EMS Activation
What is the average EMS response time?
10 minutes
What is the most common medical emergency?
Syncope
How should you position a patient who had a syncopal reaction?
Head down
Name a medication that increases the risk for for postural hypotension
Antihypertensives, CNS depressants (alcohol, narcotics, etc)
What number constitutes a low blood glucose?
<70
Name 2 things that are important to tell EMS when you call
The situation is an emergency
Calling from a dental office
The address of the emergency
Other helpful directions to help them find your entrance
A callback number
During what time in the treatment do most emergencies occur?
Local anesthesia administration
How long should you wait for the patient to regain consciousness before calling 911?
2 minutes
How can you prevent postural hypotension?
Sit chair up slowly, sit for a while before standing
How would you treat a patient with hypoglycemia who loses consciousness?
Call 911, do not administer sugar containing product, monitor ABCs
What is the most important step in a true emergency?
Call 911
Which procedure has the highest number of medical emergencies?
Extraction
What is the first step in treating pre-syncope?
Lay the patient flat/head down
If a patient gets lightheaded due to postural change, what should you do?
Lay the patient flat
What medication has the highest risk for hypoglycemia?
Insulin
What are 2 things your staff should do after you call 911?
Phone lines open
Go outside to flag down
Hold elevator
Name 2 ways to decrease stress in a dental visit:
Shorter appointments, slow local administration, nitrous
Can you continue treatment following pre-syncope?
Yes
How long should you wait for the patient to regain consciousness before calling 911?
2 minutes
What oral medication has the highest risk for hypoglycemia?
Sulfonureas (ride or die)
Do you have to report to the board if you call 911?
No
List 2 factors that make a patient high risk for emergencies:
Elderly, multiple medications, multiple comorbidities, self-treated anxiety
Should a patient drive themselves home after syncope?
No
Does syncope or postural hypotension have more warning signs?
Syncope
What are the units for blood glucose measurement?
mg/dL