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How prepared are you and your office staff for a medical emergency that might happen at any moment in your office? As reported by the AHA, the American Epilepsy Society, and others, the following are some facts that might make you think twice: (1) every 20 seconds, someone suffers a heart attack; (2) every 45 seconds, someone has a stroke; (3) every 3.3 minutes, someone dies from a stroke; (4) every 3 minutes, someone has a seizure for the first time; and (5) every 6.6 minutes, someone has an anaphylactic reaction. Medical emergencies happen when least expected, but you must be prepared to act and act quickly. The medical emergency might even be the dentist. Have you held mock emergency drills? Do you know how to reach emergency services? Do you have an AED and know how to use it?
Medical emergencies can occur with both children and adult patients. Recent headlines indicate that the death of a child in the dental office can be devastating to parents, staff, and the doctor. Being prepared just for fainting is not enough. Understanding your EMS, its location, probable response time, and what to do while waiting may be vital to patient survival. City response time may be only a few minutes, but in rural areas, you may have to provide life support for up to 15 minutes. Do you have the necessary equipment and a fully trained staff? Will staff members who are not prepared panic in the crisis and not be able to call 9-1-1 or assist you? Studies have shown that victims of sudden cardiac arrest who are defibrillated within 6 minutes usually survive. Victims of anaphylaxis must be treated differently than those with cardiac arrests. Resuscitation equipment, oxygen, and other drugs must be on hand for these emergencies. Is your emergency drug kit up to date? The only way to be sure you are ready for an emergency when it happens is planning, preparation, and practice.
(Source: AGD Impact, March 2008)
