Saturday, September 15, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Religious- Ramadhan 1428 H
Munggahan-Ramadhan in QatarO you who believe! Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious). (Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:183).
This is my 4th Ramadhan and 2nd Ramadhan with family in Qatar. Ramadhan is the Islamic fasting month. It is celebrated every day of the month of the Ramadhan on the Islamic Calender. In this year 2007/1428H, this month begins on Thursday September 13 2007. Ramadhan is beleived to be the month in which the first verses of teh Qur'an were revealed by GOD Allah SWT to the prophet Muhammad saw. Fasting during this month teaches us self-dicipline Almost everything changes during the Holy month of Ramadhan - from waking to working hours and daily habits (both physical and moral). Many people become more religiously observant. In Qatar, pre-ramadhan (munggahan) there is no special culture ceremony that I see and feel like in Indonesia, or may be because of our hard profession activity or really I don't know. But if we join with Masjid organization or social forum we'll have other opinion that we always celebrate when Ramadhan is come as our culture.
Some of the many important lessons we learn from Ramadan are:
- Developing Taqwa
Fasting has been legislated in order that we may gain taqwa, as Allah – the Most High – said:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwa." [Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:183]
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fasting is a shield with which the servant protects himself from the Fire." (Hasan: Ahmad, authenticated by al-Albani in Saheeh ut-Targheeb)
So we should ask ourselves, after each day of fasting: Has this fasting made us more fearful and obedient to Allah? Has it aided us in distancing ourselves from sins and disobedience?
- Seeking Nearness to Allah
"Whosoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven, and so enters the fire, then may Allah distance him." (Ahmad and al-Bayhaqee)
- Acquiring Patience
What is meant by the month of Patience is the month of Ramadan …so fasting is called patience because it restrains the soul from eating drinking, conjugal relations and sexual desires." (At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"O youths! Whoever amongst you is able to marry, then let him do so; for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. But whoever is unable, then let him fast, because it will be a shield for him." (At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr)
So fasting is a means of learning self-restraint and patience. With patience we are able to strengthen our resolve to worship Allah alone, with sincerity, and also cope with life’s ups and downs. So – for example – with patience we are able to perform our Prayers calmly and correctly, without being hasty, and without merely pecking the ground several times!
With patience we are able to restrain our souls from greed and stinginess and thus give part of our surplus wealth in Zakaah (obligatory charity). With patience we are able to subdue the soul’s ill temperament, and thus endure the ordeal and hardships of Hajj, without losing tempers and behaving badly. Likewise, with patience we are able to stand firm and fight Jihad against the disbelievers, hypocrites and heretics – withstanding their constant onslaught, without wavering and buckling, without despairing or being complacent, and without becoming hasty and impatient at the first sings of hardship. Allah – the Most High – said:
"O Prophet, urge the Believers to fight … So if there are one hundred who are patient, they shall overcome two hundred; and if there be one thousand, they shall overcome two thousand, by the permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient ones." [Qur’an al-Anfaal 8:65-66].
- Cultivating Good Manners
Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is also abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: I am fasting, I am fasting." (Saheeh: Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Haakim, who authenticated it.
- Sensing Muslim Unity
As Muslims from all around the world commence Ramadan we realise that we are part of a community our hearts and actions united in pursuing Allah’s pleasure. There are many ahadith mentioning the blessings of breaking the fast together and there is also much reward in feeding a fasting person. So let us unite in this month of Mercy.
So Ramadan – it is that light in the souls of the righteous and the truthful, and in the
hearts of the devout and sincere it gives happiness; for it is the month of obedience, and in it there are beautiful reflections for us all. Indeed, it grants victory to the soul over the body and flesh and gives us a wonderful opportunity to straighten ourselves up with our Lord.
During this month of Sha’baan we should find out more about the traditions of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) related to Ramadan and make a sincere effort to implement them this year. We should also try to purify our hearts and intentions before the commencement of Ramadan to make this fast successful for our families and ourselves, Insya’Allah.
Ramadan is also an opportunity to renew relationships that may have been broken during the year and we should try and clear up any disputes or bad feelings with other Muslims so we may start this month a fresh.
So we ask Allah to grant us the ability to change ourselves for the better, during this blessed month, and not to be of those who are prevented from His Mercy and Forgiveness. Indeed He is the One who Hears and He is the One to Respond.
Some of the many important lessons we learn from Ramadan are:
- Developing Taqwa
Fasting has been legislated in order that we may gain taqwa, as Allah – the Most High – said:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwa." [Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:183]
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fasting is a shield with which the servant protects himself from the Fire." (Hasan: Ahmad, authenticated by al-Albani in Saheeh ut-Targheeb)
So we should ask ourselves, after each day of fasting: Has this fasting made us more fearful and obedient to Allah? Has it aided us in distancing ourselves from sins and disobedience?
- Seeking Nearness to Allah
"Whosoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven, and so enters the fire, then may Allah distance him." (Ahmad and al-Bayhaqee)
- Acquiring Patience
What is meant by the month of Patience is the month of Ramadan …so fasting is called patience because it restrains the soul from eating drinking, conjugal relations and sexual desires." (At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"O youths! Whoever amongst you is able to marry, then let him do so; for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. But whoever is unable, then let him fast, because it will be a shield for him." (At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr)
So fasting is a means of learning self-restraint and patience. With patience we are able to strengthen our resolve to worship Allah alone, with sincerity, and also cope with life’s ups and downs. So – for example – with patience we are able to perform our Prayers calmly and correctly, without being hasty, and without merely pecking the ground several times!
With patience we are able to restrain our souls from greed and stinginess and thus give part of our surplus wealth in Zakaah (obligatory charity). With patience we are able to subdue the soul’s ill temperament, and thus endure the ordeal and hardships of Hajj, without losing tempers and behaving badly. Likewise, with patience we are able to stand firm and fight Jihad against the disbelievers, hypocrites and heretics – withstanding their constant onslaught, without wavering and buckling, without despairing or being complacent, and without becoming hasty and impatient at the first sings of hardship. Allah – the Most High – said:
"O Prophet, urge the Believers to fight … So if there are one hundred who are patient, they shall overcome two hundred; and if there be one thousand, they shall overcome two thousand, by the permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient ones." [Qur’an al-Anfaal 8:65-66].
Thus, without knowledge and patience, nothing remains, except zeal and uncontrolled emotions, shouts and hollow slogans, speech that does not strengthen, but rather weakness, and actions that do not build, but rather destroy! So in this month, we should strive to develop a firm resolve for doing acts of obedience, and to adorn ourselves with patience – having certainty in the saying of our Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: "And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship." ( Saheeh: Ahmad, at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer, authenticated by al-Hilaalee in as-Sabrul Jameel)
- Cultivating Good Manners
Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is also abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: I am fasting, I am fasting." (Saheeh: Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Haakim, who authenticated it.
- Sensing Muslim Unity
As Muslims from all around the world commence Ramadan we realise that we are part of a community our hearts and actions united in pursuing Allah’s pleasure. There are many ahadith mentioning the blessings of breaking the fast together and there is also much reward in feeding a fasting person. So let us unite in this month of Mercy.
So Ramadan – it is that light in the souls of the righteous and the truthful, and in the
hearts of the devout and sincere it gives happiness; for it is the month of obedience, and in it there are beautiful reflections for us all. Indeed, it grants victory to the soul over the body and flesh and gives us a wonderful opportunity to straighten ourselves up with our Lord.During this month of Sha’baan we should find out more about the traditions of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) related to Ramadan and make a sincere effort to implement them this year. We should also try to purify our hearts and intentions before the commencement of Ramadan to make this fast successful for our families and ourselves, Insya’Allah.
Ramadan is also an opportunity to renew relationships that may have been broken during the year and we should try and clear up any disputes or bad feelings with other Muslims so we may start this month a fresh.
So we ask Allah to grant us the ability to change ourselves for the better, during this blessed month, and not to be of those who are prevented from His Mercy and Forgiveness. Indeed He is the One who Hears and He is the One to Respond.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Our Menu- Cardiac Arrest Management
Cardiac Arrest Management in Our Experience 
Common cause of patient dead in our working area is cause by cardiac arrest, and mostly the common cause of cardiac arrest is unknown. Whatever cause of cardiac arrest, arrest is arrest and safe life action is our commitment.
Learn from case to case of cardiac arrest, what should we do better to improve our action, to safe our patient (possibility). The principles of cardiac arrest management as my experiences are:
Ø Control our self, don’t panic
Ø Organize the team
Ø Learn from experience
Ø Learn from latest theory/guideline
Ø Discussion, and
Ø Follow the procedure, do we have it ? if no follow the latest guideline AJA.
Mostly all of references urges the public to be prepared for cardiac emergencies:
Know the warning signs of cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest a victim loses consciousness, stops normal breathing and loses pulse and blood pressure.
Call Emergency in your area immediately to access the emergency medical system if you see any cardiac arrest warning signs.
Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help keep the cardiac arrest victim alive until emergency help arrives. CPR keeps blood and oxygen flowing to the heart and brain until defibrillation can be administered.
How is our cardiac work?
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function. The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. It's also called sudden cardiac arrest or unexpected cardiac arrest. Sudden death (also called sudden cardiac death) occurs within minutes after symptoms appear.
A cardiac arrest, also known as cardiorespiratory arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest or circulatory arrest, is the abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively during systole.
"Arrested" blood circulation prevents delivery of oxygen to all parts of the body. Cerebral hypoxia, or lack of oxygen supply to the brain, causes victims to lose consciousness and to stop normal breathing. Brain injury is likely if cardiac arrest is untreated for more than 5 minutes, although new treatments such as induced hypothermia have begun to extend this time.To improve survival and neurological recovery immediate response is paramount.
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that, in certain groups of patients, is potentially reversible if treated early enough (See Reversible Causes, below). When unexpected cardiac arrest leads to death this is called sudden cardiac death (SCD).The primary first-aid treatment for cardiac arrest is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as CPR) to provide circulatory support until availability of definitive medical treatment, which will vary dependant on the rhythm the heart is exhibiting, but often requires defibrillation.
Cardiac arrest refers to a sudden, profound disturbance in the heart’s rhythm that causes the heart to stop beating completely or slow to the point where the life is unsustainable. Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack, while potentially life threatening, usually offers a short period of time in which treatment can save the person’s life.
What causes cardiac arrest?
The most common underlying reason for patients to die suddenly from cardiac arrest is coronary heart disease. Most cardiac arrests that lead to sudden death occur when the electrical impulses in the diseased heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation) or both. This irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Some cardiac arrests are due to extreme slowing of the heart. This is called bradycardia.
Other factors besides heart disease and heart attack can cause cardiac arrest. They include respiratory arrest, electrocution, drowning, choking and trauma. Cardiac arrest can also occur without any known cause.
Cardiac arrest must be treated immediately to avoid sudden cardiac death (death that results from cardiac arrest). Unfortunately, most people (85 percent) who experience cardiac arrest cannot get help fast enough. Those who survive the event are said to have lived through an “aborted” sudden cardiac death.
Cardiac arrest is most often caused by ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which the heart’s lower chambers quiver rather than pump blood. Ventricular fibrillation is usually accompanied by existing heart disease, especially coronary artery disease and previous heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, 90 percent of adults who succumb to cardiac arrest have two or more narrowed coronary arteries. Moreover, heart attack survivors have up to six times the rate of sudden cardiac death compared to the general population. In some rare cases, cardiac arrest can be provoked by recreational drug use or trauma.
Although there is some confusion in terms of recoding deaths due to cardiac arrest, it is estimated that about 330,000 Americans die every year due to cardiac arrest. The overwhelming majority of these are caused by ventricular fibrillation.
Can cardiac arrest be reversed?
Brain death and permanent death start to occur in just 4 to 6 minutes after someone experiences cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can be reversed if it's treated within a few minutes with an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. This process is called defibrillation. A victim's chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. Few attempts at resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes.
How many people survive cardiac arrest?
No statistics are available for the exact number of cardiac arrests that occur each year. It's estimated that more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. In cities where defibrillation is provided within 5 to 7 minutes, the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest is as high as 30–45 percent.
What can be done to increase the survival rate?
Early CPR and rapid defibrillation combined with early advanced care can result in high long-term survival rates for witnessed cardiac arrest. For instance, in June 1999, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were mounted 1 minute apart in plain view at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports. In the first 10 months, 14 cardiac arrests occurred, with 12 of the 14 victims in ventricular fibrillation. Nine of the 14 victims (64 percent) were revived with an AED and had no brain damage.
If bystander CPR was initiated more consistently, if AEDs were more widely available, and if every community could achieve a 20 percent cardiac arrest survival rate, an estimated 40,000 more lives could be saved each year. Death from sudden cardiac arrest is not inevitable. If more people react quickly by calling emergency team and performing CPR, more lives can be saved.
Remember our last cardiac arrest case happened in our area, patient survive after early CPR and ALS done, and other cardiac arrest case brought to our facility after 20 minutes CPR and ALS done, patient’s pulse was present and VS taken reading in normal range. Fabulous, verrrryyyy rarely case.
What is the prevention?
Prevention of cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death is aimed at controlling underlying heart disease. Experts generally recommend that people make lifestyle changes to prevent the conditions that could trigger cardiac arrest, including atherosclerosis, which is the leading cause of coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes may include losing weight, reducing LDL cholesterol levels, eating a heart-healthy diet and getting adequate exercise. When warranted, experts also recommend medical treatment of any underlying conditions, which may involve taking medications and/or having surgery (e.g., placing an implantable defibrillator into the patient’s
More details find at:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/24_suppl/IV-58
http://www.nda.ox.ac.uk/wfsa/html/u10/u1006_01.htm
Monday, September 3, 2007
Our Menu- Environmental Emergencies
Environmental Emergencies
Thermoregulatory Emergencies
Temperature Regulation in the Body
Types of Heat Loss
- Respiration
- Convection
- Conduction
- Radiation
- Evaporation
Heat loss occurs during respiration - when the body warms and humidifies the air. Maintenance of Body Temp
Falling body temperature
- Peripheral blood vessels constrict
- Muscles produce heat through shivering
Rising body temperature
- Blood vessels dilate
- Sweat glands produce moisture
Exposure to the Cold (at Tembagapura ?)
Factors that Contribute to Hypothermia
- Cold environments
- Immersion or submersion in water
- Age (the very young and the elderly)
- Alcohol
- Shock (hypoperfusion)
- Some medications and poisons
- Medical conditions
- Diabetes and hypoglycemia
- Metabolic and infectious processes
- Trauma
- Hypovolemia or shock
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
= Dizziness and poor coordination
= Altered mental status
- Memory disturbances
- Poor judgement
- Mood changes
= Communication and speech difficulties
= Stiffness/rigid posture
= Reduced or absent sense of touch
= Changes in vital signs
= Joint or muscle pain
Focused History
What was the source? If water, what was the temperature? What was the general environmental like? How long was the patient exposed? Did the patient experience a loss of consciousness? Are the effects general or local?
Hypothermia Treatment
- Remove the patient from the cold environment and protect from heat loss - Remove any cold or wet clothing, and cover the patient with blankets - Handle the patient with care, and avoid rough handling - Warm the patient compartment of the ambulance as much as possible - Hypothermia Treatment continued - Apply high-flow oxygen; warmed and humidified if possible - Use no stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol - Do not massage the extremities - Check for a pulse for 30 - 45 seconds before starting CPR
Care for Hypothermia with No Signs of Life
- Ensure a patent airway - Ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen - Begin CPR if no pulse for 30 - 45 seconds - Use the AED according to local established protocols, or call medical direction
Early or Superficial Cold Injury
- Pale skin with delayed capillary refill
- Loss of feeling/sensation in injured area
- Skin still soft
- Tingling sensation when rewarmed
Late or Deep Cold Injury
- White or waxy skin appearance
- Firm or frozen skin presentation
- Swelling and blister formation
- Loss of sensation in injured area
- If thawed, skin may be purple and pale
Care for Local Cold Injuries
- Remove patient from cold environment
- Protect the cold extremity from injury
- Administer oxygen
- Remove wet or restrictive clothing and all jewelry
- Splint if extremity involved, and cover with dry, sterile dressing
In a cold emergency, if transport time will be long:
- Immerse the affected part in warm water (102o - 104o F)
- Continuosly stir and add warm water to maintain temperature
- Continue immersion until the area is soft and color and sensation return
- Pat gently and dress with dry, sterile dressings
- Protect the injured area from refreezing
- Refer to local protocols for other treatment
Exposure to Heat Predisposing Factors for Heat Emergencies
- Hot, humid weather
- Vigorous physical activity
- Age (the very young and the elderly)
- Medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Fever
- Predisposing Factors for Heat Emergencies continued
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Drugs and medications
- Previous history of hyperthermia
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthermia
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid, bounding pulse
- Altered mental status
- Moist, pale, cool, hot or normal skin
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps
Care for Hyperthermia with Moist, Pale, Cool or Normal Skin (Heat Exhaustion)
- Remove patient from hot environment
- Administer oxygen
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Cool the patient by fanning
- Place responsive patient supine with legs elevated; if vomiting, place on side
- If no nausea, provide cool water to drink
Care for Hyperthermia with Hot, Dry Skin (Heat Stroke)
- Remove patient from hot environment
- Remove clothing and administer oxygen
- Apply cold to neck, groin and armpits
- Moisten patient’s skin with wet towels
- Fan the patient aggressively
- Transport patient immediately
Drowning and Near Drowning
Care of the Near Drowning Patient
- Immobilize spine if trauma is suspected
- Ensure adequate airway, provide oxygen and ventilate if necessary
- Provide CPR if pulseless (use AED if allowed by local protocols)
- Suction as needed
- If no trauma, place patient on left side
- Transport immediately
Bites and Stings
Care of Bites and Stings
- Ensure adequate ABC’s
- Inspect the site for stinger or bite marks
- Wash the area gently
- Remove jewelry from injured area
- If extremity, position just below level of heart
- If snakebite, consult medical direction
- Watch for development of allergic reaction
Source MOSBY
Thermoregulatory Emergencies
An increase or decrease in the temperature of the body or body part that results in an injury.
The body performs a delicate balancing act between the heat generated in the body and the heat lost from it
Types of Heat Loss- Respiration
- Convection
- Conduction
- Radiation
- Evaporation
Heat loss occurs during respiration - when the body warms and humidifies the air.
Falling body temperature
- Peripheral blood vessels constrict
- Muscles produce heat through shivering
Rising body temperature
- Blood vessels dilate
- Sweat glands produce moisture
The body also produces heat by shivering
Exposure to the Cold (at Tembagapura ?)
Hypothermia: A condition in which the core body temperature falls below 35o C (95o F) and the body’s normal functions are impaired.
Caused by prolonged exposure to cold.
The most common cause of generalized hypothermia is exposure to a cold environment such as cold water.
The most common cause of generalized hypothermia is exposure to a cold environment such as cold water.
- Cold environments
- Immersion or submersion in water
- Age (the very young and the elderly)
- Alcohol
- Shock (hypoperfusion)
- Some medications and poisons
- Medical conditions
- Diabetes and hypoglycemia
- Metabolic and infectious processes
- Trauma
- Hypovolemia or shock
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
Alcohol use is a complicating factor in many hypothermic patients
Mental & Motor Function Changes caused by Hypothermia= Dizziness and poor coordination
= Altered mental status
- Memory disturbances
- Poor judgement
- Mood changes
= Communication and speech difficulties
= Stiffness/rigid posture
= Reduced or absent sense of touch
= Changes in vital signs
= Joint or muscle pain
Focused History
What was the source? If water, what was the temperature? What was the general environmental like? How long was the patient exposed? Did the patient experience a loss of consciousness? Are the effects general or local?
Hypothermia Treatment
- Remove the patient from the cold environment and protect from heat loss - Remove any cold or wet clothing, and cover the patient with blankets - Handle the patient with care, and avoid rough handling - Warm the patient compartment of the ambulance as much as possible - Hypothermia Treatment continued - Apply high-flow oxygen; warmed and humidified if possible - Use no stimulants such as caffeine or alcohol - Do not massage the extremities - Check for a pulse for 30 - 45 seconds before starting CPR
Do not attempt to actively warm hypothermic patients who have a decreased level of consciousness...
- Ensure a patent airway - Ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen - Begin CPR if no pulse for 30 - 45 seconds - Use the AED according to local established protocols, or call medical direction
Local cold injuries result from decreased blood flow to, or freezing of, a body part.
- Pale skin with delayed capillary refill
- Loss of feeling/sensation in injured area
- Skin still soft
- Tingling sensation when rewarmed
Late or Deep Cold Injury
- White or waxy skin appearance
- Firm or frozen skin presentation
- Swelling and blister formation
- Loss of sensation in injured area
- If thawed, skin may be purple and pale
Care for Local Cold Injuries
- Remove patient from cold environment
- Protect the cold extremity from injury
- Administer oxygen
- Remove wet or restrictive clothing and all jewelry
- Splint if extremity involved, and cover with dry, sterile dressing
Place dressings between those fingers affected by local cold injury.
Never
Never
re-expose the area to cold, break blisters, rub or massage the area, apply heat, or allow the patient to use the affected area.
- Immerse the affected part in warm water (102o - 104o F)
- Continuosly stir and add warm water to maintain temperature
- Continue immersion until the area is soft and color and sensation return
- Pat gently and dress with dry, sterile dressings
- Protect the injured area from refreezing
- Refer to local protocols for other treatment
Exposure to Heat
baru ini di Doha,
- Hot, humid weather
- Vigorous physical activity
- Age (the very young and the elderly)
- Medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Fever
- Predisposing Factors for Heat Emergencies continued
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Drugs and medications
- Previous history of hyperthermia
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthermia
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid, bounding pulse
- Altered mental status
- Moist, pale, cool, hot or normal skin
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps
Care for Hyperthermia with Moist, Pale, Cool or Normal Skin (Heat Exhaustion)
- Remove patient from hot environment
- Administer oxygen
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Cool the patient by fanning
- Place responsive patient supine with legs elevated; if vomiting, place on side
- If no nausea, provide cool water to drink
Care for Hyperthermia with Hot, Dry Skin (Heat Stroke)
- Remove patient from hot environment
- Remove clothing and administer oxygen
- Apply cold to neck, groin and armpits
- Moisten patient’s skin with wet towels
- Fan the patient aggressively
- Transport patient immediately
Drowning and Near Drowning
Care of the Near Drowning Patient
- Immobilize spine if trauma is suspected
- Ensure adequate airway, provide oxygen and ventilate if necessary
- Provide CPR if pulseless (use AED if allowed by local protocols)
- Suction as needed
- If no trauma, place patient on left side
- Transport immediately
Bites and Stings
Care of Bites and Stings- Ensure adequate ABC’s
- Inspect the site for stinger or bite marks
- Wash the area gently
- Remove jewelry from injured area
- If extremity, position just below level of heart
- If snakebite, consult medical direction
- Watch for development of allergic reaction
Source MOSBY
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
