How to make your practice a safe place to have a heart attack.

As a medical provider, you will have to deal with a medical emergency happening in your practice at some time.

When a patient is in your care you have a legal “duty of care” to that patient should they be taken ill. The unwell person may be a patient, relative, visitor or even a colleague and the emergency could take place anywhere within your practice or even outside the building.

To make your practice safe you should:

Plan

• Discuss and agree the most appropriate and effective way to respond when someone is taken ill or injured:

Prepare

Write a practice policy including:

•  Location of medical equipment, who will check the equipment and how often.

Practice

Ensure staff practice their roles and know their responsibilities:

• Undertake regular staff updates to familiarise all of the contents of your policy and individual roles and responsibilities.

Perform

When a medical emergency or injury occurs:

•  Assess the patient and identify a team leader to ensure the most appropriate medical treatment is given.