What are the emergency measures for internal medicine?

Medical first aid is a key step in taking prompt measures to save patients' lives in the face of emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and stroke. Mastering medical first aid measures requires not only understanding basic skills and operating procedures, but also the ability to make decisive decisions and respond quickly to sudden medical crises. This article will introduce the commonly used skills and measures in medical first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of automated external defibrillators, airway cleaning and patency techniques, shock management skills, and respiratory first aid techniques, to help readers understand and master how to effectively respond to various situations in medical first aid.

1. What are the emergency measures for internal medicine?

1.1 Cardiac emergency

Once symptoms such as angina pectoris occur, medical attention should be sought immediately to avoid delaying rescue efforts. In the process of first aid, oxygen administration is key to relieving the symptoms of myocardial ischemia. At the same time, drugs such as aspirin should be given quickly to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombosis. In some cases, thrombolytic therapy is also necessary to promote thrombus dissolution and restore myocardial blood supply. In addition, timely monitoring of electrocardiogram changes is also crucial to guide subsequent treatment and monitoring.

For tachycardia, drugs are needed to control the heart rate. For bradycardia, devices such as pacemakers are needed to maintain a normal heart rate. During emergency treatment, medical staff need to closely monitor the patient's heart rate and rhythm changes, and adjust the treatment plan in time to ensure the stability and recovery of heart function.

1.2 Respiratory first aid

For the treatment of apnea, first check the patient's airway patency, remove foreign objects in the mouth, and immediately perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to maintain oxygen supply and blood circulation. At the same time, call emergency services and medical staff so that they can provide further rescue and treatment. During the first aid process, closely monitor the patient's breathing and heartbeat, and adjust the first aid measures in time to ensure timely and effective treatment.

In addition, for the treatment of bronchial asthma and respiratory distress, appropriate measures should be taken according to the severity of the patient's symptoms. Administration of bronchodilators such as salbutamol can quickly relieve asthma attacks, and glucocorticoids can be considered to reduce inflammatory responses. For patients with respiratory distress, it is necessary to use oxygen inhalation equipment to assist breathing, while controlling the respiratory rate and guiding the patient to take deep and slow breaths to help them restore normal breathing rhythm.

1.3 First aid for stroke

Stroke is a serious cerebrovascular disease that requires emergency treatment to reduce damage to the patient. When facing an acute stroke, the first thing to do is to quickly identify the symptoms of stroke, such as sudden facial paralysis, speech difficulties, hemiplegia, etc., accompanied by headaches, nausea, vomiting, etc. Once the symptoms of stroke are found, emergency services should be called immediately. It is crucial to call the emergency number in time and provide a detailed description of the condition and location for treatment. While waiting for the arrival of emergency personnel, the patient should be kept quiet and comfortable, placed in a supine position, unbuttoned the collar, keep the breathing unobstructed, and avoid excessive movement or lifting the patient's head to reduce additional risks. After the emergency personnel arrive, cooperate with the medical staff's examination and treatment. They will perform appropriate first aid and treatment according to the patient's specific condition, such as performing brain imaging examinations to confirm the diagnosis, and give thrombolytic therapy or other necessary treatment measures according to the situation.

1.4 First aid for abnormal blood pressure

For emergency treatment of abnormal blood pressure, appropriate measures should be taken according to the specific situation of the patient. For hypertensive crisis, antihypertensive drugs such as sodium nitroprusside or nitroglycerin can be used for intravenous drip, while controlling the causes of high blood pressure such as emotional excitement and strenuous activities. For hypotensive crisis, it is necessary to maintain the patient's fluid balance, replenish fluids in appropriate amounts to increase blood pressure, keep the patient quiet and comfortable, and avoid excessive activity and changes in body position.

1.5 First aid for allergic reactions

In terms of first aid for allergic reactions, measures should be taken quickly to prevent the symptoms from worsening. For anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reactions, the first thing to do is to stop contact with allergenic substances, such as food, drugs, etc., to avoid further allergic reactions. At the same time, anti-allergic drugs such as adrenaline injections should be given immediately to quickly relieve allergic symptoms. For severe allergic reactions, respiratory support and circulatory support measures can also be used, such as giving oxygen, using a respirator, etc., to maintain the patient's respiratory and circulatory functions.

2. Common first aid skills

2.1 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical first aid skill that can save lives when the heart stops beating or breathing stops. When performing CPR, first confirm that the person is unresponsive. This can be done by gently rocking the person and calling their name loudly. If the person is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately and describe their condition so that medical professionals can arrive as soon as possible. Next, carefully observe the person's chest to see if it rises and fall, and listen for breathing sounds to confirm that the person is breathing. If the person is not breathing or breathing is weak, chest compressions should be started immediately. When performing compressions, cross your hands under the sternum and apply enough pressure to compress, 100-120 times per minute. After performing compressions, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. First, tilt the person's head back, pinch the nostrils and perform two breaths, each lasting 1 second. Continue chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until emergency personnel arrive or the person responds.

2.2 Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is one of the commonly used skills in first aid, especially for electric shock resuscitation during cardiac arrest. When using an AED, first make sure the patient is unconscious and confirm signs of cardiac arrest, such as no pulse and no breathing. Then immediately apply the AED device and follow the instructions on the device. It usually includes sticking the electrode patch on the patient's chest, starting the AED device, and performing an electric shock according to the device prompts. Before performing an electric shock, make sure no one around touches the patient to avoid accidental injury. Continue to follow the instructions of the AED device until emergency personnel arrive at the scene. Correct use of AED can effectively restore normal heart rhythm and improve the survival rate of patients with cardiac arrest.

2.3 Airway cleaning and patency techniques

During first aid, keeping the patient's airway open is key to ensuring normal breathing. First, make sure the patient's head is in the correct position to keep the airway open. For conscious patients, the airway can be kept open by tilting their head back. For unconscious patients, the head should be gently tilted back to avoid airway obstruction. In addition, timely removal of foreign objects in the mouth is also one of the key steps to keep the airway open. Use a suction device or fingers to remove foreign objects in the mouth to ensure an open airway. During first aid, closely observe the patient's breathing and adjust the airway cleaning and patency techniques in time to ensure normal breathing.

Author: Li Cailian, Danshan Town Central Hospital, Yanjiang District, Ziyang City