Emergency FAQ

How to manage a high fever?

• Hydration: It's essential to replenish fluids and nutrition during a fever. It’s recommended to drink plenty of water or juice and to eat easily digestible foods (rice water, milk, clear soup, fruits)
• Bathing: Use lukewarm water (37 degrees Celsius) for bathing or sponge with a warm, damp cloth to promote vasodilation and help dissipate heat
• Antipyretics: Use appropriate fever-reducing medication, and seek medical attention if the high fever persists
• Avoid cold water: Do not bathe in cold water, as it may trigger shivering
• Clothing considerations: Wearing multiple layers can slow down heat dissipation

How to manage foreign body ingestion?

• If a foreign body is suspected to be swallowed, seek medical attention promptly
• The first two hours are the golden period for treatment; after this, it becomes more difficult to remove the foreign body
• Do not use your hands to extract the foreign body, as this may damage the soft palate or tonsils
• Swallowing food or drinking large amounts of water may push the foreign body deeper, increasing the risk of choking
• Avoid drinking vinegar; undiluted vinegar may burn the mouth and oesophagus

How to manage burns?

• Rinse the affected area with cool water for 10 minutes to lower the temperature and alleviate pain
• Cover the burn with a clean gauze to prevent infection
• Do not burst blisters to avoid infection
• Avoid applying soy sauce, cooking oil, or toothpaste on the burn to prevent introducing bacteria
• If the wound is stuck to clothing, carefully cut the clothing while rinsing with water
• Do not apply ice to the wound, as it may damage skin cells

How to manage a suspected fracture?

• Allow the injured person to lie down comfortably while waiting for medical personnel to assist and expedite hospital transport
• If there is severe bleeding, attempt to control it.
• Use a blanket or other coverings to keep the injured person warm and prevent shock
• If there is an exposed bone, wrap the wound with thick material to reduce the chance of external infection
• If there is a suspicion of neck or spinal injury, do not move the injured person unnecessarily

How to manage shock?

• Immediately notify a doctor or take the person to the nearest hospital for emergency care. While waiting, the following first aid measures can be taken:
  • Have the patient lie down and keep them warm with a blanket or clothing
  • If the patient has injuries to the head, neck, or spine, do not move them to prevent further harm
  • Elevate the patient's legs by 20 to 25 centimetres to promote blood flow and increase blood supply to the heart and brain
  • Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink
  • If the patient is vomiting, turn their head to the side to prevent choking, unless they have a head injury
  • If the patient becomes unconscious and stops breathing, perform CPR

How to manage poisoning?

Gas / Carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Open all doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute the carbon monoxide concentration
• Do not touch any electrical switches indoors to prevent sparks that could cause an explosion
• Quickly move the poisoned person to an area with fresh air and loosen their clothing
• Check the poisoned person's vital signs; if they are still breathing, keep them warm with a blanket and transport them to the hospital
   

Corrosive substance poisoning:

• Have the person rinse their mouth thoroughly
• Do not allow the person to drink anything
• Do not induce vomiting, as this may further injure the oesophagus or stomach
• Seek medical attention promptly
   

Unconscious poisoning:

• Call an ambulance immediately
• Monitor the poisoned person's heartbeat and breathing; if they have stopped, perform CPR promptly
• Do not induce vomiting or give fluids to the poisoned person

How to manage chest pain?

• First, loosen any tight clothing on the patient and help them maintain a relaxed sitting position
• If they feel cold, cover them with a blanket or clothing to keep warm
• If there is difficulty breathing, have the patient lean against a cushion
• If the pain persists and the patient loses consciousness, immediately perform rescue breathing and CPR
• Transport the patient to the hospital without delay

How to manage abdominal pain?

• Apply a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to the abdomen to relieve pain, ensuring the hot water bottle is safe to avoid burns
• Offer soothing words of comfort
• Place a blanket or cushion under the patient's knees to help them bend their legs
• If the abdominal pain is severe, do not allow the patient to eat or drink
• If the patient has a fever, you can sponge them with lukewarm water and remove excess clothing
• If there is vomiting, place the patient on their side to prevent the vomit from entering the airway
• If the abdominal pain persists, seek medical attention promptly