Top tips for managing medical emergencies in primary care

Recent evidence indicates dental professionals will encounter medical emergencies in primary dental care approximately every 1-2 years.1 The General Dental Council (GDC) recognises this and mandates that it is essential that all registrants are trained in dealing with medical emergencies, including resuscitation, and possess up to date evidence of capability clarifying that all registrants must follow the guidance set out by the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK).2 Considering that conditions contributing to such medical emergencies are increasing in prevalence in the UK1 and, for example those living with diabetes are expected to rise in number to 10% of the population by 2040,3 it is becoming increasingly important for dental teams to have effective plans in place to manage dental emergencies in a systematic, structured and, most importantly, effective manner.