reactions and symptoms

Allergic Reactions

  • Definition: An allergic reaction is an immune response to a substance the body identifies as a threat. This may happen despite preventive measures taken by an individual.
  • Severity: Reactions can range from mild to life-threatening (anaphylaxis).

Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

  • Breathing Difficulties: Tightness in the chest and throat.
  • Swelling: Lips, face, neck, hands, and feet.
  • Skin Reactions: Rash, hives, or itching.
  • Wheezing: Difficulty when exhaling.
  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea or vomiting.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Weakness, dizziness, confusion.
  • Historical Context: Previous allergic episodes may indicate a higher risk.
  • Immediate Action: Call EMS or 911 immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected.

First Aid for Anaphylaxis

  • Casualty Care: Comfortable rest position; assist with prescribed medications.
  • Epinephrine Injection: Used to slow down an allergic reaction and temporarily prevent airway closure.
    • Administration: Via EpiPen auto injector.
    • Procedure:
      • Shake the EpiPen.
      • Remove the blue safety cap.
      • Hold the orange tip against the outer thigh and jab firmly.
      • Listen for the click and hold for 10 seconds.
  • Post-Injection Care: Reassure and keep the casualty warm while awaiting EMS.
  • Signs of Returning Symptoms: Second doses can be given after 15-20 minutes if symptoms return (preferably after seeking medical advice).

Asthma

  • Definition: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition leading to difficulty in breathing.
  • Triggers: Stress, physical activity, temperature extremes, and allergens (dust, pollen, certain foods).

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

  • Breathing Rate: May be faster or slower than normal.
  • Sensation: Feeling of inadequate oxygen intake.
  • Anxiety: Apprehensive demeanor.
  • Wheezing: Noted primarily on exhalation.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Dizziness and lightheadedness.
  • Medication: Metered dose inhalers (puffers) are commonly carried by asthma patients.

First Aid for Asthma

  • Casualty Care: Help with inhaler if needed.
    • Administration Steps:
    • Shake the inhaler and remove the cap.
    • Instruct to exhale fully.
    • Positioning: either directly in the mouth or a few inches away.
    • Inhale deeply while pressing down on the canister; hold breath for 10 seconds.
  • Environment: Ensure fresh air by opening windows or moving bystanders back.
  • Immediate Action: Call EMS if breathing does not improve, or the casualty lacks medication.

Bleeding

  • Definition: Bleeding refers to the loss of blood from vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries).
    • Veins: Carry oxygen-poor blood; dark red, steady flow.
    • Arteries: Carry oxygen-rich blood; bright red, spurts with heartbeat.
    • Internal Blood Loss: Hard to detect; external is visible unless covered.
  • Risks: Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock.

Types of Bleeding

Major Open Wounds

  • Precaution: Use gloves and first aid supplies to prevent infection.

Direct Pressure Application

  • Use sterile dressings or clean cloths to control bleeding.
  • Arterial Bleeding: Requires direct pressure with bulky dressings due to its severity. Seek medical attention.

Signs of Major Internal Bleeding

  • Symptoms: Signs include bruising, blood from mouth/ears, tender/swollen areas, severe pain.

Shock

  • Definition: A medical emergency where the circulatory system fails to supply sufficient oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Causes of Shock

  • Excessive blood or fluid loss, crush injuries, dehydration, severe burns.

Signs and Symptoms of Shock

  • Changes in consciousness, pale/cold/clammy skin, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, irregular breathing, excessive thirst.

First Aid for Shock

  • Immediate Actions: Treat underlying causes, reassure the casualty, and help them rest.
  • Positioning: Lay the person on their back with legs elevated to improve blood flow to the brain.
  • Environment: Keep the person warm; maintain normal body temperature.

Amputation

  • Definition: A partial or complete loss of a body part.

First Aid for Amputations

  • Complete Amputation:
    • Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.
    • Recover the amputated part; wrap it in sterile gauze, place in a cooler.
  • Partial Amputation:
    • Reposition if possible; apply dressings.

Wounds

  • Definition: An injury causing a break in skin or soft tissues.

Types of Wounds

  • Contusion: Bruise caused by internal bleeding.
  • Abrasions: Removal of superficial skin layers.
  • Lacerations: Cuts or tears in the skin.
  • Avulsions: Partial or complete tearing away of tissue.
  • Punctures: Caused by pointed objects penetrating the skin.

First Aid for Wounds

Minor Open Wounds

  • Cleaning: Wash with soap and water, disinfect with antibiotic.
  • Applying Dressings: Use sterile covered for minor wounds; adhesive or gauze pad for small areas.
  • Tetanus: Requires attention for dirty wounds and can be fatal if neglected.

Signs of Infection

  • Symptoms: Increased warmth, redness, swelling, pus, fever, or streaking.
  • Immediate Action: Seek medical assistance.

First Aid for Closed Wounds

  • Contusion Symptoms: Tenderness, discoloration, swelling.
  • Cold Compress: Apply to manage pain and swelling for 20 minutes.

Embedded Objects

  • Action: Stabilize the object; do not remove to avoid further damage.

Nosebleeds

  • Proper Positioning: Sit with head slightly forward, pinch nostrils for 10-15 minutes.

Eye Injuries

  • Procedure: Do not remove objects; support with dressings; flush with clean water if necessary.