Dental medical emergency procedure
SOP template
Check this template against your local regulations and your own policies before you use it.
| SOP no. | Version | Effective date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | Approver | Review date |
Purpose
To make sure the whole team responds to a medical emergency quickly, in set roles, with the right equipment.
Scope
Any patient, visitor or staff member who becomes unwell at the practice.
Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Dentist | Leads the response, assesses the patient and gives emergency medication. |
| Dental assistant | Fetches the emergency kit, oxygen and AED, and helps with CPR. |
| Receptionist | Calls emergency services, meets the ambulance and keeps other patients away. |
What you need
- Emergency medical kit and drugs
- Oxygen with masks
- Automated external defibrillator (AED)
Procedure
Stop treatment and raise the alarm
Stop, remove anything from the mouth, and call the team with the agreed alert.
Assess the patient
Check whether they respond and are breathing normally. Lie them flat unless they struggle to breathe.
Call emergency services
Call as soon as it is serious or you are unsure. The receptionist stays on the line.
Treat the likely cause
Follow the practice’s guide for fainting, asthma, anaphylaxis, chest pain, low blood sugar or seizure, and give oxygen if needed.
Caution: For anaphylaxis, give adrenaline straight away, as your training and guidelines direct.
Start CPR if needed
If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and attach the AED.
Hand over and record
Give the paramedics the history, the timeline and the drugs given. Record everything in the patient’s notes.
Restock and debrief
Restock the kit, check the oxygen and AED, and talk through what went well and what to change.
Records
- The record of the emergency in the patient’s notes.
- Monthly emergency kit, oxygen and AED checks.
- Staff CPR and emergency training records.
Related documents
- Opening and closing checklist
Revision history
| Version | Date | What changed | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
