Clinical emergencies

Abstract An important part of nursing decision-making is the prompt and appropriate response to clinical emergencies, wherever these occur. In hospital environments, nurses are guided by local policies and protocols and have access to sophisticated medical equipment and facilities, and help from other healthcare staff. The situation may be very different for nurses working in community settings or those who are ‘off duty’, yet they too are bound by the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code to offer help in clinical emergencies. This chapter outlines key points relating to a range of life-threatening and more minor clinical emergencies, whether seen in hospital, community, or social settings. It also describes the basic principles of first aid or first-line treatments, and key nursing considerations in emergency situations are described.