Training and preparation for disasters or emergencies must be done in advance. When an event happens, all staff must be able to respond automatically. Regular training is important to keep everyone current on the procedures.
When encountering any type of emergency situation, such as finding a client on the floor or an unconcious client, always call for help first. Others can clear the area, phone for an ambulance, assist with CPR, help move or transfer the client, or document the events.
When providing emergency care for a hemorrhage, immediately call for help. If gloves are available, put them on before applying pressure to the area that is bleeding. Proceed to maintain direct and firm pressure on the wound with your palm pressing on a bandage, gauze, or clean cloth. Continue the pressue, adding layers of bandages as needed, until help arrives.
When a client has a seizure, first prevent injury. Ease the client to the floor and place them on their side. Clear the area of any objects that could cause an injury. Put something soft, such as a pillow or folded blanket, under their head. Loosen their collar and remove eyeglasses. Always time the seizure and call 911 if it lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Water makes up about 90% of blood. During an illness, replacing fluids lost by vomiting and diarrhea is extremely important to prevent dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause a drop in the blood volume, causing very low blood pressure.. The result is hypovolemic (low volume) shock, a medical emergency.
Studies show that depression is a common cause for suicide in the elderly. White males, age 85 years and older, are at the highest risk for suicide. Never dismiss a threat of suicide. Always notify your supervisor, so the resident can be evalutated and treated.
The nurse aide should be familiar with exits and location of fire extinguishers. If a smoke or fire alarm sounds, your first action is to keep the client safe. Remember "R.A.C.E." to quickly act. R = Rescue/Remove the client. A = Alarm, if the alarm is not connected to the fire department, call 911 to report it. . C = Confine/Contain the fire or smoke by closing doors to prevent or slow the spread. Smoke is especially dangerous for everyone. E = Extinguish the fire if possible, using a handheld fire extinguisher. Attempt to extinguish only small fires, as long as you and the client can remain safe, and have an escape route.
Falls are the biggest risk for injury for people over 65. Falling even one time doubles the risk of falling again. One out of five falls results in a serious injury, such as broken bones or head trauma. Even if there is no injury, people can become fearful of falling and reduce their daily activities. Anyone who falls should notify their doctor for an evaluation.
When a client with diabetes is sleepy and difficult to arouse, immediately check their blood sugar level with their glucometer. A result of lower than 70 mg/dl or higher than 200 mg/dl are medical emergencies and require prompt treatment. Every home health client has a plan and supplies for very low or very high blood glucose levels. If in doubt, contact emergency medical services.
As a CNA, you must call for help, get the patient into a flat position, and begin CPR. When the Code Blue team arrives, allow them to take over. Be available for any requests, such as documenting the code, getting equipment, keeping the area clear, taking blood to the lab, or making phone cals.
When a client is having difficulty breathing, Fowler's position can provide relief. When sitting in Fowler's position, the client is upright at 90 degrees, allowing the chest to expand as much as possible. Prone (on the abdomen), supine (on the back), and lateral (on the side) are all flat positions, which can make respiratory distress worse.
The nurse aide should be familiar with all fire safety policies and protocols. When a fire alarm sounds, all staff must respond to keep patients safe. Remember "R.A.C.E." to quickly act. R = Rescue/Remove all people who can not take care of themselves. A = Alarm, if it has not already been done. Pulling the alarm can be done at the same time as rescue. C = Confine/Contain the fire or smoke by closing doors to prevent or slow the spread. Smoke is especially dangerous for everyone. E = Extinguish the fire if possible, using a handheld fire extinguisher. Attempt to extinguish only small fires, as long as you can remain safe and have an escape route.
If a client has a minor burn, soak the burn in cool water for 5 minutes. This will relieve the pain and reduce any swelling. Gently dry the area and apply aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment. Place a dry gauze dressing on the burn. If the burn area is large, or if blisters develop, seek medical attention.
A quick back slap can be tried, but if the food does not immediately dislodge, the nurse aide must quickly move to start abdominal thrusts. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) is the best response to choking. Calling for assistance as you prepare to do abdominal thrusts will alert others of the emergency. Performing abdominal thrusts involves standing behind the client and using hands to exert upward pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm.
As a home health care provider, your goal is to maintain a safe environment. Assess the area for potential hazards and act to minimize or eliminate them. You are not authorized to remove any items, so move them out of the way. The client's health, safety and well-being are your priorities as a caregiver.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the fire extinguisher nozzle should be aimed at the base of the fire. Remember to use the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Your facility will provide training on fire emergencies every year.
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CNA Safety And Emergency Procedures #2
