Report Copyright Infringement View in OSM UK

Description

First aid instruction on some advanced first aid ... Heart attack, Stroke, Angina, Anaphylaxis

Resources

(none)

Instructions

First Aid – Heart Attack [20 mins]
• One of the most common life-threatening conditions in the UK, caused by blood vessels that supply the heart becoming blocked, and part of the heart ceasing to function/dying.
• Symptoms – Lips turning blue; Profuse sweating; May have been complaining of stomach ache earlier in the day; Extreme gasping for air; Sudden fainting or dizziness; Persistent vice-like central chest pain
• Treatment – Sit the person down; Call for an ambulance immediately even if you are not sure about the symptoms; If the person is conscious give them an ASPRIN (not paracetemol etc) to chew; Keep them calm and reassure.

First Aid – Stroke [20 mins]
• Similar to a heart attack in that it is caused by blocked blood vessels, but in this instance in relation to the brain.
• Symptoms – Loss of movement or coordination to one side of the body; Remember FAST … Facial weakness, ask the person to smile, is it even … Arm weakness, ask the person to raise their arms … Speech, ask some questions, does the person understand and can they speak … Time to call for help, dial 999
• Treatment – Sit the casualty down and reassure them; Treat for shock

First Aid – Angina [20 mins]
• Symptoms similar to a heart attack, though the main differences are that (i) it is a diagnosed condition ie the casualty will know that they have Angina and (ii) unlike a heart attack the symptoms will stop and go away with rest.
• Treatment – Get the casualty to rest and relax, reassure the casualty; If the casualty has prescribed medication, then assist them to take it (common medication is GTN which comes as a liquid and is sprayed under the tongue); The symptoms should stop and the casualty should become well. No further treatment is needed.
• If the casualty does not recover after 10 minutes or if the casualty has not been diagnosed with Angina, assume that they are having a heart attack and get an ambulance.

First Aid – Anaphylaxis [20 mins]
• A severe and sometimes life threatening allergic reaction to something that the casualty has come in contact with, for example some people are massively allergic to bee stings or nuts to the extent where it may stop them breathing.
• Look out for the telltale signs of an allergic reaction: Itching, Redness, Welts, Dry mouth, Trouble breathing or wheezing, Dizziness, Weakness.
• Try to remove the source of the allergy, ie remove the sting, being careful not to squeeze the poison sack, wash the area with running water etc
• Some people who are aware that they may suffer from Anaphylaxis may carry medication with them in the form of an auto-injecting syringe called an “EpiPen” which contains Adrenaline.
• To use: Pull the grey cap off the device; Firmly press the black end into the casualties thigh and hold there for at least 10 seconds. Be very careful with the exposed needle when complete. This is a life saver

Tags

• anaphylaxis
• angina
• first aid
• Heart attack
• stroke

Badge Links

• Emergency Aid - Heart Attack
• Emergency Aid - Heart Attack
• Emergency Aid - Stroke