This week we will be talking about some immediate measures that may prove to be life-saving one day.
Allergic reactions
An allergy is a condition wherein your immune system reacts strongly to a substance that doesn’t affect others.
A person's allergic reaction can vary depending on the allergen. People usually experience watery eyes, itchy runny nose, sneezing, rashes, vomiting, hives( rashes with raised red bumps), etc. In severe cases, allergies can lead to life-threatening- anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen so it requires immediate treatment. Its symptoms include a fast heartbeat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded, and losing consciousness. some people may also experience hives, angioedema (swelling of a part of the body) or stomach pain.
If a person shows symptoms of anaphylaxis these are the steps to follow:
1. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one. Only use it if you are entirely sure how to use it. (Refer to the video link)
2. Call an ambulance immediately even if the person’s conditions seem to get better and mention that they may be having an anaphylactic shock.
3. Remove an allergen if possible. eg: if it is a reaction to a bee sting carefully remove the stinger stick from the skin.
4. Lie the person down and raise their legs (unless they’re unable to breathe in which case sit them straight). If the person is pregnant lay them to their left side.
5. Administer a second injection after 5 minutes if their condition doesn’t improve and if it is available.
How to use an auto-injector/epi-pen: Usage Demo
Precautions you can take if you suffer from some form of allergy:
1. If you have an allergy that can lead to anaphylaxis always carry 2 or at least 1 adrenaline auto-injection with you and be completely clear on how to use it if you have to inject yourself.
2. Be aware of your allergies and try to avoid them as much as possible. eg: if you have food allergies be careful if you are eating outside and have someone around who is aware of your allergy in case you have a reaction.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is done as an emergency procedure when a person has stopped breathing or doesn't have a heartbeat.
Symptoms of a cardiac arrest:
• Sudden collapse.
• No pulse.
• No breathing.
• Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of an upcoming cardiac arrest:
• Chest discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness.
• Fast-beating or fluttering.
Steps to do a CPR:
1) Check the scene for safety.
2) If the person appears unresponsive, check for breathing, fatal bleeding or other life-threatening conditions
3) Call for an ambulance immediately if the person does not respond.
4) Kneel beside the person and place him/her on a flat surface.
5) Give 30 chest compressions
A. Hand position: 2 hands centred on the chest.
B. Body position: Shoulders directly over hands and elbows locked.
C. Depth of the compression: at least 2 inches.
D. Rate: 100-120 per minute.
E. Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
6) Give 2 breaths
A. Open the airway to a past-neutral position by tilting the head and chin.
B. Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and make a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth.
C. Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before giving the next breath
Note: If the 1st breath does not cause the chest to rise, tilt the head again and ensure a proper seal before giving the 2nd breath. If the 2nd breath does not make the chest rise, something may be blocking the airway.
7) Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. Minimize interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds.
Keep these in mind, and maybe someday it may be upon you to use these life skills to save somebody. Thanks for reading!
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