CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Made up of the heart and a network of blood vessels.

Work constantly to keep all parts of the body supplied with blood which contains oxygen & nutrients.

System can fail for 3 main reasons

Severe bleeding & fluid loss

Age

Disease

COMPOSITION OF BLOOD

Volume of blood

5 – 6 litres (M)

4 – 5 litres (F)

SHOCK

Insufficient blood supply to the body’s vital organs

Causes

Heart fails to work

Blood vessels dilates, reducing blood pressure

Blood loss or loss of other body fluids

SHOCK

Recognition

A rapid pulse

Pale, grey-blue skin

Sweating & cold and clammy skin

Weakness & giddiness

Nausea, possibly vomiting

Thirst

Rapid, shallow breathing

Restlessness, anxious & even aggressive

May yawn or gasp

for air

Unconsciousness

SHOCK

Body’s reaction to blood loss

Approx. Volume

Effect on the body

0.5 litre Little or no effect.

2 litres Quick pulse, sweating.

Evident of shock.

3 litres Pulse at wrist might be undetectable. Casualty usually lost consciousness, breathing and heart may fail.

TREATMENT FOR SHOCK

Lay casualty down on blanket and keep his head low.

Reassure the casualty.

Raise and support his legs. (Take note of any fractures)

Loosen tight clothing.

TREATMENT FOR SHOCK

Protect casualty from cold (DO NOT warm casualty with hot water bottle or any direct source of heat).

Check breathing, pulse and level of response at regular

intervals.

FAINTING

Temporary loss of normal blood supply to the brain

Causes

Standing still for a long time.

Sudden change of position

Injury (often minor)

An unpleasant sight

FAINTING

Recognition

Giddiness

Blurred vision

Weakness

“Hot and Cold” feeling

Yawning

Slow, weak pulse

Pale, cold, clammy skin

Sweating

Temporary loss of consciousness

TREATMENT FOR FAINTING

Lay casualty down with legs raised, head and body on the ground.

Loosen tight clothing.

Check for injury or illness.

TREATMENT FOR FAINTING

After recovery

Let the casualty rest for a few minutes before moving.

Make sure the casualty has plenty of fresh air.

Reassure casualty.

Help casualty to sit up gradually.

Look for and treat any injury that has been sustained

from the fall.

TREATMENT FOR FAINTING

If casualty does not regain consciousness quickly, perform ABC check and be ready to resuscitate if necessary.

Place casualty in recovery position.

Dial 995 for an ambulance.

DISORDERS OF THE HEART – HEART ATTACK

Occurs when blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted.

Causes

Central chest pain, often spreading to jaw and left arm.

Dyspnea & discomfort high in abdomen, often feeling similar to severe indigestion.

DISORDERS OF THE HEART – HEART ATTACK

Causes

Sudden faintness or giddiness

“Ashen” skin and cyanosis at the lips

Rapid, weak or irregular pulse

Collapse, often without any warning.

DISORDERS OF THE HEART – HEART ATTACK

Treatment

Help casualty to a half sitting position, with the casualty’s head & shoulders well supported and his knees bent.

Call for ambulance and state that you suspect a heart attack.

Constantly monitor and record the casualty’s breathing and pulse rates.

Prepare to resuscitate if necessary.

DISORDERS OF THE HEART – CARDIAC ARREST

Any sudden stoppage of the heart

Causes

Heart attack

Severe blood loss

Suffocation

Electric shock

Hypothermia

Drug overdose

DISORDERS OF THE HEART – CARDIAC ARREST

Recognition

Absence of pulse

Absence of breathing

Treatment

CPR

Send to hospital immediately.