First Aid: Medical Emergancies

What are the actions for using an epinephrine pen?

1.) Get the prescribed epinephrine pen. 2.) Take off the safety cap. Follow the instructions on the pen. 3.) Hold the epinephrine pen in your fist without touching either end because the needle comes out of one end. 4.) Push the end with the needle hard against the side of the person's thigh, about halfway between the hip and knee. Give the injection through clothes or on bare skin. 5.) Hold the pen in place for about 10 seconds. 6.) Remove the needle by pulling the pen straight out.

What are the steps to be taken if someone is responding and shows signs of low blood sugar?

1.) If the person can sit up and swallow, give him something that contains sugar to eat or drink. 2.) Have him sit quietly or lie down. 3.) Phone or have someone phone your emergency response number (911).

What actions should be taken if someone has signs of a possible heart attack?

1.) Make sure the person stays calm and rest. 2.) Phone or have someone else phone your emergency response number (or 911). 3.) Ask someone to get the first aid kit and AED if available. 4.) If the person has no allergy to aspirin, no serious breathing, and no signs of stroke, give him an aspirin. 5.) Give CPR if necessary.

What are the steps to caring for someone who is having a stroke?

1.) Make sure the scene is safe. 2.) Phone or ask someone to phone your emergency response number (911) and get the first aid kit and an AED if available. 3.) Note the time when the signs of a stroke first appeared. 4.) See if the person needs CPR.

What are the steps to assist an individual in shock?

1.) Make sure the scene is safe. 2.) Phone or send someone to phone your company's emergency response number ( or 911) and get the first aid kit and AED. 3.) Help the person lie on her back. 4.) Cover the person in shock to keep her warm. 5.) See if the person needs CPR. If so, give it.

What are the steps for a severe allergic reaction?

1.) Make sure the scene is safe. 2.) Phone or send someone to phone your emergency response number (or 911) and get the first aid kit. 3.) If the person responds and has an epinephrine pen, help him get it. Ask him to use it. 4.) If he can't use it himself, and you're allowed, use the epinephrine pen to give him an injection. 5.) Rub the injection spot for about 10 seconds. 6.) After using the epinephrine pen, dispose of it properly. 7.) Note the time of the injection. Also try to keep a sample of what caused the reaction. 8.) See if the person needs CPR. If he does, give him CPR. If you know how, give Hands-Only CPR.

If an individual is having a seizure, what steps should one take?

1.) Make sure the scene is safe. 2.) Protect the person by... ~ Moving furniture or other objects out of the way ~ Placing a small pad or towel under the person's head if it's easy to do so 3.) Phone or have someone phone your company's emergency response number (911).

After an individual has a seizure, what steps should one take?

1.) See if the person needs CPR. Give CPR if necessary. 2.) Stay with the person until someone with more advanced training arrives and takes over. 3.) If the person is vomiting or has fluids in the mouth and you think the person doesn't have a head, neck, or spinal injury, roll him to his side.

What is diabetes?

A disease that affects levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetics typically take insulin.

What are signs of shock?

A person in shock may... ~ Feel weak, faint, or dizzy ~ Feel nauseous or thirsty ~ Have pale or grayish skin ~ Act restless, agitated, or confused ~ Be cold and clammy to the touch

What is a seizure?

A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain.

What causes a stroke?

A stroke occurs if there is bleeding or a blocked vessel in the brain.

What is an epinephrine pen?

An epinephrine pen is given to someone suffering from a severe allergic reaction, as it will allow them to breathe more easily. This contains a small amount of medicine that starts working minutes after injection and can be injected through the clothes.

What is fainting?

Fainting is a short period when a person stops responding for less than a minute and then seems fine.

What is fainting typically caused by?

Fainting is typically caused by a lack of blood going to the brain.

When is shock often present in adults?

If someone... ~ Loses a lot of blood that you may or may not be able to see ~ Has a severe heart attack ~ Has a severe allergic reaction

Where is the epinephrine injection given?

In the side of the thigh

When does shock develop?

Shock develops when there is not enough blood flowing to the cells of the body.

What are signs of low blood sugar?

~ A change in behavior, such as confusion or irritability ~ Sleepiness or not responding ~ Hunger, thirst, or weakness ~ Sweating, pale skin color ~ A seizure

What are the signs of a mild allergic reaction?

~ A stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching around the eyes ~ Itching of the skin ~ Raised, red rash on the skin (hives)

What can signs of a heart attack in women, the elderly, and diabetics?

~ Aches in the chest ~ Heartburn ~ Indigestion

What are the signs of a heart attack?

~ Chest discomfort ~ Discomfort in other areas of the upper body ~ Shortness of breath ~ Nausea ~ Cold Sweats ~ Light-headedness

What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction?

~ Difficulty breathing ~ Swelling of the tongue and face ~ Signs of shock

What are the key things people are allergic to?

~ Foods, such as eggs, nuts, and chocolate ~ Insect stings or bites, especially bee or wasp

What might cause low blood sugar in a person with diabetes?

~ If the individual has not eaten or is vomiting. ~ If the individual has not eaten enough food for the level of activity. ~ If the person has injected too much insulin.

Why might a person faint?

~ If they stand without moving for a long time, especially if the weather is hot. ~ If they have a heart condition. ~ If they suddenly stand after squatting or bending down. ~ If they receive bad news.

During some types of seizures, the person may....

~ Lose muscle control ~ Fall to the ground ~ Jerk arms, legs, or other parts of the body ~ Stop responding

What are typical causes of a seizure?

~ Some seizures are occur when the heart stops beating ~ Head injuries ~ Low blood sugar ~ Heat- related injuries ~ Poisons

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

~ Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. This is especially on one side of the body. ~ Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding. ~ Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes. ~ Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. ~ Sudden, severe headaches with no known cause