What do we do in a medical emergency? Let's help without panicking!

There are times in our lives when someone suddenly falls ill or has an accident. It could be a small child or an adult. At such times, immediate medical help is needed. We call this a medical emergency . In fact, it is normal to feel a little anxious and nervous at such times. However, the most important thing is to speak up for help. If we are properly informed, we can help save someone's life even in the most difficult of times.

How do I make a phone call in an emergency?

Imagine someone suddenly falls in front of you, or you have a serious accident and are bleeding profusely. It's hard not to panic at that moment. But try to stay as calm as possible and follow these steps.

• First, take a deep breath: This will help calm your mind a bit. It's hard to think clearly when you're stressed.
• Call 1990 immediately: In Sri Lanka, we have the Suwa Seriya ambulance service . This is a free service. Call 1990 and report the emergency. Sometimes, if you know the emergency number of the nearest hospital in your area, it is okay to call that. But 1990 is a special service that operates throughout Sri Lanka.
• Tell the operator that this is an emergency : Say something like, "This is an emergency, I need help right away." That way they know how serious this is.
• State your name and location clearly: State your name clearly. Next, it is very important to state your exact location. If possible, state the house number, street name, village name, and nearby public places (like a temple, school, or shop). This will help the ambulance get there quickly.
• Explain the incident: Tell us simply and clearly what happened. It would be helpful to provide details such as how many people were injured /ill? What their condition is (are they unconscious? Are they having trouble breathing? Are they bleeding?).
• Listen carefully to what the operator says: They may give you some instructions. For example, to position the patient in a certain way, or to apply pressure to a bleeding area. Listen carefully and do as they say.
• Don't hang up until the operator says: Stay connected until they say, "Okay, it's okay to hang up now." They may want to know more details.

Remember, the speed of help you receive depends on the clarity and accuracy of the information you provide. So, even if you are nervous, try to explain the details as calmly as possible.

What do you do after making an emergency call?

Okay, now you've called 1990 and given the details. What are you doing until the ambulance arrives?

• See if the environment is safe:
• If the surrounding environment is dangerous:Imagine someone has fallen into a gas leak, or a power line has been cut. In such a situation, do not approach the person in distress. You could be in danger too. Instead, wait for help from a safe place. Your safety is also very important.
• If the surrounding area is safe: If there is no immediate danger, stay with the person who needs help. Don't leave them alone. Be strong for them. Reassure them by saying, "Don't be afraid, the ambulance is coming."

• Do not move the injured person (especially if they have fallen): If someone has fallen from a height, they may have injured their neck, spine, or other bones. Moving someone like that can make the injury worse. So, do not move the patient until the trained ambulance personnel arrive and do the right thing. However, if they are having difficulty breathing or vomiting, there are times when they should be carefully turned on their side. You can also ask the operator for advice on this.

• Stay as calm as possible: If you stay calm, it will be a great help to the sick person. If you panic, he will be even more afraid.

Let's think of a small example?

Imagine that your friend Nilanthi is playing and suddenly clutches her chest and says she is having trouble breathing. You also know that she has asthma. 1. Don't panic. Make Nilanthi sit on the floor. In a place where she can lean back. 2. Call 1990 immediately. Say, "My friend is having trouble breathing, she has asthma. We are at [exact location]." 3. Check to see if Nilanthi has her inhaler nearby. If she does, help her use it. 4. Keep talking to Nilanthi. Say things like, "Don't worry, Nilanthi, the ambulance will be here soon." 5. Stay with Nilanthi until the ambulance arrives. Even a small thing like this, your awareness will go a long way in helping Nilanthi get treatment quickly.

How do you prepare for an emergency in advance?

"If only we could have known before something like that happened..." we think, don't we? But emergencies are things that happen when you least expect them. However, we can be a little prepared for something like that in advance. Then, if something like that actually happens, we can reduce our anxiety and act accordingly.

• Memorize the number 1990 (or write it down somewhere you can easily see it): This is the most important thing. Everyone in the house should know this number. You can also put it on your phone's ``Speed ​​Dial``.
• Additionally: Keep the emergency department phone number of the hospital closest to your home and your family doctor's number in a place where you can easily access them.
• Learn how to make emergency calls even if your phone is ``locked``:Many smartphones now have a way to make an emergency call even when the screen is locked. Make sure you know how to do it, because in an emergency, that's the only phone you have.

• Learn about First Aid : This is a very valuable skill. First Aid is the basic care given to a sick or injured person until a doctor arrives or they are taken to a hospital.
• Where can I learn?
• First aid courses are offered by institutions such as the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance .
• Some hospitals and community-based health centers (such as `YMCA` and `YWCA`) also organize such programs.
• If you are a school student, you can request the school nurse to conduct a first aid class for your school children.
• What does this first aid teach?
• How to apply medicine and bandage a wound (Dressing and Bandaging).
• How to stop bleeding.
• What to do if someone falls unconscious.
• Basic things to do for burn injuries.
• How to remove something that suddenly gets stuck in your throat (choking).
• How to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and stroke , and what to do at that time.
• `CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)` or the method of resuscitating the heart and lungs (this is a bit complicated, but it is a very important thing that can save a life).

• Keep a small first aid kit at home: Keep a few items in this kit for minor injuries and emergencies.
• What should I put in this?
• Disinfectant liquid (like `Dettol`)
• Saline water for washing wounds
• Bandages of various sizes
• Sticking Plasters
• Scissors, tweezers
• Painkillers (like `Paracetamol`)
• Burn Cream
• Gloves
• If someone in your family has a specific illness (e.g., diabetes), it would be good to keep emergency medications for that condition nearby. However, you should use those medications as directed by your doctor.

• Talk to your family about what to do in an emergency:Everyone in the house (even children) should be informed about who to call and how in an emergency. Discuss with family members things like the safest ways to get out of the house and where to gather in case of a fire.

A few more small things

• Know your blood type: This is also very important. If you have to donate blood in an emergency, knowing your blood type is very useful.
• If you have any allergies (to medications, foods), always write them down on a card and keep them with you: this is very important for doctors in case you lose consciousness.
• Never seek treatment without thinking you are a doctor: First aid is only basic help. It is essential to see a doctor immediately and get proper treatment.

The most important thing is to have the confidence that you can help in an emergency. If you are properly informed, one small action on your part can save someone's life.

Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)

A medical emergency is something none of us expect. However, the most important thing in such a situation is to act with awareness and not panic.

• Stay calm: Take a deep breath and focus.
• Call 1990 immediately: or call a known emergency number.
• Provide accurate information: Clearly state the location, incident, and patient's condition.
• Stay with the patient until help arrives (if the environment is safe): Do not leave him alone.
• Do not move the injured person unnecessarily.
• Learn about First Aid: This is a great service to you, your family, and society.
• Keep a first aid kit at home.
• Be prepared in advance to face an emergency.

If we are all aware of this, we can step in and help someone, whether it's one of our own or a stranger on the street, in an emergency. That's what humanity is all about.

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` Emergencies, First Aid, 1990, Suwaseriya, Medical Assistance, Safety, Preparedness