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…
Category: Medical Emergency
ER – 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…
ER – 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…
ER – 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…
ER – 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,…
ER – 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…
Emergency Response Guide
Health emergencies occur regularly in most societies and are dealt with by quick intervention by people that are aware of the scenarios. The first few moments in any emergency could be the difference between life and death. First we must quickly identify what is going on and jump to action. Next we must have an…
Community Emergency Response Guide
The key emergencies to look out are Cardiac ArrestHeart AttackStrokesChokingSeizuresTrauma/Excessive BleedingLoss 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…