nationalfirstaid.com.au

Transcript nationalfirstaid.com.au

Apply First Aid HLTFA311A Be prepared for an emergency. Learn first aid, you could save a life.

Welcome

• Basic Housekeeping – Schedule – Break – Location of toilets – Location of emergency exits – Mobile phones Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 2

Course Content

Element 1. Assess the situation 2. Apply first aid procedures 3. Communicate details of the incident 4. Evaluate own performance Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 3

Aims of first aid

• • • • • • Ensure that the scene is safe Preserve the life Protect the unconscious Prevent progression of the injury Provide comfort/promote recovery Phone for an ambulance.

Legal Considerations

•

Duty to Act

•

Negligence

•

Consent

•

Recordin

g Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 5

Primary Survey

anger

esponse

end for help

irway

reathing

ompressions

efibrillation

Basic Life Support

Danger Ensure the scene is safe Unsafe Check for and remove hazards/risks

R S A

Check for a response Unconscious Open and clear airway, look listen and feel for breathing Send for help - call 000

Yes

Conscious : Manage injuries/illness Monitor , rest and reassure B Not breathing normally Commence chest compressions Breathing normally Manage patient in the recover position C 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths

Continue until responsiveness or normal breathing returns If unwilling /unable to perform rescue breaths continue chest compressions

Defibrillate: Attach AED- follow voice prompts Continue CPR Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 7

Danger

• • Once an emergency has occurred you need to ensure the safety of all of those at the scene by checking for hazards The groups that you need to consider are shown in order of priority below: – Yourself – Bystanders – The Patient

Don’t become an innocent victim

Response

• • • Check the Patient for a response Call out to the patient “what is your name?” Gently tap on the patient on the shoulder and ask “can you hear me?”

If no response - patient is unconscious , manage the airway

Send for Help - Call 000

• • • • • • • • Phone Fast /Emergency service controller Name/contact details Exact location Type of incident Status of the patient Hazards Do not hang up Stay with the patient until help arrives Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 10

Airway

• Ensure the airway is open and clear • If the airway is obstructed, remove any visible foreign bodies Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 11

Airway Management

AIRWAY OPEN AIRWAY OBSTRUCTED AIRWAY CLOSED Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 12

Breathing

• • • • • Keep the airway open and check for normal breathing Look, Listen and Feel for no more than 10 seconds for normal breathing Look – to see if the chest rises Listen – for the sound of normal breathing Feel – for air against your cheek Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 13

Breathing

If Breathing Normally:

– Roll into the recovery position – Pregnant women onto their left side – Observe and reassess the patient for continued breathing regularly – Maintain an open airway with head tilt and jaw support –

No head tilt for infants If Breathing Absent

– Send someone for the AED (if available) – Commence CPR Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 14

Recovery position

The unconscious patient who is breathing normally must be placed in the recovery position. This lifesaving position helps to maintain an open and clear airway

 Encourage the jaw and tongue to relax and fall forward   Promote free drainage so that fluids such as vomit and saliva will not obstruct the airway Patients may be either turned towards or away from the First Aider   Ensure the neck and head is gently tilted back with the face slightly downward and supported by the patients own hand With an unconscious patient care of the airway takes precedence over any injury 

Care of the spinal patient

  Spinal patients must be moved with caution. The neck and head must be supported and the body in correct alignment. Use of the log roll technique is recommended.

Advanced stages of pregnancy

 Place the patient on her left side to avoid distress to the foetus.

Breathing

Sounds of gurgling, sighing or coughing may be present – this is regarded as not breathing normal and is an indication of a patient in cardiac arrest, immediately commence chest compressions

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart stops suddenly beating due to an electrical malfunction of the heart muscle. This disrupts the normal heart rhythm, resulting in the loss of consciousness, loss of pulse and loss of life in minutes.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• • The heart may begin to vibrate or quiver in an irregular manner, this is called fibrillation. The heart is unable to pump oxygen rich blood through the heart. When this blood is not supplied to the brain you lose consciousness The only way to start a fibrillating heart and restore normal rhythm is to defibrillation Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 18

Chain of Survival



Early recognition and early access



Early CPR



Early defibrillation



Early advanced medical care

CPR

• CPR is only performed on a person who is in Cardiac Arrest • Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack • Primary need to get heart beating again ASAP or • Mimic action of heart beating to send blood out to the tissues (perform Chest compressions) Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 20

CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing

Chest Compressions

• • • Give 30 compressions Compress 1/3 chest depth Give 2 breaths continue with 30 compressions (5 cycles every 2 minutes) Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 22

Summary

• • • • • • • • • 30 chest compressions 2 breaths Rate 100 compressions per minute Each cycle is 30 compressions : 2 breaths Compress ⅓ of the chest depth Hand position – centre of the chest Adult – 2 hands Child – 2 hands Infant – 2 fingers Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 23

Summary

Only stop CPR if:  the scene becomes unsafe  qualified help arrives and takes over  signs of life return  you become physically unable to continue CPR  an authorised person pronounces life extinct Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 24

Summary

• • • Unconscious No normal breathing Patient is in CARDIAC ARREST-

PERFORM CPR

Any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt

Summary

Chest compressions only

• If the First Aider is unable/unwilling to perform rescue breaths chest compressions only is advised as residual oxygen supplies in the body will be circulated in the body.

Compressions should be continued at a rate of 100 per minute • • •

Multiple First Aiders

In the presence of multiple First Aiders, Call the ambulance first. Obtain any necessary emergency equipment such as defibrillator. Regular rotation is recommended to reduce fatigue; Every 2 minutes.

Defibrillation

• Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for Cardiac Arrest • An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) delivers a controlled electric shock to the patient’s heart • The AED is an automated electronic device used to restore a normal heartbeat. • Asystole the absence of any heart beat. CPR holds off asystole Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 27

Defibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation: Heart irritability where the heart cells are not ‘firing off’ in an organised manner. Blood circulation is impaired and can result in death Ventricular tachycardia: Heart irritability where the heart cells are stimulated prematurely resulting in a fast abnormal heart beat. The heart is unable to refill and the patient will become unconscious with no heart beat .

Asystole is characterised by the absence of any cardiac activity VF or VT can be reversed provided there is rapid intervention with CPR and defibrillation. If treatment is delayed the chance of survival is reduced by less than 10% for each minute the heart is stopped .

CPR artificially keeps the heart beating and circulates O2 blood, the heart must be defibrillated to return the electrical conduction system back to normal so the heart can beat spontaneously .

Defibrillation

• • • • • • • Ensure CPR is continued Turn on AED Follow the AED instructions Shave chest hair and dry moisture with towel if required Check for any implanted medical devices Place pads on chest and ensure firm contact Ensure no one is touching patient when shock is delivered Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 29

Defibrillation

• • • An AED should only be applied when a patient is unconscious and not breathing Each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the patient’s chances of survival by about 10 % The sooner the shock is administered, the greater the likelihood of the patient’s survival

It is virtually impossible to save a patient with cardiac arrest without a defibrillator

Practical Assessment with AED

Choking Flow chart

Choking

• Choking occurs the upper airway is obstructed by swollen tissue or a foreign body, or when food or other material enters the trachea instead of the oesophagus.

Partial Obstruction

• • • • • • Signs and Symptoms difficulty in breathing wheezing snoring sound persistent cough cyanosis (blue skin colour) in children and infants – flaring of the nostrils – in-drawing of the tissues above the sternum and in between the ribs • • Management

Encourage patient to cough to expel foreign material Do not give any back blows because this could cause the patient to inhale the object and my result in a severe airway obstruction

Choking

• Must often occurs while eating and involves the inhalation of food down the trachea during a meal.

Coughing is the body’s reflex action to dislodge a foreign object

Complete Obstruction

• • • • • Signs and Symptoms unable to breathe, speak or cough agitated and distressed may grip the throat bluish skin colour rapid loss of consciousness Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 36

Complete Obstruction

• • • Management Attempt five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades If unsuccessful attempt five chest thrusts Continue alternating, call 000 and be prepared to commence CPR .

Shock

• • • Shock is a sudden or slow /steady loss of blood volume and/or pressure due to illness, pain or trauma.

It is the bodies defensive response to protect the vital organs – heart, lung, kidneys and brain Shock is caused by many factors the most significant is pain. Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 38

Shock

• • • Initial shock Pale cold clammy skin.

Weak, Rapid pulse.

Rapid breathing.

• • • • • • • As shock progresses Faintness or dizziness Nausea Anxiety Restlessness.

Thirst.

Drowsiness, confusion.

Cyanosis in extremities.

• Finally collapse and unconsciousness, due to progressive ‘shutdown’ of body’s vital functions Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 39

Major Functions of Blood

• Transports oxygen, nutrients and wastes • Protects against disease • Maintains constant body temperature Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 40

Signs of External Bleeding

Arterial

rapid and profuse bright red in colour as it is under pressure usually spurts

Venous

flows from wound at a steady rate dark red in colour

Capillary

gentle ooze form wound Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 41

Control Bleeding

•

Direct pressure

•

Elevation

•

Rest

QAS 56

Internal Bleeding Management

• Call 000 and closely monitor airway, breathing and circulation regularly.

• • • Rest and reassure patient Raise legs if injuries permit.

Do NOT give any food or drink.

First aiders cannot control internal bleeding but early recognition and calling 000 can save lives

Practical session - bandaging

Asthma

• • • • People with asthma have very sensitive airways, and when they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow making it difficult for them to breathe.

The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen Extra mucus is often produced The muscles around the airways constrict Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 45

Asthma

• • • • • • • • Shortness of breath especially when speaking Wheeze may or may not be present Dry, irritating, persistent cough Rapid breathing Tightness in the chest Cyanosis around the lips and ear lobes Tiredness, exhaustion Collapse Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 46

Asthma Management

• • • • • • • Get patient to have 1 puff of reliever medication Patient then takes 4 breaths Repeat until patient has had 4 puffs (with 4 breaths between puffs) Wait 4 minutes If no improvement give another 4 puffs If no improvement call 000 Continue with 4 puffs x 4 breaths x 4 minutes until ambulance arrives Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 47

Anaphylaxis

• The most severe and sudden form of allergic • reaction Occurs when there is exposure to an allergen to which a person is sensitive to Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 48

Anaphylaxis

• • Is potentially life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency Anaphylaxis results when a generalised allergic reaction affects the respiratory(breathing) and/or cardiovascular (heart and blood pressure) system. Blood vessels dilate and blood pressure falls, airway is constricted resulting in breathing difficulty. Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 49

Mild to Moderate allergic reaction

• • • • Symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction can include: swelling of the lips, face and eyes hives or welts tingling mouth abdominal pain and/or vomiting (these are signs of severe allergic reaction to insects) Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 50

Severe allergic reaction

Signs of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction): • difficulty breathing or noisy breathing • swelling of the tongue • swelling/tightness in the throat • difficulty talking and/or a hoarse voice • wheezing or persistent coughing • loss of consciousness and/or collapse • young children may appear pale and floppy Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 51

First Aid Management

• Lay person flat, do not stand or walk. If breathing difficult allow to sit not stand • • • • • • Prevent further exposure to trigger Give Adrenaline auto injector Phone ambulance 000 or 112 (mobile) Contact family/emergency contact Administer asthma medication to assist breathing Further adrenaline doses may be given if no response after 5 minutes (if another adrenaline auto injector is available)

If in doubt whether it is anaphylaxis use the adrenaline auto injector

Heart Attack

Angina/Heart Attack/Cardiac arrest

• • • Angina is caused by constriction of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle with blood. The chest pain is due to a reduction of blood flow to the muscle of the heart causing a lack of oxygen to the muscle.

Heart Attack occurs when a coronary artery is suddenly blocked by a blood clot and the heart muscle is damaged due to lack of oxygen.

Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart stops beating and pumping effectively Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 54

Heart Attack

• • • • • • Signs and Symptoms: Pale, cool skin Chest pain or discomfort, usually in the centre of the chest, may spread or radiate to the shoulders, neck jaw and/or arms Sweating Rapid, shallow respirations or difficulty breathing Nausea and/or vomiting Collapse Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 55

Heart Attack

• • • • • • • Management: Treat situation as life threatening.

Advise patient to rest usually sitting. This will ease the strain on the heart. Call 000 – “Every minute counts” Assist patient to take medication, e.g. anginine , GTN Spray, give aspirin if directed Be prepared for sudden unconsciousness.

Reassure and monitor Patient Be prepared to commence CPR. Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 56

Musculoskeletal System Consists of:

Bones Muscles Ligaments Tendons Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4

QAS 133

Sprains and Strains Sprain

The stretching and tearing of ligaments and other soft tissue structures at a joint

Strain

The stretching and tearing of muscles and tendons, occurs between the joints Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4

QAS 141

How to Manage - RICER

Rest

– the patient and the injured limb

Ice-

the injury, this will help reduce inflammation and pain by causing blood vessels to constrict

Compression-

and support the injury with firm elastic bandage after the ice pack has been removed

Elevation-

pain the injured limb to help reduce the swelling and

Refer –

to medical help if required 59

Dislocation

A dislocation occurs when there is displacement of one or more bones at a joint such as shoulder,hip,elbow,fingers or toes.

Dislocations

• • • • • Signs and Symptoms sudden pain in the affected joint loss of power and movement deformity and swelling of the joint tenderness may have some temporary paralysis of the injured limb • • • • How to Manage support limb in position of comfort apply RICER seek medical help any attempt to reduce a dislocation is only to be made by a doctor

If you are unsure if the injury is a dislocation, manage as a fracture and gently immobilise in the position found

Type of Fractures

- Closed -

Bone remains within the skin.

No wound leading to site of the fracture.

- Open -

Bone protrudes through skin or wound leading to site of the fracture.

- Complicated -

May involve body organs and tissue.

QAS 134

Signs and Symptoms

Signs

Swelling Discolouration Deformity Angulation

Symptoms

Pain Loss of power Tenderness Numbness Crepitus other –bone ends grating against each Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4

QAS 135

How to Manage

• • • • The main aim of fracture treatment is to support or immobilise to: Minimises pain Prevents further damage Minimises bleeding Prevents a closed fracture becoming an open fracture.

•

Support: Leave injured limb in the position found and pack around to give support.

Immobilise: • Use Splint, Sling or bandage to prevent movement.

• Stabilise joint above and below fracture site.

• Apply triangular or broad bandages above and below fracture site.

• Check circulation every 10mins Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 64

Mechanism of Head Injuries

Direction of Impact Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4

QAS 95

Concussion

Concussion or “Brain Shake” is a temporary loss or altered state of consciousness followed by complete recovery. Subsequent decline suggests a more serious brain Injury.

QAS 96

Cerebral Compression

Cerebral compression is a condition which occurs when pressure within the brain increases

This may be caused by trauma to the head, or by a blood clot formed within the skull

QAS 97

Spinal Injury

• • • • • • Can occur following: Motor vehicle accidents Diving into shallow water A fall from a ladder or roof Sporting accidents Fall in the elderly Heavy object falling on top of a person

The most important indicator of a head, neck and spinal injury is the history of the incident and the mechanism of the injury

• • • • • • • • • •

Signs and Symptoms

history of incident unnatural posture Patient may complain of pain at the site of injury tingling, burning, unusual, or absent feeling in limbs absence of pain in limbs inability to move arms and/or legs penile erection Difficulty breathing Loss of bladder or bowel movement onset of shock Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 69

How to Manage

• • If conscious Keep the patient calm and still as possible Do not move patient unless absolutely necessary, use log roll technique • Call 000 • Support the head and neck in the neutral position until ambulance arrives • Rest, reassure and keep the patient warm • Closely monitor patient for response and breathing Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 70

How to Manage

• • • If unconscious Apply DRABCD Handle gently with no twisting, and minimal movement of the head and neck Turn Patient onto their side to protect airway (log roll),ensure when that spinal alignment is maintained Care of the airway takes precedence over any other injury (including neck and spinal injury) Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 71

The body’s reaction to heat and cold

QAS 120

Hyperthermia

Symptoms and Signs

Muscular Cramps Heat Exhaustion

 Heavy Sweating  Rapid Onset  Pain  Muscle spasms  Shock  Dizziness / weakness  Cool / moist skin, sweating  Nausea

Heat Stroke

 Sweating stops  Rapid rise in body temperature  Altered state of consciousness  Body system fail Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4

QAS 121

How to Manage

• • • • • • Move Patient to cool, shaded, ventilated area.

Lie flat with legs elevated.

Loosen and remove excess clothing.

Cool by: • fanning • • • spraying with water applying wrapped ice packs to neck, groin and armpits draping wet sheet over body or fanning.

Give cool water to drink, if fully conscious.

Progression of Hypothermia

Signs and Symptoms

• Pale skin • Cold to touch • Shivering • Severe hyperthermia there is no shivering • Difficulty in coordinating • Confusion • Slurring of speech • Behaviour changes • Heat rate slows • Loss of consciousness Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4

QAS 122

How to Manage

• • If conscious Seek shelter – protect from wind chill Wrap in blankets/ sleeping bag or space blanket and cover head • Handle gently to avoid heart arrhythmias • Keep horizontal to avoid changes in blood supply to brain • Replace wet clothing with dry • • Give warm, sweet drinks if conscious Call 000 IF NOT SHIVERING and help is delayed: • Apply heat packs to groins, armpits, and side of neck.

• Body-to-body contact can be used.

How to Manage

• • DO NOT re-warm too quickly – can cause heart arrhythmias DO NOT use radiant heat (eg fire or electric heater), may send cold blood from the body to the heart and brain too quickly • DO NOT rub or massage extremities - dilates blood vessels in skin so body heat is lost.

• • DO NOT give alcohol – lowers the body’s ability to retain heat DO NOT place in hot bath as lethal arrhythmias could occur , monitoring and resuscitation if needed may be difficult.

Burns and Scalds

Burns are injuries that damage and kill skin cells, caused by heat or extreme cold – Burns are most commonly caused by exposure to flames, hot objects, hot liquids, chemicals or radiation. – Scalds are caused by contact with wet heat such as boiling fluids or steam. – Electrical burns are less common, but have the potential to be more serious as the depth of the burn is usually greater than is apparent, and cardiac irregularities may occur.

Types of Burns

• • • Superficial – – reddening (like sunburn) outer layer of skin only Partial thickness – – blistering damage to deeper layers of skin Full thickness – whitish, or blackened areas – damage to all layers of skin, plus underlying structures and tissues Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 80

How to Manage

• Apply DRSABCD - Ensure your own safety • • Cool affected area with water for as long as necessary – up to 20mins Hydrogel products are an alternative if water is not available Call 000 • Remove rings, watches, jewellery from affected area as they restrict circulation when swelling occurs • Cut off contaminated clothing – do not remove clothing contaminated with chemicals over the head or face • • Cover the burned area with a loose, non-adherent dressing (sterile non adherent dressing, plastic cling wrap, wet handkerchief, sheet or pillow case) to protect and minimise infection Elevate burnt limb if possible Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 81

Rule of Nines- estimates the surface area of a burn

Complications of Burns

• Shock from loss of blood or plasma • Infection • Breathing problems • Circulation restricted or cut off.

• • • • • • • •

Do Not

Use ice to cool Over cool the burn injury Touch the burn injury Remove clothing stuck to burn area Prick or break blisters Use any oil, butter or ointment Use cotton wool,towels,cotton blankets or adhesive dressings Give any alcohol Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 84

Poisons enter the body

Via

Ingestion Inhalation Injection Absorption

How Poisons Act

• Central nervous system • Oxygen displacement • Damage internal organs • Damage to the cells 86

How to Manage

• Apply DRSABCD • Call Poisons Information Centre for advice 131126 or Call 000 • • Monitor Vital Signs Identify type and quantity of poison • Establish the time of poisoning.

• DO NOT induce vomiting.

Bites and Stings – Category 1

• • • Management – Pressure Immobilisation Snake/Sea Snake, Funnel Web Spider, Blue Ringed Octopus, Cone Shell Comment – Pressure Immobilization is used to slow the movement of venom Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 88

Bites and Stings – Category 2

• • • Management – Ice/Cold Compress Bee, Wasps, Ant, Red Back Spider, White Tail spider, bush tick, common jellyfish Comment – Ice/Cold Compress relieves pain and swelling by reducing flow of blood to the bite site. Apply Pressure Immobilisation if allergic to bite/sting Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 89

Bites and Stings – Category 3

• • • Management – Heat/Hot Water Stonefish, Bull Rout, Stingray, Non tropical Bluebottle, other spine fish Comment – Heat/Hot water is an effective treatment for minimising pain Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 90

Bites and Stings – Category 4

• • • Management – Vinegar Tropical Jellyfish, Box Jellyfish, Irukandji Comment – Vinegar inactivates the discharge of stinging capsules which prevents further injection of venom. Vinegar cannot relieve pain from venom already injected Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 91

Stroke -Brain Attack

• Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, resulting in damage to brain tissue.

• This is caused by either a blood clot blocking an artery (cerebral thrombosis) or a ruptured artery inside the brain (cerebral haemorrhage) • The signs and symptoms of a stroke may vary, depending on which part of the brain is damaged Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 92

Signs and Symptoms

• • • • • • • • • Sudden severe headache Sudden nausea and/or vomiting Confused emotional mental state that could be mistaken for drunkenness Blurred vision, unequal pupils Paralysis, weakness or loss of coordination ,loss of balance , generally on one side of the body but can be both sides Difficulty talking, understanding or swallowing Urinary incontinence Gradual or sudden loss of consciousness May have seizures Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 93

Fast Test

FAST is a simple way of remembering the signs of a stroke:

• Facial weakness – Can the Patient smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

• Arm weakness – Can Patient raise both arms?

• Speech – Can Patient speak clearly and understand what you say?

How to Manage

• If Patient fails any one of the FAST tests act FAST and call 000 • Adopt position of comfort – Ensure airway does not become obstructed • Reassurance – talk to the Patient even if unconscious • Unconscious – place in recovery position Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 95

How to Manage - Epilepsy/Seizure

• • • • • • TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES Protect from harm Place something soft under head Loosen tight clothing Roll into recovery position when seizure subsides Reassure until fully recovered Call 000, if necessary

DO NOT put anything in the patient's mouth DO NOT restrain the patient DO NOT move the patient unless in danger

Febrile Convulsions

• • • • • Febrile convulsions occur when a child has a high temperature.

The growing brains of small children are more sensitive to fever than are more mature brains When the normal brain activity is upset a convulsion or fit can occur.

Febrile convulsions may occur in children aged six months to six years Manage as for Seizure/Epilepsy PLUS: • Remove excess clothing • Apply moist cloth to forehead (no ice).

• DO NOT allow shivering to occur • DO NOT put in cold bath Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 97

Diabetes

• • Diabetes is a condition which is caused by an imbalance of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Diabetic emergencies appear in two forms: –

Hypoglycaemia

– or low blood sugar is an imbalance where the tissues especially the brain cells, become starved of essential sugar. The onset is rapid.

–

Hyperglycaemia,

or high blood sugar is an imbalance of blood sugar, which usually requires the affected person to supplement their insulin by periodic injections.

Both conditions (Hypo and Hyperglycaemia) are managed the same way by first aiders Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 98

Hypoglycaemia

• • • • • • • • Signs and Symptoms: Pale skin Profuse sweating Hunger Confused or aggressive Rapid and strong pulse May appear to be drunk Seizures Unconsciousness • • • • Management If conscious give either a: – sweet drink (not diet drink), – – – jelly beans or sweets, glass of fruit juice, or teaspoon of sugar or honey The patient will normally respond well and rapidly to this treatment Encourage patient to have more sugary food or drink until they feel better If patient dies not improve or worsens call 000 DO NOT attempt to give insulin injection Give nothing by mouth to a unconscious diabetic Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 99

Hyperglycaemia

• • • • • • • Signs and Symptoms: Hot, dry skin Excessive thirst Frequent need to urinate Smell of acetone (nail polish remover) on the breath Drowsiness and extreme tiredness,fatigue Unconsciousness, progressing to coma (diabetic coma) Weight loss • • Management Definitive treatment for high blood sugar requires medical expertise.

When in doubt if the patient has low or high blood sugar, treat as for low blood sugar.

DO NOT attempt to give insulin injection Give nothing by mouth to a unconscious diabetic Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 100

Eye Injuries

• • Minor Eye Injuries Injuries where the eye has been struck by a foreign object, or has a small object adhering to its surface, causing irritation. It is characterised by a bloodshot eye, irritation, and an urge to rub the eye.

• • • • How to Manage irrigate the eye and wash the object out if this fails, touch the corner of a clean wet cloth to the object and lift it off the surface refer to medical aid if vision is affected cover the affected eye if appropriate – avoid ‘pushing’ the object around the – eye’s surface only use eye-drops if prescribed by a doctor Copyright NFA Jan 2013 Version 4 101