CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 27: EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS – QUICK GUIDE FOR NURSES 

✅ 1. Basic Life Support (BLS) – CPR for Adults 

When to perform: Unconscious, not breathing, or no pulse 

Steps (CAB): 

• C – Circulation: Check pulse. If absent, begin chest compressions. 

• Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. 

• Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute. 

• Depth: At least 2 inches deep. Let the chest fully recoil. 

• A – Airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin. 

• B – Breathing: Give 2 rescue breaths (if trained), after every 30 compressions. 

• Continue until help arrives or patient revives. 

Note: If untrained, focus on chest compressions only (“Hands-only CPR”). 

✅ 2. Managing Choking 

Adult or Child (Over 1 Year): 

• Ask: “Are you choking?” 

• If yes and cannot speak or cough: perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). 

• Stand behind, place fist above navel, grab with other hand, and thrust inward/upward. 

• Repeat until the object is expelled or patient becomes unconscious. 

Infant (Under 1 Year): 

• 5 back blows between shoulder blades 

• 5 chest thrusts (using 2 fingers) 

✅ 3. Bleeding 

What to do: 

• Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. 

• Elevate the injured area if possible. 

• Do not remove deeply embedded objects—apply pressure around it. 

• Keep the patient calm and warm. 

• Seek medical help immediately for deep, continuous, or arterial bleeding. 

✅ 4. Burns 

First-Degree (Red, no blister): 

• Cool under running water (10–15 mins). 

• Do not apply ice, toothpaste, or oil. 

• Cover with sterile gauze. 

Second/Third-Degree (Blistered or Charred): 

• Remove tight clothing/jewelry near the area (not stuck skin). 

• Do not break blisters. 

• Cover loosely with sterile cloth. 

• Refer immediately. 

✅ 5. Convulsion (Seizure) 

What to do: 

• Stay calm. Protect patient from injury. 

• Place on their side (recovery position). 

• Do not put anything in their mouth. 

• Time the seizure and monitor breathing. 

• After the seizure, ensure airway is clear. 

• If seizure lasts more than 5 mins → emergency referral. 

✅ 6. Shock 

Signs: Pale, cold skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, confusion 

Management: 

• Lay the patient flat and raise the legs. 

• Loosen tight clothing. 

• Keep warm and calm. 

• Do not give anything by mouth. 

• Urgently refer for advanced care. 

✅ 7. Poisoning 

What to do: 

• Identify the substance if possible. 

• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. 

• If unconscious or breathing difficulty → emergency referral. 

• Bring the container of the poison if available to the hospital. 

✅ 8. Asthma Attack 

What to do: 

• Sit the person upright. 

• Encourage slow, steady breaths. 

• Help use inhaler (reliever – e.g., salbutamol). 

• If no relief after 3 doses within 10 minutes → call for emergency help. 

✅ 9. Diabetic Emergency (Hypoglycemia – Low Sugar) 

Signs: Shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness 

What to do: 

• If conscious: Give glucose drink, juice, or sugar under the tongue. 

• If unconscious: Do not give anything by mouth. Place in recovery position and seek emergency help. 

✅ 10. Emergency Contacts & Referral Steps 

• Always notify the nurse/doctor on duty immediately. 

• Keep the emergency trolley clean, stocked, and ready. 

• Know the location of oxygen, suction machine, emergency drugs. 

• Document events after the emergency is handled.