World Senior Citizen’s Day 2020: Equip your elderly parents with these 4 emergency care skills& |  Photo Credit: iStock Images
Key Highlights
- World Senior Citizen’s Day aims to raise awareness of the factors and issues that affect the elderly
- The elderly have a higher risk of fatal injuries from emergency situations
- Having a plan for an emergency and practicing it on a regular basis can help you and your entire family members stay safe
New Delhi: An emergency, as the word suggests, can strike any time. However, in many situations, you do not require special knowledge or be trained beyond knowing the basic application of standard first-aid and CPR skills. It is necessary to teach basic skills to people who stay at home like the elderly and children so that emergency situations can be handled effectively, till medical aid arrives. On the occasion of World Senior Citizen’s Day, we list some list emergency management skills which can come handy - especially for older adults who may experience challenges with advanced age - during critical times.
Each year, the World Senior Citizen’s Day is celebrated on 21 August to raise awareness of the factors and issues that affect the elderly who often face abuse and discrimination as they grow older. The day also calls to support older people throughout the ageing process. This day is also a day to recognise, acknowledge the elders for everything they’ve done for their children and society as a whole.
Several factors that come with advanced age - such as hearing or vision problems, cognitive impairment - can make it difficult for the elderly to understand, access and respond to emergency instructions. However, creating a plan and reviewing or practicing it regularly, as well as keeping an emergency supply kit ready can help your entire household stay prepared for emergency situations.
Emergency management skills for the elderly
If you’re living with an elderly parent, understanding some of the common first aid medical situations they face in case of an emergency can help avert a tragedy. And here are the top four emergency care skills suggested by Dr Mohammed Shakeel Md, Consultant and Head Emergency Department, Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, Navi Mumbai - A Fortis Network Hospital:
- Falls and cuts: Children and elderly are common age groups who tend to experience frequent falls. Basic first aid skills are necessary to handle minor injuries like cuts, bruises or even fractures from these falls. For cuts and bruises, it is important to clean the wound immediately with running water or antiseptic solution. Gentle compression of the wound is required in case of bleeding - place both hands on the affected area and gently compress. For fractures, it is important to not move the injured body part. A splint has to be applied covering a joint above and below the injury, by using objects like cardboard, wooden stick, plank, etc. In case an object has pierced through the body, it is recommended that the injury be intact till medical help arrives. If there is excessive bleeding, gently compress the spot.
- Fainting or unconsciousness: If any person is found lying unconscious with the presence of a pulse, it is important to turn the patient to the left lateral position to avoid aspiration (food contents going into respiratory tract after vomiting/ reflux). Always call for help and avoid giving anything to eat or drink in unconscious situations, which could lead to aspiration. If the person is diabetic, always check his or her blood sugar immediately as hypoglycaemia is the most important factor leading to unconsciousness.
- Basic CPR skills: For people who become unconscious suddenly, it is important to check the level of consciousness by gently tapping on both shoulders. If the person does not respond, immediately call for help and check the pulse by touching the neck just besides the windpipe, and simultaneously looking at signs of breathing by observing the cheat (it should rise for less than 10 seconds). In case the pulse is absent, and you notice no breathing efforts, which confirms a cardiac arrest situation, chest compressions should be started by placing hands (palms down) on the centre of the chest. Make sure to keep the elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. The rate of compression should be 100-120 per minute, give 2 breaths to the affected person after every 30 compressions till help arrives
- Electric shocks: High voltage shocks due to accidentally coming in contact with a power source or by mischievous exploration is commonly seen in adolescents and older adults, this is also a common occurrence during the monsoons. Do not allow children to play with any electrical cords, use outlet covers to protect infants from exploring electrical outlets. If possible, it is ideal to immediately turn off the source of electricity. If not, move the person away from the source by using a dry, non-conducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood. Do not attempt to touch the victim directly. Once the victim is securely moved away from the power source, begin CPR if the victim shows no signs of consciousness, breathing or circulation. Cover the burn area with a clean cloth or sterile gauze and seek medical help immediately
Other things to keep handy at home or at workplaces include:
- Fully equipped first aid kit
- Contact list of emergency caregivers in the area (local doctors, ambulance services, police and fire brigade)
- Contact list of familial caregivers who can respond in times of emergency
It is imperative to first practice these skills with your loved ones, through mock drills, instil a sense of confidence in them to effectively combat any unforeseen event. This will help them and you carry out the emergency aid effectively in time of need. The most important factor is to stay calm and composed.
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Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
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