Submitted 2023-05-09
As an incoming medical student, aspiring to get an MD at Saba University School of Medicine, I understand that emergency medical care is a critical component of healthcare. Basic life support skills are essential for all healthcare providers, and advanced and pediatric life support skills are necessary for nurses and physicians, depending on the healthcare setting in which they work. Emergency medical care can be stressful and emotionally challenging, but with the right preparation, healthcare providers can deliver life-saving techniques confidently and effectively. In this essay, I will discuss how I prepare myself mentally and physically to perform life-saving techniques on patients and share insights from my previous experience working in a lab for cell and gene therapy at Stanford University.
To begin with, mental preparation is an essential aspect of emergency medical care. As an aspiring healthcare provider, it is essential to maintain composure and remain calm during high-pressure situations. One way I mentally prepare myself is by practicing mindfulness and visualization techniques. Visualizing scenarios and how I would respond helps me to be more prepared when actual emergencies occur. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with the pressure of saving a patient’s life.
Moreover, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Healthcare providers must have a strong knowledge base to be able to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. This understanding will help to prevent errors in treatment and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Therefore, as an incoming medical student, I will devote myself to learning and understanding the human body’s intricacies and complexities to provide the best possible care to my patients.
Physical preparation is equally important, and as an incoming medical student, I understand that maintaining physical fitness is essential for healthcare providers. This is because healthcare providers may be required to perform strenuous physical activities, such as lifting and moving patients during emergencies. Regular exercise and strength training can help improve physical stamina and reduce the risk of injury during these physically demanding situations.
In addition, healthcare providers must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They must be able to communicate effectively with their patients and colleagues to provide the best possible care. Effective communication skills also help to reduce stress and anxiety for patients and their families during emergencies. As an aspiring healthcare provider, I will focus on developing these skills through various exercises and scenarios to be able to communicate effectively with my patients and colleagues.
Training and education are also critical for effective emergency medical care. Basic life support training is mandatory for all healthcare providers, and advanced and pediatric life support training may be required depending on the healthcare setting. As an aspiring medical student, I plan to take every opportunity to participate in simulation training, which helps to build skills and confidence in handling emergencies. Simulation training involves simulating real-life scenarios and practicing how to respond to them effectively. It helps to build muscle memory, improve reaction time, and boost confidence in handling emergencies.
Additionally, working as a healthcare provider can be both stressful and rewarding. Taking care of critically ill patients and saving lives can be emotionally taxing. Therefore, it is crucial to have a support system to help cope with the stress of the job. Peer support groups, counseling services, and regular debriefing sessions after challenging cases are vital to ensure healthcare providers maintain their emotional well-being. My dad has always noted to me to always talk to someone. For a high stress job it is almost pivotal to have support groups that you can turn to. It is never shameful for healthcare professions to turn to other healthcare personally for help.
In my previous experience working in a lab for cell and gene therapy at Stanford University, I learned the value of being in a state of clearance when working with a donation of donor apheresis. This haploidentical apheresis took a lot of time and preparation, and we only had one shot to make the cell therapy right for the patient suffering from aggressive leukemia. This experience taught me the importance of taking my time to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken and that I am in the right mindset before beginning any medical procedures.
Furthermore, healthcare providers must be prepared to handle various emergencies in their daily activities. From cardiac arrests, strokes, seizures, and severe trauma, healthcare providers need to be ready to handle any medical emergency that may come their way. It is essential to keep up to date with the latest medical advancements and technologies to deliver the best possible care to patients. As an incoming medical student, I plan to attend medical conferences, read medical journals, and take courses to stay informed and knowledgeable about the latest medical advancements.
Moreover, healthcare providers must have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions during emergencies. These skills are essential in emergency medical care as they can help save a patient’s life. As an incoming medical student, I plan to develop these skills through case-based learning and real-life scenarios to become an effective healthcare provider.
In conclusion, emergency medical care is a critical component of healthcare, and healthcare providers need to be well-prepared mentally and physically to perform life-saving techniques confidently and effectively. Mental preparation involves practicing mindfulness and visualization techniques, having a clear understanding of the human body’s anatomy and physiology, and developing effective communication and interpersonal skills. Physical preparation includes maintaining physical fitness, taking part in simulation training, and developing excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As an incoming medical student, I plan to prepare myself mentally and physically to become a competent healthcare provider and save lives.
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