Sudden Illness Flashcards
Seizure
Root cause of seizures?
Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain
Seizure
Outward symptoms of seizure?
Muscle stiffness, twitching, limpness
Seizure
What causes seizures?
High fever, injury, disease
Seizure
What’s the first thing you do if you spot someone seizing?
Start a timer
Seizure
Generally, how do you intervene if someone is seizing?
You don’t. Monitor them.
Seizure
What’s the general exception when you should do something?
If they are likely to hurt themselves and you can prevent it
Seizure
What’s the medical exception when you should do something?
To keep their airway open
Seizure
What do you do if they could hurt themself?
Try for Recovery Position
Seizure
What does a mild seizure look like?
Can be mistaken for day-dreaming
Seizure
When do you call 911 for a seizure?
Lasts longer than 5 minutes, several in a row
Seizure
After a seizure, person is unresponsive, now what?
If they’re sleeping normally, let them sleep.
Dehydration in children
Abdominal indication of dehydration?
Sharp or persistent abdominal pain
Dehydration in children
Face indication of dehydration?
Cries without tears; sunken cheeks or eyes
Dehydration in children
Skin indication of dehydration?
Skin remains “tented” if pinched and released
Assist Giving Medication
First thing you say to assist giving medication?
Always tell them what you’re about to do
Assist Giving Medication
What do you do after getting the meds?
Confirm with person that you have the right meds and dose
Assist Giving Medication
How do you administer meds to someone?
You don’t. Bring them the meds, let them admin
Assist Giving Medication
Why shouldn’t you administer meds to someone?
Probably against state law!
Stroke
Root cause of a stroke?
Lack of blood flow to part of the brain
Stroke
What causes a stroke?
Likely a blood clot or injury
Stroke
What’s happening to brain cells during a stroke?
Brain cells are dying
Stroke
Symptoms of a stroke?
Paralasis, facial drooping, confusion, loss of speech
Stroke
Acronym to spot a stroke?
F A S T: Face, Arms, Speech, Time
Stroke
Face indications of stroke?
Tell them to smile. Look for weakness, especially on one side (drooping)
Stroke
Arms test for spotting a stroke?
Arms out parallel to the ground, eyes closed see if one arm drops
Stroke
Secondary arms test for spotting a stroke?
Grab their hands, “squeeze my hands”, spot weakness in one side
Stroke
Speech indication of stroke?
Strange speech, loss of speech, slurred speech
Stroke
What do you do if you suspect a stroke?
Time (T in FAST): note the time for EMS
Stroke
How do you care for someone having a stroke?
Call 911 immediately, stay with them, Recovery Position if needed
Stroke
Why do you need to note the time for EMS?
Some hospital treatments only work within short time after stroke
Stroke
What are the odds of a stroke if one of the tests is positive?
0.75
Shock
What is shock?
Insufficient bloodflow –> not enough oxygen and nutrients circulating
Shock
4 causes of shock?
Massive bleeding, infection, anaphylaxis, any injury
Shock
3 internal signs of shock?
Rapid, weak heartbeat, rapid breathing
Shock
3 external signs of shock?
Cold/clammy skin, nausea, vomiting
Shock
Color change sign of shock?
Blue or gray fingernails or lips
Shock
Mental signs of shock?
Anything altered: unresponsive, confused, restless, irritable, …
Shock
Internal organ danger from shock?
All organs aren’t getting what they need, aren’t clearing toxins
Shock
General position for someone in shock?
Position of comfort or lie on their back
Shock
Position for unresponsive person in shock?
Recovery Position
Shock
What do you do to care for someone in shock?
Maintain body temperature (blanket)
Shock
What don’t you do for someone in shock?
Give anything orally
Shock
What do you do next?
Monitor them! If they don’t improve, call 911.
Opioid Overdose
Signs of opioid overdose?
Breathing slowly, maybe only few times a minute
Opioid Overdose
Should you give them naloxone?
No, need special training, so Good Samaritan law doesn’t protect you
