ABSTRACT
Foreign-body airway obstruction (FBAO) (choking) is a life-threatening emergency. Each year in England and Wales, there are approximately 250 deaths caused by FBAO, 60% of which occur in the healthcare setting. Dental staff must be able to recognise and effectively treat FBAO. The aim of this article is to outline the recognition and treatment of choking in the dental practice.
Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction , Foreign Bodies , Emergencies , England , Humans , WalesABSTRACT
First aid encompasses a wide range of scenarios ranging from simple reassurance following a minor mishap to dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Dentists may need to provide first aid in their dental practice to a patient, relative or member of staff. This article provides an overview to first aid in the dental practice, including priorities, responsibilities when providing first aid, assessment of the environment and the casualty (primary survey &secondary survey). The new A3 'First Aid in the Workplace' poster is now available and is included as an insert in this issue (BDJ Vol. 220, Issue 12).
Subject(s)
Dentists , Emergencies , First Aid , Humans , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The Resuscitation Council (UK) published new resuscitation guidelines in October 2015. The aim of this article is to understand these new guidelines and how dental practices should implement them. A 'resuscitation in the dental practice poster' has been designed which incorporates the new Resuscitation Council (UK) adult basic life support algorithm. This poster, endorsed by the British Dental Association, is included with this issue of the British Dental Journal. Further copies can be downloaded from: https://www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/Data/Sites/1/media/documents/health-and-safety/resus.pdf.
Subject(s)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , Dental Care , Adult , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods , Child , Dental Care/methods , Humans , Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest/therapy , Practice Guidelines as TopicABSTRACT
Medical emergencies can occur in the dental practice. Medical Emergencies in the Dental Practice and Emergency Drugs in the Dental Practice posters have been designed to help dental practitioners to respond effectively and safely to a medical emergency. These posters, endorsed by the British Dental Association, are included with this issue of the British Dental Journal. Further copies can be downloaded from: https://www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/medical-education.aspx.
Subject(s)
Dental Offices , Emergencies , Emergency Treatment/standards , Posters as Topic , England , HumansABSTRACT
Dental practitioners should understand when and how to safely and effectively administer emergency oxygen therapy. This article provides an overview on its administration and management, as well as reviewing the hazards associated with its use and storage.
Subject(s)
Dental Offices , Emergencies , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/standards , Resuscitation/standards , Dental Care for Chronically Ill , HumansABSTRACT
A large number of cardiac arrests occur outside hospital each year in the UK and as rapid defibrillation plays an integral role in survival rates, it can be seen as all healthcare premises' responsibility to have immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED). This article looks at the importance of the AED and the dental practice in emergency resuscitation, and national guidelines.
Subject(s)
Defibrillators , Dental Offices , Heart Arrest/therapy , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/education , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods , Defibrillators/classification , Dental Offices/legislation & jurisprudence , Early Diagnosis , Emergencies , Heart Arrest/diagnosis , Humans , Maintenance , SafetyABSTRACT
This article is published in response to a query from reader Sarah Clements, based at Golding House Dental Practice Ltd in Kent, regarding the BDJ paper entitled 'Updated guidance on medical emergencies and resuscitation in the dental practice' (BDJ 2012; 212: 41-43). Sarah wished to be provided with further clarification on the ordering, prescribing and administration of midazolam.
Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Midazolam/therapeutic use , Seizures/drug therapy , Administration, Buccal , Dentistry/methods , HumansABSTRACT
This article outlines the updated guidance relating to the management of medical emergencies in the dental practice. The incidence of medical emergencies in the dental practice is discussed. The key recommendations from the Resuscitation Council UK on the treatment of medical emergencies in the dental practice are listed, with specific reference to oxygen therapy, medications and automated external defibrillators. An overview to the professional responsibilities of dental practitioners and dental care professionals is provided.
Subject(s)
Dentistry/standards , Emergency Treatment/standards , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Resuscitation/standards , HumansABSTRACT
This article discusses a systematic approach to the assessment of a breathless patient and outlines the principles of oxygen delivery. The indications for oxygen administration, different methods of delivery and the nursing management of oxygen therapy are examined.