Dr. Eboni Green
November 30, 2021
So much of the care that a caregiver gives deals with the everyday things a loved one or client has difficulty doing. But when it comes to health, things can change in mere moments. On occasion, and especially with elder individuals, the body can experience several different life-threatening episodes. During these times, it’s necessary to stay cool and ready to recognize the warning signs and deliver care until the health care professionals arrive. Here are the top emergency situations that require seconds to act. One major rule for all of these is to call 911 right away!
These two things are often confused with one another. But while a heart attack means that the heart has stopped receiving blood and therefore receiving oxygen, cardiac arrest means the heart has stopped entirely. A person suffering from cardiac arrest will most like become unconscious, while a heart attack manifests itself as chest pain and pressure; pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath; and sweatiness. For cardiac arrest, deliver CPR to keep the oxygen flowing to the brain and other organs. For heart attack, keep the victim calm and comfortable, loosen their clothing, and deliver any medicines they may have been prescribed for their heart.
Considering other emergency situations that require seconds to act, breathing issues can be merely bothersome, or they can signal a bigger health issue. Elder individuals can experience trouble breathing for many reasons. If they have a history of asthma, they already know the steps they need to take to lessen an attack. Breathing difficulties can also signify colds and other diseases that affect the lungs and sinuses. If breathlessness happens all at once, though, it could mean a heart attack, anaphylactic shock, or something else. If they have a known condition that causes breathing issues, deliver the proper medication or provide oxygen (if necessary), loosen tight clothing, and check their airway and keep them comfortable until help arrives.
Stroke is another emergency that requires fast action. Strokes are caused by the blockage of oxygen to the brain or burst blood vessels. Recognize stroke symptoms by remembering the acronym FAST. Look for drooping on one side of the Face, watch for Arm weakness, notice their Speech and if they have difficulty forming words or slurring, and remember Time is of the essence. Keep them calm and deliver CPR if they stop breathing. Keep them warm and comfortable until help arrives.
If someone is known to experience epileptic or other seizures, be ready to keep them safe during the seizure. Don’t try to hold them down but do remove objects and furniture that can cause potential injury. Place something soft beneath their head and time the length of the seizure until it ends. Keep them calm and comfortable afterward. If a person has no history of seizures, do the same, but seconds count. Note the length of the seizure for the emergency services people and note any unusual circumstances or symptoms before the attack.
