Blog Post

Scenario
Consider a home where a family member begins to exhibit cholera symptoms, such as extreme diarrhea and vomiting. They have access to the medical AI software APOIO, but they reside in a place where access to emergency medical treatment is scarce. The family seeks assistance and manages the crisis with the help of the app.

Actions to Do

1. First Evaluation via APOIO

– Symptom Input: Enter the patient’s symptoms, such as vomiting or severe diarrhea, into the APOIO app.

– Risk Assessment: Respond to questions on the length and intensity of symptoms, possible exposure to tainted food or drink, and symptoms of dehydration by following the instructions on the app.

2. Advice for Quick Actions

– Rehydration Guidelines: APOIO offers guidelines for mixing and delivering oral rehydration solution (ORS). A recipe is provided by the app: in one liter of clean, boiling (and cooled) water, combine half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar.

– Hydration Monitoring: Even in cases where the patient is vomiting, the app promotes frequent ORS sipping and teaches how to check one’s level of hydration.

3. Sanitation and Hygiene

– Handwashing Instructions: APOIO emphasizes the significance of thoroughly washing hands with soap and clean water, particularly before handling food and after using the restroom.

– Guidelines for Disinfection: The app offers guidance on how to use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to disinfect contaminated areas.

– Safe Water Practices: It suggests putting bottled water in clean, covered containers and boiling it before drinking it.

4. Sanitation of Food

– Cooking and Storage Advice: To prevent food contamination, APOIO advises cooking food thoroughly and eating it hot. It also advises avoiding eating raw or undercooked food.

5. Alerts and Advice on Medicines

– Contact Health Authorities: To obtain additional guidance, the app advises notifying the local health authorities or getting in touch with medical professionals.

– Emergency indicators: The American Poison Information Organization (APOIO) identifies symptoms that call for emergency care, including recurrent vomiting, an inability to consume fluids, and indicators of severe dehydration (such as sunken eyes and a fast heartbeat).

6. Education and Preventive Actions

– Information on Vaccinations: If accessible and suitable, the app recommends getting vaccinated against cholera and offers information on available vaccines.

– Raising Awareness and Educating: APOIO informs the family about the signs, symptoms, and preventative actions related to cholera. In order to stop the disease from spreading, it is encouraged that neighbors and the community be informed.

7. Community Assistance

– Local Resources: The app can list community health professionals, NGOs, and hospitals in the area who are able to assist.

In summary

The family may effectively treat cholera symptoms at home by utilizing the APOIO app, which enables them to take important actions such as rehydrating the patient, maintaining cleanliness, ensuring safe food and water, and seeking medical attention. The thorough instructions provided by the app lessen the effects of the illness while you wait for expert medical care. This hypothetical situation highlights how crucial it is to use technology to deliver accurate and fast health information in environments with limited resources.