Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when the body temperature is below 95 F. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than the body can produce energy. Hypothermia often occurs when the body is immersed in cold water. If the patient is left untreated the nervous system will not be able to work properly which will result in organ damage and possibly death.
Treatment: Make sure to remove the patient’s wet clothing and replace it with something warm and dry. Make sure to perform rescue breaths if the patient is unconscious. If rescue breaths aren’t accessible make sure to perform chest compressions. If possible, give the patient a warm beverage and a warm, dry compress (hot water in a bag to hold or cover the patient with). Do NOT apply direct heat.
Eye Injury
There are several kinds of Eye Injuries. These injuries are: a Black Eye, a Foreign Object caught in the eye and a Chemical Splash in the eye.
Black Eye: is caused by broken blood vessels (or, bleeding beneath the skin) around the eye. Sometimes, there can be bleeding inside the eye which is called, Hyphema-blood in the front chamber of the eye or in the cornea.
Treatment: make sure to apply a cold pack or ice pack to reduce the swelling of the patient’s injured eye. If blood is visible, in the eye, seek medical attention at the nearest hospital. If the patient has any vision problems and/or any blood leakage from the eye seek medical attention immediately.
Foreign Object: Foreign Objects in the eye can be very serious and proper aid is necessary.
Treatment: make sure your hands are clean. Make sure to pull the lower lid down while having the patient look up and vice versa in the opposite direction. Use saline solution for cleaning the affected area. If you’re unable to clean the patient’s eye with a dropper pour water over the patient’s eye while holding the eye lid open. You can also have the patient place his/her head under running water. Make sure to call 911 or take the patient to the nearest hospital if: the object is un-removable, if it’s embedded in the eyeball, if there ‘s any abnormalities pertaining to his/her eye and if there’s persistent pain once the object is removed.
Chemical SplashTreatment: make sure to have the patient run his/her eyes under lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes. Make sure contact lenses are removed. If the patient undergoes persistent pain make sure to call 911 or bring the patient to the nearest hospital. Make sure to have the patient take the bottle or the name of the chemical to the hospital (for medical determinations).
Head Injury
Head Injuries usually result in minor bruises or bumps, however, some head injuries can be very serious and even fatal.
If these signs appear call 911 immediately:
If the victim has a seizure, slurs while speaking, if the patient’s pupils are unequal in size, any inabilities in the usage of body parts or motor skills, any loss of balance (make sure to tell the patient to sit down), confusion, any discoloration in the face, a severe headache or if there’s any severe bleeding from the head, nose, ears or face call 911 immediately.
Do Not attempt to remove any articles off of the patient and unless necessary, do not move the patient.
Cover the wound if blood is immense; however, do not apply any pressure for any head injuries (lightly cover the wound).
If the patient falls unconscious or is non-responsive without a pulse make sure to call 911 and perform CPR.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal Injuries are very serious. If any suspicion, whatsoever, of a spinal injury do not move the patient. If the patient has had a head injury, back pain, has any numbness or lacks control of limbs, bladder or bowels-suspect a spinal injury.
Treatment: Call 911. Make sure to keep the patient from moving, check for C-A-B’s, perform CPR, if needed, but use the jaw-thrust maneuver. If there isn’t a pulse make sure to perform chest compressions. Do not remove any items off the patient. If the patient is vomiting or is bleeding from the mouth or nose turn the patient on his/her side only if there are 2 responders-making sure to move the patient in accordance with each responders movement.
Seizures
When a patient is having a Seizure these are signs to look for: dizziness or faintness, uncontrolled bowel movement, breathing difficulties, arching of the back, clenching of things, such as teeth, unconsciousness or unresponsiveness. If a patient is ever unconscious or unresponsive make sure to perform CPR and to call 911.
There are many causes of seizures. Such causes are: head injuries, fevers, brain damage, poisoning, cessation of oxygen to the brain and diabetes.
Treatment: check universal precautions, remove any life threatening objects, loosen clothing, and make sure to call 911 and respond with appropriate orders. Make sure to NOT restrain the patient unless the patient is going to be hurt or is going to hurt someone.
Shock
There are many reasons for a patient to go into Shock. Some reasons are: poisoning, burns, blood loss, heatstroke, trauma and any other serious medical accident. Shock can lead to a loss of oxygenated blood to vital organs which, if untreated, can lead to organ damage or possibly death.
Signs of Shock: cool and clammy skin, unconsciousness or poor responsiveness, dilated pupils and nausea. If the patient is unconscious call 911 immediately then perform CPR-if the patient is a child or infant perform CPR for 2 minutes and then call 911. Make sure to lay the patient down with his/her feet 12 inches above the heart. Check for C-A-B’s. You may need to put the patient on his/her side for prevention of choking. Make sure to check for other injuries.
Stroke
A Stroke occurs when there is a ruptured/blocked blood vessel in the brain. When the brain has a cessation of oxygen it begins deteriorating. If the patient falls unconscious or is unresponsive, call 911 and perform CPR immediately. Make sure to check for any signs of any body parts drooping, any slurring of speech or unresponsive motions. Check for any numbness in the patient, dizziness or faintness and check for headaches or loss of vision.
Risk factors are: high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cigarette smoking and having had a prior stroke.
Michael Donafrio
