Medical Emergencies for Dentists Part 1

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CPD for all Dental professionals - without getting bored!

Do you know exactly what to do if a patient faints in your chair?Could you spot the early signs of anaphylaxis—before it’s too late?How quickly could you find and deliver adrenaline if it really mattered?

After six years of podcasting and creating CPD, we’re finally tackling medical emergencies the Protrusive way. In this two-part series, Jaz is joined by lead nurse and medical emergencies educator Rachel King Harris (https://www.instagram.com/rkingharris1/), who breaks down the real-life scenarios every dental team needs to prepare for—without the fluff or generic lecture feel.

Rachel can carry out live medical emergencies training for your practice - reach out to her: https://www.instagram.com /rkingharris1

From vasovagal syncope to adrenaline protocols, you’ll learn how to stay calm, think clearly, and take action when it matters most. By the end of this episode (and the next), you’ll not only tick the box for your GDC-required CPD—you’ll actually feel ready.

Because when emergencies happen in the chair, panic isn’t a plan. Let’s get you prepared.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Be emergency-ready! Download a free medical emergencies cheat sheet — a quick guide for symptoms, drugs, and actions during a crisis. You can download this ready-made cheat sheet for free at: https://protrusive.co.uk/me

Print it, laminate it, and pop it into your medical kit. Your whole team will thank you! 

Key Takeaways:

- Medical emergencies in dentistry are rare but high-stakes — being prepared is essential.

- Guidelines change often — regular refreshers are vital.

- You don’t need to memorise everything — use validated resources and calm judgment.

- Vasovagal Syncope is the most common emergency in dental settings.

- If unconsciousness persists → consider other causes: meds, blood sugar, cardiac issues.

- Anaphylaxis can occur even without rash — don’t wait for it.

- Key signs: stridor, lip/tongue swelling, wheeze, “impending doom,” difficulty breathing.-Keep emergency drug guides visible and updated (e.g., BDA laminated sheets).

- Ampules = longer shelf life, more doses than EpiPens, and more cost-effective.

- Don’t wait for the rash — airway signs matter most in anaphylaxis.-Always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors — even for mild allergy patients.

Highlights of this episode:

0:00 Introduction

03:57  Protrusive Dental Pearl

05:06 Meet Rachel King Harris: Expert in Medical Emergencies

08:49 Practical Tips for Emergencies

11:11 Understanding Vasovagal Syncope

16:07 GTN Spray

19:15 Facing Vasovagal Syncope at Practice

26:17 Recognizing and Managing Anaphylaxis

30:25 Allergic Reaction to Chlorhexidine Gel

33:05 What’s Inside Emergency Bag?

37:35 Adrenaline Ampules vs Auto-Injectors

47:47 Oxygen Administration in Dental Practices

52:56 Oxygen and Emergency Tools

54:47 Oxygen Contraindication 

55:56 Handling Anaphylaxis with Oxygen

Stay up to date by reviewing the latest guidelines from the Resuscitation Council UK.(https://www.resus. org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-04/Anaphylaxis%20Summary%20Document.pdf)

This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. (https://protrusive. app/ultimate)