Introduction

About Medical Emergency Response

In order to ensure the safety and health of all employees, patients, and visitors at our practice, we have established this Medical Emergency Response Policy. Every staff member, regardless of their role, is expected to become familiar with the following procedures and protocols. Your responsibility to maintain a safe and secure environment is crucial, as emergencies can occur at any time and may have serious consequences if not managed properly.

Why We Have This Policy

This Medical Emergency Response Policy is intended for application within the practice setting, but it does not only cover industry-related emergencies. It's meant to provide guidance to all staff on how to respond to any medical emergencies that may occur during the course of their work, whether they involve patients, employees, or visitors. This could include anything from a specific issue like an allergic reaction to local anesthesia, to a more general medical emergency like a heart attack, stroke, or fainting episode.

Remember, in our practice, just as in any other work environment, staff can encounter a variety of medical emergencies. It's not limited to industry-related issues. People can and do have heart problems, diabetic emergencies, seizures, allergic reactions, and other non-industry-related emergencies while at our office. Therefore, it's important that all staff, regardless of their role, know how to respond effectively and appropriately to keep everyone safe.

Medical Emergency Preparedness

Training and Equipment

Being prepared for medical emergencies involves having the proper training and equipment. This section outlines the types of training staff should undergo and what emergency equipment should be on hand.

• All staff should be trained in basic first aid and CPR. Recertification should occur every two years or as required by the training organization.
• At least one staff member per shift should have training in how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). An AED should be readily accessible in the office.
• The office should have a basic first aid kit stocked with bandages, gauze, gloves, antiseptic wipes, and a pocket mask for CPR. It should be checked monthly to restock any used items and replace any expired items.

Our practice provides regular training and conducts emergency response drills to ensure preparedness and efficiency in handling medical emergencies. Employees are familiarized with emergency response protocols, trained in basic life support techniques, and provided with opportunities to practice their skills.

Know Your Emergency Roles and Responsibilities

Each staff member plays a role during a medical emergency. This section describes the different responsibilities based on roles within our practice.

• Supervisor or Person in Charge: Takes the lead in all emergencies. Assigns roles as needed, makes the decision to call 911, and ensures that the pathway for emergency medical services is clear.
• Front Desk Staff: Responsible for calling 911, if directed by the supervisor. Assists in keeping other patients calm and moving them away from the area, if safe to do so.
• Medical Staff: Provide basic first aid or CPR, if trained and required. They assist the head medical staff and support the supervisor as directed.
• All Staff: Must follow directions from the supervisor, assist as directed, and aim to keep pathways clear for emergency personnel.

Staying Up-to-date

Our practice maintains a comprehensive medical emergency response plan that includes protocols and procedures for various medical emergencies. The plan is regularly reviewed, updated, and communicated to all employees. It addresses common emergencies such as cardiac arrest, allergic reactions, syncope, and other critical situations.

We ensure this plan's effectiveness and alignment with industry standards and best practices. Any updates to the policy will be communicated to all employees, and training will be provided when necessary.

Medical Emergency Process

Step 1: Recognizing Medical Emergencies

A key component of handling a medical emergency is recognizing when one is happening. This section outlines signs and symptoms of potential medical emergencies that may occur in a medical setting.

Signs of a medical emergency can include but are not limited to:

• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Severe chest pain
• Sudden weakness or paralysis (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns, or sudden severe pain anywhere in the body.

Be particularly aware of patients who may experience anxiety or panic attacks related to procedures. These can often result in rapid breathing, sweating, and a feeling of impending doom.

Step 2: Reporting a Medical Emergency

Once you have identified a potential medical emergency, it's critical to report it immediately. This section will guide you through the process of notifying the appropriate personnel.

• Always remember the first rule: "Safety first". If a medical emergency occurs, your safety and that of the patient are paramount.
• If you identify a potential medical emergency, remain calm and immediately inform your immediate supervisor or the person in charge.
• Do not try to move the patient unless they are in immediate physical danger.
• Dial 911 if the situation warrants immediate medical assistance. Provide clear information regarding the location and nature of the emergency.
  

In the event of a medical emergency, employees must immediately alert the designated emergency response team members and call emergency medical services (EMS) as needed. Clear communication channels and contact information for emergency services are readily accessible within the practice.

Step 3: Documentation and Incident Reporting

All medical emergencies, including actions taken and outcomes, must be documented accurately and promptly. Incident reports should be completed detailing the nature of the emergency, individuals involved, actions taken, and any follow-up requirements. This documentation allows for continuous improvement of emergency response protocols.

Step 4: Post-Emergency Review

After a medical emergency, it's important to review and reflect on the event to improve future responses. This section explains how we will conduct post-emergency reviews.

• After any emergency, the staff involved should participate in a debriefing. This discussion should include what happened, how the team responded, what went well, and what could be improved.
• Any recommendations for improving the response should be documented and incorporated into the policy as appropriate.
• Ensure all staff are offered post-incident support, as these events can be stressful and potentially traumatic.
  

In situations requiring evacuation, our practice has established procedures to safely evacuate patients, employees, and visitors from the premises. Evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency exit signage are clearly identified and regularly reviewed.

Questions?

Compliance with this Medical Emergency Response Policy is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, employees, and visitors. By following these guidelines, employees contribute to a swift and efficient response to medical emergencies, ultimately saving lives and minimizing the impact of these critical situations.

Questions or concerns? Reach out to the owner of this subject.