First Aid Lesson 5
of Sudden Illness
Signals
Victims look and feel ill
Check the victim – don’t be afraid to ask questions
Victim may deny anything is seriously wrong
Condition can worsen rapidly if not cared for
Sudden Illness: Symptoms
Stroke
Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation
Trouble breathing
Paralysis to the face, arm or leg
Difficulty with speech, vision, or walking
Severe headache
Seizure
Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation
Trouble breathing
Body may stiffen
Convulsions
After convulsions – relaxed state, tired and confused, headache
Diabetic Emergency
Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation
Trouble breathing
Deep, rapid breaths
Convulsions
Poisoning/Allergic Reaction
Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation
Trouble breathing
Coughing
Back pain
Abnormal pulse rate
Sweating
General Care Steps
Call 911 or workplace emergency number
Follow basic precautions for preventing disease transmission
Care for life-threatening conditions
Continue to monitor the airway, breathing, and circulation
Specific Care Steps
Stroke – Do not give the victim food or drink
Seizure – Do not give food or drink, cushion victim’s head,
remove any nearby objects
Diabetic Emergency – If conscious, give victim some sugar
Poisoning/Allergic Reaction – Do not induce vomiting unless
directed to
Bites and Stings
bites/Scorpion Stings
Spider-
Black widow and brown recluse only two you have to worry
about (U.S.) – a few species of scorpions
If bitten – wash wound, apply a cold pack, call 911
Snake-bites
8,000 people bitten annually – less than 12 die
Rattlesnakes account for most of the bites
If bitten – wash wound, immobilize the injured area, keeping it
lower than the heart, call 911
Stings
Some people have severe allergic reactions to insect stings
May result in a breathing emergency
Call 911