What should a chiropractor do if they encounter a medical emergency during treatment?

When a chiropractor encounters a medical emergency during treatment, the appropriate course of action is to immediately provide care and activate emergency medical services. This ensures that the patient receives timely and potentially life-saving interventions. Providing care in an emergency context is crucial, as the chiropractor should use their training to assess the situation and perform any necessary first aid while ensuring that emergency services are on their way.

Responding swiftly not only addresses the immediate needs of the patient but also helps in coordinating further medical interventions that may be required. Delaying action could exacerbate the patient's condition, so having a proactive approach is essential for the well-being of the patient.

In contrast, merely waiting for the patient to stabilize does not address the urgency of the situation. Referring the patient to a specialist or calling the patient's family could lead to unnecessary delays in critical care. Hence, the best practice is to act decisively by providing care while activating emergency medical services to facilitate immediate professional assistance.