Medical Emergency Prevention

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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Chapter 1
Office Preparation

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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Objectives
• Upon completion of this chapter, you will
be able to:
– Explain the role of the dental auxiliary during
an office emergency
– Explain the importance of an office
emergency routine
– Describe the functions of the auxiliary in
relation to the emergency kit
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Objectives (cont’d.)
– Identify the attachments used with an oxygen
tank
– Explain the importance of the demand-valve
resuscitator
– Demonstrate the operation of the oxygen tank
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Office Emergency Routine
• Important to prevent a minor emergency
from becoming serious
• Essential to include responsibilities of
each member of the dental team
• Routine must be practiced
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Office Emergency Routine (cont’d.)
• Role of the dental auxiliary
– Notify dentist of the emergency
– Administer basic life support if necessary
– Retrieve emergency kit
– Retrieve oxygen tank
– Retrieve hard backboard
– Assist dentist by preparing emergency drugs
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Office Emergency Routine (cont’d.)
• Role of the receptionist
– Keep emergency numbers updated and within
reach
– Notify emergency medical service
– Direct emergency personnel into the office
– Keep waiting room patients calm
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Office Emergency Routine (cont’d.)
• Practice routine on a regular basis
– Emergency should be simulated
– Each person performs assigned functions
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Emergency Kit
• Several types of emergency kits, each with
advantages and disadvantages
– Homemade kit
– Manufactured kit
• Key is to select a kit that meets the
dentist’s needs
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Emergency Kit (cont’d.)
Figure 1-1: A sample emergency kit
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Emergency Kit (cont’d.)
• The dental auxiliary and the emergency kit
– Need to be familiar with the contents
– Inspect kit routinely to check for broken
equipment or depleted drugs
– Make sure instructions are included if required
– Know how to open single-dose ampule
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Emergency Kit (cont’d.)
Figure 1-2: Single dose ampule
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Oxygen Tank
• Can be administered by any trained
individual
• Useful in most emergency situations
except hyperventilation
• All oxygen tanks are green
– Distinguishes them from other gas tanks
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Attachments
– Regulator must be attached for oxygen to be
administered to a patient
– Flow of oxygen adjusted by flowmeter
• Bourbon gauge
• Pressure-compensated
– Basic mask is sufficient for emergency dental
– Demand-valve resuscitator forces oxygen into
the patient’s lungs
13

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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Operating the tank
– Open the seal to release oxygen and clear
debris
– Attach regulator and flowmeter
– Open the regulator valve
– Adjust the flowmeter to release four to six
liters
– Check facemask hose for twists or knots
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Operating the tank
– Place mask over patient’s face
• Ensure mask fits with a good seal
– When oxygen therapy is complete:
• Remove mask
• Turn flowmeter to zero
• Close tank valve
15

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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Oxygen Tank (cont’d.)
• Precautions
– Do not use near an open flame
– Grease or oil can make oxygen explode
• Make sure you do not have oil on your hands
• Do not store tank around oily, dirty rags
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copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Summary
• Emergencies do occur in dental offices
• To prevent minor emergencies from
becoming major, staff need to:
– Know their responsibilities
– Have all equipment available and ready
– Know how to use equipment
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