Publication:

Knowledge and attitude of the general population toward common medical emergencies

Background Medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, allergic reactions, or choking, can happen unexpectedly, and understanding the basic steps to take in these moments can make a significant difference in outcomes. Knowledge on how to tackle common medical emergencies empowers individuals to respond quickly and effectively in critical situations, potentially saving lives. Hence this study was done to assess the general population’s knowledge and preparedness in handling medical emergencies.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among general population above the age of 16 years in a tertiary healthcare centre, Mysuru. A total of 301 were included in the study after obtaining assent from the parents for those between the age of 16-18 years and consent from adults above 18 years consented. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data and was analysed using SPSS 25 version.

Results The questionnaire assessed awareness of medical emergencies across four scenarios. Heart attack and CPR: 96% identified it correctly, but 66.4% didn’t know CPR. Stroke and FAST: 85.7% diagnosed it, yet 66.1% were unaware of FAST. Choking: 87.4% identified it; 52.8% knew the Heimlich manoeuvre. Poisoning: 95.7% recognized it; nausea (29%) was the most cited symptom. A significant 79.1% had no prior training, but 91% were interested. Suggestions for awareness included workshops, social media clips, and posters in public spaces, with a focus on both urban and rural areas.

Conclusions The research reveals gaps in public knowledge and skills for handling health emergencies, highlighting the need for better education and stronger emergency preparedness efforts.