Drugs and equipment to support the management of medical emergencies by dentists
Drugs and equipment that may be used for the management of medical emergencies occurring in a dental practice include:
- an easily transportable source of oxygen—the simplest and safest way of administering oxygen to a patient who is breathing is via a mask (supplemented with oxygen at 6 to 8 L/minute) or nasal prongs (with oxygen at 2 L/minute). For a patient who is not breathing, use a bag-valve mask or start mouth-to-mask resuscitation
- disposable plastic airways to secure the oral airway, and facilitate mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or ventilation with oxygen
- adrenaline (epinephrine) for the management of anaphylaxis, in sufficient quantity to give 2 doses. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is available in preloaded autoinjectors and ampoules. A preloaded autoinjector is preferred, since an ampoule requires dose calculation and has to be drawn up into a syringe
- pulse oximeter for measuring arterial oxygen saturation
- glucose for the management of hypoglycaemia, as either a readily available glucose-containing food (eg fruit juice, honey) or pure glucose (eg glucose gel or tablets)
- glyceryl trinitrate spray for the management of angina or an acute coronary syndrome. Glyceryl trinitrate spray has a longer shelf life than tablets
- short-acting bronchodilator inhaler (eg salbutamol) and spacer for the management of an acute asthma attack
- aspirin for the management of a suspected acute myocardial infarction
- blood pressure monitor for the assessment of patients with cardiovascular symptoms and collapsed patients
- blood glucose monitor for the assessment of patients with diabetes
- automated external defibrillator for the management of cardiac arrest.
Regularly check drugs and equipment, and replace expired or damaged items.