34. How to Handle Medical Emergencies in Yoga Class: Life-Saving Preparation Every Teacher Needs

Yoga Teacher Confidential: Secrets of Becoming a Great Yoga Teacher

The longer you teach, the more likely you’ll face a medical emergency in class. In this episod, we explore how to recognize and respond to serious situations like diabetic shock, cardiac events, and seizures—those rare but real class-stopping issues.

You’ll hear real-life stories from teachers who stayed calm, trusted their instincts, and took the right action at the right time. I’ll walk you through a practical checklist to prepare for emergencies, from updating your CPR certification to knowing your studio’s address and AED location. And most importantly, I’ll help you approach emergency preparedness with confidence instead of fear.

This episode is essential listening for every yoga teacher—especially if you’ve ever wondered what to do when something truly serious happens in class.

Read my article on this topic for Yoga Journal.

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Medical Emergencies in Yoga (00:00:00)

2. Types of Medical Emergencies in Class (00:00:47)

3. Importance of Preparedness (00:03:19)

4. Practical Steps for Emergency Preparedness (00:06:14)

5. Responding to Emergencies as a Teacher (00:07:58)