Sudden Illness When illness happens suddenly, it is hard to determine what is wrong and what you should do to help.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Changes in levels of consciousness Breathing problems Sweating Nausea Diarrhea Seizures Persistent sweating Possible heart attack Possible stroke

WHEN TO CALL 911: Breathing problems Chest pain, discomfort or pressure Vomiting blood or passing blood Suspected poisoning Seizures Stroke Severe burns Severe external bleeding

WHAT TO DO UNITL HELP ARRIVES: Do no further harm Check the scenes Reassure the person Watch for changes in consciousness Ask about medical conditions Assist the person with prescribed medication HAINES if needed

FAINTING It is a temporary loss of consciousness

FAINTING Occurs: ◦When there is an insufficient supply of blood to the brain for a short period of time ◦Usually is not harmful ◦May be a more serious condition When about to faint: ◦May become pale ◦May begin to sweat ◦May feel week or dizzy

SEIZURES A result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and causes temporary, involuntary changes in body movement, function, sensation, awareness, or behavior

SEIZURES Epilepsy ◦Chronic seizure condition ◦Usually can be controlled with medication Febrile Seizures ◦Happens in young children and infants ◦Rapid increase in body temperature Things to look for: ◦A blank stare ◦Period of distorted sensation during which the person is unable to respond ◦Uncontrolled muscular contractions called convulsions may occur and last several minutes

SEIZURES When to call 911: ◦Lasts more than 5 min. ◦Multiple seizures ◦Injury ◦Pregnancy ◦Elderly ◦First seizure ◦Diabetic What to do: ◦Do not try to stop the seizure ◦Do not hold or restrain the person ◦Make sure the environment is safe

STROKE Is caused when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off or when there is bleeding in the brain.

STROKE Risk Factors ◦High blood pressure ◦Diabetes ◦Cigarette smoking ◦Diet Think FAST for a STROKE: ◦F = Face ◦A = Arms ◦S = Speech ◦T = Time

DIABETIC EMERGENCIES Inability to convert sugar from food into energy. Can lead to other medical conditions such as blindness, nerve disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or stroke.

DIABETES TYPE I DIABETIC: ◦Usually occurs in childhood ◦Occurs when the body produces little or no insulin ◦Most type I diabetics inject insulin into their bodies daily TYPE II DIABETIC: ◦Most common type ◦Usually occurs in adults ◦Can occur in overweight children ◦Body makes insulin but not what is needed ◦Exact cause unknown.

DIABETES HyperglycemiaHypoglycemia Too much sugar in the blood. ◦May have not taken enough insulin. ◦Person is reacting adversely to a large meal or a meal high in carbohydrates. Too little sugar in the blood. ◦May have taken too much insulin ◦Person may have eaten too little food or overexerted him/herself ◦Can become life threatening

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Antigens than can cause reactions: ◦Bee or insect venom ◦Antibiotics ◦Pollen ◦Animal dander ◦Latex ◦Sulfa drugs ◦Certain foods What to look for: ◦Hives ◦Itching ◦Rash ◦Weakness ◦Nausea ◦Stomach cramps ◦Vomiting ◦Dizziness ◦Trouble breathing

POISONING A poison is any substance that causes injury, illness, or death if it enters the body. A person can be poisoned by swallowing poison, breathing it in, absorbing it through the skin, or have it injected into the body.

POISONING Swallowed ◦Foods, drugs, medications, household items, and plants Inhaled ◦Gasses ◦Fumes Absorbed ◦Plants, fertilizers, pesticides Injected ◦Bites, stings, drugs, medications

POISONING Try to find out: ◦What type of poison? ◦How much was taken? ◦When it was taken? ◦How much do they weigh?

POISONING What to look for: ◦Nausea ◦Diarrhea ◦Pain in abdomen or chest ◦Trouble breathing ◦Sweating ◦Burns around lips, tongue or skin ◦Abnormal skin color ◦Irregular pupil size What to do: ◦Remove the person from the source ◦Check for consciousness and breathing ◦Call Poison Control  ◦Follow the directions of Poison Control

Special Considerations Toxic Fumes fresh air Chemicals dependant on wet or dry Substance Abuse