No matter how careful you might be, anyone can have a medical emergency at any time. You might trip and fall down the stairs, get into a car accident, or be struck by a sudden debilitating illness.
For the sake of your safety and physical wellbeing, it’s important to seek help right away. Being prompt and proactive in dealing with your emergency will greatly improve your chances of recovery and minimise disruption to your life.
Here are the five most important steps you’ll need to take immediately following a medical emergency.
Get Out Of Danger
Even after the incident has occurred, you may still be in danger. A car crash may have left you in a vulnerable position in the middle of the road, or a slip while hiking has landed you underneath a loose cliff. Your very first priority is to make yourself safe. Get out of harm’s way and protect yourself. Not only will this keep you alive but it will ensure you are in a suitable state to get help to any other involved parties who may need it.
Call For Help
If you have an injury as a result of the accident you need to seek help right away. If it’s a serious life-threatening emergency you need to call an ambulance to take you to hospital. If you’re in a remote location, perhaps hiking or climbing, you may even need to call mountain rescue. If your injury is less urgent, you may be able to make your way to a treatment facility by yourself. A nearby hospital or after hours medical care centre should get you the care you need. If you are unable to get help, ask a passerby or call a friend to assist you.
Help Any Other Injured Parties
If anyone else was involved in the incident, you should help them too but only if you are able to do so without putting yourself in danger. Rescuing an injured person from a wrecked car in the middle of a busy highway is best left to the police and paramedics. Other parties may be in shock or in a worse state than you so ensure they are looked after and able to get medical help as well.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
A medical emergency can require costly treatment, so make sure you notify your insurance provider right away. Hopefully they will be able to cover the cost of your hospital visit and ensure you don’t suffer financially. You may also need to get your car insurance or home insurance providers involved, if there is damage to your vehicle or property too. Insurance is there to help you in such an emergency so make sure you use it!
Take Preventative Measures
Lightning can strike twice. Once you have sought treatment, you want to make sure this emergency doesn’t happen again. If it is a medical concern, follow your doctor’s advice for improving your health and taking any necessary medication. If the accident was caused by your own actions, evaluate how you can avoid creating this situation in future.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.
