The key emergencies to look out are

Cardiac Arrest
Heart Attack
Strokes
Choking
Seizures
Trauma/Excessive Bleeding
Loss of Consciousness (Fainting)

CARDIAC ARREST

Discontinuation of heart beat.

The heart malfunctions and the heart stops beating
Absence of a beating heart means no blood is pumped to the brain, the lungs and kidneys. (Vital organs of life)
This will result in death within minutes with no treatment

What is the cause ?

An “electrical” problem with the heart resulting in an irregular and ineffective heartbeat. (This is known as an arrhythmia)
Many conditions can lead to this electrical abnormality

What does a person experiencing a cardiac arrest experience ?

Sudden unresponsiveness/unconsciousness will be seen
Abnormal breathing pattern: either not breathing at all, or having gasping respiratory efforts
No heartbeat or pulse when assessed at the wrist or neck region

What do you do, if you suspect a person is in cardiac arrest ?

Immediate actions (Done rapidly)

Seek help. Call or have someone contact emergency services immediately
Ensure the person experiencing the arrest is in a safe position
Make sure helpers do not crowd the scene or the person.
Check for responsiveness – call loudly to the person. Tap their shoulders to get a response, and check for a pulse or heartbeat
Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away if there is no response and no pulse
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, follow the instruction and use it as soon as possible

How do I perform CPR ?

Place the patient onto their back and kneel beside them.
Place hands with palms on top of each other in the center of the patient’s chest.
Push down in repetitive motions no less than 2 inches, but allowing for full chest recoil.
Compress the chest at a rate of 100 beats per minute (You can compress to the rhythm of the song “Stayin Alive” by the Beegees).
Continue compressions until emergency services arrive or the patient resumes consciousness.

*Switch the compressor every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue.

**For infants 4 weeks to a year old

Compress the chest no more than 1.5 inches
Compressions should be performed with index and middle fingers

***For children age 1 to 12

Compress the chest the full depth of 2 inches
Compressions should be performed with the palm of one hand

SurefireCPR.com

HEART ATTACK

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is acute disruption of blood flow to an area of the heart.
Blockages in the blood vessels of the heart cause absence of blood flow.
This will result in heart cell death in minutes.

What does someone who is experiencing a heart attack feel?

A person experiencing a heart attack may feel chest pain, tightness, or discomfort.
A person may experience back, shoulder, or jaw pain.
Warning signs differ between men and women:
- Women may feel nausea, fatigue, or abdominal pain.

What do you do, if you suspect a person is having a heart attack?

Have a person, sit down, rest, and keep calm.
Even if symptoms vanish.
Call 911 immediately.
The quicker a heart attack patient can receive treatment, the better.

herheart.org

STROKE

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is acute disruption of blood flow to an area of the brain.
Either blockages or ruptures in the blood vessels of the brain cause absence of blood flow.
This will result in brain cell death in minutes.

What does a person having a stroke experience?
BE FAST (Each letter in the acronym stands for a warning sign of stroke)

B – Balance Problems. Unsteady gait, dizziness, or headaches as a person tries to maintain balance.
E – Eye or vision problems. Loss of sight, doubled or blurred vision.
F – Facial weakness or drooping. Tingling sensation on one side of the face.
A – Asymmetrical weakness/strength loss or tingling sensation in the arm, leg or both.
S – Speech difficulty. Slurred, garbled or nonsensical words.
T – If any of the symptoms above are observed, time is of the essence. Call 911 right away.

What do you do, if you suspect a person is having a stroke?

It is important that the time symptoms first occur is noted.
Do not give them medication, food, or drinks.
Do not let the person go to sleep.
Do not let the person refuse emergency services.
Even if symptoms vanish
Call 911 immediately.
The quicker a stroke patient can receive treatment, the better.

Medlife.com

CHOKING

What is choking?

Choking occurs when someone’s airway suddenly becomes blocked, either partially or totally, preventing breathing.
If not addressed rapidly this may result in loss of consciousness and/or cardiac arrest.

How do I identify someone who may be choking?

Persons may place both hands around the neck (Universal sign of choking).
Persons may have coughing, wheezing, gagging, or change in color (blue lips or red face).
When choking is severe patients may not be able to speak, cry, cough, or breathe.

What do you do if you suspect a person is choking?

Adults and Child over 1 year old :

Encourage person to cough to clear the blockage

Ask the person to spit out the object if it is in their mouth
Do not put fingers into the person’s mouth
If this does not work: perform abdominal thrusts
- Stand behind the person choking
- Place your arms around their waist and bend them forward
- Clench 1 fist and place above the belly button.
- Put other hand on top of fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards
- Repeat this movement up to 5 times.
- If this does not clear the airway, call emergency services

Infants (Up to 1 year old):

If you can see an object in the mouth, try to remove it.
Do not perform blind finger sweeps of the mouth (it may push the object further in).
Lay infant face down along your thighs supporting their head with your hand.
Give 5 sharp back blows with the heel of 1 hand in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades.

*If person loses consciousness or stops breathing, perform CPR with chest compressions

LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

What is loss of consciousness?

A state where a person lacks normal awareness of self and the surrounding environment
It can result from a number of different reasons, but is usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain

How do I identify someone who may have had loss of consciousness?

Persons may be lightheaded, faint, or even fall.
Persons may have rapid pulses, sweating, or low blood pressure.
Persons may have seizures or loss of bowel or bladder function.

What do you do if someone loses consciousness?

If person lightheaded or about to pass out:

Make the person safe (clear the area around the person).
If possible lie down or sit down.
Elevate feet.

If a person has completely lost consciousness:

Attempt to arouse the person: tap briskly, or yell.
Check for breathing or a pulse. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR.
If a person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, place the person on their left side (recovery position).
If a person is bleeding heavily, locate the injury and place strong direct pressure to the wounded area to slow the flow of blood.
If the person regains consciousness do not allow person to get up too quickly.

SEIZURES

What is a seizure?

A burst of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells causing temporary abnormalities in muscle tone.

How do I identify someone who may be having a seizure?

Seizures may be preceded by an episode of abnormal mood, speech, sensation, or emotion.
Classically, the person will have repetitive stiffening and jerking of the motions of the body.
There is often loss of consciousness and individuals may fall down.
They are typically less than 2 minutes in duration.

What do you do if someone is having a seizure?

Loosen tight clothing.
Turn patient on side.
Cushion head.
Do not physically restrain or hold the person.
Do not place anything in the person’s mouth.
Ensure the safety of the patient by removing nearby hazards.
Time the seizure with a watch.
Call emergency services.

Community Emergency Response Guide