A patient suffers cardiac arrest while waiting in the exam room. An elderly visitor falls in the waiting room, is complaining of leg pain and is unable to get up. A diabetic staff member passes out from hypoglycemia. These are just a few examples of unexpected medical emergencies that could happen in a medical office.
All office practices should be prepared and have a plan to handle any unexpected medical emergency to provide stabilizing care so that the patient’s condition does not worsen and transfer the patient for professional emergency care as quickly as possible.
There are many factors to consider when developing a medical emergency plan. For example:
Emergency Equipment & Training Procedures
The more sophisticated the plan and equipment, the more responsibility the doctor has. For example, if your office has an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) device, make sure your staff members are trained on how to use it if a patient experiences sudden cardiac arrest. Emergency equipment and/or medications that cannot be used safely by office staff should not be stocked. The plan should also comply with federal and state laws.
Once you have a plan in place, implement written emergency policies and protocols to assist staff efficiently assess and respond to medical emergencies. Consider coordinating with local emergency responders, fire departments, and/or hospitals when developing your emergency response protocols.
Be sure to include emergency response responsibilities in written job descriptions for relevant positions. Assess and document competencies that will likely be required for responding to emergency situations.
Initial training and periodic updates on your medical emergency policies and protocols for all providers and office staff are critical in ensuring a smooth response to medical emergencies. It is recommended that all staff obtain and maintain CPR certification.
Mock emergency drills should be performed periodically to verify knowledge of emergency techniques, protocols, and usage of any emergency response equipment and supplies. They should also be used to evaluate the team’s ability to effectively provide emergency care on short notice. Meet with staff immediately following mock drills to debrief and discuss any problems.
All emergency equipment should be regularly inventoried and tested and routinely inventory emergency medications and check expiration dates.
Document Emergencies if They Occur
Your policies and procedures should include documentation of the medical emergency to include patient information, emergency type, vital signs, review of systems, necessary interventions and medications, and time EMS was called, and time arrived. Development of a medical emergency documentation flow sheet will assist with capturing necessary information. A copy of the flow sheet could then be shared with EMS to aid in continuity of patient care.
Preparation and practice is key to responding to medical emergencies in your office and in reducing risks related to medical emergencies.
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