Cpr Notes

First Aid Chapter 16 Notes
Sudden illness

1. Sudden Illness, pg. 246
Many different illnesses may occur suddenly
Many become medical emergencies
Knowledge of a victim’s specific illness is not needed to give first aid

2. General Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Illness, pg. 246
Person feels ill, dizzy, confused or weak
Skin color changes
Flushed, pale or ashen
Sweating
Breathing changes
Nausea, vomiting

3. General Care for Sudden Illness, pg. 246
Call 9-1-1 for unexplained sudden illness
Help victim rest and avoid getting chilled or overheated
Reassure victim
Do not give victim anything to eat or drink
Watch for changes
Be prepared to give BLS

4. Heart Attack – Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), p. 246
Sudden reduced blood flow to heart muscle
Medical emergency that often leads to cardiac arrest
Can occur at any age
Usually results from atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)

5. Facts About Heart Attack, pg. 247 Box 16-1
Over 1,255,000 heart attacks occur a year in the United States, resulting in over 132,000 deaths
Many could have been saved by first aid and medical treatment
More likely in those with family history
1/5 of victims do not have chest pain
Victims typically deny they are having a heart attack

6. Prevention of Heart Attack, pg. 247
Do not smoke
Eat a healthy diet
Control blood pressure
Maintain normal weight
Get exercise
Control stress

7. Symptoms of Heart Attack, pg. 247
Can vary from vague chest discomfort to crushing pain with or without other symptoms
May have no signs and symptoms before suddenly collapsing
May have milder symptoms that come and go before heart attack occurs
Symptoms of Heart Attack continued
In women chest pain or discomfort most common symptom
Also more likely to have shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, indigestion, nausea and vomiting
Consider possibility of heart attack with wide range of symptoms
Don’t expect a clearly defined situation
Act quickly