Module 5 Shock, fainting & anaphylaxis

Transcription

1 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 t functions can be impaired.

2 First Aid Instructor PowerPoint by John Lippmann & David Natoli 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 PO Box 387 Ashburton, Vic. 3147, Australia. Tel/Fax: ; jlpubs@bigpond.net.au Acknowledgements The authors wish to sincerely thank the following people for their contributions and editorial comments: Dr. David Pescod, Assoc. Prof. John Williamson, Prof. Vic Callanan, Assoc. Prof. Julian White, Dr. Peter Sullivan, Tony Walker and Mick Jackson. Published for the Royal Life Saving Society Australia Suite 6 Level Broadway (cnr Mountain St), Broadway NSW 2007 Tel Fax Royal Life Saving Society Australia wishes to acknowledge the contribution to this publication of RLSS New South Wales through Operations Manager Michael Ilinsky. Royal Life Saving wishes to acknowledge the dedicated and professional team of staff and volunteers who will use this valuable first aid publication to train and assess community lifesavers in schools, communities, corporates and across various industries almost every day.

3 VISUAL 5.1 Shock Shock is a general e term used to describe a condition that occurs when the circulation is inadequate to meet the oxygen requirements of the major organs of the body It often results from an inadequate perfusion (blood supply) l) which h may be caused by: Heart failure (a faulty pump) Inadequate vascular volume (not enough fluid in the vessels to be pumped around) Leaky or dilated vessels through which the fluid is being pumped p

4 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 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 Nothing should be given by mouth Record the victim s vital signs regularly Seek medical assistance

5 VISUAL 5.3 Fainting Most faints occur as a result of a sudden drop in blood pressure, with an associated and 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

6 VISUAL 5.4 Fainting SIGNS & SYMPTOMS TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT Dizziness, light headedness, nausea Pale, cold, clammy skin Numbness or tingling in the extremities Brief period of unresponsiveness (1 2 i ) Lay victim down promptly Conduct a primary survey Place in the recovery position if unconscious & breathing Elevate the legs if possible to 2 minutes) Conduct vital signs and secondary surveys Reassure the victim when responsive. Seek medical aid if required

7 VISUAL 5.5 Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is an exaggerated and life threatening reaction to a foreign substance 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

8 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS 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 Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Metallic taste in mouth Reduced level of consciousness / unconsciousness Anaphylaxis VISUAL 5.6 TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT Call an ambulance urgently Conduct a Primary Survey 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 selfinjecting 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 Submariner Publications 2006