Sudden Illnesses
Anthrax
Smallpox
Heart Problems
Stroke
Asthma
COPD
Hyperventilation
Fainting
Sudden Illnesses #2
Seizures
Diabetes
Abdominal distress
Various other problems
Anthrax
Most commonly occurs in hoofed
animals
Bacteria spores can live in the
soil years
Can infect humans
Three Serious Forms of
Anthrax / Transmission
Inhalation (breathing spores)
Cutaneous (skin)
Intestinal (spread by eating
undercooked meat from infected
animals)
Historically, rare in the U.S.
Anthrax Symptoms
Inhaled:
Severe cold / flu/ progress to
breathing problems and shock
Usually fatal
Cutaneous Anthrax
Resembles insect bite
Raised itchy bumps
Develops black (necrotic) area in
center
20% untreated cases result in
death
Intestinal Anthrax
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fever
Abdominal pain, vomiting blood,
severe diahrrhea
25%-60% die
Vaccine For Anthrax
Vaccine has been licensed for humans
93% effective
Recommended for people who work in
fields where contact is highly likely
Military personnel
Mild reactions in 30%
Suspicious Mail
Do not open
Place in a bag
Prevent spills of powder substance
Call authorities
Wash hands
Cautions with aerosol sprays
Smallpox
Incubation: 12 days
High fever, fatigue, head and back aches
Rash: predominately on face, arms, legs in
2-3 days
Flat red lesions
Become pus filled, crusts and scabs
Falls off in 3-4 weeks.
30% death rate
Spread of Smallpox
Infected saliva droplets
Vaccination: some risks
George Washington
Ricin
Poison made from waste left over in processing
castor beans
Forms: powder, mist, pellet or dissolved in water
or weak acid
Accidental exposure highly unlikely
As little as 500 micrograms injected (pin head
size) could kill
Larger amounts required if inhaled or swallowed
Ricin
Poisoned victims are not contagious
Was possibly used in the Iran-Iraq war in
the 80’s
Ricin found in Al Qaeda caves in
Afghanistan
Blocks cells from making proteins
Ricin Signs and Symptoms
Inhalation:
Coughing, tightness in chest, difficulty
breathing, nausea, aching muscles
Quickly, lungs become inflamed, lung fluids
build, skin may turn blue
Ricin Signs and Symptoms
Injestion
Internal bleeding of stomach and intestines
Leads to bloody vomit and diarrhea
Liver, spleen, kidneys may stop functioning
May lead to death
Ricin Signs and Symptoms
Injection
All previously cited signs and symptoms may
occur
Ricin: Death
May occur in 36-48 hours – no matter the
type of exposure
If one lives longer than 5 days w/o
complications, they will probably survive
Ricin Treatment
NONE
No widely available, reliable test to confirm
exposure
Information Regarding Terrorist
Related Emergencies
DHS.gov
The Cardiovascular System and
Disease Prevention
42% of all deaths in the U.S.
are related to heart disease
Cardiovascular Disease
1 million deaths each year
275 billion dollars
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the
number one cause of death in the United
States.
Coronary Artery Disease
Primary form of heart disease
A disease involving waxy plaque build-up
in the arteries
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Risk Factors
Primary Risk Factors: Factors that have
been definitively associated with or directly
cause coronary artery disease.
Secondary Risk Factors: Factors believed
to contribute to or advance the severity of
atheroschlerosis and CAD.
Primary Risk Factors (Alterable)
Smoking
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High serum cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity
Family History
Secondary Risk Factors
Stress
Age
Gender (male vs. female)
Heart Attack and Partial Blockages
Angina
Chest pain usually brought on by:
Physical exertion, exposure to cold
Emotional stress
Due to ischemia
• (reduced oxygen to part of the heart muscle)
• Duration of pain: less than 10 minutes
Usually relieved by nitroglycerin
About Nitroglycerine
Give one dose approximately every 3 to 5
minutes (3 dosages in 10 minutes)
Transport if 3 dosages are necessary
Dosage amounts vary
Available in tablets, spray, ointment, patch
Victim should be sitting or lying down
Reduces blood pressure
Reduces work for the heart (dilates arteries
which increases blood flow)
Heart Attack
Blood supply to a
portion of heart
muscle is severely
reduced or stopped
Heart Attack Signs and
Symptoms
Chest pressure, fullness,
squeezing or pain
Pain lasts longer than 10
minutes
Radiating pain
Light-headedness, fainting,
sweating, nausea, shortness of
breath
Indigestion?? (neighbor)
Heart Attack Signs and
Symptoms #2
May occur during rest or activity
Pain not relieved by
nitroglycerin
Not all signs are always present
Victim will be in denial
Get help immediately
Other Causes of Chest Pain
Rib injury
Pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy
Lung injury
Indigestion
Nerve impingement
Chest Pain: Heart Attack / What
To Do
Call EMS or transport
Monitor ABC’s / give CPR if necessary
Place victim in least painful position
(Usually in half sitting position, knees bent)
Loosen tight clothing around neck and mid-section
Maintain composure / reassure
Determine if there is a history of heart disease
Check for medications
Nitroglycerine / give one aspirin if not allergic
Stroke: Cerebrovascular Accident
(CVA) “Brain Attack”
Occurs as a result of:
Clot (80%)
Ruptured vessel (20%)
Lack of oxygen to brain: cells die
Third largest cause of death in U.S.
Major cause of disability
Transient Ischemic Attacks
(TIA’s)
Mini-strokes
Precursor to major stroke
May last a few minutes to several
hours
Function normally returns
Stroke Risk Factors
>50 years of age
Birth control pills and > 30 years old
Overweight
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Heart disease
Sickle cell disease
Substance abuse (esp. crack)
Family history
Stroke: Signs and Symptoms
Sudden weakness or numbness of
face, arm, leg, on one side of the
body (Strokes are usually unilateral)
Loss of speech, difficulty speaking,
difficulty understanding speech
Blurred or decreased vision (one side)
Deviation of PEARL
Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, loss of
balance
Sudden severe headache
Stroke: What To Do
Check ABC’s
Call EMS
Victim conscious?
Have victim lay down with upper body and
head slightly elevated
Unresponsive but breathing?
Recovery position
Chin extended to keep airway open
Do not give liquids or food (throat may be
paralyzed)
Asthma
Chronic, inflammatory lung
disease
Air passages narrow
Difficulty exhaling
Tends to resolve with age
What Triggers Asthma Attacks?
Respiratory tract infection
Extreme temperatures, especially cold
Strong odors, perfumes, dust, fumes,
smoke, allergens, air pollution
Certain drugs (aspirin, beta blockers)
Exercise
Emotional stress
Signs of Asthma Attack
Coughing
Wheezing or whistling sound
Flared nostrils
Cyanosis (blue)
Difficulty speaking
Blue lips / fingertips
These symptoms may also indicate other health
problems such as pneumonia, cystic fibrosis
Asthma: What To Do
Sit in upright position, leaning slightly
forward
Pursed lip breathing
Inhaler or other medications
(Child at YMCA / show inhaler / hold 10
sec.)
Monitor ABC’s if necessary
Asthma: What To Do
Determine cause of attack - remove
victim from causative environment
Abrupt change in outdoor temperature,
dust, feathers, animals, tobacco smoke,
paint, etc.
Keep conversations brief
Seek medical attention if necessary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease: COPD
Primary cause: SMOKING
Primarily includes chronic bronchitis and
emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
Affects bronchioles (become thickened)
Caused by chronic infections and irritations
such as cigarette smoke
Symptoms: “Cigarette cough, breathing
difficulty, increased sputum and severe
coughing
COPD – Emphysema
Destruction of alveoli
Loss of lung elasticity
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of
breath
May become dependent on oxygen
COPD: What To Do
Sitting position
Usually have their own
medications
Encourage fluid intake
In acute distress? Get medical
assistance
Hyperventilation
Usually brought on by
emotional stress
Shortness of breath
Characterized by extremely fast breathing
Dizziness
Numbness
Tingling of hands and feet
Hyperventilation: What To Do
Encourage slow deep breathing
Inhale through nose and hold for several
seconds
Exhale slowly through pursed lips
Calm and reassure the victim
Do not place a paper bag over the head
Fainting
A sudden, brief loss of
consciousness unassociated with a
head injury
Occurs when the brain’s blood flow in
interrupted
Often occurs when standing for prolonged periods of
time (results in blood pooling) which may result in a
drop in blood pressure
Can be brought on by hypoglycemia, dehydration,
anemia, heat exhaustion, slow heart rate, anxiety and
emotional stress
Fainting
Look for:
Dizziness
Weakness
Seeing spots
Visual blurring
Nausea
Pale skin
Sweating
Fainting: What To Do
Prevent from falling
Have victim lie down on back
Elevate feet 8-12 inches
Loosen tight clothing
After recovery,
Give fluid with sugar
Fresh air / cool cloth
Fainting: When To Seek
Medical Attention
Over 40 years of age
Repeated attacks
Loses consciousness while sitting
or lying down
Does not quickly regain
consciousness (is out > 4 to 5
minutes)
Faints for no apparent reason
Seizures
Results from abnormal
stimulation of brain cells
Exact cause is usually not known
Medications are available yet
are not easily controlled
Conditions That May Lead To
Seizures
Epilepsy
Heatstroke
Poisoning
Electric shock
Hypoglycemia
High fever in children (fever convulsions)
Brain injury, tumor, stroke
Alcohol withdrawal, drug abuse / overdose
Major Classifications
of Seizures
Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures
Grand mal
Absence Seizures
Blank stare
Complex partial Seizures
Part of brain involved
Dazed, may mumble or wobble
Febrile Seizures
High fever (cool body / wet cloth)
Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures
Grand mal
Often associated with epilepsy
May experience a “sensation” prior to seizure
Loss of consciousness
Stiff, then jerking motion
Duration: 2 to 5 minutes
Muscle contraction, perhaps tongue biting
Is usually followed by a period of coma or
drowsiness, headache, muscle soreness
First Aid Procedures For Seizures
and Convulsions
If possible:
Cushion head
Remove items that victim may bump into
Loosen tight neckwear
Place on left side
Medical-alert tag
As seizure ends, offer help
First Aid For Seizures #2
Call 911???
Definitely call if:
If seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
If not known to have epilepsy or seizure ID
Slow recovery
A second seizure
Difficulty breathing
Pregnancy or other medical conditions (ID)
Signs of injury or illness
DO NOT’S For Seizure Victims
Do not give food or drink
Do not restrain victim
Do not put anything between victim’s teeth
Do not move to another place (unless to
protect from injury)
Status Epilepticus
Two or more seizures with no period of
consciousness
Call 911 – This is an emergency
Diabetes Mellitus
A condition in which glucose is unable to enter the
cells
A disease associated with problems in controlling
blood glucose or blood sugar
The disease results when the pancreas has
problems producing insulin or the body can no
longer use insulin properly
Insulin is the “taxi” that carries sugar from the
blood to the cells
Types of Diabetes
Type I
Insulin dependent or juvenile onset
Congenital
Type II: maturity or adult onset
90% of all cases are this type
Usually non-insulin dependent
Results from obesity and inactivity
Gestational onset
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels: 65-110
Hypoglycemia
Low levels of blood sugar
Some may experience hypoglycemia but are
not diabetic
protein is often recommended, sometimes
along with sugar
Hypoglycemia
Sudden onset
Occurs when eating has been delayed or
when too much insulin was administered
(blood sugar level drops)
May be fatal if left unattended
Hypoglycemia: Signs and
Symptoms
Sudden onset
Sudden hunger
Trembling / Shaking
Anger, bad temper (mood change)
Staggering, poor coordination
Pale
Confusion, disorientation, altered mental status
Sweating
Eventual stupor or unconsciousness or seizure
Hypoglycemia: What To Do
If victim is known diabetic, has altered mental
status, and is awake enough to swallow:
GIVE 10-15 grams of sugar
• ½ can regular soda
• 6 jelly beans
• P.275
If no improvement after 15 minutes, give 15 more sugar
If no improvement, take to the hospital
• (trim gym, student at ballgame)
Glucagon: injectable medication
Hyperglycemia
The body has too much sugar in the blood
Pancreas fails to produce insulin to lower sugar
levels
When sugar levels remain high, over time, it damages
the walls of the vessels, leading to impairment of the
circulatory system
Affects functioning of most organs
Problems healing (small cuts, amputations)
Blindness
Hyperglycemia
Diabetic coma (ketoacidosis)
Levels may rise to 1200
Body begins to burn fat as primary fuel
Fat as fuel results in production of acids and
ketones = “fruity breath”
Hyperglycemia: Signs and
Symptoms
Gradual onset
Drowsiness
Extreme thirst / dry mouth
Frequent urination
Flushed skin
Vomiting / nausea
Fruity breath
Heavy breathing
Eventual stupor or unconsciousness
Hyperglycemia: What To Do
Have conscious victim follow physician’s
recommendations
If you are uncertain if sugar level is high or
low, GIVE SUGAR
If no response in 15 minutes, get to the
hospital
Abdominal Distress
Gastrointestinal problems
Cramping, aching, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea
May be viral or bacterial
Difficult to determine the cause
Abdominal Distress? Ask These
Questions
Cramping pain?
Constant pain?
(indicates organ inflammation)
Nausea? Poor appetite? Fever?
Diarrhea or vomiting?
Is a “virus” going around?
Chance of pregnancy?
Abdomen rigid to touch?
Emergency (son)
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea:
What To Do
Watch for dehydration
Pinch test
Wait for nausea to pass before giving
liquids and foods
Give clear fluids
Sprite, 7-up, water
Jell-o, pop sickles
What To Do #2
Hot water bottle, warm bath
Lay on left side, knees bent
Suppository (by prescription)
Solid food?
Crackers, toast
Avoid milk and meats for 48 hours
Let diarrhea run its course
Imodium A-D)
What To Do For Infants:
Vomiting or projectile vomiting?
Diahrrea?
Pedialite
Abdominal Distress: When To
Seek Medical Attention
Constant pain
Unable to drink for more than 24
hours
Blood or brown grainy matter in
vomit
Vomiting following a head injury
Additionally:
Black or bloody stools
Rigid, swollen, distended stomach
Pain when abdomen is pressed then
released