FIRST AID TIPS (PART III)

In this final installment of our first aid tips series, we look at more serious incidents. Like all our tips, they are to be exercised with extreme care and caution. The first course of action is always to call for help from medical professionals.

HEART ATTACKS

If you suspect a person is having a heart attack call 112 immediately. Make them as comfortable as possible. Sit them on the floor, sitting up with knees bent. If they are conscious, keep them calm and reassure them until medical help arrives.

If you are a First Aid Responder follow the protocol in which you were trained.

STROKE

If you suspect someone is having a stroke perform the FAST test immediately.

F – Facial weakness – can they smile, is their face drooping
A – Arm weakness – can they hold both arms up for 5 seconds
S – Speech – can they speak clearly? Are they confused
T – Time to call – call 112 immediately

If they have tested positive for any of the above ensure you tell the emergency services that they are FAST Positive.

SHOCK

Shock is a serious life-threatening condition that occurs when an insufficient supply of blood throughout the body causes the cells of the body to be deprived of oxygen. Shock can occur following a serious accident, injury or illness. Signs and symptoms are as folows:

Pale face, Rapid shallow breathing. Fast, weak pulse. Clammy skin. Weakness, dizziness
Treatment for shock is as follows:

• Call 112 immediately
• Open the airway and treat the cause where possible (i.e. external bleeding)
• Raise and support the lower limbs if possible and ensure the patient is warm
• Loosen tight clothing, observe and record vital signs
• Reassure the patient and stay with them until emergency services arrive

For further information on our First Aid Responder Course, click here