Lesson 11

Types of Sudden Illness Fainting Diabetic Emergency Seizure Stroke Poisoning Allergic Reaction

General Guidelines Do no further harm Monitor breathing and consciousness Help person rest in most comfortable position Keep person from getting chilled or overheated Reassure person Give any specific care needed

Diabetic Emergencies 2 forms of diabetes: Type 1- Insulin Dependent Diabetes Type 2- Insulin Resistant Diabetes Care If person is conscious and is able to swallow, you may give them fruit juice, candy, table sugar, or a non-diet soft drink If person is unconscious (and unable to swallow) and/or sugar is not readily available, call 911

Fainting Definition- temporary loss of consciousness that could be a signal of a more serious underlying condition Caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain The body is usually able to correct a fainting episode on its own. Once the person collapses, normal circulation to the brain resumes.

Fainting- continued As long as person recovers quickly and has no lasting symptoms, you may not need to call 911 Monitor the person’s symptoms Suggest that a friend or family member take the person to the hospital of to their doctor to rule out a more serious problem

Seizures When the normal function of the brain is disrupted, the electrical activity of the brain becomes irregular. This may be caused by an injury, disease, poisoning, or infection. Irregular brain activity may result in a seizure Care for a seizure Protect the person from injury Protect the person’s head Move objects that the person might hit while seizure is occurring

Care for Seizure- Continued Call 911 for any of the following reasons: The seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes The person has repeated seizures, without regaining consciousness The person is injured The person has diabetes or is pregnant The person fails to regain consciousness after the seizure

Stroke Known as a “brain attack”= blockage of blood flow to a part of the brain Can result in permanent damage if blood flow is not restored Signs: Weakness or numbness on one side including face, arm, or leg Difficulty speaking or slurring words Sudden dizziness Blurred vision or sudden severe headache

Stroke- continued Risk factors: Age Heredity Gender (more common in men than women) Smoking Prior history of stroke, TIA, or heart attack High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes

Stroke- Think F.A.S.T. Recognize these signs and get immediate care FACE- weakness on one side of the face ARM-weakness or numbness in one arm SPEECH-slurred speech or trouble getting words out TIME-call 911. Note the time the symptoms began Stay with the person and monitor ABCs until EMS arrives Reassure the person

Poisoning Any substance that can cause injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body is considered a poison This includes medication and things that are meant to be helpful Poisons enter the body through: Inhalation Swallowed Absorption Injection

Poisoning- Continued Care for Poisoning: If there are signs of a life-threatening condition, CALL 911, Provide care/monitor symptoms If you think someone has been poisoned, CALL Poison Control,

Allergic Reactions Insect bites/stings, lotions, medications, foods, and chemicals can cause allergic reactions Allergic reactions can lead to life threatening situations known as ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK If a person is suffering a SEVERE allergic reaction, go back to basics: CHECK-CALL-CARE and provide any care necessary Some people are aware of their sensitivities and may have medication on hand to help prevent a life- threatening situation

Allergic Reactions- Continued Two common medications are: Benadryl and epinephrine (known as an EPI-PEN) People who are prescribed EPI-PENs are trained in the use of the pen. However, they may need assistance if they are suffering an allergic reaction