Medical Emergencies
Hypoglycaemia

The video provides essential information on how to handle diabetic emergencies, focusing on both hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). It begins by explaining diabetes as a long-term condition characterised by the body's inability to produce sufficient insulin, which can lead to severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels requiring medical intervention.

Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, often due to an imbalance between insulin and glucose, missed meals, excessive exercise, or as a rare result of binge drinking. Symptoms include weakness, confusion, sweating, and a rapid pulse. Individuals with diabetes may recognise these symptoms and carry a blood testing kit but can also become unresponsive if not treated timely. The video emphasises the importance of checking responsiveness and prepares viewers for the step to take in the event of unresponsiveness.

For immediate care of someone experiencing hypoglycaemia, the video suggests sitting the person down and providing them with sugary foods or drinks, such as fruit juice or jelly babies. If the individual recovers quickly, they should be allowed to rest, and their blood sugar levels can be monitored with a personal testing kit. However, if their condition does not improve, it advises calling emergency services.

In contrast, hyperglycaemia is highlighted as high blood sugar levels that require urgent attention. The video advises calling emergency services without attempting to give food or drink if the person is unresponsive, stressing the need to keep checking their level of responsiveness.

Overall, this video serves as a vital resource to guide dental professionals and members of the dental team on recognising and responding to diabetic emergencies effectively, promoting safety and preparedness in their practice.

In this video, Sarah, a certified diabetes educator, provides a step-by-step demonstration on how to use a glucagon emergency kit for treating severe hypoglycaemia. She begins by explaining what glucagon is and when it should be administered: specifically, it is used when a person is unable to consume food or fluids due to low blood sugar, and it is typically given by someone who witnesses the hypoglycaemic event.

Sarah walks through the process of retrieving and opening the glucagon kit. Inside, there are two components: a vial containing powdered medication and a syringe filled with liquid. She instructs viewers to carefully mix the contents by injecting the liquid into the vial, swirling it until the medication is clear, and then drawing the liquid back into the syringe.

Next, Sarah demonstrates the proper injection technique. She emphasises that the syringe should be held like a dart, and the glucagon can be injected into areas where insulin is typically administered, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, or buttocks. It is important to inject at a 90-degree angle and ensure that the entire dose is administered. After the injection, the individual should be placed on their side due to potential nausea and vomiting that glucagon can induce.

Sarah notes that the person should start to regain consciousness and awareness within 15 minutes. If there is no response, it's very important to call emergency services. Once the individual is alert enough to swallow, they should be given a source of carbohydrates to treat the hypoglycaemia, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or sugar-sweetened soda. She advises rechecking the blood sugar level after 15 minutes and continuing to monitor it every 30 to 60 minutes for the next few hours. If difficulties in maintaining blood glucose levels arise, emergency assistance should be sought.