Medical emergencies can strike unexpectedly, demanding immediate attention and swift action. These critical situations can range from cardiac arrests and severe allergic reactions to traumatic injuries. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond is crucial in potentially life-threatening scenarios. Here are 8 common medical emergencies you should know:
1. Stroke
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition which occurs due to the blood supply to part of the brain being cut off.
This can happen because of a blood clot or a bleed on the brain.
The most important thing for someone who is having or has had a stroke is time. The sooner someone receives emergency medical treatment, the likelihood of lasting damage is reduced.
If you suspect that someone is having or has had a stroke, it’s vital that you call 999 immediately and advise them that someone is having a stroke.
As time is the most important thing in this situation, the main signs to look out for can be remembered using the acronym FAST:
F = Face
Has their face changed? Are they able to smile? Has their faced drooped on one side? This will be especially noticeable around the eyes and mouth.
A= Arms
Is the person able to lift both of their arms and keep them lifted? If you suspect that someone has had a stroke, they may have weakness or numbness in one arm.
S= Speech
Has their speech changed? Has it become slurred? Does their speech make sense? Are they able to talk at all? Can they understand what you are saying to them and do they respond appropriately?
T= Time
If you see any of these symptoms or feel that someone is having a stroke, it’s important to ring 999 immediately.
2. Heart Attack
A heart attack is a serious life threatening medical emergency where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked.
Heart attacks are more common in adults, but can occur in children and teenagers.
It’s vital that if you think someone is having a heart attack, you call 999 immediately and tell them that someone is having a heart attack.
If someone is having a heart attack, they may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain, including sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of the chest
- Radiating pain in the left arm travelling from the chest to the arm. In some cases, both arms can be affected as well as the neck, jaw, back and stomach
- Shortness of breath or difficulties in breathing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Sweating
- Overwhelming sense of doom or anxiety
Whilst severe chest pain is one of the most common signs that someone maybe having a heart attack, in some cases people do not experience severe pain, and instead experience discomfort similar to indigestion. This is more common in people with diabetes, the elderly and women.
3. Breathing Difficulties
There can be a number of reasons why someone may have difficulties in breathing. For example, asthma attacks, allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), and coughs or colds.
Breathlessness can occur during exercise or physical activity, but if the breathlessness comes on suddenly or unexpectedly, then this can be a warning sign.
If someone is having breathing difficulties, they may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pain when taking deep breaths or feeling like their chest is tight
- Feeling short of breath or unable to catch their breath
- Breathing shallower or faster than normal
- Noisy breathing including a wheeze, gasp or whistle
If someone is experiencing breathing difficulties they may feel panicked, which can further affect their breathing.
It’s important to try and keep the situation calm if possible.
If you are worried about someone’s breathing, seek medical attention by either calling 111, 999 or, if safe to do so, take them to A&E.
4. Fit and/or epileptic seizure
Fits and seizures can occur in people who have a diagnosis of epilepsy, but can also occur in people who don’t have such a diagnosis.
A fit or seizure can involve the involuntary and uncontrollable jerking, twitching or shaking of part or all of the body.
Another form of fit or seizure can involve no movement or minimal movement of the body, and a person can appear to be looking into space. In this situation, a person will tend not respond when spoken to.
It’s important to remember not to move someone or try and stop them shaking if they are having a fit or seizure, unless they are at risk of danger.
After someone has had a fit or seizure, it’s important that they seek medical attention. If someone is known to have fits or seizures, they may have medical plan in place as to what actions need to be taken after the fit.
However, it’s advisable to call 999 if someone loses consciousness, the fit/seizure lasts longer than five minutes, they have never had a fit or seizure before, they have injured themselves due to the fit/seizure or if you are unsure or concerned.
5. Someone collapses
If someone has collapsed, they are likely to need medical attention. This is because their levels of consciousness or breathing could be affected.
There can be a number of different medical reasons which can cause someone to collapse, and this will need to be assessed by a medical professional.
If someone has lost consciousness and is not breathing, call 999 for emergency medical attention.
If a person has lost consciousness but does not appear to have any difficulties with their breathing then, if it is safe to do so, you can put them into the recovery position until help arrives. It is still advised to call 999.
Always make sure it is safe to approach someone who has collapsed before you do so. If it is not safe, seek help and advice.
6. Bleeding
Cuts and wounds cause bleeding, but severe injury can also cause internal bleeding that you can’t see.
Not all incidents of bleeding need emergency medical treatment, often they can be treated by first aid at home following advice from a pharmacist or GP.
However, you must seek emergency treatment if:
- You are unable to control the bleeding, even after delivering first aid treatment
- There is an object seen within the wound or it appears to be deep
- You can see tissue or bone
Where there is a large amount of blood loss, the injured person may begin to feel unwell, appear pale, feel dizzy and, in some cases, lose consciousness. If this happens, urgent medical attention is required.
7. Severe Pain
Everyone experiences pain in different ways, depending on their pain threshold. We all experience aches and pains from time to time.
Pain can occur suddenly or increase over a period of time. Pain can be caused due to illness or injury.
Severe pain tends to be more intense and, in some cases, will stop people from being able to carry out normal daily activities.
Pain relief can be used to help relive the amount of pain that someone is in, but must be taken following medical advice.
If someone has suffered an injury and is in severe pain, then it’s important to get them assessed. Depending on the injury, this could be managed by the GP or at a walk-in centre.
If the injury is serious, it may be best to take them to A&E. If the pain is due to illness, advice can be sought from 111, a pharmacist or the GP and, in severe cases, A&E.
8. Convulsion
A convulsion, also known as a seizure, is a sudden and uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can lead to abnormal movements, behaviors, sensations, or alterations in consciousness. Seizures can vary in intensity and duration, ranging from brief moments of staring to more intense episodes involving violent muscle contractions. They can be caused by various factors, such as epilepsy, fever, brain injuries, or underlying medical conditions. Treatment for seizures depends on their cause and may include medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgical interventions.
The symptoms of a convulsion or seizure can vary depending on the type of seizure and the area of the brain affected. Here are some common symptoms associated with convulsions:
- Involuntary Movements: The most recognizable symptom is often uncontrolled and rhythmic jerking or shaking of the limbs, typically involving both sides of the body.
- Loss of Consciousness: Many seizures involve a loss of consciousness or altered consciousness, during which the person may not respond to external stimuli and may appear confused or dazed.
- Staring Spells: Some seizures may involve brief episodes of staring into space and temporary unawareness of surroundings.
- Muscle Stiffness or Rigidity: In some cases, muscles may become tense and rigid rather than jerking or shaking.
- Automatisms: These are repetitive, purposeless movements or actions that can occur during some seizures, such as lip-smacking or hand rubbing.
- Sensory Symptoms: Certain seizures can cause unusual sensations, such as tingling, numbness, or strange tastes or smells.
- Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: In some cases, there may be involuntary release of urine or feces during a convulsive seizure.
- Postictal State: After a convulsion, the person may experience a period of confusion, fatigue, or headache, known as the postictal state.
It’s important to note that not all seizures involve convulsions, and there are different types of seizures, including focal (partial) seizures, which may have more specific and localized symptoms. If someone experiences a seizure, it’s crucial to ensure their safety by clearing the area of any hazards and providing support. If someone experiences recurrent seizures or if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it is considered a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention should be sought.
