First Aid A - Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Artificial Ventilation
By respiration (breathing) oxygen is inhaled. It is sucked down the windpipe and the bronchus into the lungs, where it reaches the end of our airways, the air sacs. Each air sac is surrounded by blood vessels (veins and arteries).
The venous blood absorbs the oxygen from the air sac and transports it back into the heart, from where it is distributed throughout the whole body, reaching every single cell.
Any respiratory disturbance will inevitably result in an inadequate oxygen supply in our body. This may have fatal consequences.
One of the most common causes of respiratory disturbances is choking.
A foreign object is lodged in the windpipe in a way that the patient himself is unable to expel it.
Depending on the age of the patient tree different treatments are possible.
Firstly, the Heimlich Manoeuvre (Abdominal Thrusts), secondly, Chest Compressions (Chest Thrusts), and thirdly, strong back slaps.
The Heimlich Manoeuvre is not recommended on a patient under ten years of age, as it may lead to internal injury resulting in severe blood loss.
Do not apply the Heimlich manoeuvre on a young child !
In order to assess whether the patient’s respiration is adequate, gently tilt his head to the back (head tilt manoeuvre) and look, listen and feel for breathing (see previous chapter).
Should respiration have failed, the helper must try to locate the patient’s pulse. Should the heart still be beating, artificial ventilations must be commenced without delay, while a bystander calls for professional assistance.
The treatment must be interrupted every minute in order to assess whether circulation is still adequate.
As long as the heart is beating spontaneously C.P.R. is not indicated.
Artificial ventilations may be given via the patient’s mouth or nose. In the case of an infant it should be done via both mouth and nose.
In order to prevent infection of the helper the usage of a protective breathing device (CPR - Mouthpiece) is of utmost importance.
During the administration of artificial ventilations the helper must consider both the breathing pace and lung capacity of the patient.
In order to ensure effective ventilations, the helper should try to feel a build-up of resistance of the lung tissue (lungs are filled sufficiently) as well as when to give the next artificial ventilation (wait for the completion of the patient’s exhalation).
In the case of drowning the same procedure should be followed. No time must be wasted by any attempts to remove water from the lungs. It is the lack of oxygen the helper has to minimise in order to save the patient’s life.
Possible water within the airways will be expelled during the patient’s exhalation.
By respiration (breathing) oxygen is inhaled. It is sucked down the windpipe and the bronchus into the lungs, where it reaches the end of our airways, the air sacs. Each air sac is surrounded by blood vessels (veins and arteries).
The venous blood absorbs the oxygen from the air sac and transports it back into the heart, from where it is distributed throughout the whole body, reaching every single cell.
Any respiratory disturbance will inevitably result in an inadequate oxygen supply in our body. This may have fatal consequences.
One of the most common causes of respiratory disturbances is choking.
A foreign object is lodged in the windpipe in a way that the patient himself is unable to expel it.
Depending on the age of the patient tree different treatments are possible.
Firstly, the Heimlich Manoeuvre (Abdominal Thrusts), secondly, Chest Compressions (Chest Thrusts), and thirdly, strong back slaps.
The Heimlich Manoeuvre is not recommended on a patient under ten years of age, as it may lead to internal injury resulting in severe blood loss.
Do not apply the Heimlich manoeuvre on a young child !
In order to assess whether the patient’s respiration is adequate, gently tilt his head to the back (head tilt manoeuvre) and look, listen and feel for breathing (see previous chapter).
Should respiration have failed, the helper must try to locate the patient’s pulse. Should the heart still be beating, artificial ventilations must be commenced without delay, while a bystander calls for professional assistance.
The treatment must be interrupted every minute in order to assess whether circulation is still adequate.
As long as the heart is beating spontaneously C.P.R. is not indicated.
Artificial ventilations may be given via the patient’s mouth or nose. In the case of an infant it should be done via both mouth and nose.
In order to prevent infection of the helper the usage of a protective breathing device (CPR - Mouthpiece) is of utmost importance.
During the administration of artificial ventilations the helper must consider both the breathing pace and lung capacity of the patient.
In order to ensure effective ventilations, the helper should try to feel a build-up of resistance of the lung tissue (lungs are filled sufficiently) as well as when to give the next artificial ventilation (wait for the completion of the patient’s exhalation).
In the case of drowning the same procedure should be followed. No time must be wasted by any attempts to remove water from the lungs. It is the lack of oxygen the helper has to minimise in order to save the patient’s life.
Possible water within the airways will be expelled during the patient’s exhalation.
B
Bronchial Asthma
Approximately 10% of the South African population suffers from occasional asthma attacks. These attacks often occur without any warning signs, but are generally far less serious than expected. With a mortality rate of approximately 0.4%, asthma is not necessarily classified as an emergency, yet it has to be taken seriously.
Bronchial asthma is a temporary breathing disorder, which in general is caused by allergic reactions of the bronchial tissue. It involves the patient’s bronchus rather than the lungs.
Due to an allergic overreaction the bronchial tissue may go into spasms, narrowing the airways. In addition, the bronchus produces thick mucus, which will stick to the bronchial wall.
The combination of the spasm and the mucus may lead to serious breathing difficulties.
The breathing becomes heavy and wheezy.
As most asthmatics experience these attacks on a regular basis, they generally carry their medication, the asthma pump, with them.
The helper should encourage the patient to make use of it immediately and, if necessary, assist him or her in doing so. The pump firstly relaxes the muscle tissue of the bronchus, it secondly loosens the mucus, enabling the patient to cough it up.
This usually brings about instant relief.
Signs and Symptoms:
Heavy and loud breathing (wheezing sound).
The patient shows a dry cough (barking sound).
The patient might turn pale.
The patient might panic.
Treatments:
The vital signs must be assessed and the patient treated accordingly:
If conscious, place the patient into a comfortable position, generally sitting up.
If any vital sign has failed treat the patient according to the CABC – scheme.
The helper should encourage or assist the patient to make use of his or her medication.
The patient should be reassured.
Tight clothes should be undone and windows opened.
Breathing instructions should be given.
A bystander should call for professional help if necessary.
Approximately 10% of the South African population suffers from occasional asthma attacks. These attacks often occur without any warning signs, but are generally far less serious than expected. With a mortality rate of approximately 0.4%, asthma is not necessarily classified as an emergency, yet it has to be taken seriously.
Bronchial asthma is a temporary breathing disorder, which in general is caused by allergic reactions of the bronchial tissue. It involves the patient’s bronchus rather than the lungs.
Due to an allergic overreaction the bronchial tissue may go into spasms, narrowing the airways. In addition, the bronchus produces thick mucus, which will stick to the bronchial wall.
The combination of the spasm and the mucus may lead to serious breathing difficulties.
The breathing becomes heavy and wheezy.
As most asthmatics experience these attacks on a regular basis, they generally carry their medication, the asthma pump, with them.
The helper should encourage the patient to make use of it immediately and, if necessary, assist him or her in doing so. The pump firstly relaxes the muscle tissue of the bronchus, it secondly loosens the mucus, enabling the patient to cough it up.
This usually brings about instant relief.
Signs and Symptoms:
Treatments:
C
Consciousness
Occasionally one confuses unconsciousness with fainting and vice versa.
Fainting is a protective reaction of the organism to a minor lack of oxygen within the brain. This, in general, is caused by exposure to heat, psychological stress, pain and low blood pressure. Fainting is not a serious condition, as it is the organism’s way to deal with a shortage of oxygen within the brain.
The patient can very easily be woken by gentle pats on his or her cheek. Even if this is not done, he or she will wake up spontaneously within less than one minute.
Once awake the patient should remain in a horizontal position with his or her legs elevated in order to ensure optimal blood flow to the brain. This position should be maintained for a few minutes.
Unconsciousness (= Coma) on the other hand is caused by a severe lack of oxygen within the patient’s brain. It may easily turn into a life threatening condition, as the other vital signs may cease to function.
Typical causes of unconsciousness are, amongst others, severe breathing disturbances, circulatory conditions, poisoning of any kind, concussion and loss of blood (hypovoalemic shock syndrome).
The unconscious patient will soon be in fatal danger as various important functions within the body fail.
Firstly, the protective reflex system breaks down.
This includes the pain reflex (inability to feel and therefore react to pain), the swallowing reflex (possible inhalation and therefore suffocation on foreign objects within the patients mouth) and the coughing reflex (inability to expel foreign objects which have entered the patient’s airways).
Secondly, the tongue muscle relaxes, leading to complete blockage of the airways.
Thirdly, the patient’s stomach opens, resulting in uncontrolled reflux of vomit into the patient’s mouth, which may then easily be inhaled.
In order to assess the level of consciousness, the helper should address the patient loudly. If the patient has not reacted by at least opening his or her eyes, the helper should gently pat the patient’s cheek, and finally, if necessary, inflict sharp pain.
Before commencing any form of treatment, the helper must first continue with the checking of the other vital signs by following the A-B-C – scheme:
Airways - Breathing - Circulation
The airways of the unconscious patient may be obstructed firstly by foreign objects within the mouth and secondly by the relaxed tongue. The helper must take care of both, ensuring that the order in which this is done is correct.
In order to prevent the inhalation of possible vomit the patient’s mouth must be cleared out. The helper should wear protective gloves and, with two fingers, wipe out the patient’s mouth. The patient’s jaw must be locked during this procedure to avoid injury of the helper’s fingers.
Thereafter, the patient’s head must be tilted to the back, leading to the lifting of the jaw and therefore the tongue (head tilt manoeuvre). The airways are now open.
As the head tilt manoeuvre is a life saving treatment, it must be carried out even if spinal injuries are suspected (carefully !)
In order to assess as to whether the patient is still breathing, how he or she is breathing and how breathing develops, the helper should keep the patient’s head in the tilted position.
He should then place one ear over the patient’s mouth and nose (listen), place a flat hand onto the patient’s chest (feel) and watch the patient’s chest (look).
Finally the helper must check the patient’s circulation. The pulse is best taken on the patient’s carotid arteries, which are positioned next to the voice box, one on each side of
the patient’s neck. If necessary, both arteries must be assessed.
Once all the vital signs have been assessed and the helper is aware of the dangers, the patient must be treated without delay. At the same time a bystander must call for professional assistance.
If the patient is unconscious only, but with breathing and circulation being present, the treatment must focus on the prevention of suffocation due to the tongue being relaxed and inhalation of possible vomit. The patient must therefore be turned into the recovery position.
Artificial Ventilations or even C.P.R. would not be indicated should breathing be spontaneous and the heart be beating.
Once the patient has been positioned the helper should continue to assess all vital signs.
This enables him or her to react immediately in case of any changes.
The arrival of professional assistance must be awaited.
Occasionally one confuses unconsciousness with fainting and vice versa.
Fainting is a protective reaction of the organism to a minor lack of oxygen within the brain. This, in general, is caused by exposure to heat, psychological stress, pain and low blood pressure. Fainting is not a serious condition, as it is the organism’s way to deal with a shortage of oxygen within the brain.
The patient can very easily be woken by gentle pats on his or her cheek. Even if this is not done, he or she will wake up spontaneously within less than one minute.
Once awake the patient should remain in a horizontal position with his or her legs elevated in order to ensure optimal blood flow to the brain. This position should be maintained for a few minutes.
Unconsciousness (= Coma) on the other hand is caused by a severe lack of oxygen within the patient’s brain. It may easily turn into a life threatening condition, as the other vital signs may cease to function.
Typical causes of unconsciousness are, amongst others, severe breathing disturbances, circulatory conditions, poisoning of any kind, concussion and loss of blood (hypovoalemic shock syndrome).
The unconscious patient will soon be in fatal danger as various important functions within the body fail.
Firstly, the protective reflex system breaks down.
This includes the pain reflex (inability to feel and therefore react to pain), the swallowing reflex (possible inhalation and therefore suffocation on foreign objects within the patients mouth) and the coughing reflex (inability to expel foreign objects which have entered the patient’s airways).
Secondly, the tongue muscle relaxes, leading to complete blockage of the airways.
Thirdly, the patient’s stomach opens, resulting in uncontrolled reflux of vomit into the patient’s mouth, which may then easily be inhaled.
In order to assess the level of consciousness, the helper should address the patient loudly. If the patient has not reacted by at least opening his or her eyes, the helper should gently pat the patient’s cheek, and finally, if necessary, inflict sharp pain.
Before commencing any form of treatment, the helper must first continue with the checking of the other vital signs by following the A-B-C – scheme:
Airways - Breathing - Circulation
The airways of the unconscious patient may be obstructed firstly by foreign objects within the mouth and secondly by the relaxed tongue. The helper must take care of both, ensuring that the order in which this is done is correct.
In order to prevent the inhalation of possible vomit the patient’s mouth must be cleared out. The helper should wear protective gloves and, with two fingers, wipe out the patient’s mouth. The patient’s jaw must be locked during this procedure to avoid injury of the helper’s fingers.
Thereafter, the patient’s head must be tilted to the back, leading to the lifting of the jaw and therefore the tongue (head tilt manoeuvre). The airways are now open.
As the head tilt manoeuvre is a life saving treatment, it must be carried out even if spinal injuries are suspected (carefully !)
In order to assess as to whether the patient is still breathing, how he or she is breathing and how breathing develops, the helper should keep the patient’s head in the tilted position.
He should then place one ear over the patient’s mouth and nose (listen), place a flat hand onto the patient’s chest (feel) and watch the patient’s chest (look).
Finally the helper must check the patient’s circulation. The pulse is best taken on the patient’s carotid arteries, which are positioned next to the voice box, one on each side of
the patient’s neck. If necessary, both arteries must be assessed.
Once all the vital signs have been assessed and the helper is aware of the dangers, the patient must be treated without delay. At the same time a bystander must call for professional assistance.
If the patient is unconscious only, but with breathing and circulation being present, the treatment must focus on the prevention of suffocation due to the tongue being relaxed and inhalation of possible vomit. The patient must therefore be turned into the recovery position.
Artificial Ventilations or even C.P.R. would not be indicated should breathing be spontaneous and the heart be beating.
Once the patient has been positioned the helper should continue to assess all vital signs.
This enables him or her to react immediately in case of any changes.
The arrival of professional assistance must be awaited.
E
Epileptic Fits
Epilepsy is a condition surrounded by many myths and misunderstandings, which often results in bystanders causing serious harm while trying to assist the patient. Epilepsy is not a disease as such, but a chemical and electrical imbalance within the patient’s brain. Otherwise most epileptics are perfectly healthy people who can fulfil almost any given task.
Every human being has the ability to deal with a variety of stimuli, such as heat, noise, light, stress etc., which all trigger electrical impulses in our brain. The individual’s cerebral stimuli threshold allows various people to deal with various amounts of stimuli and therefore various amounts of electrical impulses at a time.
Should a person, due to a chronically low threshold, experience more stimuli than his brain is able to handle, an abnormal burst of electrical activity within the brain will occur. Unable to tolerate this condition any further, the brain will undergo dramatic chemical changes, leading to seizures. The patient has an epileptic fit.
In general a single fit does not impose any danger to body and brain, but, should the patient experience epileptic fits on a regular basis, precautions must be taken. The patient must be on medication, which has to be taken in a very disciplined manner.
Epileptic fits vary in form, intensity and duration.
It is distinguished between two main forms:
Petit Mal Seizures (small fits) and Grand Mal Seizures (big fits).
The average duration of a Grand Mal Seizure rarely exceeds four to five minutes. It may consist of two different cramp stages, namely a tonic cramp stage (stiffness) and a clonic cramp stage (hyperactivity of muscles, jerking movements).
In the tonic cramp stage the patient undergoes various convulsions during which the body stiffens, whereas in the clonic cramp stage the patient shows jerking, cramping movements. Generally the patient is unconscious during both stages. The jerking movements will then lessen, consciousness will be regained, and the patient may sleep. Rarely do such patients remember the incident.
Treatments:
The patient must be allowed to move freely, the helper must under no circumstances restrain him from cramping.
The helper must not insert objects into the patient’s mouth (prevention of tongue bite) as this might lead to choking on broken teeth.
The helper must not burn material under the patients nose as this will lead to smoke inhalation and therefore intoxication.
The helper should protect the patient by removing dangerous obstacles (furniture etc.) and by cushioning the patient’s head with a towel or pillow.
During the sleeping stage the helper should care for possible injuries.
After awaking the helper should reassure the patient and inform him or her of the incident.
If necessary, a bystander should call for professional help.
Epilepsy is a condition surrounded by many myths and misunderstandings, which often results in bystanders causing serious harm while trying to assist the patient. Epilepsy is not a disease as such, but a chemical and electrical imbalance within the patient’s brain. Otherwise most epileptics are perfectly healthy people who can fulfil almost any given task.
Every human being has the ability to deal with a variety of stimuli, such as heat, noise, light, stress etc., which all trigger electrical impulses in our brain. The individual’s cerebral stimuli threshold allows various people to deal with various amounts of stimuli and therefore various amounts of electrical impulses at a time.
Should a person, due to a chronically low threshold, experience more stimuli than his brain is able to handle, an abnormal burst of electrical activity within the brain will occur. Unable to tolerate this condition any further, the brain will undergo dramatic chemical changes, leading to seizures. The patient has an epileptic fit.
In general a single fit does not impose any danger to body and brain, but, should the patient experience epileptic fits on a regular basis, precautions must be taken. The patient must be on medication, which has to be taken in a very disciplined manner.
Epileptic fits vary in form, intensity and duration.
It is distinguished between two main forms:
Petit Mal Seizures (small fits) and Grand Mal Seizures (big fits).
The average duration of a Grand Mal Seizure rarely exceeds four to five minutes. It may consist of two different cramp stages, namely a tonic cramp stage (stiffness) and a clonic cramp stage (hyperactivity of muscles, jerking movements).
In the tonic cramp stage the patient undergoes various convulsions during which the body stiffens, whereas in the clonic cramp stage the patient shows jerking, cramping movements. Generally the patient is unconscious during both stages. The jerking movements will then lessen, consciousness will be regained, and the patient may sleep. Rarely do such patients remember the incident.
Treatments:
H
Heart Attack
In South Africa alone approximately 45.000 people suffer a more or less severe heart attack each year. More than 40% of these patients do not survive the following two weeks. This makes a heart attack the most serious acute illness known. In many cases however it is preventable.
Risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, an incorrect diet, lack of exercise and most of all stress should be minimised if not cut out completely.
In case of a heart attack the heart muscle itself experiences a lack of oxygen due to a blockage of one of the coronary arteries. These are the arteries supplying the heart muscle itself with blood and therefore oxygen. Such a blockage may be caused by a blood clot, by calcium or fat.
The involved tissue will die resulting in a weakening of the heart muscle itself. The heart therefore struggles to deal with the full amount of blood it normally pumps. Blood will collect in the veins in front of the heart, leading not only to a significant pressure build-up, but also to severe chest pain and breathing difficulty.
The heart rate begins to increase, the heartbeat becomes faint, the condition deteriorates.
The severity of the attack depends upon the location of the clot and therefore the size of the afflicted tissue. As heart attacks may lead to heart arrest, the patient’s vital signs must be assessed continuously.
Usually regular heart sufferers carry medication with them. The helper should therefore check and if available assist the patient in using such medication.
Signs and Symptoms:
The patient experiences a very sharp and crushing pain in the chest, spreading from the heart towards the upper left side of the body, including the left arm and the head.
Both pulse and breathing are fast and faint.
Both veins on the patient’s neck swell up.
The patient experiences breathing difficulties.
The patient turns pale and sweats profusely.
Treatments:
The vital signs must be assessed and the patient treated accordingly:
If conscious, place the patient into a half sitting position to allow a pressure decrease in the chest.
If any vital sign has failed treat the patient according to the CABC – scheme.
The helper should check for medication.
The patient should be reassured.
Tight clothes should be undone and windows opened.
Breathing instructions should be given.
A bystander should call for professional help.
The above mentioned half sitting position is indicated only if the patient is conscious. Otherwise the treatments of any disturbed vital sign has priority.
In South Africa alone approximately 45.000 people suffer a more or less severe heart attack each year. More than 40% of these patients do not survive the following two weeks. This makes a heart attack the most serious acute illness known. In many cases however it is preventable.
Risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, an incorrect diet, lack of exercise and most of all stress should be minimised if not cut out completely.
In case of a heart attack the heart muscle itself experiences a lack of oxygen due to a blockage of one of the coronary arteries. These are the arteries supplying the heart muscle itself with blood and therefore oxygen. Such a blockage may be caused by a blood clot, by calcium or fat.
The involved tissue will die resulting in a weakening of the heart muscle itself. The heart therefore struggles to deal with the full amount of blood it normally pumps. Blood will collect in the veins in front of the heart, leading not only to a significant pressure build-up, but also to severe chest pain and breathing difficulty.
The heart rate begins to increase, the heartbeat becomes faint, the condition deteriorates.
The severity of the attack depends upon the location of the clot and therefore the size of the afflicted tissue. As heart attacks may lead to heart arrest, the patient’s vital signs must be assessed continuously.
Usually regular heart sufferers carry medication with them. The helper should therefore check and if available assist the patient in using such medication.
Signs and Symptoms:
Treatments:
The above mentioned half sitting position is indicated only if the patient is conscious. Otherwise the treatments of any disturbed vital sign has priority.
P
Psychological Support
The helper should focus not only on the patient’s physical condition, but also onto his psychological state. Pain and fear play a very important role, both of which are psychologically linked. Approaching the psychological needs of the patient will allow a decline of fear, which in return will help the patient to overcome possible pain. Only then a calm and effective working environment can be established. The calmed patient is more likely to accept treatment and to give necessary information. He has become a co-operative patient.
By following simple guidelines the helper will most likely be able to ensure the patient’s psychological well-being:
The helper must act and talk in a calm manner, he or she should identify him- or herself by name and mention the fact that First Aid Training has been attended.
Asking the patient simple questions about the accident and the condition they are in allows the patient to express fear and pain, which in return will lead to a decrease in both.
The helper should hold the patient’s hand, shoulder, etc.
The patient must never be left alone.
The helper should focus not only on the patient’s physical condition, but also onto his psychological state. Pain and fear play a very important role, both of which are psychologically linked. Approaching the psychological needs of the patient will allow a decline of fear, which in return will help the patient to overcome possible pain. Only then a calm and effective working environment can be established. The calmed patient is more likely to accept treatment and to give necessary information. He has become a co-operative patient.
By following simple guidelines the helper will most likely be able to ensure the patient’s psychological well-being:
The helper must act and talk in a calm manner, he or she should identify him- or herself by name and mention the fact that First Aid Training has been attended.
Asking the patient simple questions about the accident and the condition they are in allows the patient to express fear and pain, which in return will lead to a decrease in both.
The helper should hold the patient’s hand, shoulder, etc.
The patient must never be left alone.
R
Respiration
By respiration (breathing) oxygen is inhaled. It is sucked down the windpipe and the bronchus into the lungs, where it reaches the end of our airways, the air sacs. Each air sac is surrounded by blood vessels (veins and arteries).
The venous blood absorbs the oxygen from the air sac and transports it back into the heart, from where it is distributed throughout the whole body, reaching every single cell.
Any respiratory disturbance will inevitably result in an inadequate oxygen supply in our body. This may have fatal consequences.
One of the most common causes of respiratory disturbances is choking.
A foreign object is lodged in the windpipe in a way that the patient himself is unable to expel it.
Depending on the age of the patient tree different treatments are possible.
Firstly, the Heimlich Manoeuvre (Abdominal Thrusts), secondly, Chest Compressions (Chest Thrusts), and thirdly, strong back slaps.
The Heimlich Manoeuvre is not recommended on a patient under ten years of age, as it may lead to internal injury resulting in severe blood loss.
Do not apply the Heimlich manoeuvre on a young child !
In order to assess whether the patient’s respiration is adequate, gently tilt his head to the back (head tilt manoeuvre) and look, listen and feel for breathing (see previous chapter).
Should respiration have failed, the helper must try to locate the patient’s pulse. Should the heart still be beating, artificial ventilations must be commenced without delay, while a bystander calls for professional assistance.
The treatment must be interrupted every minute in order to assess whether circulation is still adequate.
As long as the heart is beating spontaneously C.P.R. is not indicated.
Artificial ventilations may be given via the patient’s mouth or nose. In the case of an infant it should be done via both mouth and nose.
In order to prevent infection of the helper the usage of a protective breathing device (CPR - Mouthpiece) is of utmost importance.
During the administration of artificial ventilations the helper must consider both the breathing pace and lung capacity of the patient.
In order to ensure effective ventilations, the helper should try to feel a build-up of resistance of the lung tissue (lungs are filled sufficiently) as well as when to give the next artificial ventilation (wait for the completion of the patient’s exhalation).
In the case of drowning the same procedure should be followed. No time must be wasted by any attempts to remove water from the lungs. It is the lack of oxygen the helper has to minimise in order to save the patient’s life.
Possible water within the airways will be expelled during the patient’s exhalation.
By respiration (breathing) oxygen is inhaled. It is sucked down the windpipe and the bronchus into the lungs, where it reaches the end of our airways, the air sacs. Each air sac is surrounded by blood vessels (veins and arteries).
The venous blood absorbs the oxygen from the air sac and transports it back into the heart, from where it is distributed throughout the whole body, reaching every single cell.
Any respiratory disturbance will inevitably result in an inadequate oxygen supply in our body. This may have fatal consequences.
One of the most common causes of respiratory disturbances is choking.
A foreign object is lodged in the windpipe in a way that the patient himself is unable to expel it.
Depending on the age of the patient tree different treatments are possible.
Firstly, the Heimlich Manoeuvre (Abdominal Thrusts), secondly, Chest Compressions (Chest Thrusts), and thirdly, strong back slaps.
The Heimlich Manoeuvre is not recommended on a patient under ten years of age, as it may lead to internal injury resulting in severe blood loss.
Do not apply the Heimlich manoeuvre on a young child !
In order to assess whether the patient’s respiration is adequate, gently tilt his head to the back (head tilt manoeuvre) and look, listen and feel for breathing (see previous chapter).
Should respiration have failed, the helper must try to locate the patient’s pulse. Should the heart still be beating, artificial ventilations must be commenced without delay, while a bystander calls for professional assistance.
The treatment must be interrupted every minute in order to assess whether circulation is still adequate.
As long as the heart is beating spontaneously C.P.R. is not indicated.
Artificial ventilations may be given via the patient’s mouth or nose. In the case of an infant it should be done via both mouth and nose.
In order to prevent infection of the helper the usage of a protective breathing device (CPR - Mouthpiece) is of utmost importance.
During the administration of artificial ventilations the helper must consider both the breathing pace and lung capacity of the patient.
In order to ensure effective ventilations, the helper should try to feel a build-up of resistance of the lung tissue (lungs are filled sufficiently) as well as when to give the next artificial ventilation (wait for the completion of the patient’s exhalation).
In the case of drowning the same procedure should be followed. No time must be wasted by any attempts to remove water from the lungs. It is the lack of oxygen the helper has to minimise in order to save the patient’s life.
Possible water within the airways will be expelled during the patient’s exhalation.
S
Stroke
Each year approximately 20.000 South Africans suffer a stroke. Risk factors are very similar to those of a heart attack.
Due to a sudden increase of pressure in the brain the blood supply to a certain part of the brain is disturbed or interrupted.
Typical causes of stroke are firstly, bleeding in the tissue of the brain, due to e.g. a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage), secondly, sudden increases of blood pressure due to e.g. incorrect medication or stress, and thirdly, clotted arteries within the brain tissue (cerebral thrombosis).
As certain parts of the patient’s brain experience an undersupply of oxygen and therefore a certain malfunctioning, the helper will easily be able to recognize the very typical semi-paralysis, in other words the loss of control over either one side of the patient’s body.
Signs and Symptoms:
Semi-paralysis, the patient loses control over either one side of his or her body.
The patient might experience breathing difficulties.
Consciousness might be disturbed.
The patient might become nauseous.
The patient experiences speaking difficulties.
The patient will experience an uncontrolled flow of saliva.
Treatments:
The vital signs must be assessed and the patient treated accordingly:
If conscious, place the patient into a half sitting position to allow a pressure decrease in the brain.
If any vital sign has failed treat the patient according to the CABC – scheme.
The patient should be reassured.
Tight clothes should be undone & windows opened.
Breathing instructions should be given.
A bystander should call for professional help.
The above mentioned half sitting position is indicated only if the patient is conscious. Otherwise the treatments of any disturbed vital sign has priority. Unfortunately not every such patient experiences complete recovery, and will not regain full control over his body even after years.
Each year approximately 20.000 South Africans suffer a stroke. Risk factors are very similar to those of a heart attack.
Due to a sudden increase of pressure in the brain the blood supply to a certain part of the brain is disturbed or interrupted.
Typical causes of stroke are firstly, bleeding in the tissue of the brain, due to e.g. a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage), secondly, sudden increases of blood pressure due to e.g. incorrect medication or stress, and thirdly, clotted arteries within the brain tissue (cerebral thrombosis).
As certain parts of the patient’s brain experience an undersupply of oxygen and therefore a certain malfunctioning, the helper will easily be able to recognize the very typical semi-paralysis, in other words the loss of control over either one side of the patient’s body.
Signs and Symptoms:
The patient might experience breathing difficulties.
Treatments:
The above mentioned half sitting position is indicated only if the patient is conscious. Otherwise the treatments of any disturbed vital sign has priority. Unfortunately not every such patient experiences complete recovery, and will not regain full control over his body even after years.