Medical emergencies in the dental surgery

Emergency protocols

Step-by-step actions, drug doses and what not to do — for collapse, anaphylaxis, seizures, hypoglycaemia, chest pain, stroke and more. Based on Resuscitation Council UK, ERC 2025, AHA 2025 and BNF.

Call for help first — 997 / 911 (Saudi Arabia) · 999 (UK) · 112 (EU) · 911 (USA)

These protocols support — and do not replace — formal emergency training and local protocols. Doses must be confirmed against the current BNF / national formulary.

Emergency protocols

Cardiac arrest (collapse, not breathing normally)CPR 30:2 + AED

Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)Adrenaline 500 mcg IM

Fainting / vasovagal syncope / postural (orthostatic) hypotensionLay flat, raise legs

Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)Oral glucose / glucagon 1 mg IM

Epileptic seizure (convulsion)Protect; midazolam if ≥5 min

Acute asthma / bronchospasmSalbutamol via spacer

Chest pain — angina / suspected heart attack (acute coronary syndrome)GTN · aspirin 300 mg · call

Stroke (FAST)FAST · call immediately

Adrenal crisis (steroid-dependent patient)Hydrocortisone 100 mg IM

Choking / inhaled or swallowed objectBack blows · abdominal thrusts

Post-extraction / surgical bleedingPressure · haemostatic · suture

Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)Stop · oxygen · call