Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIII · Medical Emergencies · 01

Prevention and the emergency kit

Prevention rests on a complete medical history, vital signs at every visit, ASA classification and stress reduction. The basic kit holds oxygen, epinephrine, nitroglycerin, diphenhydramine, an albuterol inhaler, aspirin and an oral glucose source, alongside an AED and BLS-trained staff who practice drills. Oxygen runs at about 2-6 L/min by nasal cannula or 10-15 L/min by non-rebreather mask.

High-yield facts · 6

  1. Prevention: a full medical history, vital signs at every visit, ASA classification and stress reduction.T8S29
  2. Basic emergency drugs: oxygen, epinephrine (auto-injector or 1 mg/mL), nitroglycerin, diphenhydramine, albuterol inhaler, aspirin and an oral glucose source.T8
  3. Every office needs staff trained in BLS, an AED, oxygen with masks, and practice drills; emergency numbers should be posted.T8S26
  4. Oxygen delivery: nasal cannula about 2-6 L/min; non-rebreather mask about 10-15 L/min.T8
  5. Common causes of office emergencies are stress- and fear-related (syncope, hyperventilation, angina, hypoglycemia).T8
  6. Positioning summary: syncope = supine with feet slightly up; respiratory distress = upright; pregnant = left side; seizure = protect, then recovery position.T8

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.