Emergency Procedure - Revision history

Medic: Added poison control number for the united states

2016-07-06T00:18:27Z

Added poison control number for the united states

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 5 July 2016
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	Some countries also offer non-emergency health hotlines for more general illnesses. For example the United Kingdom have a number that can be called to receive health advice from the NHS (111).		Some countries also offer non-emergency health hotlines for more general illnesses. For example the United Kingdom have a number that can be called to receive health advice from the NHS (111).

			For toxic ingestion in the united states call poison control at 1-800-222-1222

	=== Psychological help ===		=== Psychological help ===

Medic: Added disclaimer, added extra medical information and emergency symptoms, corrected grammar, added a step to procedure of calling ems

2016-07-06T00:16:18Z

Added disclaimer, added extra medical information and emergency symptoms, corrected grammar, added a step to procedure of calling ems

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:16, 5 July 2016
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	Sometimes the use of drugs can lead to a situation where a person will need immediate medical attention, often as the result of an [[overdose]]. This page acts as a set of guidelines for someone who is looking after a person who is having a difficult experience whilst on drugs. If you are unsure whether medical attention is required, it is always quicker and easier to ring your local emergency number (usually either 112 or 911) immediately and explain your situation to them.		Sometimes the use of drugs can lead to a situation where a person will need immediate medical attention, often as the result of an [[overdose]]. This page acts as a set of guidelines for someone who is looking after a person who is having a difficult experience whilst on drugs. If you are unsure whether medical attention is required, it is always quicker and easier to ring your local emergency number (usually either 112 or 911) immediately and explain your situation to them.

			DISCLAIMER: We are NOT medical professionals. If you believe there is an emergency it is up to you to call for help. This is simply a set of guidelines based on pre-existing information that has been gathered and summarized. This is NOT a formal or peer reviewed guide and is to be used at your own discretion. ''' We are NOT medical professionals'''

	==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==		==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==
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	1) '''Check if they are conscious, and if not, have a pulse or are breathing'''		1) '''Check if they are conscious, and if not, have a pulse or are breathing'''

	Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it.		Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it. The absence of feeling a pulse at the wrist however could be due to dangerously low blood pressure.

	'''IF THERE IS NO PULSE OR THEY ARE NOT BREATHING IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR'''		'''IF THERE IS NO PULSE OR THEY ARE NOT BREATHING IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR'''
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	'''If they are only responsive to pain immediately count their pulse rate, and assess their breathing. if they are breathing shallow, and/or their pulse is below 60 or above 100 call ems immediately'''		'''If they are only responsive to pain immediately count their pulse rate, and assess their breathing. if they are breathing shallow, and/or their pulse is below 60 or above 100 call ems immediately'''

			If you know what they took in the United States you can call poison control at 1-800-222-1222

	3) '''Assess quality of circulation'''		3) '''Assess quality of circulation'''
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	4) '''Assess quality of breathing'''		4) '''Assess quality of breathing'''

	If ~~youve~~ made it through assessing their circulation and are not concerned enough, Assess their breathing. Is it shallow? are they using obvious accessory muscles in their ribs to breathe? (there will be contractions of muscles around the rib cage on inhalation). accessory muscle use or shallow breathing is a red flag and should be considered. '''Remember, none of this matters if the patient is not responsive to pain or is unresponsive. at that point immediately call 911''' count their respirations for one minute. '''Breathing rate should be between 12 and 20.''' For some people it may be on the higher end, especially if anxious, but if they are on downers, especially opiates, and have a slow respiratory rate (defined as below 12) then they need medical attention as their breathing may progressively slow down until gone.		If you've made it through assessing their circulation and are not concerned enough, Assess their breathing. Is it shallow? are they using obvious accessory muscles in their ribs to breathe? (there will be contractions of muscles around the rib cage on inhalation). accessory muscle use or shallow breathing is a red flag and should be considered. '''Remember, none of this matters if the patient is not responsive to pain or is unresponsive. at that point immediately call 911''' count their respirations for one minute. '''Breathing rate should be between 12 and 20.''' For some people it may be on the higher end, especially if anxious, but if they are on downers, especially opiates, and have a slow respiratory rate (defined as below 12) then they need medical attention as their breathing may progressively slow down until gone.

	5) '''Take a medical history'''		5) '''Take a medical history'''
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	!Secondary action		!Secondary action
	\|-		\|-
	\|Constant Chest pain; sometimes a squeezing sensation; ~~unrelieved by sitting or resting,~~ pain may spread to the arms		\|Constant Chest pain "unrelieved by rest" ; sometimes a squeezing sensation; pain may spread to the arms
	\|Heart attack~~/AMI~~		\|Heart attack
	\|Stimulant use, certain steroid usage, certain hallucinogenic research chemicals		\|Stimulant use, certain steroid usage, certain hallucinogenic research chemicals
	\|Contact Emergency services immediately,		\|Contact Emergency services immediately,
	\|Aspirin (~~~300mg~~) [1]		\|Aspirin (160-325mg) if no pre-existing allergies to aspirin or salicylates [1]
	\|-		\|-
	\|Constant high heartrate; unrelieved by rest or relaxation (Resting heart rate over 120, or over 140 on stimulants possibly, err on the side of caution)		\|Constant high heartrate; unrelieved by rest or relaxation (Resting heart rate over 120, or over 140 on stimulants possibly, err on the side of caution)
	\|Heart attack		\|Heart attack, or an electrical problem with the heart that may result in sudden death
	\|Stimulant use, certain steroids and certain research chemicals		\|Stimulant use, certain steroids and certain research chemicals
	\|Contact Emergency Services		\|Contact Emergency Services
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	\|-		\|-
	\|Low heartrate (under 60bpm)		\|Low heartrate (under 60bpm)
	\|~~Respiratory~~ failure, Death, multiorgan system damage secondary to inadequate blood flow		\|Impending cardiovascular or respiratory failure, Death, multiorgan system damage secondary to inadequate blood flow
	\|Opiate overdose, digoxin toxicity		\|Opiate overdose, digoxin toxicity
	\| Contact Emergency services		\| Contact Emergency services
	\|		\|
	* Narcan (Naloxone) if caused by opiate overdose		* Narcan (Naloxone) if caused by opiate overdose
	* CPR if ~~heart stops~~		* CPR if unresponsive and cannot feel a pulse
	\|-		\|-
	\|Unresponsiveness to pain or voice		\|Unresponsiveness to pain or voice
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	\|If you are trained in CPR, perform rescue breathing but DO NOT do chest compressions		\|If you are trained in CPR, perform rescue breathing but DO NOT do chest compressions
	\|-		\|-
	\|Hypertensive crisis (blood pressure over 180)		\|Hypertensive crisis (blood pressure over 180 systolic or 100 diastolic (for example if blood pressure is 120/80 then systolic is 120 and diastolic is 80)
	\| Stroke;Kidney failure; Congestive Heart Failure		\| Stroke;Kidney failure; Congestive Heart Failure, multisystem organ damage
	\|Stimulant use, steroid use, certain RC's, decreased intake or depletion of potassium or calcium		\|Stimulant use, steroid use, certain RC's, decreased intake or depletion of potassium or calcium, dangerous drug interactions
	\|Contact Emergency Medical Services		\|Contact Emergency Medical Services
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\|Seizure~~, especially lasting over 10 minutes~~		\|Seizure
	\|Brain damage		\|Brain damage
	\|Stimulant/drug use, cocaine use, tramadol usage		\|Stimulant/drug use, cocaine use, tramadol usage, benzo withdrawal
	\|Contact emergency medical services		\|Contact emergency medical services
	\|move all objects away from the person so they do not hit themselves on anything that could physically injure them		\|move all objects away from the person so they do not hit themselves on anything that could physically injure them
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	1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient, and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into. Do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.		1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient, and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into. Do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.

	2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.		2) Immediately unlock the front door to your location so that a forced entry is not necessary. The faster the paramedics can get to you, the better the likely outcome

			3) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.

	3) If asked to leave, please do so. Interference with medical intervention will not help your friend and only slow down the paramedics or EMT's working.		4) If asked to leave, please do so. Interference with medical intervention will not help your friend and only slow down the paramedics or EMT's working.

	See [[Overdose\|'''Emergency Numbers''']] for some localised emergency services numbers.		See [[Overdose\|'''Emergency Numbers''']] for some localised emergency services numbers.
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	See also [[How To Tripsit In Real Life]] if you are or will soon be in the company of someone who needs support.		See also [[How To Tripsit In Real Life]] if you are or will soon be in the company of someone who needs support.

	[1] ~~http~~://www.~~nhs~~.uk/~~conditions/heart~~-~~attack/Pages/Introduction~~.~~aspx~~		[1] https://www.acls.net/acute-coronary-syndromes-algorithm.htm

Medic at 03:32, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:32:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:32, 19 February 2016
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	===How to contact emergency services===		===How to contact emergency services===
	1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient, and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into~~, do~~ not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.		1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient, and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into. Do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.

	2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.		2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.

Medic at 03:31, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:31:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 19 February 2016
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	===How to contact emergency services===		===How to contact emergency services===
	1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient ~~(yourself or someone else)~~ and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into, do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.		1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient, and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into, do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.

	2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.		2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.

Medic at 03:29, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:29:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 19 February 2016
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	The most immediate way to get medical attention is to ring the emergency services for your country. It is important to be honest and direct about what substances you have have taken, any symptoms you are experiencing and your current location and situation. Police officers are '''not''' usually dispatched when a person is dealing with a drug overdose, and if you are honest and co-operative with paramedics there is usually no reason for police to get involved, though this varies depending on country.		The most immediate way to get medical attention is to ring the emergency services for your country. It is important to be honest and direct about what substances you have have taken, any symptoms you are experiencing and your current location and situation. Police officers are '''not''' usually dispatched when a person is dealing with a drug overdose, and if you are honest and co-operative with paramedics there is usually no reason for police to get involved, though this varies depending on country.

	===How to contact emergency services ~~and assist EMS in working~~===		===How to contact emergency services===
	1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of ~~patients~~ needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient (yourself or someone else) and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into, do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.		1) Call Emergency services and state the emergency/nature of call. Give your location/address, number of patient(s) needing medical attention if there are more than one, age and gender of the patient (yourself or someone else) and any potential hazards Emergency medical workers may run into, do not be afraid to be honest, emergency workers need to know what they are dealing with to properly treat it. The more information you can give to the paramedics on scene and to dispatch the better.

	2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.		2) If you are not experiencing the emergency try to write down some valuable information if you know the patient for the first responders and give the paper to them. Useful information is: drugs the patient is on and approximate dosages; medications the patient takes and have those med bottles in a bag for them if possible; any allergies the patient has; when the emergency began; and a brief description of events leading up to the emergency. If possible also include any medical conditions you are aware the victim has such as diabetes or heart defects. Alert the first responders if the patient looks different than normal as in "his face normally isnt so pale or droopy" so as to give them a better picture of what they are dealing with.

	3) If asked to leave, please do so~~, interference~~ with medical intervention will not help your friend and only slow down the paramedics or EMT's working.		3) If asked to leave, please do so. Interference with medical intervention will not help your friend and only slow down the paramedics or EMT's working.

	See [[Overdose\|'''Emergency Numbers''']] for some localised emergency services numbers.		See [[Overdose\|'''Emergency Numbers''']] for some localised emergency services numbers.

Medic at 03:20, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:20:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:20, 19 February 2016
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	==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==		==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==

	1) '''Check if they are conscious and if not, ~~whether or not they~~ have a pulse or ~~if they~~ are breathing'''		1) '''Check if they are conscious, and if not, have a pulse or are breathing'''

	Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it.		Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it.

Medic at 03:14, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:14:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 19 February 2016
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	==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==		==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==

	1) '''Check if they are conscious and if not whether or not they have a pulse or if they are breathing'''		1) '''Check if they are conscious and if not, whether or not they have a pulse or if they are breathing'''

	Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it.		Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it.

Medic at 03:14, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:14:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 19 February 2016
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	==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==		==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==

	1) '''Check if they are conscious and if not whether or not they have a pulse'''		1) '''Check if they are conscious and if not whether or not they have a pulse or if they are breathing'''

	Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it. '''IF THERE IS NO PULSE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR''' Here is a video to check/find a pulse and measure it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0iGwD_EEXI When you call Emergency services they should be able to tell you how to do CPR over the phone. '''If you cant feel a pulse and dont see obvious breathing, just go ahead and call EMS and do CPR no matter what. even if they did have a pulse this will not hurt them and could/probably will save a life.'''		Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it.

			'''IF THERE IS NO PULSE OR THEY ARE NOT BREATHING IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR'''

			Here is a video to check/find a pulse and measure it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0iGwD_EEXI

			When you call Emergency services they should be able to tell you how to do CPR over the phone. ''If you cant feel a pulse and dont see obvious breathing, just go ahead and call EMS and do CPR no matter what. even if they did have a pulse this will not hurt them and could/probably will save a life.''

	2) '''Assess their mental status'''		2) '''Assess their mental status'''

Medic at 03:12, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:12:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:12, 19 February 2016
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	==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==		==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==

	1) ~~Are they conscious? If they are~~ ''~~not~~'~~', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If~~ they ~~ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one~~ and you just cannot feel it. '''IF THERE IS NO PULSE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR''' Here is a video to check/find a pulse and measure it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0iGwD_EEXI When you call Emergency services they should be able to tell you how to do CPR over the phone. '''If you cant feel a pulse and dont see obvious breathing, just go ahead and call EMS and do CPR no matter what. even if they ~~did~~ have a pulse ~~this will not hurt them and could/probably will save a life.~~'''		1) '''Check if they are conscious and if not whether or not they have a pulse'''

	2) If they have a pulse, check for level on mental status. If they are '''Alert''', ask them where they are, what their name is, what day it is, and what they were doing just prior. The number of questions they get right is their level of orientation. Answering all questions right is '''Alert''' and oriented x 4 or A&Ox 4. If they are not alert, are they only responsive to your '''Voice'''? yell out their name and look for any response. if not, how about to '''Pain'''? check this by pinching their trapezium muscle (the muscle between your shoulder and neck that you move when shrugging) or rubbing their sternum hard with your knuckles (this is the bony area straight down the middle of their chest, if they are overweight really dig in). If they react they are responsive to '''Pain''', if they do not react they are '''Unresponsive''', '''IF UNRESPONSIVE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/Emergency services '''		Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it. '''IF THERE IS NO PULSE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR''' Here is a video to check/find a pulse and measure it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0iGwD_EEXI When you call Emergency services they should be able to tell you how to do CPR over the phone. '''If you cant feel a pulse and dont see obvious breathing, just go ahead and call EMS and do CPR no matter what. even if they did have a pulse this will not hurt them and could/probably will save a life.'''

			2) '''Assess their mental status'''

			If they have a pulse, check for level on mental status. If they are '''Alert''', ask them where they are, what their name is, what day it is, and what they were doing just prior. The number of questions they get right is their level of orientation. Answering all questions right is '''Alert''' and oriented x 4 or A&Ox 4. If they are not alert, are they only responsive to your '''Voice'''? yell out their name and look for any response. if not, how about to '''Pain'''? check this by pinching their trapezium muscle (the muscle between your shoulder and neck that you move when shrugging) or rubbing their sternum hard with your knuckles (this is the bony area straight down the middle of their chest, if they are overweight really dig in). If they react they are responsive to '''Pain''', if they do not react they are '''Unresponsive''', '''IF UNRESPONSIVE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/Emergency services '''

	This is an EMS mental status evaluation based on the '''AVPU''' system (alert, verbal, pain, Unresponsive). It is easier to learn and faster to assess than the glasgow coma scale.		This is an EMS mental status evaluation based on the '''AVPU''' system (alert, verbal, pain, Unresponsive). It is easier to learn and faster to assess than the glasgow coma scale.
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	'''If they are only responsive to pain immediately count their pulse rate, and assess their breathing. if they are breathing shallow, and/or their pulse is below 60 or above 100 call ems immediately'''		'''If they are only responsive to pain immediately count their pulse rate, and assess their breathing. if they are breathing shallow, and/or their pulse is below 60 or above 100 call ems immediately'''

	3) If they are responsive to voice or they are alert the assessment can continue.At this point we are going to assess the quality of circulation. This includes the pulse rate (how fast the heart is beating), how it feels, if it is regular in rhythm, and how well circulation to the skin is by checking the skin for its color, temperature (by feeling with the back of your hand), and condition (how it feels when you touch it). The pulse is considered normal between 60-100. Placing both hands on both Wrist/radial pulse point, check to see if they are both equally strong and equal in speed. irregularity, or a weak feeling pulse is a red flag, you can use your own pulse as a reference point if you are of similar health normally to the patient (as in weight age etc..). There should be no skipped beats, it should be consistant in rhythm and not speeding up or slowing down, and should be decently strong. any differences from these norms are red flags. After all that, count the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 or count for 60 seconds straight and that is your '''rate'''. remember, it should be between 60-100 with minor exceptions. anything out of that range is another red flag. The more red flags you have, the more you need to consider contacting emergency services or if they seem not that bad, then taking them to an urgent care clinic or emergency room yourself. '''The pulse rate is your most important factor in this part of the assessment''' . Now that you have assessed the pulse rate regularity and strength, assess the skin. If it is blue or if the lips or fingertips or finger toes or blue, you need to call 911 immediately. skin should be of normal color like when you see them on other days (normal of course is different for everyone), it should be dry, and it should be slightly warm. If it is cold, pale, or sweaty, these are red flags and are usually found together. If someone has all those aspects on their skin and their pulse is a bad rate, you should already at this point consider seeking medical attention.		3) '''Assess quality of circulation'''

			If they are responsive to voice or they are alert the assessment can continue.At this point we are going to assess the quality of circulation. This includes the pulse rate (how fast the heart is beating), how it feels, if it is regular in rhythm, and how well circulation to the skin is by checking the skin for its color, temperature (by feeling with the back of your hand), and condition (how it feels when you touch it). The pulse is considered normal between 60-100. Placing both hands on both Wrist/radial pulse point, check to see if they are both equally strong and equal in speed. irregularity, or a weak feeling pulse is a red flag, you can use your own pulse as a reference point if you are of similar health normally to the patient (as in weight age etc..). There should be no skipped beats, it should be consistant in rhythm and not speeding up or slowing down, and should be decently strong. any differences from these norms are red flags. After all that, count the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 or count for 60 seconds straight and that is your '''rate'''. remember, it should be between 60-100 with minor exceptions. anything out of that range is another red flag. The more red flags you have, the more you need to consider contacting emergency services or if they seem not that bad, then taking them to an urgent care clinic or emergency room yourself. '''The pulse rate is your most important factor in this part of the assessment''' . Now that you have assessed the pulse rate regularity and strength, assess the skin. If it is blue or if the lips or fingertips or finger toes or blue, you need to call 911 immediately. skin should be of normal color like when you see them on other days (normal of course is different for everyone), it should be dry, and it should be slightly warm. If it is cold, pale, or sweaty, these are red flags and are usually found together. If someone has all those aspects on their skin and their pulse is a bad rate, you should already at this point consider seeking medical attention.

			4) '''Assess quality of breathing'''

	4) If youve made it through assessing their circulation and are not concerned enough, Assess their breathing. Is it shallow? are they using obvious accessory muscles in their ribs to breathe? (there will be contractions of muscles around the rib cage on inhalation). accessory muscle use or shallow breathing is a red flag and should be considered. '''Remember, none of this matters if the patient is not responsive to pain or is unresponsive. at that point immediately call 911''' count their respirations for one minute. '''Breathing rate should be between 12 and 20.''' For some people it may be on the higher end, especially if anxious, but if they are on downers, especially opiates, and have a slow respiratory rate (defined as below 12) then they need medical attention as their breathing may progressively slow down until gone.		If youve made it through assessing their circulation and are not concerned enough, Assess their breathing. Is it shallow? are they using obvious accessory muscles in their ribs to breathe? (there will be contractions of muscles around the rib cage on inhalation). accessory muscle use or shallow breathing is a red flag and should be considered. '''Remember, none of this matters if the patient is not responsive to pain or is unresponsive. at that point immediately call 911''' count their respirations for one minute. '''Breathing rate should be between 12 and 20.''' For some people it may be on the higher end, especially if anxious, but if they are on downers, especially opiates, and have a slow respiratory rate (defined as below 12) then they need medical attention as their breathing may progressively slow down until gone.

	5) Now for the history taking part of an assessment. Here we will use the SAMPLE system in order to assess the patient.SAMPLE is an acronym for "Signs/symptoms-Allergies-Medications-Past medical history- Last oral intake - Events leading to onset, or S.A.M.P.L.E"		5) '''Take a medical history'''

			Now for the history taking part of an assessment. Here we will use the SAMPLE system in order to assess the patient.SAMPLE is an acronym for "Signs/symptoms-Allergies-Medications-Past medical history- Last oral intake - Events leading to onset, or S.A.M.P.L.E"
	In whatever order you wish to ask the patient, ask them for signs and symptoms, allergies, medications and drugs they take, past medical history of any sort (including anything from asthma to prior heart attacks, be specific and ask for certain relevant things if they are not alert and oriented completely,for example if suspecting a stimulant overdose ask if they have any heart issues or have had a heart attack), ask when the last time they ate was and what happened leading up to the event/issue. Keep in mind that not all of this info is going to end up being useful, but this method tends to uncover clues about what is wrong with the patient or if they are at worse risk than you thought prior. An examples would be if they tell you while in an altered state of mind that they take medications that you find out are for their heart, and they are on stims, now you know they have a heart condition and your level of suspicion for if this is a bad situation should be raised.		In whatever order you wish to ask the patient, ask them for signs and symptoms, allergies, medications and drugs they take, past medical history of any sort (including anything from asthma to prior heart attacks, be specific and ask for certain relevant things if they are not alert and oriented completely,for example if suspecting a stimulant overdose ask if they have any heart issues or have had a heart attack), ask when the last time they ate was and what happened leading up to the event/issue. Keep in mind that not all of this info is going to end up being useful, but this method tends to uncover clues about what is wrong with the patient or if they are at worse risk than you thought prior. An examples would be if they tell you while in an altered state of mind that they take medications that you find out are for their heart, and they are on stims, now you know they have a heart condition and your level of suspicion for if this is a bad situation should be raised.

	6) In order to assess pain, use the OPQRST system. This is an acronym standing for Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, and Time. In whatever order you want ask them: When did the pain start? (This is the '''Onset'''); What makes the pain worse? does it hurt more when you touch it, move the body area, or when you do something like breathing in or coughing? (This is '''Provocation''' , think of it as what provokes the pain?); What does the pain feel like? Is it throbbing, dull, sharp, tight? (this is '''Quality''') ; does the pain travel anywhere? for example, chest pain shooting up the persons jaw or arm (this part is known as '''Radiation''') ; On a scale of 1-10 how bad is the pain? Is this the worst headache or chest pain youve ever had before? (This is known as '''Severity''') ; And lastly, Is it constant or does it come and go every few seconds or minutes etc..? (This is the final portion of the OPQRST assessment: '''Time'''). as a quick note, All chest pain, especially in relation to stim use, should be taken seriously and emergency services should be activated. along with that in the middle of the upper back for women is also something of concern as women tend to present symptoms differently.		6) '''Assess any pain'''

			In order to assess pain, use the OPQRST system. This is an acronym standing for Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, and Time. In whatever order you want ask them: When did the pain start? (This is the '''Onset'''); What makes the pain worse? does it hurt more when you touch it, move the body area, or when you do something like breathing in or coughing? (This is '''Provocation''' , think of it as what provokes the pain?); What does the pain feel like? Is it throbbing, dull, sharp, tight? (this is '''Quality''') ; does the pain travel anywhere? for example, chest pain shooting up the persons jaw or arm (this part is known as '''Radiation''') ; On a scale of 1-10 how bad is the pain? Is this the worst headache or chest pain youve ever had before? (This is known as '''Severity''') ; And lastly, Is it constant or does it come and go every few seconds or minutes etc..? (This is the final portion of the OPQRST assessment: '''Time'''). as a quick note, All chest pain, especially in relation to stim use, should be taken seriously and emergency services should be activated. along with that in the middle of the upper back for women is also something of concern as women tend to present symptoms differently.

Medic at 03:01, 20 February 2016

2016-02-20T03:01:53Z

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	==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==		==Conducting a rapid assessment at home==

	1) ~~Check for consciousness, are~~ they conscious? if they are not ~~awake~~ immediately check for a pulse a the carotid and radial site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it. '''IF THERE IS NO PULSE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 AND START CPR''' Here is a video to check a pulse and measure it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0iGwD_EEXI		1) Are they conscious? If they are ''not'', '''immediately check for a pulse''' at the carotid (neck) and radial (wrist) site and look at their chest for rise and fall indicating breathing. If they ARE breathing but you feel no pulse they have one and you just cannot feel it. '''IF THERE IS NO PULSE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/EMS AND START CPR''' Here is a video to check/find a pulse and measure it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0iGwD_EEXI When you call Emergency services they should be able to tell you how to do CPR over the phone. '''If you cant feel a pulse and dont see obvious breathing, just go ahead and call EMS and do CPR no matter what. even if they did have a pulse this will not hurt them and could/probably will save a life.'''

	2) If they have a pulse, check for level on mental status. If they are ~~alert~~, ask them where they are, what their name is, what day it is, and what they were doing just prior. The number of questions they get right is their level of orientation. Answering all questions right is Alert and oriented x 4 or A&Ox 4. If they are not alert, are they only responsive to your ~~voice~~? yell out their name and look for any response. if not, how about to ~~pain~~? check this by pinching their trapezium muscle (the muscle between your shoulder and neck that you move when shrugging) or rubbing their sternum hard with your knuckles (this is the bony area straight down the middle of their chest, if they are overweight really dig in). If they react they are responsive to ~~pain~~, if they do not react they are ~~unresponsive~~, '''IF UNRESPONSIVE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/Emergency services '''		2) If they have a pulse, check for level on mental status. If they are '''Alert''', ask them where they are, what their name is, what day it is, and what they were doing just prior. The number of questions they get right is their level of orientation. Answering all questions right is '''Alert''' and oriented x 4 or A&Ox 4. If they are not alert, are they only responsive to your '''Voice'''? yell out their name and look for any response. if not, how about to '''Pain'''? check this by pinching their trapezium muscle (the muscle between your shoulder and neck that you move when shrugging) or rubbing their sternum hard with your knuckles (this is the bony area straight down the middle of their chest, if they are overweight really dig in). If they react they are responsive to '''Pain''', if they do not react they are '''Unresponsive''', '''IF UNRESPONSIVE IMMEDIATELY CALL 911/Emergency services '''

	This is an EMS mental status evaluation based on the AVPU system (alert, verbal, pain, Unresponsive). It is easier to learn and faster to assess than the glasgow coma scale.		This is an EMS mental status evaluation based on the '''AVPU''' system (alert, verbal, pain, Unresponsive). It is easier to learn and faster to assess than the glasgow coma scale.

	'''If they are only responsive to pain immediately count their pulse rate, and assess their breathing. if they are breathing shallow, and/or their pulse is below 60 or above 100 call ems immediately'''		'''If they are only responsive to pain immediately count their pulse rate, and assess their breathing. if they are breathing shallow, and/or their pulse is below 60 or above 100 call ems immediately'''