Event First Aid Service Ltd
活動急救服務有限公司

In clinical practice, healthcare providers frequently encounter geriatric patients facing medical emergencies or traumatic injuries. It is essential to recognize that geriatric patients are not merely "older adults"; they present unique challenges that encompass social, cognitive, and physical dimensions. As medical first aid services providers, we must tailor our assessments and interventions to meet the needs of this population.

 

Some basic differences to be aware of are:

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Skin Integrity:

Geriatric patients typically exhibit thinner, more fragile skin, which increases the likelihood of bruising and tearing. Healing times are often prolonged. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise extra caution during procedures such as blood pressure measurement, tape application/removal, and bandaging.

 

Hearing Impairment:
Significant hearing loss is prevalent among older adults. Communication should be conducted in a normal tone but at a slower pace. Utilize simple, clear language, confirm understanding, and maintain face-to-face contact to enhance communication effectiveness.

 

Musculoskeletal Changes:
Decreased muscle mass and joint stiffness, often accompanied by conditions such as arthritis, can result in slower movement and increased pain. Healthcare providers should demonstrate patience and utilize supportive pillows and blankets to enhance comfort. Engage the patient in discussions about their preferred positioning.

 

Visual Impairments:
Many senior patients experience diminished eyesight, with cataracts being common. Surgical interventions may alter pupil responsiveness. Recognize that vision can be severely limited, even with corrective lenses.

 

Medication Management:
Geriatric patients are at risk of medication mismanagement, including forgetting doses or taking incorrect amounts. It is vital to inquire about their current medications, locate prescription bottles, and perform a pill count when necessary. Bringing medicines to the emergency room can facilitate appropriate care. Providers should be well-versed in commonly prescribed medications, their side effects, and potential drug interactions.

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Effective care for geriatric patients in emergencies requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs. By adopting a patient-centered approach that accounts for their physical, cognitive, and social challenges, healthcare providers can significantly enhance the quality of care delivered to this vulnerable population.

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經常在我們的工作實踐中，我們會遇到老年患者出現醫療緊急情況或外傷。

老年患者不僅僅是「老成人」——他們面臨著獨特的挑戰，包括社會、認知和生理方面的問題。

作為醫療急救服務提供者，我們對這一人群的患者評估和干預需要進行調整。老年患者的身體表現與其他患者群體有所不同。

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以下是一些需要注意的基本差異：

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• 皮膚：老年患者的皮膚通常較薄且更脆弱，容易出現瘀傷和撕裂，且傷口癒合通常需要更長時間。
            因此，在測量血壓、使用/移除膠帶、包紮等時，我們需要格外小心。

 

• 聽力：顯著的聽力損失是常見的問題。與患者溝通時，應使用正常的音量，但要放慢語速。
            我們將使用簡單、通俗的語言，並詢問是否需要澄清，同時面對面與患者交談。

 

• 肌肉和關節健康：隨著年齡增長，肌肉質量普遍減少，並且通常伴隨著關節僵硬和關節炎。
                            運動速度變慢，可能伴隨疼痛。我們需要耐心對待，
                            表現出耐心並利用支撐性枕頭和毯子來增強舒適度

 

• 視力：隨著年齡的增長，視力往往會下降。白內障是普遍存在的，手術去除白內障可能會影響瞳孔反應。
            即使戴上眼鏡，視力也可能受到嚴重限制。

 

• 藥物管理：老年患者經常會忘記服用藥物或服用錯誤的劑量。
                  因此，除了詢問患者的藥物情況外，還需要找到處方瓶，進行藥片計數（如有必要），
                  並將藥物帶到急救室。此外，我們還需了解常用藥物的副作用及其相互作用。

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在緊急情況下對老年患者進行有效護理需要全面了解他們的獨特需求。

透過採用以患者為中心的方法，考慮到他們的身體、認知和社會挑戰，
醫療急救服務提供者可以顯著提高為這一弱勢群體提供的護理品質。