Are you prepared for an emergency? Knowing what constitutes an emergency, where to get help and what to do while you're waiting for help can save a life. Here are some tips from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

First, remember that prevention remains the best cure. Get routine medical and preventive care from a family doctor. Getting necessary immunizations and treating minor illnesses before they get serious can minimize visits to the emergency department.

While it may seem negative to prepare for the worst, when an emergency does occur, you can handle it calmly, quickly, and effectively to minimize its impact.
Be prepared. Keep a list of emergency numbers by the phone. The police, fire department, poison control center, local hospital, ambulance service, and your family doctor's office should all be included. Make a list of all the medications you and your family take and their dosages. In an emergency, you might not be able to speak for yourself, so carry it with you. This list could help prevent serious drug interactions. Also make a list of allergies, especially drug allergies or those with severe reactions. This list will help ensure that the care you receive won't make matters worse.

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, at work, and in your car. A good first-aid kit will help you handle medical situations...from minor shaving cuts, blisters from roller skating, or sunburns to sprains or severe cuts.

Take a first-aid class. A basic class will teach CPR and proper methods for treating burns, wrapping sprains, applying splints, and performing the Heimlich maneuver. It's also important to know how to stop serious bleeding, manage shock or handle fractures until emergency help arrives. First-aid classes will also help you learn how to remain calm and how to calm others in an emergency.
How do I recognize an emergency?

Learn how to recognize the difference between a minor crisis and a life-threatening emergency. For example, upper abdominal pain can be indigestion, ulcers, or an early sign of a heart attack. A toddler who falls down unconscious in the yard may have tripped, or he could be having an allergic reaction to an insect sting.

Not every cut needs stitches, nor does every burn require advanced medical treatment. Part of handling an emergency is being able to evaluate warning signs and make a fast decision. But it's always best to err on the side of caution. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 or the local hospital for assistance.
Some warning signs of a medical emergency include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure, fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision, confusion or change in mental status, sudden severe pain, bleeding that won't stop, severe or persistent vomiting, coughing up or vomiting blood, suicidal or homicidal feelings.
It's also important to know what not to do.

While it's smart to keep Syrup of Ipecac in the house in case your child swallows poison, it should not be used with all poisons. Call the Central Pennsylvania Poison Center (1-800 521-6110) or the CCH emergency department (814-234-6110) for advice.

Never move anyone who is unconscious or has struck his head or was injured in a car crash, unless he or she is in danger.

When treating burns, don't use ice or butter or petroleum jelly. If burns blister, are large or deep, get immediate emergency help.

Handling an emergency can be scary, but taking preventive measures and preparing for the worst can defuse emergencies before they start. If you would like to receive a Home Medical Organizer or fliers about first aid kits from the American College of Emergency Physicians (for only the price of postage), call 1-800-446-9776.

Author: Wilda Stanfield is coordinator of community relations for Centre Community Hospital and editor of the community health newsletter, Lifeline.

Centre Community Hospital