A Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain which may cause permanent damage to the brain tissue. This is also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Assessment

For stroke assessment, think F.A.S.T., which stands for the following:

• F – Face

• A – Arm

• S – Speech

• T – Time

Signs and Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness in 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.

First Aid Management

Recognize the “signals” and take action:

• Call the local emergency number immediately. Minutes count!

• Have the person stop what he or she is doing and have them rest comfortably by sitting or lying down.

• Give the victim supportive care and reassurance.

• Be prepared to perform CPR if the victim becomes unresponsive.

Diabetes is the inability of the body to change sugar (glucose) from food into energy.

Types & Causes

• Too much sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia): The person may not have taken enough insulin or may be reacting adversely to a large meal that is high in carbohydrates.

• Too little sugar in the blood (hypoglycemia): The person may have taken too much insulin, eaten too little, or has suffered from overexertion.

Signs and Symptoms

• Changes in level of consciousness, including dizziness, drowsiness and confusion.

• Irregular breathing.

• Abnormal pulse (rapid or weak).

• Feeling or looking ill.

First Aid Management

• First, check and determine if there are any life-threatening conditions.

• A person with diabetes who is experiencing a diabetic emergency must be instructed to test his or her blood glucose level.

• A victim experiencing a diabetic emergency due to hypoglycemia must be encouraged to treat himself/herself with food or drink that contains sugar. The same action is advised if the condition still is to be determined or still remains unknown (Are they hypoglycaemic or hyperglycaemic?).

• If the diabetic person is conscious and is able to swallow and then states that they need sugar.

• If the person is unconscious or is about to lose consciousness, call the local emergency number. Maintain an open airway and do not give anything by mouth.

Seizure is when the normal functions of the brain are disrupted by injury, disease, fever, poisoning or infection, the electrical activity of the brain becomes irregular.

Types & Causes

• Chronic - This condition occurs suddenly and without warning.

• Febrile - This condition brings about a rapid increase in body temperature.

Signs and Symptoms

• Unusual sensations or feelings such as visual hallucination

• Irregular breathing patterns

• Drooling

• Upward rolling of the eyes

• Rigid body

• Sudden, uncontrollable, rhythmic muscle contractions and convulsions

• Decreased level of responsiveness.

• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

First Aid Management

• Reassure the victim that you are going to help.

• Remove nearby objects § that might cause injury.

• Protect the victim’s head by placing a thinly folded towel or piece of § clothing beneath it.

• Do not hold or restrain the patient when a seizure is in progress.

• Do not place anything between the victim’s teeth or put anything in the victim’s mouth.

• Loosen clothing and fan the victim if the seizure was caused by a sudden rise in body temperature.

• Ensure that the victim’s airway is open and check for breathing and other injuries once the seizure is over.

• Stay and watch over the victim until the victim is fully conscious.

An allergy is caused by the over-activity of the immune system against specific antigens.

Causes

• Bee or insect venom

• Pollen

• Animal dander

• Latex

• Certain antibiotics and drugs

• Certain foods like nuts, peanuts, shellfish and dairy products

Signs and Symptoms

• Skin becomes swollen and turns red

• Difficulty in breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath

• Tight feeling in the chest and throat

• Swelling of the face, throat or tongue

• Weakness, dizziness or confusion

• Rashes or hives

• Low blood pressure

• Shock

First Aid Management

• Call the local emergency number.

• Calm and reassure the person.

• Help the person to rest in the most comfortable position for breathing.

• Monitor the person’s breathing. Look for any changes in their condition.

• Assist the person with the use of a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, if available.

• Give care for life-threatening emergencies.

• Document any changes in the person’s condition over time.

Fainting is a partial or complete loss of consciousness resulting from a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain.

Causes

• An emotionally stressful event;

• Pain;

• Specific medical conditions such as heart disease;

• Standing for long periods of time or overexertion.

• Pregnant women and the elderly are more likely than others to faint when suddenly changing positions.

Signs and Symptoms

• Light-headedness or dizziness.

• Signs of shock, such as pale, cool or moist skin.

• Nausea and numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes.

First Aid Management

• Position the victim on his or her back.

• Keep the victim in a lying position.

• Loosen any restrictive clothing, such as a tie or a buttoned-up collar.

• Check for any other life-threatening and non-life-threatening conditions.

• Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink.