First Aid Guide: Sudden Medical & Environmental Emergencies
Be prepared for any situation. This guide covers critical response skills for everything from seizures to heat stroke. Get fully certified at RupIELTS Institute in Surrey & Edmonton.
Responding to Sudden Medical Emergencies
Diabetic Emergencies
A diabetic emergency occurs when blood sugar levels are dangerously high or low. Look for confusion, aggression, rapid breathing, and cool skin.
What to do: If the person is awake and can swallow, give them sugar (glucose tablets, juice, or candy). Call 911 if they don't improve in 10 minutes or become unresponsive. NEVER give insulin.
Seizures
Characterized by abnormal brain function, leading to uncontrollable muscle movements.
What to do: Protect the person from injury by moving objects away. Place something soft under their head. Do not hold them down. After the seizure, roll them into the recovery position. Call 911 if it lasts more than a few minutes or if you don't know their medical history.
Mental Health Emergencies
A crisis involving mood swings, confusion, or behavior that puts the person or others at risk.
What to do: Create a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere. Minimize distractions and listen actively. Offer reassurance and support. Call 911 immediately if you believe there is a risk of harm to themselves or others.
Handling Environmental Illnesses
Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Exhaustion
Signs: Moist, warm skin, headache, nausea, dizziness.
Care: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, cool the person with wet cloths, and give them a cool drink if they are alert.
Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency!)
Signs: Hot, dry skin, confusion, seizures, unresponsiveness.
Care: Call 911 immediately. Aggressively cool the person (immerse forearms in cool water, apply ice packs to armpits/chest) until help arrives.
Cold-Related Illnesses
Frostbite
Signs: Hardened, pale skin, numbness, followed by white, blue, or mottled skin in deep frostbite.
Care: Thaw the area SLOWLY with warm (not hot) water only if there is no risk of refreezing. Protect with loose, dry dressings.
Hypothermia
Signs: Shivering (mild), impaired movement (moderate), unresponsiveness and no shivering (severe).
Care: Handle gently. Reduce heat loss with dry clothing/blankets. Apply heat to the upper trunk. Call 911 for moderate to severe cases.
Be Prepared for Anything
These advanced topics are essential components of our Red Cross Standard First Aid course. This comprehensive two-day program gives you the skills and confidence to handle a wide range of emergencies effectively.
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