The underlying cause of heat stroke is connected to the sometimes sudden inability to dissipate body heat through perspiration, especially after strenuous physical activity. This accounts for the excessive rise in body temperature and it is the high fever which can cause permanent damage to internal organs, and can result in death if not treated immediately. Recovery depends on heat duration and intensity. The goal of emergency treatment is to maintain circulation and lower body temperature as quickly as possible.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency, and the most severe form of heat related illness. Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke should be rushed to the hospital. Unlike other forms of heat illness, Heat Stroke does not have to be caused by exercise or exertion. High temperatures, lack of body fluids and overexposure to the elements can all bring about Heat Stroke. The very young and old are especially susceptible to the hazards of this heat related illness.
Symptoms
The first sign to look for in a victim of Heat Stroke is red, flushed skin. People who are suffering Heat Stroke, do not sweat, so it is critical that they receive emergency care immediately to relieve their body of heat. Other signs of Heat Stroke include:
A body temperature of 106-degrees or higher
Seizures
Headache
Rapid pulse
Unconsciousness
Headache, nausea, dizziness
Red, dry, very hot skin (sweating has ceased)
Pulse-strong & rapid
Small pupils
Very high fever
May become extremely disoriented
Unconsciousness and possible convulsions
First Aid for Heatstroke or Sunstroke
HEATSROKE IS LIFE THREATENING!
CALL EMS
Remove victim to cooler location, out of the sun
Loosen or remove clothing and immerse victim in very cool water if possible
If immersion isn't possible, cool victim with water, or wrap in wet sheets and fan for quick evaporation
Use cold compresses-especially to the head & neck area, also to armpits and groin
Medical Attention is required continue first aid to lower temp, until medical help takes over Do NOT give any medication to lower fever--it will not be effective and may cause further harm Do NOT use an alcohol rub Do NOT give the victim anything by mouth (even water) Heat illness is a medical emergency once it has begun it is essential to bring it under control ASAP so as to prevent complications. Listed below are the three major types of heat illnesses, detailing their symptoms and treatments. Medical Help should be summoned.
Heat Cramps:
This type of heat injury usually happens after exercise. Most often they happen in people who arent used to the heat, who sweat a lot, or who dont drink enough liquids.
Symptoms
Severe pain and cramps in legs and abdomen
Faintness or dizziness
Weakness
Profuse sweating
Pt Management
First Aid
Increase salt intake by giving salty fluids
Encourage reduction in activities
Move victim to a cool location
Call 911
Heat Exhaustion:
This happens when one is exposed to heat for a prolonged amount of time and causes dehydration. It usually happens in people playing sports, or participating in other outdoor heavy work. The two types of exhaustion that can occur are water depletion and salt depletion. Symptoms
Pale skin
Profuse sweating
Nausea and/or vomiting
Dialation of pupils
Weakness or reduced level of conscienceness
Pt Management
First Aid
Call EMS-911
Move to a cool environment Loosen clothing
Apply ice packs Elevate legs above the heart
Furnish liquids
History
The spread of the West Nile virus in the United States is a major health concern. Since the first reported case in New York in 1999, the mosquito-borne disease has spread across the country.
Transmission
Transmission is a vicious circle. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The virus gets into the mosquito's salivary glands. Then the mosquito bites a human or an animal, injecting the virus, which can multiply and cause illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Mild infections:
Flu-like symptoms
Fever
Headaches and body aches
Skin rash
Swollen lymph glands
Severe infections Signs:
Higher fever
Neck stiffness Disorientation
Coma
Paralysis
Convulsions and muscle weakness
Death
The only test for West Nile virus available checks blood for the presence of antibodies, not the virus itself.
WEST NILE VIRUS
SMALL POX
What Is Smallpox?
Smallpox is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through the air and infects 30% of the people who are exposed to it. Once infected, there is no cure. None of our current antiviral medications is effective. Smallpox can spread from person to person and through infected blankets, linens, and clothing.
Experts consider it a likely weapon of choice for use in a bioterrorist attack.
Symptoms don't start until about 12 days after exposure to the virus. At first, it's like the flu -- causing an under-the-weather feeling of fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and backache. Then, severe abdominal pain and disorientation can set in, as small, round sores erupt all over the skin. About 30% of people who become infected will die, and survivors can be left with permanent scars.
Heart Attack Symptoms & Warning Signs
IF YOU THINK YOU'RE HAVING A HEART ATTACK, CALL 9-1-1 OR YOUR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. You'll also get treated faster in the hospital if you come by ambulance.
If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you'rethe one having symptoms,don't drive yourself.
How a Heart Attack is Determined
A doctor who's studied the results of several tests must diagnose a heart attack. The doctor will review the patient's complete medical history, and provide a physical examination. The use an electrocardiogram (e-lek"tro-KAR'de-o-gram) (EKG) to discover any abnormalities caused by damage to the heart. An EKG is a medical device that makes a graphical record of the heart's electrical activity. Use of blood test are performed to detect abnormal levels of certain enzymes in the bloodstream. Blood tests confirm (or refute) suspicions raised in the early stages of evaluation that may occur in an emergency room, intensive care unit or urgent care setting. These tests are sometimes called heart damage markers or cardiac enzymes.
Stroke Symptoms / Warning Signs
IF YOU NOTICE ONE OR MORE OF THESE SIGNS, DON'T WAIT. STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. CALL 911 OR YOUR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES. GET TO A HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY!
Learn the warning signs of stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Be prepared for an emergency.
Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.
Find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24-hour emergency stroke care.
Know (in advance) which hospital or medical facility is nearest your home or office.
Take action in an emergency.
Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical service (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent for you.
If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS. Expect the person to protest -- denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.
Anthrax Questions & Symptoms
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax is an animal disease that has been around for tens of thousands of years. Rarely, anthrax causes serious disease in humans. The germ is a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis that "seeds" itself by forming long-lasting spores. These spores can survive in the environment for a long time. Grass-eating animals, such as cattle, are most often infected because they can eat spores living in the soil. Animal vaccination - and destruction of infected herds - has drastically reduced the number of infected animals. Even so, anthrax spores continue to be found in soil samples from all over the world.
When anthrax spores get inside the body, they grow rapidly. The germs themselves can cause dangerous infections. Far more dangerous is a substance they produce in the body - anthrax toxin - which helps the bug survive by killing off cells of the immune system. This toxin is so deadly that it can kill even after infection is brought under control.
What symptoms should I watch for?
The symptoms of anthrax infection depend on how a person catches the disease. All forms of anthrax if caught early enough can be cured by prompt antibiotic treatment. However, some anthrax strains developed as biological weapons are resistant to many drugs. Skin infection starts with an itchy bump like a mosquito bite. After a day or two, it forms a small liquid-filled sac. This sac then becomes a painless ulcer with an area of black, dead tissue in the middle. Antibiotic treatment cures this infection. Untreated, it kills about one in five people. The signs of intestinal infection are nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. This is followed by severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Untreated intestinal anthrax is deadly 25% to 60% of the time. Inhalation anthrax, the most deadly form of the disease, begins with the same symptoms as the flu, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. As early as one day after these symptoms appear - but up to weeks later - the symptoms suddenly become much more severe, usually with breathing problems and shock. This form of the disease is often fatal.
How is anthrax treated?
First, anthrax infection has to be identified. This is now much more likely since the CDC began a program to help public-health laboratories rapidly identify germs that might be used in biological warfare or terrorism.
Early treatment is essential. Natural strains of anthrax may be resistant to many antibiotics, but most are sensitive to penicillin. Either of two antibiotics is recommended: doxycycline and Cipro (ciprofloxacin). Because anthrax spores can stay hidden in the lungs for a long time, antibiotic treatment should continue for 60 days. There are reports that some forms of anthrax created as biological weapons are resistant to these drugs, but there is no hard evidence that this is true. In fact, the strain of anthrax in this outbreak appear to be fully sensitive to the antibiotics used to treat this bacteria.
People should NOT stockpile antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment should not be started unless public health authorities have warned of an anthrax outbreak, and even then these drugs can have serious side effects for some people.
More help is on the way. Researchers at Harvard University have invented molecules that work as an antidote for anthrax toxin. One of these molecules also vaccinates against future infection at the same time.
What can I do?
Most people in the U.S. will never be exposed to anthrax. Recent exposures to anthrax appear to have come from letters containing powdered anthrax spores, but there's no cause for panic. Here's what to do if you receive a letter or package that you suspect of containing anthrax or any other dangerous germs:
Do not shake or empty the envelope or package. Do not try to clean up any spilled powder or fluid.
Put the envelope or package into a plastic bag or other container to prevent the contents from leaking out. If you can't find a container, cover the envelope or package with clothing, paper, or a trash can -- and DON'T remove this cover.
Leave the room and close the door. Keep other people from entering the room.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Call the local police and report the incident. If you are at work, call your building security officer and/or your supervisor.
Make a list of all the people who were in the room when you opened the letter or package. Give this list to the police -- and to local public-health authorities.
Remove contaminated clothing and put it into a plastic bag that can be sealed. Give the bag of contaminated clothing to the Police.
Shower with soap and water as soon as you can. Do not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.
Do not start taking antibiotics until told to do so by your doctor or by health authorities.
Gas masks or respirators won't do much good once an exposure has taken place -- and it's much more likely that you or your children would be injured by improper use of gas masks than by a terrorist attack.
Only preventive treatment with antibiotics can keep an exposed person from developing anthrax. Anthrax vaccine -- a series of six shots over the course of a year with yearly booster shots -- is not recommended for or available to the public. New treatments and vaccines are under development.
How can I tell the difference between an anthrax infection and the flu?
The early symptoms of inhalation anthrax are the same as those of a mild case of flu. Treatment to prevent anthrax begins only after a person has had a suspected exposure. There is a new quick test that can show whether a person has been exposed to anthrax, but it is not yet widely available. Your doctor, however, should have access to rapid tests that can identify the flu. Here are some differences in symptoms as the illnesses progress:
Shortness of breath is common with anthrax, but unusual with the flu
Vomiting is common with anthrax, but unusual with the flu
Sore throats are uncommon with anthrax, but typical with the flu
Stuffy noses are uncommon with anthrax, but typical with the flu
If you think you have a cold or flu and your symptoms suddenly get much worse -- especially with a severe headache -- seek immediate medical attention.
Can I catch anthrax from someone else?
Anthrax can't be spread from person to person.
Who should I contact in my local area if I'm worried?
Contact your local police department, or call 911, and contact your local health department or your doctor for more information if you think you've been exposed to anthrax. Don't start taking antibiotics unless advised to do so by your doctor or by health authorities.
This page was last updated: May 30, 2008
DAVES EMS HEADQUARTERS
EDUCATION & RESOURCES-2
Coughing hard might save you, at the first sign of what ?
O an asthma attack
O choking
O a heart attack
O a stroke
Coughing hard at the first sign of a heart attack could a save patient's life, Every year one in a 1,000 people in the Western world die from cardiac arrest, the vast majority caused by a sudden problem with the heart's rhythm. In these cases, properly timed and performed coughs can allow the patient to maintain consciousness and even regain an effective heart beat Currently, only one in 10 victims of cardiac arrest survive without serious brain damage.
High-risk patients should therefore be taught how to cough effectively, starting with a single cough every one to two seconds in bouts of five coughs In a study, 115 patients at risk of cardiac arrest were trained to cough at the first sign of an attack and did so on 365 occasions. In 292 cases the symptoms disappeared and only 73 required medical attention. Some doctors already encourage patients to cough when under intensive heart treatment in a hospital.
Choking
Choking occurs when the airway is partially or totally blocked by a swallowed object, i.e. when something goes down the windpipe rather than the food passage. The aim of treatment is to clear the blocked passage.
THE CHOKING VICTIM WILL CLASP THEIR NECK IN AN INSTINCTIVE ACT, WHICH IS NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE UNIVERSAL CHOKING SIGN.
Act Quickly; speed is essential. Brain death can occur in 4-6 minutes.
Treatment:Conscious Adult
* Ask, "Are you choking?" If the victim can speak, cough or breathe, DO NOT INTERFERE - he is not choking.
* If the victim cannot speak, cough or breathe, give upward abdominal thrusts. To do this, stand behind victim and wrap your arms round the waist. Grasp one fist with your other hand and place thumb side of your fist in the mid-line between waist and rib cage. Press fist into abdomen with 4 quick upward and inward thrusts.
* Do not use abdominal thrust when dealing with a pregnant woman or over-weight victim. In these cases use chest thrusts - press on breastbone as in CPR.
* Stand behind victim and place your arms under her armpits to encircle body.
* Grasp one fist with the other hand, and place thumb side on the middle of the breastbone.Press with quick backward thrusts.
* Repeat above sequence. Be persistent. Send for medical aid, call an Ambulance and continue treatment until help arrives.
Self Help
The above technique can be used successfully if a person is choking and alone. Lean over a chair or railing as you act to help release obstruction.
Unconscious Adult
Establish that the patient is unconsciousness.
* "Call for Help". Dial 911 in the U.S. or your Local Emergency Telephone Number.
*Open Airway and begin resuscitation procedures,
*If unsuccessful deliver five upward abdominal thrusts. (if trained)
* Use finger probe in mouth to remove the dislodged foreign body.
*If unsuccessful repeat these sequences. Be persistent.
* Continue treatment until help arrives.
Child (as for adults)
If a child (1-8 years) is choking, proceed as for adult, depending on whether victim is conscious or unconscious.
Infant (up to 1 year)
If an infant is choking, turn infant face downwards supporting the body along your arm with hand supporting head and neck.
*Ensure airway is open.
* Deliver five back blows between the shoulders, then turn over and give five chest thrusts.
*Remove object if visible.
* Do notperform blind finger sweeps in infants and children. When obstruction is removed and infant is still not breathing and has no pulse start CPR.
* Call 911
To prevent further complications, all cases of choking should receive medical inspection even if the first aid measure relieved the obstruction.
EMS DEFINITIONS
"Ambulance" means a motor vehicle or rotary aircraft that is primarily used or designated as available to provide transportation and basic life support, limited advanced life support, or advanced life support.
"Ambulance Operation" means a person licensed to provide emergency medical services and patient transport, for profit or otherwise.
"Emergency" means a condition or situation in which an individual declares a need for immediate medical attention for any individual, or where that need is declared by emergency medical services personnel or a public safety official.
"Emergency Medical Services" means the emergency medical services personnel, ambulances, nontransport prehospital life support vehicles, aircraft transport or treatment of an individual requiring medical first response life support, basic life support, limited advanced life support, or advanced life support.
"Emergency Medical Services personnel" means a medical first responder, emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician specialist, paramedic, or emergency medical services instructor-coordinator.
"Emergency Medical Services Instructor-Coordinator" means an individual licensed under this part to conduct and instruct emergency medical services education program
"Medical First Responder"means an individual who has met the educational requirements of a department approved medical first responder course and who is licensed to provide medical first response life support as part of a medical first response service or as a driver of an ambulance that provides basic life support services only.
"Emergency Medical Technician" means an individual who is licensed by the department to provide basic life support.
"Emergency Medical Technician Specialist"means an individual who is licensed by the department to provide limited advanced life support.
"Paramedic"means an individual licensed under this part to provide advanced life support.
"Emergency Patient"means an individual whose physical or mental condition is such that the A PRUDENT individual is, or may reasonably be suspected or known to be, in imminent danger of loss of life or of significant health impairment.
"Statewide Emergency Medical Services Communications System"means a system that integrates each emergency medical services system with a centrally coordinated dispatch and resource coordination facility utilizing the universal emergency telephone number, 9-1-1, whenthat number is appropriate, or any other designated emergency telephone number, a statewide emergency medical 2-way radio communications network, and linkages with the statewide emergency preparedness communications system.
"Life Support Agency" means an ambulance operation, nontransport prehospital life support operation, aircraft transport operation, or medical first response service.
"Aircraft transport vehicle"means an aircraft that is primarily used or designated as available to provide patient transportation between health facilities and that is capable of providing patient care according to orders issued by the patient's physician.
"Disaster"means an occurrence of imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from a natural or manmade cause, including but not limited to, fire, flood, snow, ice, windstorm, wave action, oil spill, water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage, utility failure, hazardous peacetime radiological incident, major transportation accident, hazardous materials accident, epidemic, air contamination, drought, infestation, or explosion. Disaster does not include a riot or other civil disorder unless it directly results from and is an aggravating element of the disaster.
"Emergency Medical Services System"means a comprehensive and integrated arrangement of the personnel, facilities, equipment, services, communications, MEDICAL CONTROL, and organizations necessary to provide emergency medical services & TRAUMA CARE within a particular geographic region.
LIVES ARE SAVED WITH FIRST AID TRAINING
It may be a little dramatic but sometimes it true. If you call the emergency medical services to an incident, your actions have started the chain of survival. You have acted to help someone you may not even know. First aid is helping, first aid is making that call, putting a Band-Aid on a small wound, controlling bleeding in large wounds or providing CPR for a collapsed person whose not breathing and heart has stopped beating. You can help yourself, your loved ones and the stranger whose life may depend on you being in the right place at the right time with the right knowledge.
*First aid training, it's the smart thing to do.
*Be ready before an emergency occurs.
*Become trained in first aid now, by contacting your local first aid organization.
*Establish a clear line of communication in your organization/school/home with emergency agencies, local doctor, Hospital, first aid branch, fire brigade, police.
*Assign duties to a specific person in the workplace.
*Brief teachers at school and family members at home.
*Keep a first aid kit up-to-date, ready for use, accessible and well stocked.
*Know how to act in case of special health problems e.g. asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, hemophilia, tetanus immune status.
*Hold regular fire drill exercises at school and work.
*Keep up-to-date personnel records so that next of kin can be notified in case of accident.
*Display CPR and First aid information posters in prominent places. ex. beside fire extinguisher.
*Keep the names of staff trained in CPR beside the phone.
*Don't leave it to others to learn first aid, "Get yourself trained now!"
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