7.3 Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Key Takeaways
- In any emergency, the first priority is assessing the scene for safety and calling 911 if the situation is life-threatening
- CPR guidelines (AHA): push hard and fast (100-120 compressions/min, 2 inches deep in adults), 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adults
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator) should be applied as soon as available for cardiac arrest; it analyzes the rhythm and delivers a shock if indicated
- Anaphylaxis requires immediate intramuscular epinephrine injection (EpiPen) in the outer thigh, followed by calling 911
- The medical assistant's role in emergencies includes activating EMS, performing CPR/first aid within scope, assisting the provider, and documenting the event
- Emergency supplies that must be readily available include crash cart/emergency kit, AED, oxygen, epinephrine, and basic first aid supplies
Last updated: March 2026
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Medical assistants must be prepared to recognize and respond to medical emergencies in the clinical setting. While the provider takes the lead in emergencies, the MA plays a critical support role.
Emergency Response Steps
- Assess the scene — Is it safe for you to help?
- Assess the patient — Are they responsive? Breathing? Have a pulse?
- Activate emergency response — Call 911 (or designated emergency number) and get the AED
- Begin life-saving interventions — CPR, AED, bleeding control as needed
- Assist the provider — Follow the physician's instructions
- Document — Record the event, interventions, and outcome
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) — AHA Guidelines
Adult CPR (Age 12+):
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Compression rate | 100-120 compressions per minute |
| Compression depth | At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches |
| Compression-to-ventilation ratio | 30:2 (30 compressions, 2 breaths) |
| Hand placement | Center of chest (lower half of sternum), heel of one hand with other on top |
| Allow full recoil | Let the chest return to normal position between compressions |
| Minimize interruptions | Limit pauses in compressions to <10 seconds |
| AED | Apply as soon as available; follow prompts |
Child CPR (Age 1-12):
- Compression depth: About 2 inches (5 cm) — one-third AP diameter
- May use one or two hands for compressions
- Compression-to-ventilation ratio: 30:2 (one rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers)
Infant CPR (Under 1 year):
- Compression depth: About 1.5 inches (4 cm) — one-third AP diameter
- Use two fingers (one rescuer) or two-thumb encircling technique (two rescuers)
- Compression-to-ventilation ratio: 30:2 (one rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers)
- Check brachial pulse (not carotid)
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
AED Steps:
- Turn on the AED
- Expose the patient's chest (dry if wet; remove medication patches)
- Apply pads as shown in the diagrams (right upper chest, left lower ribcage)
- "Clear" — ensure no one is touching the patient
- Allow the AED to analyze the rhythm
- If shock advised: ensure everyone is clear, press the shock button
- Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes (5 cycles of 30:2)
- AED will re-analyze after 2 minutes
Common Medical Emergencies
| Emergency | Signs/Symptoms | MA Response |
|---|---|---|
| Anaphylaxis | Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, low BP, rapid pulse | Administer IM epinephrine (EpiPen) in outer thigh; call 911; position patient flat (elevate legs); prepare for CPR |
| Cardiac arrest | Unresponsive, no pulse, no breathing | Call 911; begin CPR; apply AED; continue until EMS arrives |
| Choking (adult) | Hands on throat (universal sign), inability to speak/cough/breathe | Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver); if pregnant/obese, chest thrusts |
| Seizure | Uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness | Protect from injury (cushion head, clear area); do NOT restrain or put anything in mouth; time the seizure; position on side after |
| Severe bleeding | Active hemorrhage | Apply direct pressure with sterile gauze; elevate if possible; apply tourniquet if life-threatening extremity bleeding |
| Shock | Pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid weak pulse; low BP; confusion | Position flat with legs elevated 12 inches (unless spinal injury); maintain warmth; call 911 |
| Diabetic emergency — hypoglycemia | Shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, blood glucose <70 | If conscious: give fast-acting sugar (juice, glucose tablets); if unconscious: call 911, position on side |
| Syncope (fainting) | Loss of consciousness, pale, sweating | Prevent fall/injury; position flat with legs elevated; loosen tight clothing; monitor vitals |
| Stroke (CVA) | FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911 | Call 911 immediately; note time symptoms began; do NOT give food/drink; monitor vitals |
| Asthma attack | Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing | Assist with prescribed bronchodilator (albuterol inhaler); position upright; call 911 if severe |
Emergency Equipment
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Crash cart/emergency kit | Contains emergency medications, airway equipment, IV supplies |
| AED | Automated defibrillator for cardiac arrest |
| Oxygen tank and delivery devices | Supplemental oxygen for respiratory distress |
| Epinephrine (1:1,000) | Anaphylaxis, severe allergic reaction |
| Nitroglycerin | Chest pain (angina) |
| Albuterol inhaler/nebulizer | Bronchospasm, asthma attack |
| Glucose (oral) | Hypoglycemia |
| Bag-valve mask (Ambu bag) | Manual ventilation |
| Suction device | Clearing airway secretions |
| Bandages, gauze, tourniquets | Wound care and bleeding control |
Medical assistants should know the location of all emergency equipment, verify supplies regularly, and check expiration dates during routine safety inspections.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR according to AHA guidelines?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A patient in the office is experiencing anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). The FIRST medication the medical assistant should prepare is:
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
When using the FAST mnemonic to recognize a stroke, what does the "A" stand for?
A
B
C
D
Test Your KnowledgeOrdering
Arrange the adult CPR steps in the correct order for a patient found unresponsive.
Arrange the items in the correct order
1
Begin chest compressions (30 compressions)
2
Check for responsiveness (tap and shout)
3
Apply AED and follow prompts
4
Call 911 and get AED
5
Check for breathing and pulse (no more than 10 seconds)
6
Give 2 rescue breaths