Emergency Protocols For Aesthetics Practitioners

Having a full complement of up-to-date emergency protocols is critical for aesthetics practitioners. Many new injectors may be unsure as to what these protocols are and where to source them from, however.

Having these protocols readily available during what can be a stressful time, is the key to solving issues swiftly and competently, while you seek further advice and support.

We interviewed Dr Jaymi Lad, a Manchester-based aesthetics specialist, clinic co-owner, Safety In Beauty Awards nominee and Harley Academy clinical trainer.

Emergency protocol advice for new injectors

Here Dr Jaymi runs us through the basics of emergency protocols for aesthetics practitioners who are just starting out. Read on for her expert advice, as well as a link to download your own Inflammatory Nodule Protocol wall chart…

Which emergency protocols do injectors need when they start out?

• Hyalase use (hyaluronidase)
• Anaphylaxis
• Visual loss
• Vascular occlusion
• Delayed onset nodules – inflammatory and non-inflammatory
• Oedema
• Allergy
• Acute Infection
• Herpetic infections
• Tyndall effect
• Vasovagal
• Brow ptosis
• Eyelid ptosis

“I would also recommend looking into your onward referral process to help manage your time-dependent emergency presentations, eg. filler-related visual changes or filler blindness.”

You will additionally need Health & Safety policies and protocols, for example, for issues such as dealing with needle-stick injuries.

Where do you recommend sourcing these protocols from?

“Aesthetic Complications Expert Group – ACE Group – online, Level 7 Diploma eLearning or Complications in Medical Aesthetic Collaborative (CMAC). They are both organisations set up by experts in the industry who have established evidence-based algorithms/guidance to assist with managing complications.”

How often should you update these protocols?

“I review these emergency protocols annually and have signed up to updates from ACE and CMAC.”

Where do you keep your emergency protocols?

“I have the online versions saved on my work laptop. I also keep a printed copy in clinic next to my emergency box, just in case we ever have any technical issues in clinic!”

What does your emergency kit look like?

“My emergency kit is actually in a separate box. I like to keep it separate from my usual equipment so I can access it easily in an emergency. I bought a small toolbox from B&Q as tool boxes have dividing compartments within the box. This makes it easier to find needles and vials in a rush as it’s pretty organised. On the lid of the box, I have a list of everything that’s inside with the expiry date written next to it.”

How often do you check your emergency kit to ensure everything is in date?

“I check my emergency box on a monthly basis. The list on the top helps to remind me to replace anything when required.”

Learning to prevent and manage complications from injectables

As – thankfully – complications are not something you come across regularly, training is not a hands-on experience – until it actually happens to you. And it will. Every injector, from beginners to experienced specialists, deals with occasional complications throughout their aesthetics career.

Learning to prevent complications is a hugely worthwhile pursuit. Not only will this educate you in best practice and the relevant anatomical considerations involved. It will also help you to manage any issues that do arise, building your confidence through thorough preparation.

We offer a wide-ranging eLearning course, packed with resources for you to keep and use throughout your career. This includes a range of printable emergency protocols for you to use in clinic. Our Preventing and Managing Dermal Filler Complications online course is available for all medical aesthetics professionals to purchase. Furthermore, it's included free of charge with our Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers courses!

For further information on our aesthetic medicine training options or to discuss your requirements, book in a call with Deneal Basi, our head of student support. He’ll be happy to provide advice and answer your questions so you can find the best pathway to getting Harley Trained and learning to prevent complications from occurring in the first place!