Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is interrupted. The symptoms of a heart attack are crushing pain in the centre of the chest that may irradiate to the left arm or jaw, breathlessness, pale skin, cold sweat and an irregular pulse.

The following paragraphs outline some guidelines on the treatment of a heart attack.

1) Place the casualty in a comfortable position. This could be sitting with their back and shoulders supported by a cushion and knees bent and also supported by a cushion.

2) Monitor their breathing and circulation while the medical emergency team arrives. Initiate CPR if necessary.

Shock

Circulatory shock occurs when there is a loss in the volume of circulating blood leading to a fall in blood pressure. This type of shock is different from psychogenic shock, which is when a person suffers emotional stress. The following paragraphs outline some guidelines on the treatment of shock.

1) Treat any possible causes of shock such as severe bleeding.

2) Lay the casualty down and raise the legs if they are not injured.

3) Keep the casualty warm by wrapping with a blanket or clothing item.

4) Check consciousness, breathing and pulse until the medical emergency team arrives. Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.

Whilst treating shock, the following precautions should be observed

• Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink

• Do not leave the casualty on their own

• Do not try to warm the casualty with a direct source of heat such as a hot-water bottle

• Constantly reassure the casualty and make them comfortable

Дата добавления: 2015-08-26