CPR + First Aid + BBP Certification Manual: Medical Emergencies II

Shock, Stroke & Weather-Related Emergencies

Some illnesses and environmental conditions can rapidly become serious. Early recognition and appropriate first aid are important.

Shock Emergency

Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the body's tissues do not receive adequate blood flow and oxygen.

Possible signs include:

• Pale, cool, or clammy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Restlessness or confusion
• Nausea
• Reduced responsiveness

First Aid Steps:

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Call 911
3. Control life-threatening bleeding or address another immediately correctable cause
4. Have the person rest in a position that allows comfortable breathing
5. Keep the person warm without overheating
6. Do not give food or drink to a seriously ill or injured person
7. Monitor breathing and responsiveness
8. Begin CPR if cardiac arrest occurs

Do not routinely elevate the legs of an injured person. Position should be based on the person's injuries, breathing, comfort, and condition.

Stroke Emergency

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or bleeding occurs within the brain.

Remember FAST:

• Face: Is one side drooping?
• Arms: Is one arm weak or drifting downward?
• Speech: Is speech slurred, unusual, or difficult?
• Time: Call 911 immediately

Other symptoms may include sudden:

• Confusion
• Difficulty seeing
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance
• Severe headache
• Weakness or numbness

First Aid Steps:

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Call 911 immediately
3. Note the time symptoms were first noticed or the last time the person was known to be normal
4. Keep the person at rest
5. Do not give food, drink, or medication
6. Monitor breathing and responsiveness
7. Begin CPR if cardiac arrest occurs

Cold-Related Emergencies

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature falls dangerously low. It can occur even at temperatures above freezing, especially in wet or windy conditions that draw heat away from the body.

Possible signs include:

• Shivering
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Reduced responsiveness

First Aid Steps:

1. Move the person away from the cold when safe
2. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry insulation when possible
3. Warm the person gradually
4. Insulate the person from the ground
5. Call 911 for moderate or severe symptoms
6. Handle the person gently
7. Monitor breathing and responsiveness

Do not use extreme direct heat.

Frostbite

Frostbite is freezing of body tissue, commonly involving fingers, toes, ears, nose, or other exposed areas.

Possible signs include:

• Numbness
• Pale, waxy, or discolored skin
• Firm or frozen-feeling tissue

Protect the area from additional cold and injury. Do not rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Do not thaw frozen tissue if there is a significant possibility that it will refreeze. Seek medical care for significant frostbite.

Heat-Related Emergencies

Heat Exhaustion

Possible signs include:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps (sometimes called heat cramps)

Move the person to a cooler location, loosen unnecessary clothing, and begin cooling. Monitor for worsening symptoms.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency involving severe overheating and changes in mental status.
Possible signs include:

• Confusion
• Altered behavior
• Collapse
• Seizure
• Very high body temperature

First Aid Steps:

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Move the person away from the hot environment
3. Begin rapid active cooling
4. Remove unnecessary outer clothing
5. Use the most effective safe cooling method available
6. Continue cooling while awaiting professional care
7. Monitor breathing and responsiveness

Do not delay cooling while waiting for emergency responders.