Medical Emergencies Flashcards
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Rapid shallow breathing
Weak pulse
Cool clammy skin
Signs of Heat Stroke
Deep shallow breathing
Rapid pulse
Dry hot skin
Little or no perspiration
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion
Move to cool place
Keep at rest
Remove clothing to cool without chilling
Give water with salt or electrolyte fluid
Treat for shock
Call EMS if unconscious or no rapid recovery
First Aid for Heat Stroke
Remove from heat Cool rapidly in any manner Monitor vital signs Treat for shock Activate EMS
Signs of Hypothermia
Shivering Blue lips Cold skin Slurred speech Drowsiness Fumbling hands
First Aid for Hypothermia
Move to warm environment Remove wet clothing Give warm sugary liquids Monitor ABC's Activate EMS
Signs of Frostbite
White blotchy skin
Numbness at site
First Aid for Frostbite
Immobilize affected area
Wrap in loose, dry bandage
Re-warm SLOWLY
Separate toes or fingers with gauze
First Aid for Burns
Superficial = Cool water, dry sterile dressing.
Partial/Full Thickness = Cool water, dry sterile dressing, treat for shock.
Internal Burns = Monitor breathing, place in position of comfort.
Chemical Burns = If dry, brush off before using water; if wet, flush with water.
Signs of Hyperglycemia
Gradual onset Dry mouth and intense thirst Abdominal pain Confusion Dry, red, warm skin Breath smells of acetone
First Aid for Hyperglycemia
Offer sugar/candy under tongue, OJ
Transport to medical facility
Signs of Hypoglycemia
Rapid onset Dizziness, headache Hostile/aggressive behavior that could mimic intoxication Rapid pulse Intense hunger Skin is pale, cold, and clammy
First Aid for Hypoglycemia
Offer sugar, candy, or OJ
No liquids if patient unconscious
Turn head to side or place on side
Signs of Seizure
Sudden unconsciousness
Falling, rigid muscles, jerky movements
Loss of bladder control, drooling
First Aid for Seizure
Remove hazards
Place in position of recovery after seizure over
Monitor ABC’s
Allow to rest
Call EMS if: remans unconscious, multiple seizures, traumatic injury, first seizure, child seizure
Signs of Stroke
Headache, confusion, dizziness
Paralysis of one side of body
Numbness (usually one side)
Impaired speech
First Aid for Stroke
Ensure open airway Keep calm Monitor vitals Conscious = semi-reclined Unconscious = Position of recovery
Signs of Cardiac Emergency
Radiating chest pain
Chest pain > 10 minutes
Nausea
Sweating
First Aid for Cardiac Emergency
Activate EMS Monitor vitals Reassure and keep calm Place in position of recovery Ensure open airway Suggest 81mg chewable aspirin
Signs of Respiratory Emergency
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath
Dizziness, faintness
Restlessness or anxiety
First Aid for Respiratory Emergency
Activate EMS
Monitor airway
Assist with RX
Place in position of comfort
Signs of Ingestion and Poisoning
Sudden pain/illness
Burns around lips/mouth
Nausea, vomiting
Heavy breathing/shortness of breath
First Aid for Ingestion or Poisoning
Ensure safe scene Monitor ABC's Activate EMS Place in position of recovery Remove stinger Keep calm
Signs of Anaphylactic Shock
Skin burning, itching Difficult breathing Rapid or weak pulse Blue lips Swelling of tongue or face
First Aid for anaphylactic shock
Remove stinger/identify source Assist victim with prescribed "Epi-pen" Treat for shock Cold pack on affected area Alert poison control and EMS
Signs of Brown Spider Bite
Pain
Rash
Blister at bite site
First Aid for Brown Spider Bite
Ice area
Get to doctor ASAP
First Aid for Marine Stings
Notify EMS if unknown type of sting
Apply heat
First Aid for Snakebite Emergency
Allow to bleed 30-60 seconds Clean area thoroughly Apply pressure and immobilize Activate EMS/get to hospital ASAP Identify snake No food/drink Remain calm
