Chapter 49: Medical Emergencies

What is the first priority in any emergency?

Ensure scene safety and activate emergency response.

What should the MA do for chest pain with shortness of breath?

Notify provider/activate EMS immediately; follow office emergency protocol.

What are stroke warning signs?

Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, sudden confusion/vision trouble/severe headache.

What should a patient with stroke signs be told by phone?

Call 911 immediately.

What is anaphylaxis?

Severe allergic reaction with airway/breathing/circulation risk.

What are signs of anaphylaxis?

Hives, swelling, wheezing, dyspnea, hypotension, rapid onset after exposure.

What is syncope?

Fainting.

What should the MA do for fainting?

Protect from injury, lower to supine, elevate legs if appropriate, notify provider, assess vitals.

What is shock?

Life-threatening inadequate tissue perfusion.

What are signs of shock?

Pale cool clammy skin, rapid pulse, low BP, confusion, weakness.

What should the MA do for severe bleeding?

Apply direct pressure with PPE, elevate if appropriate, call for help/EMS.

What should the MA do for choking adult who cannot speak/cough?

Activate emergency response and perform abdominal thrusts if trained.

What is the CPR sequence for adults?

Check responsiveness/breathing -> call EMS/get AED -> chest compressions -> breaths per current BLS training.

What is the adult compression rate?

100-120 compressions/min.

What is the adult compression depth?

At least 2 inches, not more than 2.4 inches.

What should be done after any emergency?

Document objectively and complete incident report per policy.