SEIZURES IN ADULTS

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Help... Help... Help... PLEASE!!!

This is what we exclaim when someone is in need of medical assistance. It is an audible way to catch people's attention that might help you in contacting an ambulance.

Today, cellular phones are very much in use to call for a help and wait until the team arrives who will pick you and the casualty. One of the ailments that is happening suddenly to people is the seizure attack.

If you see a seizure casualty who is in need of your soothing hands while waiting for the medical team, this is the resuscitation procedure that will save his life:

1. If you see the casualty falling, try to ease his hall. Make space around her; ask bystanders to move away. Remove potentially dangerous items, such as hot drinks and sharp objects. Note the time when the seizure started.
2. If possible, protect the casualty’s head by placing soft padding underneath it. Loosen clothing around his neck.
3. When the seizure has ceased, open the airway and check for breathing; be ready to give rescue breaths and chest compressions if necessary.
4. If he is breathing, place him in the recovery position. Monitor and record vital signs- level of response, pulse and breathing. Note the duration of seizure.

(Caution: Do not move the casualty unless he is in immediate danger and do not put anything in his mouth to restrain him.)

*Photo courtesy of GetStuff

ASTHMA ATTACK

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

When I was young, this respiratory problem gave me exasperating breathing troubles. I could still remember the obstruction of airflow that led to the tightening of my chest and the embarrassment of wheezing in a public place or when I was with friends.

I have outgrown this illness already and can now say that I am very fit, as a result of various exercises I do in life. Those years of exacerbation are now just blurry shadows of my childhood. Nowadays, my excellent condition has been making my life so beautifully breezy and cheerful.

I don't want to experience this difficulty in breathing and coughing again. If in case someone needs the first aid assistance, just follow the procedure below:

1. Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Get him to take a puff of his reliever inhaler (it is usually blue). It should relieve the asthma attack within a few minutes. Ask him to breathe slowly and deeply.
2. Let her adapt the position that he/she finds most comfortable- sitting slightly forwards. Do not make the casualty lie down.
3. A mild asthma attack should ease within 3 minutes. If it does not, ask the casualty to take another dose from the same inhaler.

(Caution: Dial 999 for an ambulance if the inhaler has no effect after 5 minutes and when the condition is getting worse; he is becoming exhausted or breathlessness.)

*Photo courtesy of onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com