1. FEVER
- A sustained body temperature above the normal level of 37 degrees C.
- Caused by bacterial or viral infection.
- A moderate fever is not harmful, but a temperature of above 40 degrees C can be dangerous. Casualty should see a doctor!
- Raised under-the-tongue temperature.
- In the early stages: pale skin, "chilled" feeling (e.g. shivering)
- As the fever advances: hot, flushed skin and sweating; headache; "aches and pains", higher temperature
- Make the casualty comfortable in cool surroundings. Allow him / her to rest.
- Give the casualty plenty of cool water to replace lost fluids.
- Bring the casualty to a doctor.
2. FAINTING
- Brief loss of consciousness that is caused by temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain.
- The pulse becomes very slow, although it soon picks up and returns to normal.
- Recovery from a faint is usually rapid and complete.
- Fainting may be a reaction to pain, fright, emotional upset, exhaustion or lack of food. It is more common, however after long periods of physical inactivity, such as standing still, especially when it is hot. The inactivity causes the blood to pool in the lower part of the body, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the brain.
- A brief loss of consciousness causing the casualty to fall to the floor.
- A slow pulse.
- Pale, cold skin and sweating.
- Lay the casualty down, and raise and support his legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
- Make sure he has plenty of fresh air.
- As he recovers, reassure him and help him sit up gradually.
- Look for any injury that has been sustained through falling.
- If he does not regain consciousness quickly, check ABC and be ready to do CPR.
3. FITS
- Involuntary contractions of many of the muscles in the body, caused by a disturbance in the function of the brain.
- Usually result in loss of, or impaired, consciousness.
- Possible causes: head injury, brain-damaging diseases, shortage of oxygen to the brain, poisoning
- Fits may be triggered by high temperature in babies and young children.
- Casualty suddenly falls unconscious, often letting out a cry.
- He becomes rigid, arching his back.
- Breathing may cease. The lips may turn grey-blue.
- Convulsive movements begin. Jaw may be clenched and breathing noisy.
- Muscles relax and breathing becomes normal. Casualty regains consciousness.
- Main aim: To protect the casualty form injury while the fit lasts
- If casualty falls, try to support him or ease his fall. Make space around him and ask bystanders to move away.
- Loosen clothing around his neck and if possible, protect his head.
- When the convulsions cease, place him in the recovery position.
- DO NOT lift or move the casualty unless he is in immediate danger.
- DO NOT use force to restrain him, or put anything in his mouth.
4. ASTHMA
- Muscles of the air passages go into spasm, lining of the airways swell. This results in narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult.
- There may or may not be a recognised trigger for an asthma attack (e.g. an allergy).
- Difficulty in breathing, with a very prolonged breathing-out phase.
- There may be: wheezing as the casualty breathes out; distress and anxiety; difficulty in speaking and whispering; grey-blue skin; dry cough.
- Keep the casualty calm and reassure him.
- A reliever inhaler usually works within a few minutes.
- Let him sit down. Ask him to breathe slowly and deeply.
- DO NOT make him lie down.
- If the inhaler has no effect after 5 - 10 minutes and it is getting worse, call for an ambulance.
