Recognising emergency signs and when to refer

Recognising emergency signs and when to refer is an important skill for Community Health Workers. It helps you act quickly and save lives. Knowing what to look for means you can decide if a person needs urgent help or must be taken to a hospital or clinic.

Common Emergency Signs to Watch For

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. Some signs show that a person is seriously ill or injured. You must react fast and get extra medical support when you see these signs. Here are some key emergency signs to recognise:

• Difficulty breathing: Gasping for air, wheezing, or unable to talk without stopping to breathe.
• Chest pain: Pain or tightness in the chest that spreads to the arm, neck, or jaw.
• Unconsciousness: If the person does not respond to touch or voice or seems very drowsy.
• Severe bleeding: Blood that does not stop after applying pressure for several minutes.
• Seizures: Sudden shaking or convulsions, especially if it lasts longer than a few minutes.
• Sudden weakness or numbness: Especially on one side of the body, which may show signs of a stroke.
• High fever with stiff neck or rash: Could be a sign of meningitis or other serious infection.
• Severe burns: Large burns or burns that cause deep damage to skin and tissue.
• Poisoning or overdose: History of taking harmful substances or medicines in large amounts.

When to Refer Immediately

You must refer the person to a clinic, hospital, or emergency centre when you see any of these emergency signs. Sometimes, you may need to call emergency services to get help faster.

1. If the person is unconscious or not waking up.
2. If breathing is very hard, noisy, or stops.
3. If bleeding is heavy and will not stop.
4. If the person has a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or repeats seizures.
5. If there are signs of stroke: sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking or walking.
6. If severe chest pain or suspected heart attack is present.
7. In case of severe burns or suspected poisoning.
8. If there is a sudden severe headache with blurred vision or confusion.

As a Community Health Worker, you must act quickly and stay calm. Give first aid if trained and call for professional help. Explain clearly to the emergency service or clinic what you see and the person’s condition.

Recognising emergency signs and knowing when to refer protects lives. It helps you make the right decision fast and get the person the care they need.