Safety

CPR-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation American Heart Association Untrained. If you're not trained in CPR, then provide hands-only CPR. That means uninterrupted chest compressions of 100 to 120 a minute until paramedics arrive You don't need to try rescue breathing. Trained and ready to go. If you're well-trained and confident in your ability, check to see if there is a pulse and breathing. If there is no breathing or a pulse within 10 seconds, begin chest compressions. Start CPR with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths. Trained but rusty. If you've previously received CPR training but you're not confident in your abilities, then just do chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 a minute.

CPR CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm. When the heart stops, the lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in only a few minutes. A person may die within eight to 10 minutes. To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, including CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). If you are untrained and have immediate access to a phone, call 911 or your local emergency number before beginning CPR. The dispatcher can instruct you in the proper procedures until help arrives.

CPR-Before you begin Is the environment safe for the person? Is the person conscious or unconscious? If the person appears unconscious, tap or shake his or her shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you OK?" If the person doesn't respond and two people are available, have one person call 911 or the local emergency number and get the AED, if one is available, and have the other person begin CPR. If you are alone and have immediate access to a telephone, call 911 or your local emergency number before beginning CPR. Get the AED, if one is available. As soon as an AED is available, deliver one shock if instructed by the device, then begin CPR.

CPR C-A-B: Compressions, airway, breathing Compressions restore blood circulation Airway-Open the airway Breathing-Breathe for the person

Chest Compressions: Put the person on their back on a firm surface. To perform chest compressions, kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest and your other hand on top. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Using your upper body weight, push straight down on the chest about 2 inches, or 5 centimeters, but not more than 2.4 inches, or 6 centimeters. Push hard at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute. If you haven't been trained in CPR, continue chest compressions until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over. If you have been trained in CPR, go on to opening the airway and rescue breathing.

Open the airway-If you're trained in CPR and you've performed 30 chest compressions, open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.

Rescue breathing -With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal. Give the first rescue breath, lasting one second, and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath. After this, start chest compressions again to restore circulation. Thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths is considered one cycle. Be careful not to provide too many breaths or to breathe with too much force.

CPR Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths Continue until there are signs of movement, emergency medical personnel arrive, or an AED is available

CPR Differences for children (1-puberty) Perform 5 cycles of CPR before calling 9-1-1 if you are alone (About 2 minutes) Use only one hand for compressions if child is small

CPR Most cardiac arrests in babies occur from lack of oxygen, such as from drowning or choking. If you know the baby has an airway obstruction, perform first aid for choking. If you don't know why the baby isn't breathing, perform CPR. If you're the only rescuer and you didn't see the baby collapse, do CPR for two minutes — about five cycles — before calling 911 or your local emergency number and getting the AED. If you did see the baby collapse, call 911 or your local emergency number and get the AED, if one is available, before beginning CPR. If another person is available, have that person call for help immediately and get the AED while you attend to the baby.

CPR Place baby on a flat surface Use only 2 fingers and press down between the baby’s nipples Compress only 1.5 inches Pump at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute After 30 compressions, gently tip the head back by lifting the chin with one hand and pushing down on the forehead with the other hand. Breathing-Cover baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth Give 2 rescue breaths from gentle puffs from your cheeks not deep from lungs. If chest rises, give a second breath. If not, repeat head-tilt, chin lift maneuver and give second breath Continue giving 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths

CPR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmnSaWFnPEc Adult https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n65HW1iJUuY Infant

Cardiac Arrest Every day, nearly 1160 Americans suffer cardiac arrest at home, work, or in a public place. Only 10.4% survive. CPR can more than double or triple a victim's chance for survival. Unless CPR and defibrillation are provided within minutes of collapse, few attempts at resuscitation are successful. Even if CPR is performed, defibrillation with an AED is required to stop the abnormal rhythm and restore a normal heart rhythm. New technology has made AEDs simple and user-friendly

Heart Disease Risk Factors Hereditary Gender: Males have a higher risk, however remember heart disease is leading cause of death for both men and women Age Tobacco smoking Hypertension High Cholesterol Diabetes Overweight/obesity

Why learn CPR? Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time Occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic causing the heart to suddenly stop beating A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest

Caring for CA Victim Few victims survive unless a rapid sequence of events take place The chain of survival Recognition and Action: Recognize warning signs of CA and immediately call 9-1-1 CPR-The chest compressions circulate blood to the heart and brain. Effective chest compressions are critical to buying time until an AED and/or EMS personnel are available Defibrillation-– Administering a shock to the heart can restore the heartbeat in some victims. Time is a critical factor. The earlier the shock, the better the chance of success. Advanced Care-Paramedics provide advanced cardiac life support to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. This includes providing IV fluids, medications, advanced airway devices, and rapid transportation to the hospital. Post Arrest Care-The hospital can provide life-saving medications, surgical procedures, and advanced medical care to enable the victim of sudden cardiac arrest to survive and recover.

Signs of Cardiac Arrest Sudden loss of responsiveness/not breathing or breathing abnormally  No response to tapping on shoulders. Does nothing when you ask if he's OK.

Action If you recognize signs of CA, act: Yell for help If you are alone, call 9-1-1 and get the AED if available. If not alone, tell someone to call 9-1-1 and get an AED Check breathing If the person isn’t breathing or only gasping, give CPR Push hard and fast Use an AED as soon as it arrives by turning it on and following the prompt Keep pushing Until the person starts to breath, move, or someone with more advanced training takes over If person begins to breathe normally, put them in recovery position on their side

Who can you save with CPR? The life you save with CPR is most likely to be a loved one. Four out of five cardiac arrests happen at home. Statistically speaking, if called on to administer CPR in an emergency, the life you save is likely to be someone at home: a child, a parent or a friend. “Effective bystander CPR” provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival, but only 32 percent of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander.

Performing Hands-Only CPR https://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/Programs/HandsOnlyCPR/UCM_473196_Hands-Only-CPR.jsp Skip to 45 seconds Position your hands over the center of the person’s chest. Interlock hands Press down hard at a rate of 100 times per minute

Performing Hands-only CPR Each time the chest should be compressed at least two inches and then allowed to rise completely before it is compressed again. Do this continuously without stopping, using your body weight to press straight down. Don’t slow down or stop compressions until emergency services arrives or an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and ready for use.

Automated External Defibrillator An AED delivers a controlled, precise shock to the heart. An AED can restore the heart’s electrical rhythm and heart beat in the event of a cardiac arrest. AED’s are user-friendly devices that untrained bystanders can use to save a life of someone having sudden cardiac arrest. Check the person’s breathing and pulse. If breathing and pulse are absent or irregular, prepare to use the AED a soon as possible. If no one knows how long the person has been unconscious, or if an AED is not readily available, do 2 minutes of CPR.

Using the AED Before using the AED, check for puddles of water near the person who is unconscious. move him or her to a dry area, and stay away from wetness when delivering shocks. Turn on the AED’s power. The devise will give you step-by-step instructions. You will hear voice prompts and see prompts on a screen. Expose the person’s chest. If the person’s chest is wet, dry it. AEDs have sticky pads with sensors called electrodes. Apply the pads to the person’s chest as pictured on the AED’s instructions. Place one pad on the right center of the person’s chest above the nipple. Place the other pad slightly below the other nipple and to the left of the ribcage.

Using the AED Make sure the sticky pads have good connection with the skin. If the connection is not good, the machine may repeat the phrase “check electrodes”. Remove metal necklaces and underwire bras. The metal may conduct electricity and cause burns. Check the person for implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator. (The outline of these devices is visible under the skin on the chest or abdomen, and the person may be wearing a medical alert bracelet.) Also check for body piercings. Move the defibrillator pads at least 1 inch away for the implanted devices or piercings so the electric current can flow freely between the pads.

Using the AED Check that the wires from the electrodes are connected to the AED. Make sure no one is touching the person, and then press the AED’s “analyze” button. Stay clear while the machine checks the person’s heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, the AED will let you know when to deliver it. Stand clear of the person and make sure others are clear before you push the AED’s “shock” button. Start or resume CPR until emergency medical help arrives or until the person begins to move. Stay with the person until medical help arrives, and report all information you have to the emergency crew.

AED Use https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNHlC1aaCz8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTS5r1IlVao

Heart Attack A heart attack is a circulation problem A blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. Most heart attacks do not lead to cardiac arrest. But when cardiac arrest occurs, heart attack is a common cause. Other conditions may also disrupt the heart’s rhythm and lead to cardiac arrest.

Heart Attack https://watchlearnlive.heart.org/CVML_Player.php?moduleSelect=hrtatk

Heart Attack-Signs and Symptoms Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.    Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.    Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Men vs Women As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Heart Attack-What to do? Act Fast! Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don't wait - call 911 or your emergency response number. Call 9-1-1 Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Stroke “Brain attack” Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of an artery (ischemic stroke). Other strokes are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). The effects of a stroke depend on the severity and which area of the brain is injured. Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking. Since different parts of the brain control different areas and functions, it is usually the area immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. Hemorrhagic strokes have a much higher death rate than ischemic strokes.

Stroke-Symptoms Stroke symptoms may occur alone or in combination and may last a few minutes or several hours. If you or someone around you notices one or more of these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention. Poor public knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors limits effective stroke intervention and prevention. Even if stroke symptoms disappear, they are a clear warning that a larger stroke may follow

Stroke-Symptoms Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body  Difficulty speaking or understanding language  Decreased or blurred vision in one or both eyes  Sudden, severe headache  Unexplained loss of balance or dizziness

Stroke-What to do? If you notice any signs of stroke, think FAST Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Or is one arm unable to raise up? Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or strange? Time. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Note the time when symptoms first started.

Stroke-What to do? Stay with your loved one. When offering stroke help, you need to make sure that no additional harm comes to the stroke victim. “Stay with the patient to prevent them from falling or further injuring themselves,” says Vibbert. Take a few notes. Make note of the time when the stroke took place. “This is critically important information later,” says Vibbert. If the patient takes any medication, make a list of which ones (including dosage if you know it), and bring it to the hospital, he adds. If possible, bring the actual medications to the hospital with you. Do not offer the person food or medicine. “Although most strokes are caused by blockage in an artery, some strokes are caused by bleeding from an artery that burst,” says Dr. Labovitz. “Giving aspirin to someone with this condition could make it worse.” Stay calm. Although it can be difficult, it’s important to compose yourself and assure the stroke victim that everything is going to be all right. “Try to concentrate on the situation and remind yourself that you are doing everything you can to help,” says Danielle Haskins, MD, medical director of the Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. “Reassure your loved one that you aren’t going anywhere and that help is on the way.” Keep a positive outlook. “When they get the help they need, most patients improve enough to return home and function independently, even if they have some permanent symptoms,” says Labovitz. “It is helpful to know that a stroke usually starts out at its most severe and then improves, sometimes very quickly,” says Labovitz. “There is a lot of room for hope. Staying calm and thinking clearly can really help.”

Seizure A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. If you have two or more seizures or a tendency to have recurrent seizures, you have epilepsy. There are many types of seizures, which range in severity. Seizure types vary by where and how they begin in the brain. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.

Causes of Seizure Nerve cells (neurons) in the brain create, send and receive electrical impulses, which allow the brain's nerve cells to communicate. Anything that disrupts these communication pathways can lead to a seizure. The most common cause of seizures is epilepsy. But not every person who has a seizure has epilepsy. Sometimes seizures happen because of: High fever, which can be associated with an infection such as meningitis Lack of sleep Low blood sodium (hyponatremia), which can happen with diuretic therapy Medications, such as certain pain relievers, antidepressants or smoking cessation therapies, that lower the seizure threshold Head trauma that causes an area of bleeding in the brain Stroke Brain tumor Illegal or recreational drugs, such as amphetamines or cocaine Alcohol abuse, during times of withdrawal or extreme intoxication

Seizure Seizures are more common than you might think. Seizures can happen after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis or another illness. Many times, though, the cause of a seizure is unknown. Signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the type of seizure

Types of Seizures Focal seizures start in one part of the brain. The person  may not be aware of what's happening. The arm might start to move or face start to twitch. Might be awake and conscious but not able to stop it. Might seem to zone out or stare at nothing as the seizure becomes complex. When it's over, won’t remember a thing.

Types of Seizures Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain at once. People are rarely aware of what's happening. The most well-known type falls in this group -- the generalized tonic-clonic seizure, better known as a grand mal seizure.

Types of Seizures Generalized seizures have a sequence of events The person may become unresponsive. Won't answer if you call. Won’t react if you wave a hand in face or shake. She may collapse. Muscles clench and they become as rigid as a board. This is the tonic phase. It lasts a few seconds. Next comes a series of jerking movements. This is the clonic phase. It can last a few seconds or several minutes. Eventually, the jerking stops and regain consciousness. May be confused or disoriented for a little while. Any generalized seizure can be dangerous because the person is unaware of the surroundings and can't protect herself from harm. The uncontrolled thrashing raises the chances of injury. This type is most likely to result in a trip to the emergency room.

Seizure-What to do Take precautions Keep other people out of the way. Clear hard or sharp objects away. Don't try to hold your friend down or stop movements. Place victim on side, to help keep the airway clear. Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, so you can time its length. Don't put anything in victim’s mouth. Contrary to a popular myth, you can’t swallow your tongue during a seizure. But if you put an object in victim’s mouth, could damage teeth or bite you.

Seizure-What to do? Seek immediate medical help if any of the following occurs: The seizure lasts more than five minutes. Breathing or consciousness doesn't return after the seizure stops. A second seizure follows immediately. You have a high fever. You're experiencing heat exhaustion. You're pregnant. You have diabetes. You've injured yourself during the seizure. If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.

Diabetes-Insulin Shock Hypoglycemia-Low level of blood sugar Reaction to too much insulin Can occur anytime there is an imbalance between the insulin in your system, the amount of food you eat, or your level of physical activity Insulin is normally regulated by your body. But if your body no longer makes insulin or isn’t responding to endogenous insulin, you need to medicate. People with diabetes need to make sure they have the right amount of insulin when they need it.

Insulin Shock When to take insulin or another medication and how much to use depends on when, what, and how much food you eat. It also depends on your level of physical activity since the cells in your body use more sugar when you are active. The insulin speeds up the lowering of the blood glucose level. Then without eating or with your body burning sugar faster because of physical activity, the level of sugar becomes dangerously low.

Insulin Shock-Causes Become more physically active than usual Miss a meal Change when or how much you normally eat Take your insulin or medication in a different amount or at a different time than usual Drink alcohol excessively without eating

Mild symptoms of Insulin Shock Dizziness Irritability Moodiness or sudden changes in behavior Hunger Shakiness Sweating Rapid heart beat

Severe Symptoms of Insulin Shock Fainting and unconsciousness Seizures Confusion Headache Poor coordination If not treated, insulin shock can result in a coma or death.

Insulin Shock-What to do? Check blood sugar if possible If low, treat or seek emergency care If symptoms are severe, seek emergency medical care. Mild symptoms-eat or drink something that contains 15-20 grams of glucose or other sugar Glucose tablet Half a cup of fruit juice Cup of milk Tablespoon of sugar or honey

Insulin shock-what to do? After eating, wait 15 minutes to check blood sugar. If still low, eat and repeat until normal range If consciousness is lost, seek immediate medical attention People with diabetes may have a glucagon kit to rapidly increase blood sugar levels when they lose consciousness

Choking Adults-most likely form food Children-potential small objects Cuts off oxygen to the brain Universal sign=Hands clutched to the throat

Choking Inability to talk Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing Squeaky sounds when trying to breathe Cough, which may either be weak or forceful Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky Skin that is flushed, then turns pale or bluish in color Loss of consciousness

Choking If the person is able to cough forcefully, the person should keep coughing. If the person is choking and can't talk, cry or laugh forcefully, the American Red Cross recommends a "five-and-five" approach to delivering first aid: 5 back blows, 5 abdominal thrusts, alternate

Choking-What to do Give 5 back blows. Stand to the side and just behind a choking adult. For a child, kneel down behind. Place one arm across the person's chest for support. Bend the person over at the waist so that the upper body is parallel with the ground. Deliver five separate back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver). Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

Choking If you're the only rescuer, perform back blows and abdominal thrusts before calling 911 or your local emergency number for help. If another person is available, have that person call for help while you perform first aid. If the person becomes unconscious, perform standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compressions and rescue breaths. To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on yourself: First, if you're alone and choking, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Then, although you'll be unable to effectively deliver back blows to yourself, you can still perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the item. Place a fist slightly above your navel. Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface — a countertop or chair will do. Shove your fist inward and upward.

Choking-What to do? The American Heart Association doesn't teach the back blow technique, only the abdominal thrust procedures. It's OK not to use back blows if you haven't learned the technique. Both approaches are acceptable. (American Red Cross)

Choking To clear the airway of a pregnant woman or obese person: Position your hands a little bit higher than with a normal Heimlich maneuver, at the base of the breastbone, just above the joining of the lowest ribs. Proceed as with the Heimlich maneuver, pressing hard into the chest, with a quick thrust. Repeat until the food or other blockage is dislodged. If the person becomes unconscious, follow the next steps. To clear the airway of an unconscious person: Lower the person on his or her back onto the floor, arms to the side. Clear the airway. If a blockage is visible at the back of the throat or high in the throat, reach a finger into the mouth and sweep out the cause of the blockage. Don't try a finger sweep if you can't see the object. Be careful not to push the food or object deeper into the airway, which can happen easily in young children. Begin CPR if the object remains lodged and the person doesn't respond after you take the above measures. The chest compressions used in CPR may dislodge the object. Remember to recheck the mouth periodically.

Choking To clear the airway of a choking infant younger than age 1: Assume a seated position and hold the infant facedown on your forearm, which is resting on your thigh. Support the infant's head and neck with your hand, and place the head lower than the trunk. Thump the infant gently but firmly five times on the middle of the back using the heel of your hand. The combination of gravity and the back blows should release the blocking object. Keep your fingers pointed up to avoid hitting the infant in the back of the head. Turn the infant faceup on your forearm, resting on your thigh with the head lower than the trunk if the infant still isn't breathing. Using two fingers placed at the center of the infant's breastbone, give five quick chest compressions. Press down about 1 1/2 inches, and let the chest rise again in between each compression. Repeat the back blows and chest thrusts if breathing doesn't resume. Call for emergency medical help. Begin infant CPR if one of these techniques opens the airway but the infant doesn't resume breathing.

The 'five-and-five' approach-If a person is choking and cannot talk, cry or laugh forcefully, the American Red Cross recommends a 'five-and-five' approach to delivering first aid

How to perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on yourself-To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on yourself, place a fist slightly above your navel. Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface. Shove your fist inward and upward.

Choking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDrxN-rCi38 Infant choking

Drowning Move the person-Take out of water Get help Throw, don’t go: A drowning victim in the water can easily cause an untrained rescuer to drown. Throw a lifesaving device, towel, rope, or even a pool noodle to the victim and tow them in. Get help Get a lifeguard Let the people around know what is happening Call 9-1-1 If you go in the water wear a life jacket. Approach the victim from behind Entering a lake, river, or ocean you do not know what the conditions are. The life jacket can save your life and the drowning victim If you are stuck in the undertoe at the ocean, swim parallel to the shore. When victim is out of water, check vital signs If not breathing or no pulse, begin CPR Watch for signs of secondary drowning  People who experience a drowning incident can still have water in their lungs hours later and need to be watched closely for signs of trouble breathing that could indicate a secondary drowning emergency. If you notice someone has difficult breathing after a near drowning, immediately seek medical help and call 911.

Heat related syndrome Prolonged or intense exposure to hot temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke (also known as sun stroke). As your body works to cool itself under extreme or prolonged heat, blood rushes to the surface of your skin. As a result, less blood reaches your brain, muscles, and other organs. This can interfere with both your physical strength and your mental capacity, leading, in some cases, to serious danger. With prompt treatment, most people recover completely from heat-related illness. However, heat stroke can be deadly if not properly managed

Who is at risk? Heat-related illness can strike anyone. Greater Risk chronic alcoholics the elderly the young the obese individuals whose immune systems may be compromised individuals taking certain drugs, such as antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, and cocaine High humidity also increases the risk of heat illness because it interferes with the evaporation of sweat, your body's way of cooling itself

Heat cramps Brief muscle cramps causing muscles to spasm or jerk involuntarily Usually involve muscles that are fatigued by heavy work such as calves, thighs, and shoulders You are most at risk if you are doing work or activities in a hot environment -- usually during the first few days of an activity you're not used to. You are also at risk if you sweat a great deal during exercise and drink large amounts of water or other fluids that lack salt. Exact cause is unknown but most likely due to electrolyte problems with various essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium Sweat contains a large amount of sodium

Heat Cramps Treatment: Rest in a cool place, drink a sports drink that has electrolytes, mix your own salt solution by mixing ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt with a quart of water If symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, headache, fast heart beat, shortness of breath, or high temperature get immediate medical help

Heat Exhaustion Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat Heavy sweating Faintness Dizziness Fatigue Weak, rapid pulse Low blood pressure upon standing Muscle cramps Nausea Headache

Heat Exhaustion Treatment Stop all activity and rest Move to a cooler place Get into the AC. In front of a fan. Find shade. Take a cold shower. Soak in cool bath. Rest on your back with legs elevated higher than your heart. Drink cool water or sports drinks Loosen clothing Contact your doctor if your signs or symptoms worsen or if they don't improve within one hour. If you are with someone showing signs of heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical attention if he or she becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness, or is unable to drink. You will need immediate cooling and urgent medical attention if your core body temperature (measured by a rectal thermometer) reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher.

Heat Exhaustion Prevention Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat. Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it.It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, such as a history of previous heat illness, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.

Heat Stroke This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Heat Stroke-Symptoms High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke. Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke. Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist. Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit. Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases. Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow. Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body. Headache. Your head may throb.

Heat Stroke-What to do? Call 9-1-1 Stop all activity and rest Move to a cooler place Get into the AC. In front of a fan. Find shade. Take a cold shower. Soak in cool bath. Rest on your back with legs elevated higher than your heart. Drink cool water or sports drinks Loosen clothing

Heat Stroke Treatment A doctor may perform the following procedures: Immerse you in cold water. A bath of cold or ice water has been proved to be the most effective way of quickly lowering your core body temperature. The quicker you can receive cold water immersion, the less risk of death and organ damage. Use evaporation cooling techniques. If cold water immersion is unavailable, health care workers may try to lower your body temperature using an evaporation method. Cool water is misted on your body while warm air is fanned over you, causing the water to evaporate and cool your skin. Pack you with ice and cooling blankets. Another method is to wrap you in a special cooling blanket and apply ice packs to your groin, neck, back and armpits to lower your temperature. Give you medications to stop your shivering. If treatments to lower your body temperature make you shiver, your doctor may give you a muscle relaxant, such as a benzodiazepine. Shivering increases your body temperature, making treatment less effective.

Burns Call 911 if: The burn penetrates all layers of the skin. The skin is leathery or charred looking, with white, brown, or black patches. The hands, feet, face, or genitals are burned. The person is an infant or a senior.

Burns For All Burns 1. Stop Burning Immediately Put out fire or stop the person's contact with hot liquid, steam, or other material. Help the person "stop, drop, and roll" to smother flames. Remove smoldering material from the person. Remove hot or burned clothing. If clothing sticks to skin, cut or tear around it. 2. Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately Take off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing. Burns can swell quickly.

First Degree Burns (Affecting Top Layer of Skin) 1. Cool Burn Hold burned skin under cool (not cold) running water or immerse in cool water until pain subsides. Use compresses if running water isn’t available. 2. Protect Burn Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth. Do not apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection. 3. Treat Pain Give over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve). When to See a Doctor Seek medical help if: You see signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing. The burn blister is larger than two inches or oozes. Redness and pain last more than a few hours. Pain worsens

For Second-Degree Burns (Affecting Top 2 Layers of Skin) 1. Cool Burn Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes. Use compresses if running water isn’t available. Don’t apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further pain and damage. Don’t break blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection. 2. Protect Burn Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage and secure in place with gauze or tape. 3. Prevent Shock Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort: Lay the person flat. Elevate feet about 12 inches. Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible. Cover the person with coat or blanket. 4. See a Doctor The doctor can test burn severity, prescribe antibiotics and pain medications, and administer a tetanus shot, if needed.

For Third-Degree Burns (Full thickness) 1. Call 911 2. Protect Burn Area Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a sheet or other material that that won’t leave lint in wound. Separate burned toes and fingers with dry, sterile dressings. Do not soak burn in water or apply ointments or butter, which can cause infection. 3. Prevent Shock Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause discomfort: Lay the person flat. Elevate feet about 12 inches. Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible. Cover the person with coat or blanket. For an airway burn, do not place pillow under the person's head when the person is lying down. This can close the airway Have a person with a facial burn sit up. Check pulse and breathing to monitor for shock until emergency help arrives. 4. See a Doctor Doctors will give oxygen and fluid, if needed, and treat the burn.

Internal Bleeding Can occur in many areas. Area may become inflamed and be painful Symptoms-Headache, stiff neck, confusion, vision loss, slurred speech, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, blood in stool/urine Causes: Trauma, broken bones, pregnancy, alcohol, medications Internal bleeding is difficult to identify-Symptoms may not be recognizable for hours

Internal Bleeding Imaging test to look for bleeding source (ultrasound, colonoscopy, computerized tomography) Make sure victim has circulation, airway open, and is breathing Complications depend on where internal bleeding takes place

Shock If shock is expected call 9-1-1 Main symptom is low blood pressure. Other symptoms include rapid/shallow breathing, cold/clammy skin, rapid/weak pulse, dizziness, fainting, or weakness

Types of shock Septic shock caused by bacteria and treated with antibiotics Anaphylactic shock caused by allergic reaction treated with epi-pen, Benadryl or steroid medications Cardiogenic shock caused by heart damage treated by identifying and treating cause Hypovolemic shock caused by blood/fluid loss is treated with fluids in minor cases and blood transfusions in severe cases Neurogenic shock caused from spinal cord trauma and treated by immobilization, steroids, and surgery

Shock The sooner shock is treated the better-less risk of damage to person’s vital organs Do NOT move a person who has a known or suspected spinal injury (unless they are in imminent danger of further injury). Have the person lie down on his or her back with the feet elevated above the head (if raising the legs causes pain or injury, keep the person flat) to increase blood flow to vital organs. Do not raise the head. Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover them with a blanket. Do not give fluids by mouth, even if the person complains of thirst. There is a choking risk in the event of sudden loss of consciousness.

Fractures Seek medical attention If back, neck, or hip are fractured or bone is exposed, do not move the person. Call 911 Broken arms or legs-put a splint against the area to prevent movement. Gently wrap the splint with gauze. If bleeding, stop bleeding before wrapping. Fractured bones must be set in proper place to heal Setting a bone is called reduction-may or may not need surgery Compound fracture needs immediate medical attention because bone has pierced skin which may lead to bleeding and infection

Dislocation Seek medical attention Support dislocated joint with soft padding to ensure none to minimal movement Elbow/Shoulder-Make a sling Dislocated hip-do not move Do not try to put joint back together-Doctor uses medication to relieve pain

Poison Swallowed poison. Remove anything remaining in the person's mouth. If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container's label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning. Poison on the skin. Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for 15 to 20 minutes in a shower or with a hose. Poison in the eye. Gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes or until help arrives. Inhaled poison. Get the person into fresh air as soon as possible. If the person vomits, turn his or her head to the side to prevent choking. Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as moving, breathing or coughing. Call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 in the United States or your regional poison control for additional instructions. Have somebody gather pill bottles, packages or containers with labels, and any other information about the poison to send along with the ambulance team. Don’t induce vomiting

Poison Children 0-6 represent 41% of all poison incidents 1 poison exposure reported to US poison control every 14.6 seconds