MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Flashcards

0
Q

EXPECTANT MOTHERS

A

UNTIL THE END OF 28TH WEEK - NO MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED.

29TH WEEK UNTIL THE END OF THE 36TH WEEK - MUST HAVE A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE STATING; FIT TO FLY & EXPECTED DATE OF DELIVERY.

NOT PERMITTED TO TRAVEL AT THE 37TH WEEK ON WARDS.

MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES ACCEPTED UNTIL END OF THE 32ND WEEK.

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1
Q

AIR SICKNESS

A

Sickness caused by motion.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pale skin
• Cold sweat
• Dizziness

MANAGEMENT
• Reassure.

• Gainhistory–use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

• Open air vent for fresh air.

• Recline seat.

• Advise casualty to breathe deeply and slowly and to look at a fixed object.

• Offer an air sickness bag.

• Offer medication for motion sickness from the FAK – check precautions.

• Inform SFS/Purser FlightDeck.

• If required contact MedLink using the Tempus IC.

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2
Q

ALCOHOL INTOXICATION

A

This is a state caused by an excessive consumption of alcohol.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Odour of alcohol.
• Slurred speech.
• Eyes blood shot.
• Face flushed.
• Breathing slow and deep.
• Possible vomiting.
• Loss or altered level of consciousness.
MANAGEMENT

• Offer non-alcoholic drinks i.e. water, soft drinks.

• Delay and dilute alcoholic drinks.

• Distract by conversation.

• Omit alcohol if possible.

• Inform SFS/Purser & FlightDeck.

• Follow the DRSABCD action plan if the casualty
becomes unconscious.

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3
Q

ALLERGY

A

An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body’s defence system to a certain substance such as dust, pollen, animal fur, or specific foods or drugs. Recognition features vary depending on the type of reaction which can be mild or severe (anaphylactic reaction).

Signs and Symptoms

• Red, itchy rash.
• Raised, pale areas of skin (‘wheals’or‘hives’).
• Runny, itchy nose and sneezing.
• Itchy, red and watery eyes.

MANAGEMENT

• Reassure.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

•Encourage casualty to take own medication if available.

• Give oxygen.

• Sit in upright position.

• Inform Flight Deck and SFS/Purser.

• Contact MedLink – use Tempus IC if available.

•Administer medication for allergies (antihistamine) from the FAK/EMK.

*Telfast should be administered from the EMK first until all FAK’s have been updated.

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4
Q

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

A

A life threatening severe allergic reaction, affecting the whole body which can be fatal. Common triggers include nuts, seafood, certain drugs and insect stings.

Signs & Symptoms
• Swelling of face, tongue and airway.
• Difficulty in breathing with wheezing sound.
• Anxiety.
• Itchy rashes or hives on face and body.
• Signs and symptoms of shock.
• Loss or altered level of consciousness.

MANAGEMENT

Follow EPIPEN procedure then:

•Reassure.

•Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

•Sit in upright position.

•Monitor vital signs.

•Treat for shock.

•Inform SFS/Purser and Flight Deck.

•If casualty becomes unconscious, follow the DRSABCD action plan.

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5
Q

APPENDICITIS

A

It is an inflammation in the appendix due to infection.

• Right-sided lower abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever–flushed face.
• Rapidpulse.
• Signs and symptoms of shock as the condition worsens.

MANAGEMENT

• Reassure.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

• Give nothing to eat or drink and no medication.

• Let the casualty assume most comfortable
position.

• Keep casualty warm.

• InformSFS/Purser & Flight Deck.

• Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.

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6
Q

ASTHMA

A

A condition in which air passages of the lungs tighten due to irritation and allergic reactions, making it difficult to breathe. Severe asthma is potentially life threatening.

• Difficulty in breathing especially when breathing out.
• Dry cough.
• Wheezing sound.
• Blueness of the face lips and nailbed. May develop hypoxia.
• Anxiety.
• Difficulty in speaking.
• Possible loss of consciousness.

MANAGEMENT

• Reassure.

• Gain medical history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

•Advise casualty to take their own medication. If they do not have it with them, offer the inhaler for asthma from the FAK.

• Do not over crowd the casualty.

• Use EZ spacer if necessary.

• InformSFS/PurserandFlightDeck.

•Sit in an upright position leaning slightly forward to assist breathing.

• Monitor vital signs.

• Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.

Note: Contact Medlink immediately if:
• The casualty has no history of asthma.
• There is no improvement after 2 puffs of the inhaler.
• The casualty cannot complete a sentence.

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7
Q

CHILDBIRTH

A

The process of child birth or giving birth is known as “labour” and will last several hours. Labor consists of 3 stages.

First Stage | Full dilation of the cervix (approximately 4-18 hours).

Second Stage | Delivery of the baby (approximately 10 minutes to 1 hour).

Third Stage | Delivery of Placenta (approximately 15-30 minutes after the baby delivery).

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8
Q

CARE FOR UMBILICAL CORD

A
  • If the cord is around the baby’s neck, attempt to remove cord by gently lifting it over the baby’s head. If not possible, place cord clamps 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart and cut it when the cord turns white in between the clamps, using sterile scissors.
  • If baby is delivered with no cord around the neck, then place plastic cord clamps once pulsation on the cord has stopped. Apply the first clamp 6 inches (15 cm) from baby’s abdomen, Apply second cord clamp 9 inches (23 cm) from baby’s abdomen.
  • Cut the cord with sterile scissors when the cord turns white in between the 2 clamps.
  • Never remove the cord clamps.
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9
Q

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

A

A condition in which small blood clot(s) develop in the deep veins, most commonly in the lower leg. Risk factors for developing a DVT can include: Recent surgery, previous history, immobility, blood clotting disorder.

  • Pain and tenderness in the leg.
    • Swelling, warmth and redness in the leg.

Additional signs and symptoms might include:
* Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood.
• Possible unconsciousness.

MANAGEMENT
• Reassure.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

• Raise the leg and advise not to walk around.

• Do not massage the affected area as this might dislodge the clot.

• Inform SFS/Purser & FlightDeck.

• Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.

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10
Q

HYPOGLYCEMIA

A

Signs & Symptoms

• Rapid onset (within minutes).
• Hungry.
• May become aggressive.
• Confused and disorientated, may appear drunk.
• Pale and sweaty skin.
• Weak and dizzy.
• Tremors and shakes.
• Rapid pulse.
• Altered level of consciousness.

MANAGEMENT

  • Reassure.
  • Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.
  • Give oxygen.
  • Give sweet drinks or sugar/honey/jam.
  • Provide substantial food (meal/sandwich).
  • Inform SFS/Purser & Flight Deck.
  • Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.
  • MedLink may advice use of medication from the EMK.
  • Follow the DRSABCD action plan if the casualty becomes unconscious.
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11
Q

HYPERGLYCEMIA

A

Signs Symptoms

• Gradual in onset (hours to days).
• Dry warm skin.
• ExcessiveThirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Acetone breath.
• Restlessness.
• Drowsy and lethargic.
• Altered level of consciousness.

MANAGEMENT

  • Reassure.
  • Gain history–use SAMPLE technique.
  • Give oxygen.
  • Encourage to take own medication; insulin.
  • Encourage to drink plenty of water.
  • Inform SFS/Purser & Flight Deck.
  • Contact Medlink using Tempus IC if available.
  • Follow the DRSABCD action plan if the casualty becomes unconscious.
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12
Q

DIARRHEA

A

A frequent or urgent need to have bowel movements which may be runny or watery. If not treated it can cause excessive loss of body fluids resulting in dehydration or medical shock.

Signs and Symptoms

• Abdominal pain/cramps.
• Frequent watery or looses tools.

MANAGEMENT
• Reassure.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen.

• Offer medication for diarrhoea from the FAK.

• Offer clear fluids and constipating food e.g.bread,
crackers.

• Inform SFS/Purser and Flight Deck.

• Monitor closely and contact MedLink using
Tempus IC if required.

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13
Q

DRUG OVERDOSE

A

This may result from an accidental or deliberate overdose, or from drug abuse. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of drug.

Signs and Symptoms

• Abnormal behavior.
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Sweating.
• Unconsciousness.

MANAGEMENT

• Reassure.
• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.
• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.
• Ask the casualty about the drug and quantity taken.
• Place in a comfortable position.
• Inform SFS/Purser & Flight Deck.
• Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.
• Follow the DRSABCD action plan if the casualty becomes unconscious.

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14
Q

FAINTING

A

A brief loss of consciousness due to a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Dizziness and weakness.
• Pale, cold and clammy skin.
• Slow pulse.
• Brief loss of consciousness.
• Slow verbal response.
• Possible nausea.

MANAGEMENT

• Reassure.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

• Lay flat and elevate the legs.

• Keep warm but do not overheat.

• Provide something to eat if casualty has not eaten anything recently.

• Slowly sit upright and assist casualty back to seat when fully recovered.

• Inform SFS/Purser & FlightDeck.

• Contact MedLink using TempusIC if required.

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15
Q

TONIC CLONIC SEIZURES

A

A brief disturbance to the normal function of the brain.

• There may be a warning sign (aura) – particular smell, taste, sound or sight.
• A loud, sharp cry.
• Muscles will become stiff and rigid.
• Can stop breathing for about 30-60 seconds, the face can turn pale or red.
• Eyes can be fixed or staring.
• Jerky and forceful movements
• Clenching the jaw(may bite the tongue).
• Possible foaming in the mouth, may be blood stained.
• Loss of bowel and bladder control.
• Possible unconsciousness for a few minutes after the fit.
• Once conscious, they maybe confused or sleepy.

MANAGEMENT

• Move objects away and pad around the casualty to protect from injury.

• Do not restrain or put anything inside the mouth.

• Time the seizure.

• Once seizure is over, check for normal breathing and if breathing, place in recovery position and give oxygen.

• Inform SFS/Purser & Flight Deck.

• Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.

IMPORTANT: Contact MedLink immediately if:

• There is no past history of fits or seizures.
• Repeated fits occur.
• The fit lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• It is the first time having a seizure.
• The casualty is pregnant.
• The fit occurs following a head injury.
• The casualty does not regain consciousness after 10minutes.

16
Q

FEBRILE CONVULSIONS

A

A brief disturbance to the normal function of the brain in infants.

Signs & Symptoms

• Elevated body temperature (above 40°C/104°F).
• Hot flushed skin and sweating.
• Twitching of the face with fixed or
upturned eyes.
• Forceful muscle contractions in the body causing arched back and clenched fists.
• Holding the breath or drooling at the mouth.
• Loss or altered level of consciousness.

MANAGEMENT

  • Move objects away and pad around the casualty to protect from injury.
  • Time the seizure.
  • Encourage parent/guardian to remove excess clothing leaving the nappy or underpants.
  • Sponge with room temperature water.
  • Monitor temperature regularly.
  • Once seizure is over, check for normal breathing and if breathing, place in recovery position and give oxygen.
  • If the child is fully conscious, give Paracetamol drops from the FAK.
  • Inform SFS/Purser & Flight Deck.
  • Contact MedLink using Tempus IC if available.

IMPORTANT: Contact MedLink immediately if:

• There is no past history of fits or seizures.
• Repeated fits occur.
• The fit lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• It is the first time having a seizure.
• The casualty is pregnant.
• The fit occurs following a head injury.
• The casualty does not regain consciousness after 10minutes.

17
Q

FOOD POISONING

A

Condition caused by swallowing either contaminated food or water.

Signs and Symptoms

• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT
• Reassure.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Give oxygen.

•Offer medication for diarrhea and cramps from the FAK.

• Offer clear fluids if the casualty can tolerate.

• Offer an airsickness bag.

• Inform SFS/Purser and Flight Deck.

•Monitor closely and contact MedLink using Tempus IC if required.

18
Q

ANGINA

A

Chest pain caused by narrowed coronary arteries from fatty build ups resulting in insufficient blood supply and oxygen to the heart muscle. This is usually relieved by rest, medication and oxygen.

Signs & Symptoms

• Gripping central chest pain spreading to jaw and down one (usually left) or both arms.
• Shortness of breath.
• Anxiety.
• Signs and symptoms of shock:
– Skin pale or blue, sweaty and clammy.
– Pulse weak and rapid.
– Nausea and vomiting.
– Weakness.

MANAGEMENT

  • Reassure.
  • Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.
  • Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.
  • Inform SFS/Purser and FlightDeck.
  • Ask casualty to take their own medication if
    available.
  • Contact MedLink – they may advise the use of
    medication from the EMK.
  • Monitor closely using the Tempus IC (ECG in
    conjunction with MedLink).
  • Keep in an upright or half-sitting position.
  • Keep at rest. If necessary to move the casualty,
    use the on-board wheelchair.
  • If casualty becomes unconscious, follow the
    DRSABCD action.

If chest pain does not ease with medication, rest and oxygen after 15 minutes, treat as a suspected heart attack.

19
Q

HEART ATTACK

A

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely.

Signs & Symptoms

• Persistent central chest pain spreading to jaw and down one (usually left) or both arms.
• Shortness of breath.
• Anxiety/Impending sense of doom.
• Signs and symptoms of shock:
– Skin pale or blue, sweaty and clammy.
– Pulse weak and rapid.
– Nausea and vomiting.
– Weakness.
• Possible unconsciousness.

MANAGEMENT
• Reassure.

• Give oxygen and loosen tight clothing.

• Gain history – use SAMPLE technique.

• Inform SFS/Purser and FlightDeck.

• Administer the following medication:
– Medication for suspected heart attack* from the FAK/ EMK.
– Antacid medication from the Amenities Container/FAK.

• Contact MedLink – they may advise the use of
medication from the EMK.

• Monitor closely using the Tempus IC (ECG in
conjunction with MedLink).

• Keep in an upright or half-sitting position.

• Keep at rest. If necessary to move the casualty,
use the on-board wheelchair.

• If casualty becomes unconscious, follow the
DRSABCD action.

20
Q

CARDIAC ARREST

A

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops functioning due to a malfunction in the electrical system of the heart.

Signs & Symptoms
• Unresponsive.
• No signs of normal breathing.

MANAGEMENT
•Follow the DRSABCD action plan and start CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (defibrillator).
• Inform SFS/Purser and Flight Deck.

21
Q

HYPERVENTILATION

A

OVER BREATHING CAUSED BY DECREASED CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE BLOOD

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Visible over-breathing, deep/heavy breath, dizzy, blurred vision, tingling at surface of skin, spasm in hands/feet/face, loss of balance, fainting

MANAGEMENT
Ask casualty to breath slowly, reassure, give O2.
If persists may be HYPOXIA

22
Q

HYPOXIA

A

LACK OF OXYGEN IN THE BLOOD CELLS AND TISSUES

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Headache, dizzy, difficulty in breathing, blue skin/lips/ears/ fingernails, tired, fatigued, loss of co-ordination & concentration, loss of normal vision, euphoria

MANAGEMENT
CONTACT MEDLINK, maintain open airway, treat cause, give O2

23
Q

NOSE BLEED

A

MANAGEMENT

Sit upright, tilt head slightly forward, pinch fleshy part of nostrils for 10 min, release pressure.

If bleeding continues, repeat for another 10 min. Ask casualty not to blow nose.

CONTACT MEDLINK if bleeding lasts more than 30 mins.

24
Q

BURNS

A

SUPERFICIAL: outer layer of skin - appears red & inflamed, pain in area.

PARTIAL THICKNESS: outer layer & underlying tissue of skin - appears red & blistered, pain in area.

FULL THICKNESS: full depth of skin - charred/waxy appearance, no pain (nerve end damage)

MANAGEMENT

•Place affected area in cool water for 10 min
•Remove jewellery & restrictive clothing
•Apply SILVADIAZINE (FAK), WATERGEL/ HYDROGEL (FAK) cover with loose dressing, elevate affected part, treat for shock, inform SFS/PURSER & CAPT., Contact MedLink

25
Q

CLOSED FRACTURES

A

A CRACK OR BREAK IN A BONE

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

CLOSED (broken bone & skin intact) - feels/hears bone break, pain, deformity partial/complete loss of movement, swelling, bruising, possible shock

MANAGEMENT
Steady & support affected part, immobilise using sam splint, elevate part

26
Q

OPEN FRACTURE

A

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

OPEN (broken bone & protrudes through skin) – wound evident, protruding bone, moderate/severe bleeding, pain

MANAGEMENT
Wear gloves, cover wound with sterile dressing & apply indirect pressure around bone, secure dressing & bandage, check circulation, immobilise & elevate

27
Q

SPRAINS & STRAINS

A

SPRAIN (OVER STRETCHING A LIGAMENT AT A JOINT)

Pain, swelling, bruising, loss of movement

STRAIN ( OVER STRETCHING OR TEARING A MUSCLE OR TENDON)

Pain, cramping & stiffness

RICE - REST affected part, ICE to reduce swelling, COMPRESS with cream bandage, ELEVATE

28
Q

NECK & BACK INJURY

A

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Pain, loss of sensation/weak in arms/legs, difficulty breathing, head injury, etc

MANAGEMENT
Do not move, reassure, assess casualty, keep head aligned to body, give O2

29
Q

HEAT EXHAUSTION

A

LOSS OF FLUIDS & SALTS FROM EXCESSIVE SWEATING CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO HEAT/HUMIDITY (Gradual onset)

Signs & Symptoms

Casualty looks exhausted, pale/cold/clammy skin, rapid pulse & breathing, headache, dizzy, nausea, muscular cramps, may faint.

MANAGEMENT

Move casualty to cool place & replace lost fluids with small sips of water, lay flat & elevate legs

30
Q

HEAT STROKE

A

CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY (Sudden onset)

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Headache, feels hot, weak, dizzy, nausea, hot/flushed/dry skin, body temp over 41 C, rapid pulse, rapid breathing.

MANAGEMENT
CONTACT MEDLINK, use cool compress (wet towels), keep head cool, give cool drinks, open air vents, remove excess clothing, give O2,
IF CONSCIOUS – place in half sitting position support head & shoulders
IF UNCONSCIOUS – check ABC, if breathing place in recovery position

31
Q

SHOCK

A

REDUCTION IN AMOUNT OF CIRCULATING BLOOD VOLUME – WHEN BLOOD SUPPLY TO BRAIN IS REDUCED, CASUALTY MAY BECOME UNCONSCIOUS.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Weak, dizzy, rapid/weak pulse, pale/blue/cold/clammy skin, severe chill/ body shakes, nausea, vomiting, slow verbal response, restless/agitated, may complain of thirst, fast/shallow breathing, may become unconscious.

MANAGEMENT
CONTACT MEDLINK, LAY FLAT & ELEVATE LEGS, reassure, prevent further loss of blood if applicable, monitor closely, do not give food or drinks.

32
Q

STROKE

A

A Stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. It is sometimes called a “brain attack” and is a medical emergency.

Signs & Symptoms

• Remember the acronym F–A–S–T.
– Face – Unable to smile, drooping of the eyes and
mouth.
– Arms – Unable to raise one or both arms.
– Speech – Unable to speak clearly.
– Time – Time to seek medical help (MedLink).
• Paralysis on one side of the body.
• Loss of bowel and bladder control.
• Sudden severe headache.
• Possible nausea and vomiting.
• Strong pulse.
• Altered level of consciousness–may become
unconscious (with noisy breathing).

MANAGEMENT
CONTACT MEDLINK, reassure, nothing to be given by mouth, lay flat & RAISE HEAD SLIGHTLY, give O2, monitor closely

33
Q

HYPOTHERMIA

A

LOW BODY TEMPERATURE DUE TO EXPOSURE TO COLD TEMPERATURE

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Shivering, cold/pale/dry skin, disoriented, irrational behaviour, lethargy, slow/shallow breathing, slow/weakening pulse

MANAGEMENT
Prevent casualty from losing more body heat, re-warm by slowly covering with blankets, offer warm drinks, contact medlink if necessary, give O2, do not over heat

34
Q

RIB INJURY

A

FRACTURE FROM DIRECT FORCE TO CHEST, BLOW TO CHEST, FALL OR CRUSH INJURY

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Sharp pain at site of fracture, pain on inhalation, shallow breathing, difficulty in breathing, possible open wound over fracture, signs/symptoms of shock.

MANAGEMENT

CLOSED RIB FRACTURE: CONTACT MEDLINK, reassure, support arm on injured side, inform captain

OPEN RIB FRACTURE: CONTACT MEDLINK immediately, cover & seal any wound to chest wall, lean casualty towards injured side, support arm on injured side, give O2, inform captain, if becomes unconscious – follow DRSABCD