How should a dental nurse respond to a medical emergency in the practice?

In a dental practice, responding to a medical emergency requires a structured and prompt approach to ensure patient safety and effective care. Following the practice's medical emergency protocol is essential because these protocols are developed to provide clear guidance on how to handle various emergencies, including the necessary steps to take, the roles of personnel, and the use of emergency equipment.

These protocols often include specific actions to stabilize the patient, alert the necessary healthcare professionals, and ensure that the appropriate emergency services are contacted. By adhering to the established protocol, dental nurses not only ensure that they are acting within their professional boundaries but also enhance their ability to provide timely and appropriate care. This organized response can significantly improve patient outcomes in emergency situations.

In contrast, waiting for the dentist's instruction could delay necessary treatment, while calling the patient's family may not be effective in addressing the immediate medical needs. Ignoring a medical emergency is clearly unsafe and counterproductive, as timely intervention is often critical in such situations. Therefore, following the practice’s medical emergency protocol is the best course of action.