Лекция: Migraine
Many people are prone to these severe, «sickening» headaches. They can be triggered by a variety of causes. Migraine sufferers usually recognise, and know best how to deal with, an attack. They may carry special medicines.
RECOGNITION Migraines usually follow a pattern:
• There may be a warning period with disturbance of vision, in the form of flickering lights and/or a «blind patch».
• An intense throbbing headache, which may be one-sided, may develop.
• There may be discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.
• The casualty cannot tolerate any bright light or loud noise.
TREATMENT
What you can do
Treatment is as for any headache, but help the casualty to take any special medication he or she may have (tablets or nasal sprays) and provide towels and a container in case he or she is sick.
3. An adult may take two paracetamol tablets, or her own painkillers
IF the pain does not ease within two hours, or if you are worried about the casualty's condition, call a doctor.
HOUSEHOLD POISONS
Almost every household contains poisonous substances, such as bleach, paint stripper, glue, paraffin, and weedkiller, which can be spilled, causing chemical bums, or swallowed. Children in particular are at risk from accidental household poisoning.
Preventing poisoning in the home
• Keep dangerous chemicals out of children's reach (not under the sink).
• Keep medicines in a locked cupboard.
• Leave poisonous household substances in their original containers — never put them in old soft-drinks bottles.
• Buy medicines and household substances in tamper-proof containers.
TREATMENT
YOUR AIMS ARE:
• To maintain airway, breathing, and circulation.
• To obtain medical aid.
• To identify the poison.
FOR CHEMICALS ON THE SKIN
1. Wash away any residual chemicalon the skin with plenty of water. Make sure the water drains away from the casualty.
DO NOT contaminate yourself with the dangerous chemical or the rinsing water. 2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance. Give information about the spilled chemical
FOR SWALLOWED POISONS
1.Check and, if necessary, clear the airway.
The recovery position lessens the risk of vomiting.
IF the casualty is unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate. If artificial ventilation is necessary, a plastic face shield will protect you if there is burning around the mouth. Place the casualty in the recovery position; she may well vomit.
DO NOT try to induce vomiting.
2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance. Give information about the swallowed poison.
IF a conscious casualty's lips are burned by corrosive substances, give her frequent sips of cold water or milk.
ALCOHOL POISONING
Alcohol (ethanol) is a drug that depresses the activity of the central nervous system. Small quantities generally produce only a slight change of mood. Prolonged intake can result in all physical and mental abilities becoming severely impaired, and deep unconsciousness can ensue.
Dangers of alcohol poisoning
• An unconscious casualty is in danger of inhaling and choking on vomit.
• Because alcohol dilates the blood vessels, hypothermia may develop if the casualty is exposed to the cold.
• A casualty with head injuries who smells of alcohol may be misdiagnosed.
RECOGNITION
There may be:
• A strong smell of alcohol.
• Unconsciousness. The casualty may be reusable, but will quickly relapse.
• A flushed and moist face.
• Deep, noisy breathing.
• A full, bounding pulse.
In the later stages of unconsciousness:
• A dry, bloated appearance to the face.
• Shallow breathing.
• Dilated pupils that react poorly to light.
• A weak, rapid pulse
TREATMENT
YOUR AIMS ARE:
• To maintain an open airway.
• To seek appropriate medical attention.
1. Check the casualty's level of response. Carefully shake his shoulders and shout at him to see if he responds. Shake and shout^ “Can you hear me?” or “Open your eyes!”
IF the casualty is unresponsive, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place him in the recovery position.
2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance.
3. Protect the casualty from the cold; insulate him from the ground, and cover with a coat or blanket.
POISONOUS PLANTS
Although there are relatively few poisonous plants in the United Kingdom, they can cause serious illness if eaten. Young children are most at risk, as they are
attracted to brightly coloured berries and seeds, and are liable to eat them.
PLANTS THAT ARE POISONOUS IF SWALLOWED: mushrooms (death cap, brown roll rim, spotted fly agaric, Cortinarius speciosissimus (often mistaken for the edible chanterelle); seeds, bulbs, and rhizomes (Laburnum, Lupin, Daffodil, Iris); berries (deadly nightshade, holly, laurel, mistletoe, yew, wild arum (lords-and-ladies).
TREATMENT
YOUR AIMS ARE:
• To maintain airway, breathing, and circulation.
• To obtain medical aid.
DO NOT try to induce vomiting. It is often ineffective, and may harm the casualty further.
I. Check and, if necessary, clear the airway.
IF the casualty is unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place the casualty in the recovery position: he or she may well vomit.
2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance. If in doubt, always call an ambulance.
3. Try to identify the plant, and which part of it has been eaten. Preserve pieces of the plant, and samples of any vomited material, to show the doctor or send with the casualty to hospital.