❤️‍🩹First Aid Unit 12 – Sudden Illnesses: Diabetes, Seizures, Stroke

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Sudden illnesses are medical emergencies that occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention
• Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin
• Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which can lead to confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness if left untreated
• Hyperglycemia is a state of high blood sugar levels that can cause dehydration, blurred vision, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in severe cases
• Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness
• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures
• Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients
  • Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain (blood clot)
  • Hemorrhagic stroke results from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (brain bleed)

Types of Sudden Illnesses

• Diabetic emergencies
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Seizures
  • Generalized seizures involve the entire body (tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic)
  • Partial seizures affect specific parts of the body (simple partial, complex partial)
• Stroke
  • Ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot)
  • Hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a brain bleed)
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke")
• Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, hives, and a drop in blood pressure
• Asthma attacks involve narrowing of the airways, causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
• Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially cardiac arrest

Signs and Symptoms

• Hypoglycemia symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, confusion, sweating, hunger, and irritability
• Hyperglycemia signs include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds
• Seizure symptoms can include loss of consciousness, uncontrollable jerking movements, stiffening of the body, and loss of bladder control
  • Aura sensations (unusual smells, tastes, or feelings) may precede a seizure
• Stroke signs and symptoms use the FAST acronym:
  • Face drooping on one side
  • Arm weakness or numbness
  • Speech difficulty or slurring
  • Time to call emergency services
• Anaphylaxis symptoms include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and potentially loss of consciousness
• Asthma attack signs include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest
• Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and pain in the jaw, neck, or arm

Risk Factors and Causes

• Diabetes risk factors include family history, obesity, physical inactivity, and age (over 45)
• Seizure risk factors include head injuries, brain infections, stroke, and genetic factors
  • Triggers can include flashing lights, sleep deprivation, and stress
• Stroke risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and age (over 55)
• Anaphylaxis causes include allergies to foods (peanuts, shellfish), medications, and insect stings
• Asthma triggers can include allergens (pollen, dust mites), respiratory infections, exercise, and cold air
• Heart attack risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and family history

First Aid Response

• For hypoglycemia, give the person a fast-acting sugar source (glucose tablets, fruit juice, candy)
  • If the person is unconscious, do not give them anything by mouth and call emergency services
• For hyperglycemia and DKA, encourage the person to drink water, monitor their blood sugar, and seek medical attention
• During a seizure, protect the person from injury by moving nearby objects, cushioning their head, and loosening tight clothing around the neck
  • Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth
  • After the seizure, place the person in the recovery position and monitor their breathing
• For stroke, call emergency services immediately and note the time symptoms began
  • Keep the person calm and reassure them that help is on the way
• For anaphylaxis, administer an epinephrine auto-injector (if available) and call emergency services
  • Help the person lie down and elevate their legs to maintain blood flow to vital organs
• During an asthma attack, help the person sit upright, use their inhaler (if available), and encourage slow, deep breaths
• For a suspected heart attack, call emergency services, have the person chew aspirin (if not allergic), and perform CPR if the person becomes unresponsive

Emergency Medical Services

• When calling emergency services, provide the dispatcher with the following information:
  • Location of the emergency
  • Nature of the emergency (suspected condition)
  • Number of people affected
  • Condition of the affected person(s)
• Follow the dispatcher's instructions and stay on the line until help arrives
• If trained, perform CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
• Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available and follow the device's instructions
• Assist emergency responders by providing relevant information about the person's medical history, medications, and allergies

Long-term Management

• For diabetes, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, monitor blood sugar levels, and take medications as prescribed
  • Attend regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor for complications
• Seizure management may include taking anti-epileptic medications, identifying and avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Keep a seizure diary to track frequency, duration, and potential triggers
• Stroke survivors may require rehabilitation to regain lost functions, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy
  • Manage risk factors through lifestyle changes and medications to prevent future strokes
• Anaphylaxis management involves identifying and avoiding allergens, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, and wearing a medical alert bracelet
• Asthma management includes using prescribed medications (inhalers), identifying and avoiding triggers, and following an asthma action plan
• Heart attack survivors may require cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), and medications to manage risk factors and prevent future events

Prevention Strategies

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management
• Control chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol through medication and lifestyle changes
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack
• Identify and avoid allergens that can trigger anaphylaxis or asthma attacks
  • Keep homes clean and dust-free to minimize exposure to indoor allergens
• Wear protective gear during sports and activities to reduce the risk of head injuries that can lead to seizures
• Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of sudden illnesses to enable prompt action and treatment
• Attend first aid and CPR training to be prepared to respond to medical emergencies
• Encourage family members and friends to maintain healthy lifestyles and manage chronic conditions to reduce their risk of sudden illnesses