Lucknow: Diabetic patients should carry an emergency card clearly mentioning their diabetic status, name, address, emergency contact number, and their doctor’s details.
The advice was given by experts at the Conclave on Medical Emergency and Trauma (COMET) 2025 on Sunday.
Dr Ajay Tewari, a diabetes expert, said that such a card can be lifesaving during critical situations.
If a diabetic patient suddenly becomes unconscious, timely action like giving sugar or contacting their doctor becomes easier for bystanders. It also helps avoid misdiagnosis and ensures faster medical response.
Dr Lokendra Gupta, founder and president of the Society of Acute Care Trauma and Emergency Medicine (SACTEM), added that in emergencies such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis, a person may be unable to speak or explain their condition. In such cases, an emergency card alerts bystanders and medical personnel about the patient’s condition and enables immediate, appropriate treatment.
CMS Trauma Centre KGMU Prof Prem Raj Singh warned that many people mistake heart attack symptoms for gas or indigestion, or delay stroke treatment because the signs may seem minor. However, such delays can be deadly or lead to lifelong paralysis.
He advised that patients should be taken to the hospital immediately if they experience sudden chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, or heavy sweating — all of which could signal a heart attack.
Similarly, in case of stroke, sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision, or loss of balance are symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
The event concluded with acknowledgements to key organisers, including co-chairman Dr S S Tripathi, organising secretary Dr Subhankar Pal, Dr Rajeev Gupta, and Dr Alka Verma.
Basic Life Support (BLS), first aid, and disaster management training should be made a part of the school and college curriculum to equip students with life-saving skills during trauma or disaster situations, said Dr Verónica Aquilino, secretary general of the European Council of Disaster Medicine (ECDM).
She said, “The first few minutes after an injury or trauma are critical. CPR and bleeding control can save lives. If someone collapses, even chest compressions by a bystander can maintain circulation until help arrives. If there is bleeding, stopping the blood flow—first by applying pressure and then using any available method—can prevent death due to blood loss.”
