What should a chiropractic assistant do if they suspect a patient is experiencing an emergency medical condition?

When a chiropractic assistant suspects that a patient is experiencing an emergency medical condition, the appropriate action is to contact the chiropractor immediately. This choice is crucial because chiropractors are trained to assess and manage medical emergencies and can provide the necessary guidance on how to proceed. By alerting the chiropractor, the assistant ensures that the patient receives timely and appropriate care, which is vital in emergency situations where conditions can rapidly worsen without intervention.

Additional actions such as taking notes, attempting self-treatment, or ignoring symptoms compromise patient safety and well-being and can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, promptly communicating the situation to the chiropractor not only ensures adherence to patient care protocols but also prioritizes the health and safety of the patient in a potentially life-threatening scenario.