Emergency preparedness is the process of planning and taking action to protect self and family from potential hazards and threats that could cause harm or disruption to health and well-being.

Emergencies come unannounced. Everybody should be ready for medical emergencies at any time and place. Being prepared can help you and your family to survive, cope, and recover from the impacts of a medical emergency. It may lessen your chance of falling ill or getting an injury, save time and money, and support your community as well.

In this article we will discuss different aspects of emergency and recommend a few actions to keep self and family safe.

How to prepare for a medical emergency? – 6 steps to prepare beforehand

• Identify potential risks and hazards: The first and most crucial step to prepare for a medical emergency is identifying potential risks and hazards at home or in the community and planning on ways to avoid or reduce them. This includes checking electrical wiring, gas pipes, water supply, and the drainage system at regular intervals for any defects or leaks that could cause fire, explosion, or flooding. You should also inspect furniture, appliances, and equipment for sharp edges, loose parts, or faulty mechanisms that could cause injury. Secure windows, doors, and roofs to prevent damage from strong winds or storms.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies that you may need during a medical emergency. It should include water, food, medicine, first aid items, a flashlight, a radio, a phone charger, etc. Store the emergency kit in a safe and accessible place, and check it regularly to replace expired or used items. A smaller emergency kit should be in the car or workplace so that you are prepared if a medical emergency occurs when you are away from home. The emergency kit should also have a first aid manual or guide for reference. We have discussed more about emergency kits in the next segment of this article.
• Learning basic first aid skills and CPR: The basic knowledge of first aid and CPR and how to administer them is a very important aspect of emergency preparedness. These skills can help save lives or prevent further complications in a medical emergency. You can learn these skills from online courses, books, videos, or workshops offered by organizations such as the Malaysian Red Crescent Society or St John Ambulance Malaysia.
• Keep the numbers of emergency services handy: The fourth step is to know how to access emergency medical services in Malaysia, such as dialling 999 for the government ambulance service or 991 for civil defence. You should also see the location and contact number of your area’s nearest hospital, clinic, or health centre. You should also have a list of emergency contacts, such as family members, relatives, friends, neighbours, or co-workers, who can help you during a medical emergency. Keep this handy so that you or your family can access it easily. A simple way is writing them on a piece of paper and sticking it to the fridge using a Post-it or fridge magnet. If you have children at home, ensure that they know the contact of an adult who they can contact in case there’s an emergency at home.
• Make a family emergency plan: The next step is to make a family emergency plan and communicate it with household members and relatives. Family emergency plans should include information such as where to meet or stay in evacuation, how to contact each other in case of communication disruption, what to do if someone is injured or missing, etc. One should also assign roles and responsibilities to each family member according to age and ability. Practice the family emergency plan regularly and update it as needed.
• Always carry your details: Your details include your name, age, blood type, allergies, medical conditions, medications, etc. Having your personal information with you can help the medical services identify you and provide appropriate and safe treatment in a medical emergency.

The Emergency Kit

According to CERT Academy, a leading academy for emergency training in Malaysia, some of the essential supplies that should have in an emergency kit are:

• Water: At least three litres of water per person daily for drinking and hygiene purposes. Store water in sealed bottles or containers resistant to heat and light. You can also use water purification tablets or filters to treat water from other sources.
• Food: One of the essential supplies in an emergency kit is food, simple-to-prepare non-perishable food to consume, such as canned foods, dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, etc. Choose food high in calories and nutrients and suitable for dietary needs. It can include a manual can opener, utensils, plates, cups, etc.
• Medicine: Medicines are an integral part of an emergency kit. It should consist of prescribed medications that family members need for chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc. You should also include over-the-counter common medications in the kit such as painkillers, antihistamines, and antacids. It can also include vitamins, supplements, diapers and sanitary pads.
• First aid items: Another essential supply to be included in an emergency kit is first aid items: bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, alcohol, gloves and other materials for treating minor injuries or wounds. It should also have a first aid manual or guide that explains how to use the items.
• Flashlight: A flashlight can provide light in a power outage or darkness. You should also have extra batteries, candles and matches for backup.
• Radio: A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio that can receive news and information from local stations or authorities. You can also have a whistle, horn, or megaphone to signal for help or communicate with others.
• Phone charger: A phone charger that can charge mobile phones or other devices in an emergency. You can also keep a power bank, solar charger, or car charger for backup.
• Personal documents: You should also include important personal documents in the emergency kit such as copies of identification cards, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, bank statements and similar things that can prove identity or ownership in an emergency. You should also have cash, coins, or prepaid cards for emergencies.
• Clothing and bedding: Extra clothing and bedding can provide warmth and comfort in an emergency. It would help to have clothes suitable for the weather and the season, such as jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, etc.
• Other items: One can include additional items in an emergency kit specific to needs or preferences, such as glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, diapers, baby formula, pet food, toys, books and games.

What to do during a medical emergency?

However much we prepare beforehand, it is natural to get overwhelmed when the emergency actually happens. Here are a few things you can do during a medical emergency:

• Try not to panic, maintain composure and adhere to the emergency plan. Panic can cloud judgment and make you act irrationally or dangerously. Following an emergency plan will reduce confusion and chaos and increase the chances of survival and recovery.
• Call for help and provide first aid to the injured person(s). You can call 999 or 991 for emergency medical assistance immediately. You can offer first aid or CPR to the injured person(s) if it is safe to do so. You should not move anyone with a head, neck, or back injury unless they are in immediate danger. Also, try not to give anything by mouth to anyone unconscious or having seizures.
• Follow the instructions of the emergency responders and health authorities. They are trained professionals who can handle medical emergencies and provide the best care and treatment. Listen to their advice and cooperate with them. One should also follow evacuation instructions, where to go, what to do and such things.
• Protect yourself and others from further harm or exposure to hazards. Depending on the type and severity of the medical emergency, you may need to take some precautions to prevent infection, contamination, injury, or damage. For example, wear a mask, gloves, or protective clothing; wash hands frequently; avoid contact with blood or body fluids; isolate yourself when sick; disinfect surroundings.

After a medical emergency

After a medical emergency, the first thing to do is to monitor the injured health condition. If medical assistance was not sought before, it should be sought immediately. Even if the person feels fine after a medical emergency, there can still be hidden injuries or illnesses that need medical attention. See a physician or other healthcare professional for a check-up and diagnosis as soon as possible. His/her health needs close monitoring for any symptoms or signs of illness or injury that may develop later. Report any health condition changes to a doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

Follow up with any treatment or medication the doctor prescribes. A doctor may prescribe therapy or medication after a medical emergency to help heal faster and prevent complications. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and take treatment or medication as directed. It would help inform the doctor of any side effects or allergies from treatment or cure.

Seek emotional support or counselling is also recommended, especially if someone experiences stress, anxiety, or trauma from a medical emergency. An unexpected medical need can be a highly distressing and traumatic experience affecting mental and emotional health. One may feel scared, angry, sad, guilty, or depressed after a medical emergency. It may also lead to nightmares, flashbacks, or difficulty sleeping or concentrating. These are normal reactions to a medical emergency but can interfere with daily life and well-being. It will help people who keep their feelings to themselves and cannot cope alone. They should seek emotional support or counselling from their family, friends, relatives, co-workers, or professionals who can help them manage and recover from the aftereffects of a medical emergency.

Last but not the least learn from the experience and improve your and your families emergency preparedness for the future. An emergency can be a valuable learning opportunity. Review the emergency plan as well as the emergency kit and see what worked well and what did not. Identify any gaps or weaknesses in preparedness and take steps to address them. Share experience and knowledge with others and help them improve their emergency preparedness.

Emergency preparedness – a final word

Emergency preparedness is a vital process that can help families remain safe and resilient during emergencies. Taking the essential steps before, during, and after an emergency can reduce risks, protect health, and cope with the impacts of a medical emergency. Being prepared will also benefit the community and country, enhancing the collective response and recovery from public health threats and challenges.

Here are some resources that you can use to contact during a medical emergency and learn more about emergency preparedness:

We hope this article has helped you understand the value of disaster preparedness and its advantages and inspired you to prepare yourself and your families for medical emergencies. Remember, being prepared is a step towards ensuring safety, health, and resilience during any medical emergency.

Sources:

• https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/my
• https://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/chrr/research/profiles/malaysia.html
• https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/malaysia/vulnerability
• https://www.who.int/malaysia/news/detail/27-11-2020-malaysia-s-emergency-preparedness-and-response-building-resilience-against-covid-19-pandemic-and-other-public-health-emergencies
• https://www.certacademy.com.my/training/emergency-response-division/
• https://www.who.int/malaysia/news/detail/04-09-2020-universal-health-coverage-and-covid-19-preparedness-response-in-malaysia
• https://trekmedics.org/database/malaysia-2/
• https://www.who.int/malaysia/