VISUAL 5
Module 5 – Shock, fainting & anaphylaxis Circulation delivers oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. If the circulation fails to deliver sufficient oxygen to the brain or other vital organs, consciousness and other important it l i d th i t t functions can be impaired.
First Aid Instructor PowerPoint by John Lippmann & David Natoli © J Lippmann & D Natoli 2007 © J. Lippmann & D. Natoli, 2007 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written permission from the authors. Lippmann, John. Published by J.L. Publications, a Division of Submariner Publications P/L, ABN 39 059 509 474 PO Box 387 Ashburton, Vic. 3147, Australia. Tel/Fax: +61‐3‐9886 0200; E il jl b @bi Email:
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VISUAL 5.1
Shock • SShock is a general term used to describe a oc s a ge e a te used to desc be a condition that occurs when the circulation is inadequate to meet the oxygen requirements of the major organs of the body h f h b d • It often results from an inadequate perfusion (bl d (blood supply) which may be caused by: l ) hi h b db • Heart failure (a faulty pump) • Inadequate vascular volume (not enough fluid in the vessels q ( g to be pumped around) • Leaky or dilated vessels through which the fluid is being p p pumped
VISUAL 5.2
Shock SIGNS & SYMPTOMS • • • • • • •
Pale, cold, clammy skin Rapid, weak pulse Rapid, shallow breathing Thirst Dizziness, nausea, vomiting Reduced level of consciousness Weakness, collapse
TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT • • • • • • • • • •
Conduct a primary survey Position the victim laying down with their legs elevated legs elevated Treat the cause, if possible Monitor the victim’s vital signs Reassure the casualty and encourage him or her to rest in a comfortable position Provide supplementary oxygen (if available) Maintain body temperature Maintain body temperature Nothing should be given by mouth Record the victim’s vital signs regularly Seek medical assistance
VISUAL 5.3
Fainting • Most Most faints occur as a result of a sudden drop faints occur as a result of a sudden drop in blood pressure, with an associated and equally short lived blood flow to the brain equally short lived blood flow to the brain below levels required to maintain consciousness • Frequently a faint will end as soon as the unconscious person falls over unconscious person falls over
VISUAL 5.4
Fainting SIGNS & SYMPTOMS • • • •
Dizziness, light‐headedness, nausea Pale, cold, clammy skin Numbness or tingling in the extremities Brief period of unresponsiveness (1 to 2 minutes) 2 i )
TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT • • • • • • •
Lay victim down promptly Conduct a primary survey Place in the recovery position if unconscious & breathing Elevate the legs if possible Conduct vital signs and secondary surveys Reassure the victim when responsive. S k Seek medical aid if required di l id if i d
VISUAL 5.5
Anaphylaxis • Anaphylaxis is an exaggerated and life‐threatening p y gg g reaction to a foreign substance g • The reaction results in the release of large amounts of histamine and other vaso‐reactive substances • It can result in airways becoming narrowed, tissue swelling, development of rashes and blood vessels dilating and becoming leaky • This is a true life threat which can occur over a short period of time
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS • • • • • • • • •
Swelling of the throat, tongue and face Swelling of the throat, tongue and face Difficulty in swallowing and breathing Wheezing, respiratory distress Red, itchy rash to face, neck and body Skin becomes red or pale, cold and clammy Rapid weak pulse Rapid, weak pulse Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Metallic taste in mouth Reduced level of consciousness / unconsciousness
VISUAL 5.6
Anaphylaxis
TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT • • • • • • • •
Call an ambulance urgently Conduct a Primary Survey The victim needs to be continuously assessed The victim needs to be continuously assessed Help the victim into a position of comfort (often laying down) If the victim has their own medication (e.g. a self‐ injecting pen of adrenaline), it should be injected into the victim’s thigh Loosen tight clothing, and remove rings, watches, bracelets Provide supplementary oxygen, if available Be prepared to start resuscitation if necessary
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