Endocrine first aid

The concept of endocrine first aid refers to immediate assistance provided to preserve life, prevent worsening of clinical condition, and promote recovery, using endocrine-tropic interventions, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological in nature, by persons who may or may not be trained in endocrinology, until specialist endocrine care can be sought. The key vital measurements in endocrinology in addition to clinical examination are blood glucose levels, serum cortisol levels, blood pH and measurement of electrolytes including calcium when required. The patient may present with a primary endocrine emergency, or the endocrine dysfunction may accompany another serious illness, or an endocrine dysfunction may precede an unrelated medical emergency, or an endocrine emergency may follow another serious medical illness. The 5S mnemonic includes suspecting endocrine dysfunction, stratifying endocrine risks, sampling blood or urine, supporting endocrine vitals like glucose and cortisol and seeking expert opinion and help from endocrine specialists.