Sudden Illnesses

Sudden IllnessesSudden Illnesses

And other first aid emergenciesAnd other first aid emergencies

Heart AttackHeart Attack

Heart Attack (acute myocardial Heart Attack (acute myocardial infarction) occurs when the infarction) occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or muscle is severely reduced or stopped.stopped.

Coronary thrombosisCoronary thrombosis Coronary embolismCoronary embolism Coronary occlusionCoronary occlusion

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms

Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and minutes or that goes away and comes back.comes back.

Pain spreading to the shoulders, Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, or armsneck, or arms

Chest discomfort with Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.nausea, or shortness of breath.

What to doWhat to do

Don’t delay; take prompt actionDon’t delay; take prompt action Call EMSCall EMS Monitor ABC’s and give CPR if Monitor ABC’s and give CPR if

necessarynecessary Help victim into the least painful Help victim into the least painful

position, usually a half-sitting position, usually a half-sitting position. Loosen tight clothing. Be position. Loosen tight clothing. Be calm and reassuringcalm and reassuring

Give nitroglycerin tablets if patient is Give nitroglycerin tablets if patient is a heart patient.a heart patient.

Why patients delay calling for Why patients delay calling for helphelp Thought the Thought the

symptoms would symptoms would go awaygo away

Thought the Thought the symptoms were symptoms were not severe enoughnot severe enough

Thought it was a Thought it was a different illnessdifferent illness

Worried about Worried about medical costsmedical costs

Afraid of hospitalsAfraid of hospitals Feared being Feared being

embarrassedembarrassed

Wanted to wait for Wanted to wait for a better timea better time

Did not want to find Did not want to find out what was out what was wrongwrong

Average time Average time between symptom between symptom onset and hospital onset and hospital arrival was 2 arrival was 2 hours; 28% waited hours; 28% waited 1 hour; 33% waited 1 hour; 33% waited 1 to 3; 15% waited 1 to 3; 15% waited 3 to 6; 23% waited 3 to 6; 23% waited more than 3 hours.more than 3 hours.

StrokeStroke

A stroke, or cerebrovascular A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when oxygen is accident, occurs when oxygen is denied to a portion of the brain as a denied to a portion of the brain as a result of disrupted blood flow:result of disrupted blood flow: ThrombosisThrombosis EmbolismEmbolism Ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic Ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic

stroke)stroke) OcclusionOcclusion AneurismAneurism

What to look forWhat to look for Weakness, numbness, or paralysis Weakness, numbness, or paralysis

of the face, an arm, or a leg on one of the face, an arm, or a leg on one side of the bodyside of the body

Blurred or decreased vision, Blurred or decreased vision, especially in one eyeespecially in one eye

Problems speaking or understandingProblems speaking or understanding Dizziness or loss of balanceDizziness or loss of balance Sudden, severe, and unexplained Sudden, severe, and unexplained

headacheheadache Deviation of the eyes from PEARL Deviation of the eyes from PEARL

((PPupils upils EEqual qual AAnd nd RReactive to eactive to LLight), ight), which may mean the brain is being which may mean the brain is being affected by lack of oxygenaffected by lack of oxygen

If you suspect a stroke, but are If you suspect a stroke, but are not sure apply these three simple not sure apply these three simple teststests

Arm strength (both arms): person closes Arm strength (both arms): person closes eyes and holds both arms out with palms eyes and holds both arms out with palms down. Slowly count to five. If one arm down. Slowly count to five. If one arm does not move and the other drifts down, does not move and the other drifts down, suspect a stroke.suspect a stroke.

Facial smile: person smiles or shows teeth. Facial smile: person smiles or shows teeth. If one side of face does not move as well If one side of face does not move as well as the other side, suspect a stroke.as the other side, suspect a stroke.

Hand grip (both hands): person grips two of Hand grip (both hands): person grips two of your fingers at the same time. If grip your fingers at the same time. If grip strength is not equal, suspect a stroke.strength is not equal, suspect a stroke.


Call EMSCall EMS If victim is unresponsive, check If victim is unresponsive, check

ABC’s; give CPR if necessaryABC’s; give CPR if necessary If the victim is conscious, lay the If the victim is conscious, lay the

victim down with the head and victim down with the head and shoulders slightly elevatedshoulders slightly elevated

Do not give a stroke victim anything Do not give a stroke victim anything to drink or eat. The throat may be to drink or eat. The throat may be paralyzed, which restricts paralyzed, which restricts swallowing.swallowing.

AsthmaAsthma Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung

disease characterized by repeated disease characterized by repeated breathing problems.breathing problems. The muscles that surround the airways can The muscles that surround the airways can

become tight, producing muscle spasms.become tight, producing muscle spasms. The inner lining of the airways may swell.The inner lining of the airways may swell. There can be an increase in mucous production There can be an increase in mucous production

and/or inflammation (within the trachea, bronchi, and/or inflammation (within the trachea, bronchi, and/or the lungs).and/or the lungs).

Asthma sufferers may have acute episodes Asthma sufferers may have acute episodes brought on by specific triggers.brought on by specific triggers.

Asthma affects an estimated 10 million Asthma affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and accounts for an people in the U.S. and accounts for an annual death toll of 6,000+.annual death toll of 6,000+.

Mortality rates have increased over 72% Mortality rates have increased over 72% since 1970.since 1970.

Asthma triggersAsthma triggers

Allergens (animal dander, dust, Allergens (animal dander, dust, mites, molds, pollens, foods-mites, molds, pollens, foods-especially seafood & peanuts, etc.)especially seafood & peanuts, etc.)

Lung irritants (tobacco smoke, leaf Lung irritants (tobacco smoke, leaf burning smoke, perfume, chalk, dust, burning smoke, perfume, chalk, dust, etc.)etc.)

Weather changes, e.g. cold airWeather changes, e.g. cold air Infections (colds, sinus infections, Infections (colds, sinus infections,

etc.)etc.) Exercise and overexertionExercise and overexertion ExcitementExcitement

Early Warning Signs of an Early Warning Signs of an Asthma AttackAsthma Attack

Coughing with no coldCoughing with no cold Wheezing (however light), Wheezing (however light),

especially upon exhalingespecially upon exhaling Fast/irregular breathingFast/irregular breathing Upset stomachUpset stomach Tickly throatTickly throat AnxiousnessAnxiousness

Severe Symptoms of AsthmaSevere Symptoms of Asthma

Student stops wheezing, Student stops wheezing, especially with other symptoms.especially with other symptoms.

Increased anxietyIncreased anxiety Cyanosis (bluish skin color)Cyanosis (bluish skin color) Increased effort to breatheIncreased effort to breathe Nostrils flaring with each breathNostrils flaring with each breath Worsening of any early warning Worsening of any early warning

signssigns

What to doWhat to do Keep the victim in a comfortable upright Keep the victim in a comfortable upright

position and leaning slightly forward. This is position and leaning slightly forward. This is known as the “tripod” position. Generally the known as the “tripod” position. Generally the victim will dictate what position is most victim will dictate what position is most tolerable, usually sitting up since that makes it tolerable, usually sitting up since that makes it easier to breathe.easier to breathe.

Check and monitor ABC’s.Check and monitor ABC’s. Try to calm and reassure; help relax the victimTry to calm and reassure; help relax the victim Administer warm fluids if possible.Administer warm fluids if possible. Ask the victim about any asthma medication Ask the victim about any asthma medication

he or she may be using. Usually the victim he or she may be using. Usually the victim will have an inhaler nearby.will have an inhaler nearby.

If the victim does not respond to his or her If the victim does not respond to his or her inhaled medication, seek medical attention inhaled medication, seek medical attention immediately.immediately.

FaintingFainting

A sudden brief loss of consciousness A sudden brief loss of consciousness not associated with a head injury.not associated with a head injury.

Can have either physical or Can have either physical or emotional causes.emotional causes. Sight of bloodSight of blood Strong fearStrong fear Low blood sugarLow blood sugar DehydrationDehydration Heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion AnemiaAnemia

What to look forWhat to look for

A person who is about to faint A person who is about to faint usually will have one or more of the usually will have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:following signs and symptoms: DizzinessDizziness WeaknessWeakness Seeing spotsSeeing spots Visual blurringVisual blurring NauseaNausea Pale skinPale skin SweatingSweating

If a person appears about to If a person appears about to faintfaint Prevent the person from fallingPrevent the person from falling Help the person lie down and raise Help the person lie down and raise

the legs 8 to 12 inches. This position the legs 8 to 12 inches. This position increases venous blood flow back to increases venous blood flow back to the heart, which in turn pumps more the heart, which in turn pumps more blood to the brain.blood to the brain.

Loosen tight clothing at the neck and Loosen tight clothing at the neck and waist.waist.

Stay with the victim until he or she Stay with the victim until he or she recovers.recovers.

If fainting has happened or is If fainting has happened or is anticipatedanticipated

Check ABC’s.Check ABC’s. Loosen tight clothing and belts.Loosen tight clothing and belts. If the victim has fallen, check for any If the victim has fallen, check for any

sign of injury.sign of injury. If injuries allow, turn victim into If injuries allow, turn victim into

recovery position.recovery position. After recovery, have the victim sit for a After recovery, have the victim sit for a

while and, when he or she is able to while and, when he or she is able to swallow, give cool, sweetened liquids swallow, give cool, sweetened liquids to drink, and slowly help the victim to drink, and slowly help the victim regain an upright posture.regain an upright posture.

Fresh air and a cold, wet cloth for the Fresh air and a cold, wet cloth for the face usually aid recovery.face usually aid recovery.

Seek medical attention, if:Seek medical attention, if:

The victim has had repeated attacks of The victim has had repeated attacks of unconsciousness,unconsciousness,

Does not quickly regain consciousness,Does not quickly regain consciousness, Loses consciousness while sitting or lying Loses consciousness while sitting or lying

down,down, Or faints for no apparent reason.Or faints for no apparent reason. Do not:Do not:

Splash or pour water on the victim’s faceSplash or pour water on the victim’s face Use smelling salts or ammonia inhalantsUse smelling salts or ammonia inhalants Slap the victim’s face in an attempt to revive him or Slap the victim’s face in an attempt to revive him or

herher Give the victim anything to drink until he or she has Give the victim anything to drink until he or she has

fully recovered and can swallow.fully recovered and can swallow.

SeizuresSeizures

A seizure is the result of an abnormal A seizure is the result of an abnormal stimulation of the brain’s cells.stimulation of the brain’s cells.

A variety of medical conditions can A variety of medical conditions can lead to seizures, including the lead to seizures, including the following:following: EpilepsyEpilepsy Heat strokeHeat stroke PoisoningPoisoning Electric shockElectric shock HypoglycemiaHypoglycemia High fever in childrenHigh fever in children Brain injury, tumor, or strokeBrain injury, tumor, or stroke Alcohol withdrawal, drug abuse/overdoseAlcohol withdrawal, drug abuse/overdose

Types of SeizuresTypes of Seizures Generalized motor seizures (grand mal)Generalized motor seizures (grand mal)

Characterized by loss of consciousness, muscle Characterized by loss of consciousness, muscle contraction, and sometimes tongue biting, loss of contraction, and sometimes tongue biting, loss of bladder control, and mental confusion. Usually bladder control, and mental confusion. Usually followed by a period of coma or drowsiness.followed by a period of coma or drowsiness.

Focal motor seizuresFocal motor seizures Usually cause one part of the body such as one Usually cause one part of the body such as one

side of the face or an arm to twitch.side of the face or an arm to twitch. Psychomotor (temporal-lobe) seizuresPsychomotor (temporal-lobe) seizures

Characterized by an altered personality state and Characterized by an altered personality state and are often preceded by dizziness or a peculiar are often preceded by dizziness or a peculiar metallic taste in the mouth.metallic taste in the mouth.

Petit mal seizuresPetit mal seizures Characterized by a brief loss of consciousness. Characterized by a brief loss of consciousness.

“Staring off into space” for a brief time.“Staring off into space” for a brief time.


For convulsions and grand mal seizures:For convulsions and grand mal seizures: Cushion the victim’s head; remove items that Cushion the victim’s head; remove items that

could cause injury if the person were to bump could cause injury if the person were to bump into them.into them.

Loosen tight clothing; especially around neck.Loosen tight clothing; especially around neck. Roll the victim onto his or her side.Roll the victim onto his or her side. Look for a medical-alert tagLook for a medical-alert tag As the seizure ends, offer your help. Most As the seizure ends, offer your help. Most

seizures in people with epilepsy are not medical seizures in people with epilepsy are not medical emergencies. They end after a minute or two emergencies. They end after a minute or two without harm and usually do not require medical without harm and usually do not require medical attention.attention.

Call EMS if:Call EMS if:

A seizure happens to someone who is A seizure happens to someone who is not known to have epilepsy or seizure not known to have epilepsy or seizure disorder; it could be a sign of serious disorder; it could be a sign of serious illness.illness.

A seizure lasts more than five minutes.A seizure lasts more than five minutes. The victim is slow to recover, has a The victim is slow to recover, has a

second seizure, or has difficulty second seizure, or has difficulty breathing afterward.breathing afterward.

The victim is pregnant or has another The victim is pregnant or has another medical condition.medical condition.

There are any signs of injury or There are any signs of injury or illnesses.illnesses.

Do not:Do not:

Give the victim anything to eat or Give the victim anything to eat or drink.drink.

Restrain the victim.Restrain the victim. Put anything between the victim’s Put anything between the victim’s

teeth during the seizure.teeth during the seizure. Splash or pour any liquid on the Splash or pour any liquid on the

victim’s face.victim’s face. Move the victim to another place Move the victim to another place

(unless it is the only way to protect (unless it is the only way to protect the victim from injury).the victim from injury).

DiabetesDiabetes

A chronic illness in which the A chronic illness in which the pancreas fails to produce pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, and/or when enough insulin, and/or when insulin cell receptors are insulin cell receptors are defective, an excess of sugar is defective, an excess of sugar is carried throughout the blood carried throughout the blood stream.stream.

Diabetes – SymptomsDiabetes – Symptoms

Initial symptoms generally include Initial symptoms generally include weight loss, visual disorders, weight loss, visual disorders, increased thirst/hunger, frequent increased thirst/hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, and urination, fatigue, irritability, and nausea.nausea.

If left untreated over time, this If left untreated over time, this excess in sugar levels can cause excess in sugar levels can cause permanent visual problems, organ permanent visual problems, organ damage (especially to the damage (especially to the kidneys), cardiovascular kidneys), cardiovascular disorders, and possible death.disorders, and possible death.

Type I DiabetesType I Diabetes

Also known as Also known as juvenile diabetesjuvenile diabetes Requires daily insulin injections Requires daily insulin injections

and sometimes oral medication.and sometimes oral medication. Caused by recessive gene that Caused by recessive gene that

may become activated after an may become activated after an illness, such as strep or mono, illness, such as strep or mono, especially during a growth spurt especially during a growth spurt (age 5-6, 10-11, etc.).(age 5-6, 10-11, etc.).

Type I DiabetesType I Diabetes

Considered an autoimmune Considered an autoimmune disorder whereby the white disorder whereby the white blood cells attack the pancreas blood cells attack the pancreas (beta cells) that normally (beta cells) that normally produce insulin. The beta cells produce insulin. The beta cells will become completely will become completely destroyed generally within a destroyed generally within a year, requiring insulin year, requiring insulin shots/pump/inhaler.shots/pump/inhaler.

Type II DiabetesType II Diabetes

Also known as Also known as adult onsetadult onset diabetesdiabetes

Generally treated with diet, Generally treated with diet, exercise, and oral medications.exercise, and oral medications.

Most experts consider it Most experts consider it preventable.preventable.

DiabetesDiabetes

Normal blood sugar levels Normal blood sugar levels average from 80-120.average from 80-120.

A level of up to 140 is generally A level of up to 140 is generally considered acceptable for an considered acceptable for an insulin dependent diabetic.insulin dependent diabetic.

Diabetic EmergenciesDiabetic Emergencies

Insulin shock – Too much insulin (giving a Insulin shock – Too much insulin (giving a shot with too much insulin; lack of activity; not shot with too much insulin; lack of activity; not eating for a long period of time; etc.)eating for a long period of time; etc.)

Also known as low blood sugar (blood sugar Also known as low blood sugar (blood sugar levels less than 80).levels less than 80).

Symptoms: sudden onset, irritability (cry, Symptoms: sudden onset, irritability (cry, belligerent, etc.), hungry (especially a craving belligerent, etc.), hungry (especially a craving for sweets), perspire excessively, trembling, for sweets), perspire excessively, trembling, dizzy/disoriented/pale, pulse is generally full dizzy/disoriented/pale, pulse is generally full and normal.and normal.

This condition is potentially life threatening.This condition is potentially life threatening.

First Aid for Insulin ShockFirst Aid for Insulin Shock

If victim is known diabetic, his or her If victim is known diabetic, his or her mental status is altered, and is mental status is altered, and is awake enough to swallow:awake enough to swallow:

““Rule of 15’s”Rule of 15’s” Give the person some form of sugar Give the person some form of sugar

such as a sugar cube, soda, candy, such as a sugar cube, soda, candy, raisins, prescribed candy, honey or raisins, prescribed candy, honey or corn syrup.corn syrup.

Symptoms should subside within 10-Symptoms should subside within 10-15 minutes.15 minutes.

Diabetic comaDiabetic coma

Too little insulin (failure to take Too little insulin (failure to take insulin shot; not having enough insulin shot; not having enough insulin with shot; over-activity; insulin with shot; over-activity; illness; improper diet of sugars, illness; improper diet of sugars, alcohol, etc.)alcohol, etc.)

High blood sugar – blood sugar High blood sugar – blood sugar levels above 240. Levels exceeding levels above 240. Levels exceeding 300 can cause kidney and 300 can cause kidney and cardiovascular damage.cardiovascular damage.

First Aid for Diabetic ComaFirst Aid for Diabetic Coma

Symptoms: gradual onset; pulse Symptoms: gradual onset; pulse weak and rapid, thirsty, frequent weak and rapid, thirsty, frequent urination, flushed face, urination, flushed face, vomiting/nausea, fruity breath odor, vomiting/nausea, fruity breath odor, labored breathing, craving for sweets, labored breathing, craving for sweets, irritableirritable

This condition is not immediately life This condition is not immediately life threatening but can result in kidney threatening but can result in kidney damage, eye damage, nerve damage, eye damage, nerve damage, heart damage, etc., over an damage, heart damage, etc., over an extended period of time (years).extended period of time (years).

Make sure that the victim rests; Make sure that the victim rests; maintaining body temperature; maintaining body temperature; letting the victim (or medical letting the victim (or medical staff) administer an insulin shot; staff) administer an insulin shot; seeking medical attention.seeking medical attention.

Poisoning emergenciesPoisoning emergencies

Types of poisoning:Types of poisoning: IngestedIngested InhaledInhaled AbsorbedAbsorbed InjectedInjected

Signs of Swallowed PoisoningSigns of Swallowed Poisoning

Abdominal pain and crampingAbdominal pain and cramping Nausea or vomitingNausea or vomiting DiarrheaDiarrhea Burns, stains, odor near or in Burns, stains, odor near or in

mouthmouth Drowsiness or unconsciousnessDrowsiness or unconsciousness Poison containersPoison containers

1. Determine critical information1. Determine critical information Age and size of victimAge and size of victim What was the poison?What was the poison? How much was taken?How much was taken? When was it swallowed?When was it swallowed?

2. If poison is corrosive or caustic, 2. If poison is corrosive or caustic, dilute by having victim drink water dilute by having victim drink water or milkor milk

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons

(1 of 3)

3. For responsive 3. For responsive victim, call victim, call poison control poison control center center

4. For 4. For unresponsive unresponsive victim, check victim, check ABCs and call ABCs and call 9-1-19-1-1

5. Place victim in 5. Place victim in recovery recovery positionposition


(2 of 3)

6. If advised, induce vomiting6. If advised, induce vomiting7. If advised, give activated 7. If advised, give activated

charcoalcharcoal8. Save poison containers, 8. Save poison containers,

plants, and victim’s vomit to plants, and victim’s vomit to help medical personnel help medical personnel identify poison identify poison


(3 of 3)

EffectiveEffective Acts as a Acts as a

spongesponge Does not absorb Does not absorb

all poisonsall poisons Give only in pre-Give only in pre-

mixed formmixed form

Activated Charcoal

First Aid for Alcohol Emergency First Aid for Alcohol Emergency (1 (1

of 2)of 2)

1. Look for injuries1. Look for injuries

2. Check ABC and treat2. Check ABC and treat

3. Place victim in 3. Place victim in recovery positionrecovery position

4. Call poison control 4. Call poison control centercenter

First Aid for Alcohol Emergency First Aid for Alcohol Emergency (2 (2

of 2)of 2)

5. Leave scene if victim is violent5. Leave scene if victim is violent

6. Provide emotional support6. Provide emotional support

7. Assume injured or unconscious 7. Assume injured or unconscious victim has a spinal injuryvictim has a spinal injury

8. If victim has been exposed to 8. If victim has been exposed to the cold, suspect hypothermiathe cold, suspect hypothermia

Flu-like complaints, but no feverFlu-like complaints, but no fever Symptoms come and goSymptoms come and go Symptoms worsen or improve in Symptoms worsen or improve in

certain places or times of daycertain places or times of day Nearby people have similar Nearby people have similar

complaintscomplaints Pets seem illPets seem ill

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

First Aid for CO PoisoningFirst Aid for CO Poisoning

Remove victim from environment Remove victim from environment immediatelyimmediately

Call EMSCall EMS Monitor ABCMonitor ABC Place unresponsive victim on Place unresponsive victim on

sideside Seek medical attentionSeek medical attention

Resin is slightly Resin is slightly yellow light oilyellow light oil

Identification:Identification: ““Leaflets 3, let it Leaflets 3, let it

be”be” LocationsLocations More than 60 More than 60

plantsplants ““Black spot” testBlack spot” test

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

1. Wash with soapy water or 1. Wash with soapy water or rubbing alcoholrubbing alcohol

2. For mild cases, use calamine 2. For mild cases, use calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, baking lotion, oatmeal baths, baking soda pastesoda paste

3. For severe cases, consult 3. For severe cases, consult doctor for corticosteroiddoctor for corticosteroid

First Aid for Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

Heat and cold injuriesHeat and cold injuries

Heat Loss from the BodyHeat Loss from the Body

Five ways that the Five ways that the body loses heatbody loses heat

ConductionConduction ConvectionConvection EvaporationEvaporation RadiationRadiation RespirationRespiration

Increased Risk of FrostbiteIncreased Risk of Frostbite

Exposure to below freezing Exposure to below freezing temperaturetemperature

Exposure to high windsExposure to high winds Exposure to high altitudeExposure to high altitude

Use of tobacco, alcohol, drugsUse of tobacco, alcohol, drugs

Contact with metal or gasolineContact with metal or gasoline Previous frostbite injuryPrevious frostbite injury

FrostbiteFrostbite

Can cause severe Can cause severe damage resulting in damage resulting in gangrene and amputationgangrene and amputation

Freezes tissueFreezes tissue Obstructs blood supplyObstructs blood supply Body areas most affected Body areas most affected

are feet, hands, ears, are feet, hands, ears, nosenose

Types of FrostbiteTypes of Frostbite

Pre-thawPre-thaw Superficial — skin feels cold and Superficial — skin feels cold and

crusty on top, while soft crusty on top, while soft underneath. Skin underneath. Skin

does not blanchdoes not blanch Deep — skin feels cold and hardDeep — skin feels cold and hard

Post-thaw Post-thaw Similar to burns — superficial, Similar to burns — superficial,

semi-thickness and full-semi-thickness and full-thicknessthickness

First Aid for FrostbiteFirst Aid for Frostbite

1. Remove 1. Remove victim from victim from coldcold

2. Remove tight 2. Remove tight clothingclothing

3. Seek medical 3. Seek medical attentionattention

Cautions for Frostbite Cautions for Frostbite

DO NOTDO NOT Break blistersBreak blisters Rub or Rub or

massagemassage Re-expose to Re-expose to

coldcold Thaw if there is Thaw if there is

a possibility of a possibility of refreezingrefreezing

Allow alcohol or Allow alcohol or smokingsmoking

Remote First Aid for FrostbiteRemote First Aid for Frostbite

If in a remote location, use wet, If in a remote location, use wet, rapid rewarmingrapid rewarming

1. Place body part in warm 1. Place body part in warm water (102-105 ºF)water (102-105 ºF)

2. Place dry, sterile dressings 2. Place dry, sterile dressings between toes and fingers between toes and fingers

3. Slightly elevate part3. Slightly elevate part

4. Give aspirin or ibuprofen4. Give aspirin or ibuprofen

Hypothermia - Types of ExposureHypothermia - Types of Exposure

1. 1. Acute Acute (immersion) exposure(immersion) exposure

2. Sub-acute 2. Sub-acute ((mountain or mountain or exhaustion) exposureexhaustion) exposure

3. Chronic (urban) 3. Chronic (urban) exposureexposure

Types of Hypothermia Types of Hypothermia (1 of 2)(1 of 2)

Mild — body temperature Mild — body temperature higher than 90ºFhigher than 90ºF

Signs:Signs: ShiveringShivering Cold abdomenCold abdomen

Types of Hypothermia Types of Hypothermia (2 of 2)(2 of 2)

Severe or profound — body Severe or profound — body temperature less than 90ºFtemperature less than 90ºF

Signs:Signs: Muscles rigidMuscles rigid Shivering stopped Shivering stopped Altered mental status Altered mental status

50-80% of victims die50-80% of victims die

First Aid for HypothermiaFirst Aid for Hypothermia (1 of 2) (1 of 2)

1. Stop heat loss

• Get victim out of cold

• Cover victim with insulation

• Replace wet clothing

• Cover the head

• Handle victim gently

2. Call EMS for transport

First Aid for HypothermiaFirst Aid for Hypothermia (2 of 2) (2 of 2)

3. For mild hypothermia3. For mild hypothermia Allow shiveringAllow shivering

4. For severe hypothermia4. For severe hypothermia Check ABCCheck ABC Evacuate by helicopter or Evacuate by helicopter or

ambulanceambulance

Cautions for Hypothermia Cautions for Hypothermia (1 of 2)(1 of 2)

DO NOTDO NOT Give alcoholGive alcohol Give a warm drink Give a warm drink Start CPR until pulse has been Start CPR until pulse has been

checked for 30- 45 secondschecked for 30- 45 seconds Rewarm outside of hospitalRewarm outside of hospital

Cautions for Hypothermia Cautions for Hypothermia (2 of 2(2 of 2))

DO NOT stop shivering by: DO NOT stop shivering by: Immersing in warm waterImmersing in warm water Using chemical heat Using chemical heat

packspacks Body-to-body contactBody-to-body contact

Immersion HypothermiaImmersion Hypothermia

““Rule of 50s”Rule of 50s” 50-year-old man50-year-old man 50ºF water50ºF water 50 minutes in 50 minutes in

waterwater 50:50 chance of 50:50 chance of

survivalsurvival

Extremely hot skin — usually Extremely hot skin — usually dry, but may be wetdry, but may be wet

Altered mental status Altered mental status

• • If responsive, maybe If responsive, maybe confused and/or agitated confused and/or agitated

• • UnresponsiveUnresponsive ComaComa

Signs of Heat Stroke

1. Check ABC1. Check ABC

2. Move to cool place2. Move to cool place

3. Remove clothing 3. Remove clothing down to underweardown to underwear

4. Seek medical 4. Seek medical attentionattention

5. Rapidly cool 5. Rapidly cool

First Aid for Heat Stroke

Cooling method based on Cooling method based on humidityhumidity

If humidity less than 75%, If humidity less than 75%, use water and fan use water and fan

If humidity more than 75%, If humidity more than 75%, use ice/cold packs on neck, use ice/cold packs on neck, armpits, and groinarmpits, and groin

Cooling Methods for Heat Stroke

Continue cooling after victim’s Continue cooling after victim’s mental status improves — mental status improves — danger of hypothermia.danger of hypothermia.

Use rubbing alcohol sponging Use rubbing alcohol sponging or baths — can be absorbed or baths — can be absorbed into blood and vapors can into blood and vapors can ignite.ignite.

Give aspirin or acetaminophen Give aspirin or acetaminophen — they do not affect — they do not affect hypothalmic set-pointhypothalmic set-point

Heat Stroke DO NOTS

Other Heat IllnessesOther Heat Illnesses

Heat syncopeHeat syncope Heat edemaHeat edema Prickly heatPrickly heat

Profuse sweatingProfuse sweating Flu-like symptoms Flu-like symptoms

(headache, nausea, (headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizzy)vomiting, fatigue, dizzy)

Rapid pulseRapid pulse ThirstThirst

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

1. Move to a cool place 1. Move to a cool place

2. Give cool liquids2. Give cool liquids

3. Raise victim’s legs 8 to 12 3. Raise victim’s legs 8 to 12 inchesinches

4. Remove excess clothing4. Remove excess clothing

5. Sponge and fan victim5. Sponge and fan victim

6. If no improvement in 30 6. If no improvement in 30 minutes, seek medical attention minutes, seek medical attention

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

1. Rest in a cool place1. Rest in a cool place

2. Give lightly salted or electrolyte 2. Give lightly salted or electrolyte drink drink

3. Stretch cramped muscle3. Stretch cramped muscle Use acupressure method — pinch Use acupressure method — pinch

upper lip just below the noseupper lip just below the nose

First Aid for Heat Cramps

Should electrolytes be added?Should electrolytes be added? Victim very unlikely to have Victim very unlikely to have

deficiencydeficiency

• • Exception — if physical activity Exception — if physical activity exceeds 4 hours exceeds 4 hours

Sports Drinks

How important is water?How important is water? Average adult requires 2 quarts Average adult requires 2 quarts

a daya day Thirst not a good indicatorThirst not a good indicator ““Rule of 3s”Rule of 3s”

3 minutes without oxygen3 minutes without oxygen3 days without water3 days without water3 weeks without food3 weeks without food

Water

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Sudden Illnesses