Sudden Illnesses

And other first aid emergencies

Heart Attack

Heart Attack (acute myocardial infarction) occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped. Coronary thrombosis Coronary embolism Coronary occlusion

Signs and Symptoms

ncomfortable pressure! fullness! s"uee#ing! or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. $ain spreading to the shoulders! neck! or arms Chest discomfort with lightheadedness! fainting! sweating! nausea! or shortness of breath.

%hat to do

&on't delay( take prompt action Call )*S *onitor A+C's and give C$, if necessary Help victim into the least painful position! usually a half-sitting position. .oosen tight clothing. +e calm and reassuring /ive nitroglycerin tablets if patient is a heart patient.

%hy patients delay calling for help

0hought the symptoms would go away 0hought the symptoms were not severe enough 0hought it was a different illness %orried about medical costs Afraid of hospitals 1eared being embarrassed

%anted to wait for a better time &id not want to find out what was wrong Average time between symptom onset and hospital arrival was 2 hours( 234 waited 5 hour( 664 waited 5 to 6( 574 waited 6 to 8( 264 waited more than 6 hours.

Stroke

A stroke! or cerebrovascular accident! occurs when o9ygen is denied to a portion of the brain as a result of disrupted blood flow:
0hrombosis )mbolism ,uptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke) ;cclusion Aneurism

%hat to look for

%eakness! numbness! or paralysis of the face! an arm! or a leg on one side of the body +lurred or decreased vision! especially in one eye $roblems speaking or understanding &i##iness or loss of balance Sudden! severe! and une9plained headache &eviation of the eyes from $)A,. (Pupils E"ual And Reactive to Light)! which may mean the brain is being affected by lack of o9ygen

If you suspect a stroke! but are not sure apply these three simple tests

Arm strength (both arms): person closes eyes and holds both arms out with palms down. Slowly count to five. If one arm does not move and the other drifts down! suspect a stroke. 1acial smile: person smiles or shows teeth. If one side of face does not move as well as the other side! suspect a stroke. Hand grip (both hands): person grips two of your fingers at the same time. If grip strength is not e"ual! suspect a stroke.

%hat to do

Call )*S If victim is unresponsive! check A+C's( give C$, if necessary If the victim is conscious! lay the victim down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated &o not give a stroke victim anything to drink or eat. 0he throat may be paraly#ed! which restricts swallowing.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic! inflammatory lung disease characteri#ed by repeated breathing problems.

0he muscles that surround the airways can become tight! producing muscle spasms. 0he inner lining of the airways may swell. 0here can be an increase in mucous production and<or inflammation (within the trachea! bronchi! and<or the lungs).

Asthma sufferers may have acute episodes brought on by specific triggers. Asthma affects an estimated 5= million people in the .S. and accounts for an annual death toll of 8!===>. *ortality rates have increased over ?24 since 5@?=.

Asthma triggers

Allergens (animal dander! dust! mites! molds! pollens! foodsespecially seafood A peanuts! etc.) .ung irritants (tobacco smoke! leaf burning smoke! perfume! chalk! dust! etc.) %eather changes! e.g. cold air Infections (colds! sinus infections! etc.) )9ercise and overe9ertion )9citement

)arly %arning Signs of an Asthma Attack

Coughing with no cold %hee#ing (however light)! especially upon e9haling 1ast<irregular breathing pset stomach 0ickly throat An9iousness

Severe Symptoms of Asthma

Student stops whee#ing! especially with other symptoms. Increased an9iety Cyanosis (bluish skin color) Increased effort to breathe Bostrils flaring with each breath %orsening of any early warning signs

%hat to do

Ceep the victim in a comfortable upright position and leaning slightly forward. 0his is known as the DtripodE position. /enerally the victim will dictate what position is most tolerable! usually sitting up since that makes it easier to breathe. Check and monitor A+C's. 0ry to calm and reassure( help rela9 the victim Administer warm fluids if possible. Ask the victim about any asthma medication he or she may be using. sually the victim will have an inhaler nearby. If the victim does not respond to his or her inhaled medication! seek medical attention immediately.

1ainting

A sudden brief loss of consciousness not associated with a head inFury. Can have either physical or emotional causes.
Sight of blood Strong fear .ow blood sugar &ehydration Heat e9haustion Anemia

%hat to look for

A person who is about to faint usually will have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
&i##iness %eakness Seeing spots Gisual blurring Bausea $ale skin Sweating

If a person appears about to faint

$revent the person from falling Help the person lie down and raise the legs 3 to 52 inches. 0his position increases venous blood flow back to the heart! which in turn pumps more blood to the brain. .oosen tight clothing at the neck and waist. Stay with the victim until he or she recovers.

If fainting has happened or is anticipated

Check A+C's. .oosen tight clothing and belts. If the victim has fallen! check for any sign of inFury. If inFuries allow! turn victim into recovery position. After recovery! have the victim sit for a while and! when he or she is able to swallow! give cool! sweetened li"uids to drink! and slowly help the victim regain an upright posture. 1resh air and a cold! wet cloth for the face usually aid recovery.

Seek medical attention! if:

0he victim has had repeated attacks of unconsciousness! &oes not "uickly regain consciousness! .oses consciousness while sitting or lying down! ;r faints for no apparent reason. &o not:

Splash or pour water on the victim's face se smelling salts or ammonia inhalants Slap the victim's face in an attempt to revive him or her /ive the victim anything to drink until he or she has fully recovered and can swallow.

Sei#ures

A sei#ure is the result of an abnormal stimulation of the brain's cells. A variety of medical conditions can lead to sei#ures! including the following:
)pilepsy Heat stroke $oisoning )lectric shock Hypoglycemia High fever in children +rain inFury! tumor! or stroke Alcohol withdrawal! drug abuse<overdose

0ypes of Sei#ures

/enerali#ed motor sei#ures (grand mal)

Characteri#ed by loss of consciousness! muscle contraction! and sometimes tongue biting! loss of bladder control! and mental confusion. sually followed by a period of coma or drowsiness. sually cause one part of the body such as one side of the face or an arm to twitch. Characteri#ed by an altered personality state and are often preceded by di##iness or a peculiar metallic taste in the mouth. Characteri#ed by a brief loss of consciousness. DStaring off into spaceE for a brief time.

1ocal motor sei#ures

$sychomotor (temporal-lobe) sei#ures

$etit mal sei#ures

%hat to do

1or convulsions and grand mal sei#ures:

Cushion the victim's head( remove items that could cause inFury if the person were to bump into them. .oosen tight clothing( especially around neck. ,oll the victim onto his or her side. .ook for a medical-alert tag As the sei#ure ends! offer your help. *ost sei#ures in people with epilepsy are not medical emergencies. 0hey end after a minute or two without harm and usually do not re"uire medical attention.

Call )*S if:

A sei#ure happens to someone who is not known to have epilepsy or sei#ure disorder( it could be a sign of serious illness. A sei#ure lasts more than five minutes. 0he victim is slow to recover! has a second sei#ure! or has difficulty breathing afterward. 0he victim is pregnant or has another medical condition. 0here are any signs of inFury or illnesses.

&o not:

/ive the victim anything to eat or drink. ,estrain the victim. $ut anything between the victim's teeth during the sei#ure. Splash or pour any li"uid on the victim's face. *ove the victim to another place (unless it is the only way to protect the victim from inFury).

&iabetes

A chronic illness in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin! and<or when insulin cell receptors are defective! an e9cess of sugar is carried throughout the blood stream.

&iabetes H Symptoms

Initial symptoms generally include weight loss! visual disorders! increased thirst<hunger! fre"uent urination! fatigue! irritability! and nausea. If left untreated over time! this e9cess in sugar levels can cause permanent visual problems! organ damage (especially to the kidneys)! cardiovascular disorders! and possible death.

0ype I &iabetes

Also known as juvenile diabetes ,e"uires daily insulin inFections and sometimes oral medication. Caused by recessive gene that may become activated after an illness! such as strep or mono! especially during a growth spurt (age 7-8! 5=-55! etc.).

0ype I &iabetes

Considered an autoimmune disorder whereby the white blood cells attack the pancreas (beta cells) that normally produce insulin. 0he beta cells will become completely destroyed generally within a year! re"uiring insulin shots<pump<inhaler.

0ype II &iabetes

Also known as adult onset diabetes /enerally treated with diet! e9ercise! and oral medications. *ost e9perts consider it preventable.

&iabetes

Bormal blood sugar levels average from 3=-52=. A level of up to 5I= is generally considered acceptable for an insulin dependent diabetic.

&iabetic )mergencies

Insulin shock H 0oo much insulin (giving a shot with too much insulin( lack of activity( not eating for a long period of time( etc.) Also known as low blood sugar (blood sugar levels less than 3=). Symptoms: sudden onset! irritability (cry! belligerent! etc.)! hungry (especially a craving for sweets)! perspire e9cessively! trembling! di##y<disoriented<pale! pulse is generally full and normal. 0his condition is potentially life threatening.

1irst Aid for Insulin Shock

If victim is known diabetic! his or her mental status is altered! and is awake enough to swallow: D,ule of 57'sE /ive the person some form of sugar such as a sugar cube! soda! candy! raisins! prescribed candy! honey or corn syrup. Symptoms should subside within 5=57 minutes.

&iabetic coma

0oo little insulin (failure to take insulin shot( not having enough insulin with shot( over-activity( illness( improper diet of sugars! alcohol! etc.) High blood sugar H blood sugar levels above 2I=. .evels e9ceeding 6== can cause kidney and cardiovascular damage.

1irst Aid for &iabetic Coma

Symptoms: gradual onset( pulse weak and rapid! thirsty! fre"uent urination! flushed face! vomiting<nausea! fruity breath odor! labored breathing! craving for sweets! irritable 0his condition is not immediately life threatening but can result in kidney damage! eye damage! nerve damage! heart damage! etc.! over an e9tended period of time (years).

*ake sure that the victim rests( maintaining body temperature( letting the victim (or medical staff) administer an insulin shot( seeking medical attention.

$oisoning emergencies

0ypes of poisoning:
Ingested Inhaled Absorbed InFected

Signs of Swallowed $oisoning

Abdominal pain and cramping Bausea or vomiting &iarrhea +urns! stains! odor near or in mouth &rowsiness or unconsciousness $oison containers

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons

(1 of 3)

5. &etermine critical information

Age and si#e of victim %hat was the poisonJ How much was takenJ %hen was it swallowedJ

2. If poison is corrosive or caustic! dilute by having victim drink water or milk

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons

(2 of 3)

6. 1or responsive victim! call poison control center I. 1or unresponsive victim! check A+Cs and call @-5-5 7. $lace victim in recovery position

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons

(3 of 3)

8. If advised! induce vomiting ?. If advised! give activated charcoal 3. Save poison containers! plants! and victim's vomit to help medical personnel identify poison

Activated Charcoal

)ffective Acts as a sponge &oes not absorb all poisons /ive only in pre-mi9ed form

1irst Aid for Alcohol )mergency (5

of 2)

5. .ook for inFuries 2. Check A+C and treat 6. $lace victim in recovery position I. Call poison control center

1irst Aid for Alcohol )mergency (2

of 2)

7. .eave scene if victim is violent 8. $rovide emotional support ?. Assume inFured or unconscious victim has a spinal inFury 3. If victim has been e9posed to the cold! suspect hypothermia

Signs of Carbon ono!ide Poisoning

1lu-like complaints! but no fever Symptoms come and go Symptoms worsen or improve in certain places or times of day Bearby people have similar complaints $ets seem ill

1irst Aid for C; $oisoning

,emove victim from environment immediately Call )*S *onitor A+C $lace unresponsive victim on side Seek medical attention

Poison "v#$ %a&$ S'(ac

,esin is slightly yellow light oil Identification:

D.eaflets

6! let it

beE .ocations *ore than 8= plants D+lack spotE test

First Aid for Poison "v#$ %a&$ S'(ac

5. %ash with soapy water or rubbing alcohol 2. 1or mild cases! use calamine lotion! oatmeal baths! baking soda paste 6. 1or severe cases! consult doctor for corticosteroid

Heat and cold inFuries

Heat .oss from the +ody

1ive ways that the body loses heat Conduction Convection )vaporation ,adiation ,espiration

Increased ,isk of 1rostbite

)9posure to below free#ing temperature )9posure to high winds )9posure to high altitude

se of tobacco! alcohol! drugs

Contact with metal or gasoline $revious frostbite inFury

1rostbite

Can cause severe damage resulting in gangrene and amputation 1ree#es tissue ;bstructs blood supply +ody areas most affected are feet! hands! ears! nose

0ypes of 1rostbite
$re-thaw
Superficial

K skin feels cold and crusty on top! while soft underneath. Skin does not blanch &eep K skin feels cold and hard

$ost-thaw
Similar

to burns K superficial! semi-thickness and fullthickness

1irst Aid for 1rostbite

5. ,emove victim from cold 2. ,emove tight clothing 6. Seek medical attention

Cautions for 1rostbite

&; B;0
+reak

blisters ,ub or massage ,e-e9pose to cold 0haw if there is a possibility of refree#ing Allow alcohol or smoking

,emote 1irst Aid for 1rostbite

If in a remote location! use wet! rapid rewarming 5. $lace body part in warm water (5=2-5=7 L1) 2. $lace dry! sterile dressings between toes and fingers 6. Slightly elevate part I. /ive aspirin or ibuprofen

Hypothermia - 0ypes of )9posure

5. Acute (immersion) e9posure 2. Sub-acute (mountain or e9haustion) e9posure 6. Chronic (urban) e9posure

0ypes of Hypothermia (5 of 2)
*ild K body temperature higher than @=L1 Signs:
Shivering Cold abdomen

0ypes of Hypothermia (2 of 2)
Severe or profound K body temperature less than @=L1 Signs:
*uscles

rigid Shivering stopped Altered mental status

7=-3=4 of victims die

1irst Aid for Hypothermia (5 of 2)

1) Sto* heat loss M +et victi( o't of cold M Cover victi( with ins'lation M Re*lace wet clothing M Cover the head M ,andle victi( gentl# 2) Call E S for trans*ort

1irst Aid for Hypothermia (2 of 2)

6. 1or mild hypothermia
Allow

shivering

I. 1or severe hypothermia

Check

A+C )vacuate by helicopter or ambulance

Cautions for Hypothermia (5 of 2)

&; B;0
/ive

alcohol /ive a warm drink Start C$, until pulse has been checked for 6=- I7 seconds ,ewarm outside of hospital

Cautions for Hypothermia (2 of 2)

&; B;0 stop shivering by:
Immersing

in warm water sing chemical heat packs +ody-to-body contact

Immersion Hypothermia
D,ule of 7=sE 7=-year-old man 7=L1 water 7= minutes in water 7=:7= chance of survival

Signs of ,eat Stro&e

)9tremely hot skin K usually dry! but may be wet Altered mental status M If responsive! maybe confused and<or agitated M nresponsive Coma

First Aid for ,eat Stro&e

5. Check A+C 2. *ove to cool place 6. ,emove clothing down to underwear I. Seek medical attention 7. ,apidly cool

Cooling

ethods for ,eat Stro&e

Cooling method based on humidity If humidity less than ?74! use water and fan If humidity more than ?74! use ice<cold packs on neck! armpits! and groin

,eat Stro&e -% .%/S

Continue cooling after victim's mental status improves K danger of hypothermia. se rubbing alcohol sponging or baths K can be absorbed into blood and vapors can ignite. /ive aspirin or acetaminophen K they do not affect hypothalmic set-point

;ther Heat Illnesses

Heat syncope Heat edema $rickly heat

Signs of ,eat E!ha'stion

$rofuse sweating 1lu-like symptoms (headache! nausea! vomiting! fatigue! di##y) ,apid pulse 0hirst

First Aid for ,eat E!ha'stion

5. *ove to a cool place 2. /ive cool li"uids 6. ,aise victim's legs 3 to 52 inches I. ,emove e9cess clothing 7. Sponge and fan victim 8. If no improvement in 6= minutes! seek medical attention

First Aid for ,eat Cra(*s

5. ,est in a cool place 2. /ive lightly salted or electrolyte drink 6. Stretch cramped muscle

se acupressure method K pinch upper lip Fust below the nose

S*orts -rin&s
Should electrolytes be addedJ Gictim very unlikely to have deficiency M )9ception K if physical activity e9ceeds I hours

0ater
How important is waterJ Average adult re"uires 2 "uarts a day 0hirst not a good indicator D,ule of 6sE 6 minutes without o9ygen 6 days without water 6 weeks without food