airway obstruction.
9. Stay with the Patient:
- Remain with the patient and continuously monitor their condition until medical assistance arrives.
10. Use an AED (If Available):
- If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is accessible, follow the audio prompts or visual instructions to deliver defibrillation as directed.
11. Keep Calm and Provide Reassurance:
- It's normal to feel anxious in such situations. Stay calm and provide reassurance to the patient and others around you.
Always seek professional medical help as quickly as possible, even if the person begins to regain consciousness. It's crucial to address the underlying cause of the collapse and ensure appropriate medical attention and treatment.
While following these steps, consider prioritizing actions based on the circumstances and your training in emergency response. If you're not trained in CPR or defibrillation, perform what you can until help arrives. Remember that it's important to act promptly and with care to increase the patient's chances of recovery.