Providing First Aid for Sudden Illness Chapter 15:11 Providing First Aid for Sudden Illness

Heart Attack Coronary thrombosis, coronary occlusion, or myocardial infarction. Occurs when coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart is blocked.

Facts regarding heart attacks Signs and symptoms: severe, painful pressure under sternum with pain radiating to shoulders, arms, neck and jaw. Shortness of breath Skin becomes pale or bluish in color. Weakness, anxious, apprehensive Nausea, vomiting, perspiration, loss of consciousness

First Aid for Heart Attack Have victim lay in comfortable position, relieve pain and assist breathing and obtain medical help.

Cerebrovascular Accident or Stroke Caused by either presence of clot in a cerebral artery or hemorrhage from a blood vessel in the brain.

Signs and symptoms Numbness, paralysis, eye pupils unequal in size, mental confusion, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, difficult breathing and swallowing and loss of consciousness.

Treatment Maintain respirations, laying victim flat on back with head slightly elevated or on their side. Obtain medical help immediately. First three hours are crucial to obtaining medicine.

Fainting Occurs when there is a temporary reduction in supply of blood to brain. Victim usually regains consciousness after being in a supine position.

Signs and symptoms Dizziness, extreme pallor, diaphoresis, coldness of skin, nausea, numbness and tingling of hands and feet. If symptoms are noted, help victim to lie down or sit in a chair and position head at level of knees.

If victim loses consciousness, try to prevent injury. Lie victim down, elevate feet about 12 inches. Use cool water to bathe face. Have victim remain lying down until, regains consciousness and color returns.

Convulsions Type of seizure, strong, involuntary contraction of muscles. Occurs in conjunction with: high temperatures, head injuries, bran disease, epilepsy.

Convulsions Body muscles become rigid, with jerking motions. Victim may stop breathing, bite tongue, lose bladder and bowel control Face and lips turn bluish color. Lose consciousness

Treatment Remove dangerous objects from area. Pillow under head, provide respirations if necessary. DO NOT place anything between victim’s teeth. DO NOT try to restrain muscle movements.

After convulsion Position victim on side Allow victim to sleep or rest. Obtain medical help

Diabetic Reactions Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by a lack or insufficient production of insulin. Victims can go into : Diabetic coma or Insulin Shock

Diabetic coma Caused by an increase in the level of glucose in bloodstream. Signs and symptoms: confusion, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid respirations, sweet or fruity odor to breath. Medical assistance required ASAP

Insulin Shock Caused by an excess amount of insulin. Low blood sugar Signs and symptoms: muscle weakness, confusion, restlessness, diaphoresis, pale, moist skin, hunger pangs, convulsions, loss of consciousness. Onset of insulin shock can be sudden Medical attention needed ASAP

Treatment Give victim drink containing sugar such as orange juice, cube of sugar, hard candy.

Diabetic coma vs. Insulin Shock Ask questions: Have you eaten today? Have you taken your insulin? Taken insulin not eaten: Insulin shock Eaten but no insulin: Diabetic coma If victim unconscious: place sugar under tongue in case of insulin shock. Insulin shock much worse than diabetic coma.