Chapter 15: Sudden Illness

Responding to a Medical Emergency General signs of sudden illness: Change in a person’s level of consciousness Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or weak Nausea or vomiting Changes in breathing, circulation, skin temperature, color or moisture General care for sudden illnesses include— Do no further harm. Monitor breathing and consciousness. Help the victim rest in the most comfortable position. Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated. Reassure the victim. Give any specific care needed. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Sudden Illness Sudden illness can be— Acute. Chronic. Common sudden illnesses include— Fainting. Diabetic emergencies. Seizures. Stroke. Poisoning. Heart attack. Shock. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Fainting Partial or complete loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain. The victim will commonly display shock-like signals, such as— Cool, pale, moist skin. Nausea. Numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes. Additional signals that may precede fainting include— Sweating. Vomiting. Distortion or dimming of vision. Head or abdominal pain. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Care for Fainting General care for sudden illness: Position the victim on the back on a flat surface. Elevate the legs about 12 inches. Loosen any restrictive clothing. Check for any other life-threatening and non-life-threatening conditions. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink. Do not splash the victim with water or slap his or her face. As long as the fainting victim recovers quickly and has not lasting signals, you may or may not need to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Diabetes Mellitus A condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively is called diabetes mellitus. Type I Type II Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Signs of Diabetic Emergency Changes in consciousness, including dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Irregular breathing. Abnormal pulse (rapid or weak). Feeling or looking ill. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Care for a Diabetic Emergency Check and care for any life-threatening conditions. If conscious: Check for non-life-threatening conditions. Look for a medical alert tag or ask the victim if he or she has diabetes. give sugar in the form of fruit juice, candy or a non-diet soft drink. If unconscious: Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Do not give the victim anything by mouth. Monitor signs of circulation and breathing. Keep him or her from getting overheated or chilled. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Seizures Caused by an acute or chronic condition. Before a seizure occurs, the victim may experience an aura Seizures can range from mild blackouts to sudden, uncontrolled muscular contractions that can last several minutes. Febrile seizures Common in children under 5 and can be triggered by ear, throat, or digestive system infections or a fever of over 102°F (38.9°). Signs: A sudden rise in body temperature A change in the level of consciousness Rhythmic jerking of the head and limbs Urinating or defecating Confusion Drowsiness Crying out Becoming rigid Holding the breath Upward rolling of the eyes AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Care for a Seizure Do not try to hold or restrain the victim. Protect the victim from injury and maintain an open airway. Remove nearby objects that could cause injury. After the seizure, position him or her on one side so that fluid can drain from the mouth. Check for life-threatening conditions. Stay with the victim until he or she is fully conscious and aware of his or her surroundings. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number, if necessary. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Stroke A disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, resulting in permanent damage to brain tissue. Caused by a blood clot, aneurysm or atherosclerosis. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) - AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Reducing Risk of Stroke and Other Cardiovascular Diseases Control blood pressure Not smoking Eat a healthy diet Exercise regularly Control diabetes AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Signs of Stroke Appearing or feeling ill, or displaying abnormal behavior Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, often on only one side of the body Difficulty speaking or being understood Blurred or dimmed vision Pupils of unequal size Sudden severe headache Dizziness Confusion Change in mood Ringing in the ears Loss of consciousness Loss of bowel or bladder control AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Care for a Stroke Care for life-threatening conditions. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Position him or her on one side (affected or paralyzed side down) to allow fluids to drain. Stay with the victim and check his or her breathing and signs of circulation. If the victim is conscious— Check for non-life-threatening conditions. Offer comfort and reassurance. Have the victim rest in a comfortable position. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.