Sudden Illness
Sudden Illness
Sudden Illness can occur in any individual at times difficult to determine exact illness being
experienced by the victim. However, by knowing signs and symptoms of major disorders you may be
able to provide appropriate first aid. Obtain information from victim and look for identifying factors
such as medical alert bracelets or necklaces or medical information cards.
Heart Attack
Also called coronary thrombosis, coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction (MI). May occur when
one of the coronary arteries supplying blood to heart is blocked,If attack is severe, victim may die. If
heart stops beating, CPR must be started.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on amount of heart damage
-Severe painful pressure under sternum with pain radiating to shoulders, arms, neck and jaw
-Intense shortness of breath
-Skin, especially by lips and nailbeds, becomes pale or cyanotic (bluish) in color
–Victim weak but anxious and apprehensive
–Nausea and/or vomiting
–Diaphoresis or excessive perspiration
–Loss of consciousness may occur
First aid care
–Encourage victim to relax and reassure victim constantly
–Position in a comfortable position to relieve pain and assist breathing
–Watch for signs of shock and treat as needed
–Avoid unnecessary stress and excessive movement
–Obtain medical help ASAP
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Also called stroke, apoplexy or cerebral thrombosis
7
UNIT 15
Causes:
–Formation of a clot in cerebral artery to brain
–Hemorrhage from a blood vessel in the brain
Signs and symptoms vary depending on part of brain affected
–Numbness or paralysis (usually hemiplegia –paralysis on one side of body)
–Pupils of eyes are unequal in size
–Mental confusion and slurred speech
–Nausea and vomiting
–Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
–Loss of consciousness
First aid care
–Maintain
Sudden Illness can occur in any individual at times difficult to determine exact illness being
experienced by the victim. However, by knowing signs and symptoms of major disorders you may be
able to provide appropriate first aid. Obtain information from victim and look for identifying factors
such as medical alert bracelets or necklaces or medical information cards.
Heart Attack
Also called coronary thrombosis, coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction (MI). May occur when
one of the coronary arteries supplying blood to heart is blocked,If attack is severe, victim may die. If
heart stops beating, CPR must be started.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on amount of heart damage
-Severe painful pressure under sternum with pain radiating to shoulders, arms, neck and jaw
-Intense shortness of breath
-Skin, especially by lips and nailbeds, becomes pale or cyanotic (bluish) in color
–Victim weak but anxious and apprehensive
–Nausea and/or vomiting
–Diaphoresis or excessive perspiration
–Loss of consciousness may occur
First aid care
–Encourage victim to relax and reassure victim constantly
–Position in a comfortable position to relieve pain and assist breathing
–Watch for signs of shock and treat as needed
–Avoid unnecessary stress and excessive movement
–Obtain medical help ASAP
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Also called stroke, apoplexy or cerebral thrombosis
7
UNIT 15
Causes:
–Formation of a clot in cerebral artery to brain
–Hemorrhage from a blood vessel in the brain
Signs and symptoms vary depending on part of brain affected
–Numbness or paralysis (usually hemiplegia –paralysis on one side of body)
–Pupils of eyes are unequal in size
–Mental confusion and slurred speech
–Nausea and vomiting
–Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
–Loss of consciousness
First aid care
–Maintain