A Few Tips on How to Be Prepared for an Emergency Medical Situation

Somewhere at the back of our minds, we all dread being involved in a medical emergency--whether we are the ones in need of urgent care or we are the ones to take charge in a crisis, the possibilities are indeed daunting.

However, if you are armed with knowledge about how to act safely and responsibly in an emergency situation, then the chances that you will panic will decrease and the likelihood of a positive outcome will rise.

First off, if you have a family member with any sort of chronic, potentially life-threatening disorder, such as diabetes or heart disease, become educated about it and what crises may arise because of it. Even if you do not reside with them, you should be fully informed on their condition, as one never knows exactly when or how complications may arise.

It should never be left exclusively to the paramedics to know life-saving techniques like CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. Many schools and even some business offices offer courses that will teach any interested how to develop these basic skills.

From there, you are only one step away from being certified. Being certified ensures that you are performing the function (CPR) properly and therefore reduces the risk of serious injury to the person in distress.

You should be aware that even properly executed CPR may involve cracking or even breaking the individual's ribs. Being certified will help you make the distinction of when this is necessary or when too much force is being applied.

Being able to recognize a potential emergency situation for what it is will also be a highly valuable skill in the long run. If you or someone else in the vicinity are/is experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath, or has difficulty breathing in general, dial 911 or your community's emergency number right away.

Other red flags that signal a crisis include pain or pressure in the chest or abdominal region, sudden dizziness or fainting spells, persistent bleeding, severe or ongoing vomiting (particularly if there is blood in the vomit or if the individual is coughing up blood), blurring or unusual change in vision, or unexplained confusion (or other change in apparent mental status).

In all of these instances, it is crucial that you or the suffering individual do/does not dismiss the symptoms. Contact emergency medical services immediately--it could be the difference between life and death.

Remember that what you don't do is sometimes as essential as what you do--DON'T try to move someone who has fallen unconscious, who has struck their head somehow, or who has been involved in an automotive collision. DON'T attempt to treat burns of any kind with ice, butter, or petroleum jelly. And most importantly, DON'T try to handle a real emergency medical situation by yourself without calling 911 or another local emergency department.

About the Author

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois can provide you with the highest standard of excellence, so that in those vital moments, your health insurance will be a relief, not a source of anxiety. Contact us (http://bcbs-advisers.com) today. Art Gib is a freelance writer.