Are you and your staff prepared for unexpected health events at work? By Robert M. DiSogra, AuD; and Kaitlyn M. Kennedy, AuD Disclaimer: The content of this article is strictly for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice and should not be relied on as health advice....
Audiology practices should establish and rehearse emergency response protocols — including staff CPR/first-aid training and a written emergency action plan — because survey data confirm life-threatening events do occur in clinic settings.
Audiology offices are not immune to acute medical crises, and preparedness gaps can be life-threatening; this piece pushes the profession toward a safety culture that is rarely emphasised in audiology training programmes.
- 01Survey of 74 audiologists found syncope (fainting) was the most common emergency, accounting for ~31% of reported incidents.
- 02Heart attacks (18%), seizures (12%), and strokes (12%) were also frequently reported in audiology office settings.
- 03Slip/trip/fall events and suicide threats each accounted for ~8% of reported emergencies.
- 04Authors DiSogra and Kennedy provide practical guidance on recognition and initial response for each emergency type.
- 05Staff readiness — including CPR certification and a posted emergency action plan — is a key recommendation.
Syncope was the most frequently reported medical emergency in audiology offices, occurring in 31.08% of surveyed cases.
studypartially supportedHeart attacks accounted for 17.56% of reported medical emergencies in audiology settings.
studypartially supportedAudiology office staff require training to recognise and respond to medical emergencies.
opinionsupported
