Training assessments are used in many facilities to develop training plans. Those facilities that review performance indicator data, solicit comments from residents and their families, and ask employees to describe their training needs can develop a comprehensive, focused plan. Training on the provision of emergency care should be a priority. Various types of training must therefore be used to meet the needs of all employees. The basics of emergency care must be reinforced continually, and simplicity is crucial.
All emergency care starts with making the victim as comfortable as possible, and calling for help.
Most long-term care facilities mandate dialing 911 as soon as the medical emergency is identified. Posters and simple written reminders also help. Simple dictums like stopping obvious bleeding, keeping the resident warm, and clearing the airway may be forgotten by an employee who hasn t reviewed basic first-aid procedures periodically. Nursing staff must be trained to assess the resident quickly, and employ the Heimlich maneuver or cardiopulmonary resuscitation when appropriate. Use of mock codes a fabricated emergency at which everyone is expected to respond as if it were real helps staff members practice without risk to residents.