Overview

Review this topic before you need it. Then, when you are faced with an emergency or injury, you will know where to turn. Your confidence in dealing with both major and minor emergencies will be reassuring to an injured person.

Some of the medical emergencies you may find helpful to review are:

• Bleeding. See the topic Cuts.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Chest Problems.
• Choking Rescue Procedure (Heimlich Maneuver). See pictures of the Heimlich maneuver for babies and for adults. For tips to avoid choking, see preventing choking.
• Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness.
• Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
• Head Injury, Age 4 and Older.
• Heart Attack and Unstable Angina.
• Nervous System Problems.
• Poisoning.
• Shock.
• Stroke.

When an emergency occurs, take a deep breath. Count to 10. Tell yourself you can handle the situation.

Check for danger. Protect yourself and the injured person from fire, explosions, or other hazards. If you think the person has a spinal injury, do not move him or her unless the danger is great.

If the person is unconscious or does not respond to your voice or touch, be ready to start CPR. (See the CPR section of this topic.)

Try to look at the situation as a whole. What is the most serious problem and what do you need to do first? The most obvious problem is not always the most serious. Treat the most life-threatening problems like bleeding or shock first. Check for broken bones and other injuries. Call 911 or other emergency services, such as the local fire department, sheriff, or hospital, if you need help.

See tips on how to prepare for the emergency room.