A child breaks out into a cold sweat after eating apiece of cake that triggers a severe allergic action. A grandfather suddenly feels numb in his arm or leg on one side of the body, suggesting a possible stroke.

Medical emergencies such as these can strike anyone, anytime and anywhere - making it imperative for us to ensure that we are well-prepared to handle them. A situation is defined as a medical emergency if the injury or illness poses an immediate risk to a person's life or long-term health.

A medical emergency that requires the ambulance to be summoned immediately includes cases where the person is unconscious or unresponsive, having breathing problems or chest pains; or when he is bleeding or choking.

When a call is made for an ambulance, the caller should provide details on the exact location the ambulance is needed to pick the patient up. The caller must also try to describe what is happening, or has happened, and provide as much information as possible about the patient's condition. The patient's personal details as well as the caller's own name and contact number should also be given.

After calling for an ambulance, the next step is to perform checks on the ABC - Airway, Breathing and Circulation. This means checking that the person's airway is open and free of any foreign bodies; if possible, have the patient lie on his side to prevent the tongue from falling backwards and obstructing the airway. Then, check for breathing by listening at the mouth and watching the rise and fall of the chest. Check circulation by feeling for a pulse at the wrist, ankle or throat.

Only one person will be allowed to accompany the patient in the ambulance. The accompanying person should have with them the patient's identity card/passport or birth certificate. It would also help to bring along any medication that the patient is taking and alert the ambulance officers to any drugs that the patient may be allergic to.

Not all emergency cases that she sees each day are sent to by ambulance. Mount Alvernia also handles walk-in patients who may be in need of emergency treatment. These patients can generally be classified under three categories: Emergent, urgent and non-urgent.

Emergent cases are those which require immediate attention from the doctor. They include patients with chest pains, breathing problems and crush injuries. In cases involving chest pains, immediate treatment given will include attaching the patient to a cardiac monitor to check for heart rhythm and sending blood samples for tests.

Urgent cases include patients with high fever and abdominal pains. These patients will be put in an observation room and have their vital signs checked on the hour. A doctor will attend to them as soon as possible.

Patients who are regarded as non-urgent cases do not have an emergency condition nor are they at risk of developing one. These patients - who have ailments such as mild sore throat, lumps and bumps - will be attended to based on their queue number.

Whatever the medical emergency, try to stay calm. If you panic and can't think straight, you won't be of much help.