Medical emergencies and emergency response: Rad Tech

Recognizing and responding to emergencies is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a radiologic technologist. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate action to prevent harm and to protect the patient’s health and safety. First aid means providing immediate care until qualified help arrives.

In radiologic settings, the main goals are to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, protect the patient from further injury, and activate the appropriate emergency response.

While medical emergencies may not occur frequently in imaging departments, being prepared for emergencies is essential. By recognizing warning signs, acting quickly, taking appropriate measures, and knowing when and how to call for assistance, you can play a critical role in protecting patients and even saving lives.

Head injuries are commonly encountered in imaging departments, and one of the most important signs of deterioration is a patient’s level of consciousness, or LOC. LOC refers to a patient's degree of awareness and ability to respond to people and their surroundings.

When you begin an imaging procedure, take note of the patient's level of consciousness and overall responsiveness. This makes it easier to recognize changes that may indicate a deteriorating condition. Even subtle changes in LOC should be taken seriously.

If a patient who was previously alert becomes increasingly drowsy, confused, or unresponsive, stop the procedure and call for assistance.

Focus on maintaining an open airway, preventing further injury, keeping the patient warm, and monitoring vital signs. Continue to observe the patient closely while waiting for help to arrive.

Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system can’t deliver enough blood and oxygen to support the body's organs and tissues. Without prompt treatment, shock can lead to organ damage, cardiac arrest, and death.

Early signs of shock may include restlessness, anxiety, or a sense that something is not right. As the condition worsens, patients may develop a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, pale skin, or skin that feels cool and clammy. If you suspect a patient is going into shock, stop the procedure, check vital signs, and call for medical assistance immediately.

One type of shock that radiologic technologists must be prepared for is anaphylactic shock, which can occur as a severe allergic reaction to contrast media. Prevention starts before contrast is administered by reviewing the patient's allergy history and asking about any previous contrast reactions. After contrast administration, continue to monitor the patient closely for signs of a reaction.

Mild reactions may include itching, hives, nausea, or vomiting. Although these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, they should be reported immediately because they can sometimes progress to a more serious reaction. Severe reactions can develop within minutes and may include difficulty breathing, airway swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, or cardiac arrest, and require immediate medical intervention.

Patients with diabetes may experience blood glucose emergencies during imaging procedures, especially if they have been fasting for a test or have taken insulin without eating. Two conditions that radiologic technologists should be able to recognize are hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose; and hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose.

Patients with hypoglycemia may become hungry, shaky, weak, sweaty, anxious, irritable, or confused.

Many patients recognize these symptoms themselves and may tell you that their blood sugar feels low. If a conscious patient develops signs of hypoglycemia, notify the appropriate healthcare provider immediately and follow your facility's protocols. If the patient becomes unconscious or unresponsive, call for help at once and do not give food or fluids by mouth.

Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, rapid breathing, drowsiness, and confusion.

If hyperglycemia is suspected, notify the patient's nurse or healthcare provider and continue to monitor the patient closely.

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is a neurological emergency caused by a blockage in blood flow or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over several hours, but rapid recognition and response are critical because early treatment can improve patient outcomes.

Common signs and symptoms of stroke include facial drooping, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, changes in balance or vision, dizziness, severe headache, or change in LOC.

A helpful acronym for remembering common stroke warning signs is BE FAST, which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Watch for sudden balance problems, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty. If any of these signs appear, it’s time to call for help immediately.

Symptoms may be temporary, but they should never be ignored. Even brief or subtle neurologic changes can signal a serious medical emergency.

If you observe signs of a possible stroke, call for help immediately and continue to monitor the patient's condition closely.

Patients experiencing respiratory emergencies may have difficulty breathing, wheezing, or appear anxious and short of breath. Asthma is a common cause of respiratory distress. If a patient develops breathing difficulties, stop the procedure, help them sit upright, remain calm and reassuring, and call for assistance. If the patient has a prescribed rescue inhaler available, assist them in using it according to facility policy.

Choking is another respiratory emergency. A patient with a partially blocked airway might be able to speak or cough, while a patient with a complete airway obstruction will be unable to speak and may grasp their throat. Encourage the patient to cough if possible. If the airway remains blocked, follow emergency protocols and use abdominal thrusts, or the Heimlich maneuver, as indicated for a conscious adult or child.