1. Sudden Illnesses Diabetic emergencies, seizures, stroke, allergic reaction, poisoning

2. Sudden Illness You can best help a victim of sudden illness by focusing on the ABCs and You can best help a victim of sudden illness by focusing on the ABCs and Early activation of EMS Early activation of EMS

3. Examples of sudden illnesses Diabetic emergency Diabetic emergency Seizure Seizure Allergic reaction Allergic reaction Poisoning Poisoning Stroke Stroke *Caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain (F.A.S.T.- face, arm, speech and time)* *Caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain (F.A.S.T.- face, arm, speech and time)*

4. Fainting (syncope) A partial or complete loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain (many people faint after standing still for long periods of time) A partial or complete loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain (many people faint after standing still for long periods of time)

5. Care Elevate legs about 12 inches Elevate legs about 12 inches Loosen any restrictive clothing Loosen any restrictive clothing Don’t hit, shake or throw water on the victim Don’t hit, shake or throw water on the victim Call EMS if: Call EMS if: If the person is out for more than 5 minutes If the person is out for more than 5 minutes Reoccurring fainting spells Reoccurring fainting spells

6. Diabetic Emergencies Type I or Type II *Occurs when there is either too much or too little sugar in the person’s blood* *Occurs when there is either too much or too little sugar in the person’s blood*

7. Signs and Symptoms of a Diabetic Emergency Change in level of consciousness Change in level of consciousness Irregular breathing Irregular breathing Abnormal pulse Abnormal pulse Looking or feeling ill Looking or feeling ill

8. Care for a Diabetic Emergency Ask the victim if they are a diabetic Ask the victim if they are a diabetic Look for medical alert bracelet Look for medical alert bracelet Give the person fruit juice or candy Give the person fruit juice or candy If this does not help the victim, call 9-1-1. If this does not help the victim, call 9-1-1.

9. Seizures The brains electrical activity becomes irregular, causing a loss of control of the body The brains electrical activity becomes irregular, causing a loss of control of the body The person might experience: The person might experience: 1. Visual hallucinations 2. Strange taste or smell 3. Urgent need to get to safety 4. Convulsions/irregular movements

10. Care Do not try to stop the seizure Do not try to stop the seizure *Remove nearby objects that *Remove nearby objects that may cause injury* Protect the head Protect the head Loosen any restrictive clothing Loosen any restrictive clothing DO NOT put anything in the victims mouth DO NOT put anything in the victims mouth Do not bring attention to the victim Do not bring attention to the victim

11. Poisonings

12. How does poison enter the body? Ingested Ingested Inhaled Inhaled Absorbed (contact) Absorbed (contact) Injected Injected

13. Ingesting poisons 80% of all poisoning is by mouth

14. Inhaling poisons

15. Injected poisons Almost always the result of Almost always the result of substance abuse (cocaine, heroin), but can also include bites and stings substance abuse (cocaine, heroin), but can also include bites and stings

16. Bug Stings

17. Deer tick Wood tick

18. TICKS cont. May-July the highest risk May-July the highest risk Symptoms of Lymes disease Symptoms of Lymes disease Bulls eye rash Bulls eye rash Fever and chills Fever and chills Weakness or fatigue Weakness or fatigue

19. Absorbed (contact) poisons Chemicals that contact the skin, mucous membranes or eyes Chemicals that contact the skin, mucous membranes or eyes

20. CARE FOR POISONING Check the scene for safety and clues Check the scene for safety and clues Remove the victim from the source of poison Remove the victim from the source of poison Check for life threatening condition Check for life threatening condition If conscious ask questions If conscious ask questions Look for clues/bring any pill bottles with you Look for clues/bring any pill bottles with you *Call PCC (1-800-222-1222)* *Call PCC (1-800-222-1222)* Give care according to operator Give care according to operator

21. Allergic Reactions- Care *If you suspect an allergic reaction- Call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY * *If you suspect an allergic reaction- Call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY * If the allergic reaction is from bee stings, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom. If the allergic reaction is from bee stings, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom.

22. Allergic Reactions- Care If the person has emergency allergy medication on hand, help the person take or inject the medication. Avoid oral medication if the person is having difficulty breathing. If the person has emergency allergy medication on hand, help the person take or inject the medication. Avoid oral medication if the person is having difficulty breathing. Take steps to prevent shock. Take steps to prevent shock.