Unit 4 Lesson 3 Asthma, Heart Attack, and Stroke PDF

Unit 4 Medical Issues Lesson 3 Asthma, Heart Attack, and Stroke Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to provide emergency first aid for a patient with asthma who is struggling to breathe or a patient experiencing a stroke or heart attack. Asthma Attack Asthma is a respira...

Unit 4 Medical Issues Lesson 3 Asthma, Heart Attack, and Stroke Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to provide emergency first aid for a patient with asthma who is struggling to breathe or a patient experiencing a stroke or heart attack. Asthma Attack Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airway passage narrows due to swelling and mucus, which causes breathing difficulties. Signs and symptoms of an asthma attack are breathing difficulty while exhaling, rapid breathing, bluish skin, and a wheezing or whistling sound. ✅ HL243.1. Describe how to respond to a patient with a severe asthma attack To respond to a patient experiencing a severe asthma attack: 1. Notify EMS of a patient experiencing a severe asthma attack. 2. Position the patient for comfort and advise them not to lay down. 3. Ask the patient if there is an accessible inhaler and assist them in using it. 4. Perform an ongoing assessment of the patient and be prepared to perform CPR and use an AED if available. Stroke A stroke damages part of the brain due to the rupture or blockage of a blood vessel, often caused by high blood pressure, smoking, heart disease, or diabetes. The brain does not receive the oxygen and blood supply that it needs, which can cause brain damage if left untreated. Time is of the essence to transport the patient to advanced medical care. ✅ HL243.2. Describe the signs and symptoms of a stroke The BEFAST mnemonic can help you recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and emphasize the importance of getting EMS to the scene immediately. Balance—sudden loss of balance or coordination Eyes—sudden loss of vision or double vision Face—one side is drooping when asked to smile 130 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2  Arm—lack of ability to keep their arms evenly raised Speech—slurred or having difficulty speaking Time—ensure EMS is on the way, critical to confirm the time of first symptoms Additional signs and symptoms you may see: confusion or dizziness diminished consciousness or unconsciousness headache numbness/paralysis of extremities, typically on one side seizure ✅ HL243.3. Describe how to respond to a patient experiencing a stroke To respond to a patient experiencing a stroke: 1. Notify EMS of a possible stroke patient and arrange for immediate transport to a medi- cal facility. 2. Communicate the time of the onset of signs and symptoms to EMS. 3. Position the patient for comfort and try to keep the patient from falling asleep, if possible. 4. Be prepared to perform CPR if the patient loses consciousness and stops breathing and has no pulse. Heart Attack A heart attack occurs when a clogged blood vessel blocks the blood flow to the heart and it does not get the oxygen it needs. The top causes of heart attacks include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and obesity. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest and you need to be prepared to administer CPR. Time is of the essence to transport the patient to advanced medical care. ✅ HL243.4. Describe the signs and symptoms of a heart attack Men and women have different signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Men typically complain of chest pressure. Women experience chest pressure and additional symptoms, such as: chest pain that radiates to other parts of the body such as the upper back, shoulder, arm, jaw, neck, or stomach area nausea, vomiting, heartburn Chapter 2 First Aid for Criminal Justice Officers / 131  sweating difficulty breathing, shortness of breath extreme fatigue, feeling as if they just ran a marathon ✅ HL243.5. Describe how to respond to a patient experiencing a heart attack To treat a person experiencing a heart attack: 1. Notify EMS of a possible heart attack patient and arrange immediate transport to a medi- cal facility. 2. Position the patient for comfort. Have the patient stop all activity. 3. Assist the patient in taking their medication for a heart attack if they can do so under their own power without choking. 4. Reassure the patient but prepare for possible cardiac arrest and be ready to perform CPR and use an AED, if available. 132 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2