Question

Now that you have learned how to respond to different types of emergencies, how do you think you would react in an emergency situation? Explain your answer

Answer 1

Disaster comes at any time. It chooses no time, no place, and people involved. It may sometimes be caused by variable reasons. Be it due to the natural phenomenon, the weather, but most of the time, our actions and negligence are accounted for the disastrous situations that we encounter in our lives. These situations usually come unannounced resulting to more grief and sorrow whenever something devastating had occurred that killed the lives of many. Whenever these situations come, emergency nurses are always the one responsible in responding and giving help to those affected. They are the ones who are called upon during these kinds of situations. They come without hesitation because it is a part of their full pledged duty- – to help those in need, and help save lives.

Emergency nursing is the field these nurses chose to pursue. This field of nursing is one of the most unpopular but is considered very integral part of nursing. Saving lives starts here. Rescuing people from the disaster they have undergone requires immediate response from the rescuers since emergency situations are life-threatening and may require immediate interventions to help minimize the aggravation of the problems caused.

Emergency nursing may be classified into several types. First is the medical emergency where pathological conditions are included. These are the kinds of emergency where medical attention, usually hospital care, is required to be given immediately. Second is the natural disaster including tornado, flashfloods, hurricane, and mud slides. These are those that require rescue from government agencies for supportive interventions. Third, and the final emergency situation is the property- emergency (e.g fire).

MY TIPS FOR NEW NURSES IN A PATIENT EMERGENCY
1.Must have a plan.
Having a plan comes with two primary benefits. First, it keeps you focused on what your patient ultimately needs. Second, by having a set of steps to guide you, it helps you stay calm and level-headed. After all, you have a plan to follow!2.
2.Proper Communication with patients.
Assuming your patient is conscious and able to communicate, they can be a vital source of information. After all, you can take all the vital signs you want, but the patient is the only one who can tell you how they’re feeling.One critical tip for patient communication can be to say something like “I’m going to redirect you right now,” because it makes them feel like you’re not just ignoring what they say.
3.Ask for help
You’re not alone. While you can’t (and shouldn’t) expect to be told what to do every step of the way — that’s what your training and education was for — if you don’t know what to do in a given situation, say something! The doctors and other nurses know you’re a newbie, after all; their first emergencies were likely just as stressful.
4.When I get doubt, take vital signs.
If your patient isn’t in immediate risk right this second, take their vitals. This can be a great way to identify problems that may not be immediately obvious, but it can also be helpful by telling you what isn’t a problem. If you can identify areas that don’t need your immediate attention, you can then focus on the ones that do.

Here are our tips for keeping calm under pressure

1. Think ahead.
By being one step ahead and developing clear procedures, you’ll be able to react immediately when the worst happens. Agency nurses, by nature, often work in unfamiliar locations, so get into the habit of finding out where vital equipment and medicines are kept as soon as you arrive. Identify managers and senior nurses – and listen to them.

2. Stay calm.
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to catastrophise or second guess what might happen next and lose focus. Concentrate on the now; going to work armed with a toolkit of calming techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, can really help here. Which brings us back to point one, above, and being prepared. With regular practise outside of work, they will be second nature when an emergency occurs.

3. React.
Respond to the patient if he or she is conscious. However you’re feeling, their panic levels will be higher, so talk to them calmly. Never raise your voice to them and try also to keep your voice calm when interacting with colleagues – don’t shout. Where possible, talk the patient through what is happening. Use their name if you can, and tell them yours.

4. Go back to basics.
This is another one that sounds self-evident, but using simple acronyms or mantras can help you focus. Remember ABC – airways, breathing, circulation – and keep checking vital signs. If you’re working in a team, play to your strengths wherever possible.

5. Trust your instincts.
Yes, you will have a procedure to follow but don’t become too caught up in giving a textbook response. Remember you have had all the nursing training you need to handle this, so believe in yourself – you’re the best person for the situation!

6. Debrief.
After every emergency, go over the situation afterwards either independently or with the team. Could the incident have been predicted? Could you have done anything differently? Remember to praise yourself; whatever the outcome, you did your best and gave the patient the best possible chance of survival and recovery.