Page 94 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION
Supporting Cancer Patients

and Families During Medical

Emergencies

Surva Das
Emergency Nurse
Silchar Cancer Centre

A calm voice, a clear explanation and a
reassuring presence can help families cope
during medical emergencies. Emergency
nurses play a key role in supporting both the
patient and the people waiting beside them.

edical emergencies are among the most families need someone who will listen, answer
challenging situations in healthcare. In a questions and acknowledge what they are feeling.
Mcancer hospital, they can occur suddenly In cancer care, emergencies may also involve
and may be emotionally overwhelming for difficult decisions about treatment goals and
patients and families. As emergency nurses, our quality of life. Nurses often serve as patient
responsibility extends beyond immediate clinical advocates, helping ensure that the patient’s wishes
care. We also provide emotional support, guidance and preferences are respected while working
and reassurance during moments of crisis. closely with physicians and other healthcare
Cancer patients may face complex health professionals.
challenges due to the disease, treatment-related Teamwork is critical. Emergency nurses coordinate
complications or weakened immunity. Severe with doctors, pharmacists, laboratory staff and
infections, respiratory distress, uncontrolled support services to ensure timely and effective
pain, bleeding and sudden deterioration require care. This coordinated response improves patient
prompt medical attention. During these moments, outcomes and reassures families that their loved
patients may feel fear and uncertainty, while family one is receiving comprehensive attention.
members often feel helpless. Support does not end once the immediate crisis

Care during crisis is resolved. Families may continue to experience
stress and uncertainty throughout the treatment
The first priority of an emergency nurse is to journey. Education, resources and encouragement
assess the patient quickly and initiate appropriate help them participate more actively in care and
interventions. At the same time, communication recovery.
with the patient and family is essential. Clear, honest
and compassionate explanations of procedures, As an Emergency Nurse at Silchar Cancer Centre,
I have witnessed the strength of patients and
treatment plans and expected outcomes can
reduce anxiety and build trust. families facing extraordinary challenges. These
experiences remind me that nursing is not only
Empathy is a powerful tool in emergency nursing. about treating illness. It is about caring for people,
A calm voice, a reassuring touch or simply being offering hope and standing beside them when
present can help families cope with fear. Many they need support the most.

94 Avoid pollution, use masks when needed, and ensure good 95
ventilation for healthy lungs.