How to respond correctly to some of the most urgent emergencies.
Responding to a heart attack
When responding to a heart attack, it is important to recognise the description of typical chest pain. This can include tightness or pressure in the chest, as well as radiating pain that spreads across the upper body and down the left arm.
It may also be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea and sweating. If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, it is essential to get help quickly.
Call emergency services immediately and provide any necessary first aid until medical assistance arrives. If oxygen is available, give this to the person suffering from a heart attack; however do not attempt CPR unless they are in cardiac arrest.
Getting help quickly allows to administer medical therapy and reduce the damage to the heart muscle in a heart attack. Time is heart!
Note, however, that the description of the chest pain varies significantly and in many cases this can be mistaken for heartburn or other mild and common ailments, so better to err on the side of caution!
Responding to a stroke
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to cell death and potential long-term damage.
Recognising stroke symptoms quickly can be critical in ensuring timely treatment and minimising permanent disability. Common signs include facial droop on one side, arm weakness or speech problems such as slurred words or difficulty understanding others.
If you suspect someone may be having a stroke, it is essential to get help immediately as every second counts in preventing further damage from occurring. Time is brain!
Getting the affected person to hospital quickly will allow for treatments to be started in an effort to reduce the area of the brain damaged.
While awaiting emergency services or en route to a medical facility, watch out for common complications – reduction in consciousness level, vomiting or falls and injuries.
Responding to choking
Choking is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It can be mild or severe, and the response should depend on the severity of the choking episode.
If a person is able to speak or cough, it indicates mild choking and they should be encouraged to continue coughing in order to clear their airway.
However, if they are unable to speak or cough then this indicates severe choking and back blows or abdominal thrusts may be necessary in order to open their airway.
Back blows involve standing behind the person who is choking and delivering five sharp blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand; while abdominal thrusts involve standing behind them, wrapping your arms around their waist and making a fist with one hand before pushing sharply into their abdomen just above their belly button.
Both techniques require practice in order for them to be performed correctly; however when done properly they can help dislodge an obstruction from someone’s airway quickly and effectively.
In both cases it is important not to perform these manoeuvres too forcefully as this could cause further damage such as broken ribs or internal bleeding.
Responding to seizure
Recognising a generalised tonic-clonic seizure – the type people most commonly think of when they hear the word ‘seizure – is important in order to provide the correct treatment.
Signs of this type of seizure include stiffening of the body, jerking movements of the limbs and loss of consciousness.
It is essential to ensure safety by removing any nearby objects that could cause injury during the seizure, such as furniture or sharp objects.
Once it has been established that the person is having a seizure, they should be placed into the recovery position on their side with their head tilted back slightly to keep their airway open.
Call for professional help immediatelly and provide supportive care until medical assistance arrives.
Start a timer when the seizure begins so that you can monitor its duration. Infom emergency medical help of the duration, as this will help them guide treatment.
Responding to hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when the body’s blood sugar levels drop too low, and can be caused by diabetes or certain medications. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, sweating and shakiness.
If the person is conscious then they should be given a sugary snack or drink to raise their blood sugar levels quickly. If they are unconscious then call for help immediately.
Monitor the person closely after administering a sugary snack or drink; if symptoms persist then seek further medical assistance as soon as possible.
Be aware that some people with diabetes may not experience any warning signs before experiencing hypoglycaemic episodes so regular monitoring of their blood glucose levels is essential for prevention and early detection of any changes in their health status.
Responding to Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and it is important to be able to differentiate between the two. A mild allergic reaction may cause itching, hives or a rash on the skin, sneezing or coughing, watery eyes and a runny nose.
Anaphylactic shock is an extreme form of allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention; symptoms include difficulty breathing due to swelling in the throat and airways, dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.
If you suspect someone is having an allergic reaction then call for help immediately as this could be life-threatening.
Initiating treatment for an allergic reaction involves supportive care such as keeping the person calm and comfortable while waiting for emergency services. If they are conscious then give them antihistamines if available; if they are unconscious then place them into recovery position with their head tilted back slightly so that their airway remains open.
Monitor them closely until help arrives; if there is any sign of deterioration then seek further medical assistance without delay.
Responding to a suspected poisoning or overdose
Recognising a possible poisoning or overdose can be difficult, as symptoms vary depending on the type of poison ingested. Common signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, confusion or disorientation, drowsiness or fatigue and changes in skin colour. Specific symptoms of toxins and drugs vary significantly.
If you suspect someone has been poisoned or taken an overdose then it is important to seek medical help immediately – especially if airway, breathing or circulation (ABC) are compromised. Do not try to treat them yourself as this could cause further harm.
It is also important to be aware that usually professional help is required when dealing with suspected poisoning cases. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional; instead call for emergency services and provide information about what was ingested if known.
It may also be necessary to collect any remaining substances from the scene for analysis by doctors so they can identify the exact substance involved and determine an appropriate course of treatment.
Handling extreme temperatures
Heat stroke is a medical emergency caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing and heart rate, flushed skin and headache.
It is important to move the person out of direct sunlight or heat as soon as possible and provide them with cool fluids such as water or sports drinks.
If available, apply cold compresses to their head, neck and armpits for 10-15 minutes at a time until their body temperature drops below 102°F (39°C). Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.
Frostbite occurs when exposed skin becomes frozen due to extreme cold temperatures. Signs of frostbite include numbness in the affected area; pale or waxy looking skin; hardening of the tissue; blisters filled with clear fluid; swelling around the affected area; pain upon thawing that can last up to 48 hours after rewarming has occurred.
To treat frostbite it is important not to rub or massage the affected area but instead slowly warm it using lukewarm water (not hot) for 15-30 minutes until sensation returns.
Do not use direct heat sources such as heating pads on frostbitten areas as this can cause further damage. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist or worsen following treatment at home.
