When a client develops a potentially life-threatening problem, the massage session stops. Protect the client from immediate harm, activate emergency services when indicated, provide care within your training, and document the event after immediate needs are addressed.
Call emergency services for presentations such as severe breathing difficulty, signs of stroke, suspected heart attack, severe allergic reaction with airway/breathing involvement, uncontrolled major bleeding, unresponsiveness, seizure with concerning features, or other apparent life-threatening emergencies.
Sudden facial weakness/droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, severe neurological change, vision/balance problems or sudden severe headache can signal stroke. Note when symptoms began/when the person was last known well and activate emergency care.
Chest pressure/pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, weakness or pain radiating to arm, back, neck or jaw can be concerning for acute coronary syndrome. Do not attempt to massage symptoms away.
Rapid swelling of lips/tongue/throat, breathing difficulty, widespread hives with systemic symptoms, dizziness or collapse can indicate anaphylaxis. Activate emergency response and assist with the client's prescribed epinephrine device according to training/local protocols when appropriate.
Protect the person from nearby hazards, do not restrain convulsive movement, do not put objects in the mouth, and monitor breathing/recovery. Emergency activation depends on circumstances such as prolonged/repeated seizure, injury, breathing difficulty, pregnancy, first known seizure or failure to recover normally.
Fainting can result from many causes. Prevent a fall, position safely, assess responsiveness/breathing and escalate if recovery is not prompt or concerning symptoms are present. Do not automatically assume fainting is harmless.
Possible signs include shakiness, sweating, hunger, confusion, weakness and behavior change. A conscious client able to swallow may follow their established glucose-treatment plan. Severe confusion, inability to swallow, seizure or unconsciousness requires emergency response.
Stop the session, use appropriate PPE, manage the exposure according to infection-control protocol, clean/disinfect affected environmental surfaces with an appropriate product, and follow occupational/exposure procedures.
Know the facility address, exits, emergency numbers/procedure, first-aid supplies and AED location. Keep walkways clear. Maintain current required CPR training and practice how to direct another person to call emergency services and retrieve an AED.
Document objective facts: what occurred, observed signs, actions taken, timing, emergency response and disposition. Avoid inventing a diagnosis.