Do’s and Don'ts in an Emergency
Medical emergencies may arise anytime anywhere, at home, at work or even on the road. When an emergency arises, you can deal with it most effectively by following these three principles:
- Stay calm and do not panic
- Call for medical help.
- Take appropriate action while waiting for help to arrive.
01 Stroke
Stroke is caused by interruption of blood supply to the brain. The interruption can be caused by bursting of a blood vessel (haemorrhage) or a clot that can eventually result in brain damage leading to Stroke.
Things to look out for: FAST
F - Does the FACE droop on one side while trying to smile?A - Is one ARM weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S - Is SPEECH slurred? Is the person unable to speak or difficult to understand?
T - TIME is critical. Every minute counts. Call the ambulance
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02 Heart Attack
A Heart Attack occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to the heart, possibly due to deposits of fat in the blood vessel. The interruption of blood supply results in damage to the heart muscle causing functional abnormality of the heart leading to a heart attack.
Symptoms of Heart Attack:
- Symptoms of Heart Attack:
- Shortness of breath
- Upper body discomfort
- Fainting and excessive cold sweat
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03 Seizures / Fits
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerve signal transmission in the brain is disturbed, causing recurrent seizures. Convulsions/fits/seizures are the common terms used to describe Epilepsy.
Seizure signs and symptoms may include:
- Involuntary movement of the arms and legs
- Unconsciousness and unusual eye movements
- Teeth clenching and Temporary loss of sensation
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
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04 Choking
Choking is a blockage in the throat or windpipe caused because of lodging of any food particles or small objects interrupting normal breathing. Choking prevents oxygen supply to the lungs and if prolonged for more than 4 minutes can cause brain damage.
Things to look out for:
- The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat
- Difficulty in breathing or noisy breathing
- Inability to talk or Inability to cough forcefully
- Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky
- Loss of consciousness
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05 Trauma
Trauma refers to any major or minor injuries on the human body. Minor injuries do not require specialized treatment.
Things to look out for:
- Severe bleeding
- Severe pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Black and blue discoloration that increase in size
- Seizures
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Suspected broken arm
Suspected broken leg
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