Lecture 1-Medical Emergency Preparation and Management

What is the definition of a medical emergency?

A serious change in an individual's normal physiological state which requires intervention to establish normal state.

Why is it important to prevent medical emergencies in the dental setting?

Preventing emergencies is crucial as 90% can be avoided, helping to avoid life-threatening situations.

What are four factors that have led to an increase in medical emergencies in dental settings?

1. More geriatric patients 2. Therapeutic advances in the medical profession 3. Longer appointment times 4. Increased utilization and administration of drugs.

What is the normal adult range for heart rate?

60-100 beats per minute.

What is the normal adult range for respirations?

12-20 breaths per minute.

What is the normal adult range for blood pressure?

Less than 120/80 mmHg.

What is the normal adult range for temperature?

96-99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for hypertension?

1. Normal:

What are the pros of commercial emergency kits?

They have compartments for each item, are color-coded, and contain single-dose ampules.

What are the cons of commercial emergency kits?

They may not meet individual office needs and are not tested over time.

What are the pros of homemade emergency kits?

They can be designed by the dentist to meet specific needs and are familiar to the dentist.

What are the cons of homemade emergency kits?

They may not contain all needed materials.

What are some recommended essential items for an emergency kit?

1. Oxygen 2. Nitroglycerin 3. Bronchodilator 4. Sugar Source 5. Aspirin 6. Injectable Epinephrine 7. Histamine Blocker 8. Ammonia Vaporole (with caution) 9. AED.

What is the function of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

It is used for patients in cardiac arrest and delivers an electrical shock to re-establish normal ventricle contractions.

Where are AEDs located at the UNMC Dental College?

1. East wall between central dispensing's drop-off doors 2. Across from patient check-in desk 3. Lower Level: Opposite the Mini-Mart.

What color are oxygen tanks?

Green.

What is the size of the oxygen cylinder best for a dental office?

Size E cylinder.

How long will a size E oxygen cylinder supply 100% oxygen?

For about 30 minutes.

Why should every dental office have a portable oxygen tank?

To help prevent minor emergencies from becoming major emergencies.

What is the function of a regulator on an oxygen tank?

It contains a reducing valve that allows for the safe release of highly pressurized oxygen.

What is the purpose of a flowmeter on an oxygen tank?

It controls the amount of oxygen given (1-15 L/min).

What is the flowmeter setting for a nasal cannula?

1-6 L/min.

What is the flowmeter setting for a mask used with an oxygen tank?

6-12 L/min.

What should be done if a patient is not breathing?

Use a demand-valve resuscitator or an Ambubag to manually force oxygen into the lungs.

What precautions should be taken when storing an oxygen tank?

1. It is flammable. 2. It is explosive.

What are the steps to prepare the dental office for emergencies?

1. Have emergency kit and equipment checked regularly. 2. Have an office emergency plan in place. 3. Practice emergency drills.

What is the protocol for dealing with a medical emergency at the UNMC Dental College?

Do not leave your patient, notify faculty to activate the Code Blue system, and begin BLS until the Code Blue Team arrives.

What should Team Member #1 do during a medical emergency?

Remain with the patient, activate the emergency system, and provide BLS as needed.

What is the role of Team Member #2 during a medical emergency?

Retrieve oxygen, medical kit, and AED, monitor vitals, and assist with assessment and BLS.

What is the responsibility of Team Member #3 during a medical emergency?

Prepare emergency drugs for administration and maintain a record of events.

What is the duty of Team Member #4 during a medical emergency?

Activate EMS (911) if needed and meet the rescue team at the building entrance.