Heart and circulatory problems

Heart and Circulatory Problems

Shock

Internal Bleeding

Anaphylactic Shock

Angina Pectoris

Heart Attack

Fainting

Shock

• Casualty may appear to be confused, weak and dizzy and may eventually deteriorate into unconsciousness.

• Pale cold and clammy skin• Fast, weak pulse• Fast Shallow breathing• Dizziness and weakness• Confusion• Unconsciousness

Shock

• Warmth• Air• Rest• Mental rest• Treatment• Help

Types of shock

• Hypovolemic /established shock – too much loss of blood

• Anaphylactic shock- foreign substance injected into bloodstream (venom)

• Neurogenic shock – damage to the nervous system that sends impulses to muscles

• Septic shock – bacterial infection causes a potentially lethal drop in blood pressure

Internal Bleeding

• Internal bleeding can happen in any part of the body

• Stomach, liver and spleen and intestines are particularly vulnerable because they are rich in blood supply.

• Signs and symptoms of shock• Bruising• Swelling• Bleeding from body orifices

Internal Bleeding

• Treat for shock• Keep the casualty warm• Treat any external bleeding or bleeding

from orifices• Seek for help

Anaphylactic shock

• Can be caused by anything.• Most common triggers are:• Nuts• Seafood• Insect stings and bites• Drugs • Difficulty breathing• Pale skin and blue lips• Blotches on skin• Rapid pulse• Breathing and heartbeat stopping

Anaphylactic shock

• Call an ambulance immediately• Help to administer adrenaline injection if

casualty is a known sufferer.• Reassure• If becomes unconscious, place in recovery

position. • Prepare for CPR if necessary.

Angina Pectoris

• An angina attack is a frightening, severe, crushing chest pain that acts as a warning to the casualty to calm down or rest

• Evidence of recent exertion• Gripping chest pain• Pain spreading to the jaw or down the left

arm• Shortness of breath• Pale skin with possible blue tinges• Rapid, weak pulse

Angina Pectoris

• Sit the casualty down and reassure her• GTN (glycerol trinitrate) • Call the ambulance

Heart Attack

• Signs and symptoms generally the same as Angina.

• May suffer a heart attack from an attack of angina.

Heart Attack

• Move the casualty into a semi-sitting position.

• Reassure the casualty • Help casualty to administer aspirin (let the

casualty consume it himself)• Call for ambulance as soon as possible.