Sudden illness Chapter 5

What to look for Changes in level of consciousness Breathing problems Signals of possible heart attack Signals of Stroke Loss of vision or blurred vision Signals of shock Sweating Persistent abdominal pain or pressure Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Seizures Look around the area for clues that might tell you what is wrong with the person. If a person becomes ill and tries to take medication, the medication may be a clue as to what is wrong.

When to call 9-1-1 Severe burns Vomiting blood Suspected poisoning Seizures Stroke Suspected or obvious injuries to the head, neck or spine Painful, swollen, deformed areas or open fracture Unconsciousness or altered level of consciousness Breathing problems No breathing Chest pain or discomfort Persistent abdominal pain or pressure Severe external bleeding

What to do until help arrives Do no further harm Check the scene for safety and then check the person First care for life-threatening conditions Help the person to rest comfortably Keep the person from getting chilled or overheated Reassure the person Watch for changes in consciousness and breathing If victim is conscious, ask the person questions Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, unless they are fully conscious or able to swallow without showing signs of stroke If person is vomiting and unconscious, place in recovery position If you know the person is having a severe allergic reaction or diabetic emergency, help the person administrate their medication

Fainting A temporary loss of consciousness Insufficient supply of blood to the brain for a short period of time Condition results from a widening of the blood vessels in the blood causing the blood to drain away from the brain to the rest of the body. Usually not harmful and person recovers quickly but could be a sign of a serious condition

Seizures When the normal functions of the brain are disrupted by injury, disease, fever, infection, metabolic disturbances or conditions causing a decreased oxygen level. Result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and causes temporary, involuntary changes in body movement, function, sensation, awareness or behavior. Epilepsy: Chronic seizure condition that can be controlled by medication Febrile Seizures: Young children under 5 and infants may be at risk when they have rapid increase of body temperature caused by infections of the ear, throat or digestive system.

Signs of Seizures Blank stare Uncontrolled muscular contractions Jerking of head and limbs Loss of bladder control Confusion Drowsiness Crying out Holding breath Upward rolling of the eyes

When to call 9-1-1 Seizure last more than 5 minutes Multiple seizures occur Person does not come back to full consciousness after seizure Person is pregnant Cause of seizure is unknown Person is diabetic Person is a young child or infant Seizure takes place in water Person first seizure Person is elderly and could also have suffered a stroke

stroke 3rd leading killer and leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Called a brain attack when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off or when there is bleeding into the brain. Stroke causes permanent brain damage, but sometimes the damage can be stopped or reversed. Blockages can be caused by blood clots or slow damages to the arteries over time by diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Mini stroke: When a person has the signals of a stroke but then it goes away. Likely to then have a higher risk stroke within the next 2 days.

Risk Factors High Blood Pressure Diabetes Cigarette Smoking Diet

Think F-A-S-T Face: Weakness, numbness, or drooping on one side of the face. Ask the person to smile. Arm: Weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask the person to raise both arms. Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Time: Try to determine when the signals began. Call 9-1-1 immediately with signs of stroke.

Diabetic emergencies 7.8% (23.6 million) of the United States have diabetes. 5 million are unaware that they have the disease. Diabetes: The inability of the body to change sugar (glucose) from food into energy that is regulated by insulin (hormone produced in the pancreas). Type I: Body produces little or no insulin. Insulin dependent . Type II: Most common type. The body makes insulin but not enough to meet the body’s needs or the body becomes resistant to the insulin produced.

Warning signs of diabetes Type I: Frequent urination Increased hunger and thirst Unexpected weight loss Irritability Weakness and fatigue Type II: Any signals of Type I Frequent infections, especially involved the skin, gums and bladder Blurred vision Numbness in the legs, feet and finger Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal Itching

Diabetic emergencies Hyperglycemia: Not enough insulin or the person is reacting adversely to a large meal or meal that is high in carbohydrates. Hypoglycemia: Too much insulin, eaten too little food, or overexerted. Extremely low blood sugar levels can quickly become life threatening.

What to look for and what to do Administrate form of sugar if person is conscious and able to swallow. Inject medication if person has it with them. Changes in the level of consciousness Changes in mood Rapid breathing and pulse Feeling and looking ill Dizziness and headache Confusion

Allergic reactions Caused by over activity of the immune system against specific antigens (foreign substances) Bee or insect venom Antibiotics Pollen Animal dander Latex Sufla drug Foods (Tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish and dairy products)

What to look for Anaphylaxis: Happens within minutes and shows the following signs: Hives Itching Rash Weakness Stomach cramps Vomiting Dizziness Trouble breathing

What to do until help arrives Monitor the person’s breathing Give care for life-threatening emergencies Check a conscious person to determine: The substance involved The route of the exposure The effects of the exposure Assist the person with using an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi Pen) Assist the person with taking an antihistamine(blocks the chemical that is effecting the body