What is a Breathing Emergency?
A breathing emergency is any situation where a person has difficulty breathing or their breathing is severely impaired. This can quickly become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Common Causes of Breathing Emergencies:
Asthma – Airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing and shortness of breath. Choking – A blocked airway prevents normal breathing. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis) – Swelling of the airway can completely stop breathing. Heart Attack – Can cause shortness of breath due to reduced blood flow to the lungs. Lung Infections – Pneumonia and bronchitis can make breathing difficult. Physical Injury – Trauma to the chest or lungs may impair breathing. Prolonged Smoking – Can cause chronic respiratory conditions like COPD. Inhalation of Toxic Fumes or Poisoning – Chemicals, smoke, or carbon monoxide can restrict breathing.
Signs of a Severe Breathing Emergency
A victim in respiratory distress may exhibit:
Mild to Moderate Symptoms:
Shortness of breath Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing Uncontrollable coughing
Severe Symptoms (Life-Threatening!):
Very rapid or very slow breathing Pale, blue, or gray face & lips (cyanosis) Confusion, dizziness, or inability to speak clearly Chest pain or tightness Gasping for air
If the person cannot speak, breathe, or cough, treat it as an emergency immediately.
What to Do in a Breathing Emergency
Step 1: Check the Scene & Assess the Victim
If the person is conscious, ask them what happened and if they have a history of breathing problems. If the person is unconscious and not breathing normally, prepare to give CPR.
Step 2: Assist with Medication if Applicable
Asthma Attack? Help them use their inhaler (if available). Allergic Reaction? Assist with an EpiPen injection. Chest Pain or Heart Attack? If the person has prescribed heart medication (like nitroglycerin), help them take it.
Step 3: Call 911 if Any of the Following Occur
Breathing does not improve after using an inhaler or EpiPen. The person cannot speak or breathe normally. Lips or face turn blue, gray, or pale. The person collapses or becomes unresponsive.
Step 4: Keep the Person Comfortable
Loosen tight clothing around the chest and neck. Help them sit upright—this makes breathing easier. Stay calm and keep them calm—panic can worsen breathing difficulties.
Step 5: Be Ready to Perform CPR
If the person stops breathing or collapses, be prepared to start CPR immediately.
How to Use an Inhaler for an Asthma Attack
If the person has an inhaler, follow these steps:
Shake the inhaler well before use.
Remove the cap and have the person exhale completely.
Have them place the inhaler mouthpiece into their mouth, forming a tight seal.
Press down on the inhaler while they breathe in deeply and slowly.
Instruct them to hold their breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
Repeat if necessary after 30-60 seconds.
Quick Quiz: Breathing Emergencies
a) Choking
b) Asthma
c) Ear infection
a) Wheezing
b) Coughing
c) Blue lips or face
a) Standing with arms raised
b) Lying flat on their back
c) Sitting upright and leaning slightly forward
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
Breathing emergencies can be caused by asthma, choking, allergic reactions, heart attacks, or lung conditions. Blue lips, confusion, and gasping for air are signs of life-threatening distress. Help the person take their medication if available (inhaler, EpiPen, or heart medication). Call 911 if breathing worsens, the person collapses, or their skin turns blue. Be ready to give CPR if they stop breathing!
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when a person inhales too much carbon monoxide gas, which prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, making it impossible to detect without a CO detector.
🚨 CO poisoning is a medical emergency! Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage, unconsciousness, or death.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
✔ Faulty gas appliances (heaters, stoves, ovens, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces)
✔ Running a car in an enclosed garage
✔ Blocked chimney vents or exhaust systems
✔ Generators or charcoal grills used indoors
✔ Kerosene heaters, propane stoves, or gas-powered tools indoors
💡 CO poisoning often happens in homes, cars, and workplaces where ventilation is poor.
Signs & Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
🚨 Early symptoms may seem like the flu but worsen over time:
✔ Headache, dizziness, or nausea
✔ Shortness of breath or confusion
✔ Weakness, fatigue, or blurred vision
✔ Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
✔ Loss of coordination or fainting
🚨 Severe CO poisoning can cause:
✔ Seizures or convulsions
✔ Loss of consciousness (coma)
✔ Blue or cherry-red skin (signs of oxygen deprivation)
✔ Death if untreated
💡 Symptoms can appear suddenly or build up over time, depending on exposure levels.
First Aid for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 🚨
Step 1: Get the Person to Fresh Air Immediately
✔ If indoors, open windows and doors immediately.
✔ Turn off all possible CO sources (stoves, heaters, generators).
✔ Move the victim outside to fresh air.
🚨 DO NOT re-enter the area until it is confirmed safe!
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
✔ Even if symptoms improve, CO poisoning can have long-term effects.
✔ Medical professionals may give oxygen therapy to remove CO from the bloodstream.
Step 3: Monitor Breathing & Pulse
✔ If the person is unresponsive and NOT breathing, begin CPR immediately.
✔ If they are breathing, keep them calm and monitor for worsening symptoms.
🚨 Severe CO poisoning requires emergency treatment in a hospital with 100% oxygen therapy.
When to Call 911 🚨
📌 Call 911 immediately if:
🚨 The person is experiencing dizziness, confusion, weakness, or fainting.
🚨 Multiple people in the home or workplace suddenly feel sick at the same time.
🚨 The person stops breathing or loses consciousness—begin CPR immediately.
💡 CO poisoning can be deadly—NEVER assume it will “go away” on its own.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
✔ Install CO detectors in every home, especially near bedrooms.
✔ NEVER use gas-powered appliances indoors without proper ventilation.
✔ Have all gas-burning appliances and fireplaces inspected annually.
✔ Do NOT run a car inside a closed garage.
✔ Avoid using generators, grills, or propane stoves indoors.
✔ If a CO detector alarm goes off, evacuate immediately and call 911.
🚨 CO poisoning is 100% preventable—stay proactive!
Quick Quiz: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning & First Aid
1️⃣ What is the first thing you should do if you suspect CO poisoning?
a) Give the person food or water
b) Move them to fresh air and call 911
c) Have them sit in front of a fan
2️⃣ True or False: Carbon monoxide has a strong odor, making it easy to detect.
3️⃣ What common household items can produce carbon monoxide?
a) Gas stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, and generators
b) Electric space heaters
c) Refrigerators
4️⃣ If someone is unresponsive and not breathing due to CO poisoning, what should you do?
a) Start CPR immediately and call 911
b) Try to wake them up and see if they recover on their own
c) Give them strong coffee to help them regain consciousness
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
✔ CO poisoning is dangerous because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
✔ Move victims to fresh air immediately and call 911.
✔ If they are unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR.
✔ Prevent CO poisoning with detectors, proper ventilation, and appliance maintenance.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen. Without treatment, the heart muscle begins to die, leading to cardiac arrest or death.
🚨 A heart attack is a medical emergency—getting help quickly can save a life!
Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack
🚨 Heart attack symptoms vary but may include:
✔ Chest pain or pressure (may feel like squeezing, heaviness, or tightness)
✔ Pain spreading to the arms, jaw, back, neck, or stomach
✔ Shortness of breath
✔ Cold sweats, nausea, or vomiting
✔ Dizziness or fainting
✔ Extreme fatigue or weakness
💡 Symptoms in women, elderly individuals, and diabetics may be more subtle, such as nausea, fatigue, or back pain rather than severe chest pain.
🚨 If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately!
First Aid for a Heart Attack 🚨
Step 1: Call 911 Immediately
✔ Do NOT wait! Heart attack treatment is most effective within the first 60 minutes.
Step 2: Keep the Person Calm & Still
✔ Encourage them to sit down and rest.
✔ Loosen any tight clothing.
✔ Reassure them to reduce anxiety, which can worsen symptoms.
Step 3: Give Aspirin (ONLY if Safe to Do So)
✔ Aspirin helps thin the blood and improve flow to the heart.
✔ Give one adult aspirin (325 mg) or two low-dose aspirins (81 mg each).
🚨 DO NOT give aspirin if they are allergic or have been advised not to take it.
Step 4: If They Stop Breathing, Begin CPR 🚨
✔ Lay the person flat on their back.
✔ Start chest compressions—press hard and fast in the center of the chest (100-120 beats per minute).
✔ Continue CPR until medical help arrives.
🚨 If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it!
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
✔ A heart attack is caused by a blocked artery. The heart is still beating, but needs treatment ASAP.
✔ Cardiac arrest is when the heart STOPS beating. The person becomes unresponsive and requires immediate CPR & defibrillation (AED).
💡 Not all heart attacks lead to cardiac arrest, but all cardiac arrests require immediate CPR!
When to Call 911 🚨
📌 Call 911 immediately if:
🚨 The person has chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes.
🚨 Pain spreads to the arms, back, jaw, or stomach.
🚨 The person has shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
🚨 The person becomes unresponsive—begin CPR immediately!
💡 Early treatment can prevent lasting heart damage or death. NEVER wait to see if symptoms go away!
Quick Quiz: Heart Attack & First Aid
1️⃣ What is the first thing you should do if someone is having a heart attack?
a) Have them lie down and wait it out
b) Call 911 immediately
c) Give them food to boost their energy
2️⃣ True or False: You should give aspirin to someone having a heart attack unless they have an allergy or medical condition preventing it.
3️⃣ What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
a) A heart attack is a blockage, while cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating
b) Cardiac arrest is always caused by a heart attack
c) They are the same thing
4️⃣ If a person collapses and stops breathing, what should you do?
a) Check for a pulse and start CPR immediately
b) Wait to see if they wake up on their own
c) Give them food or water
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
✔ A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.
✔ Call 911 immediately if someone experiences chest pain or other heart attack symptoms.
✔ Keep them calm, have them rest, and give aspirin if safe to do so.
✔ If they stop breathing, begin CPR immediately.
What is Choking?
Choking occurs when a foreign object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. This is most commonly caused by food, but can also occur due to small objects, liquids, or even swelling from an allergic reaction.
A choking victim often panics, making it harder to assess their condition, so staying calm and acting quickly is crucial.
How to Recognize Choking
✅ If the person can cough or speak:
- The airway is only partially blocked.
- Encourage them to keep coughing forcefully—this may dislodge the object naturally.
- DO NOT perform abdominal thrusts unless breathing stops!
🚨 If the person CANNOT speak, cough, or breathe:
- They are choking! Immediate action is required.
- Look for the universal choking sign – hands clutching the throat.
- Blue skin, gasping, or no sound means the airway is completely blocked.
Choking First Aid for Adults & Children (Heimlich Maneuver)
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver
1️⃣ Ask the person: “Are you choking?” If they cannot speak and nod yes, act immediately.
2️⃣ Stand behind them – Position one foot between their feet for stability.
3️⃣ Wrap your arms around their waist and make a fist above their belly button.
4️⃣ Place your other hand over your fist and pull inwards and upwards in quick abdominal thrusts.
5️⃣ Repeat thrusts until the object is expelled or the person collapses.
🚨 If the victim becomes unresponsive:
- Lower them to the ground.
- Call 911 and begin CPR if they are not breathing.
Choking First Aid for Infants (Under 1 Year)
🚨 Do NOT use the Heimlich Maneuver on infants! Instead, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Position the Infant Face Down
- Hold the baby securely on your forearm, face down, with their head lower than their chest.
- Support the head with your hand and rest your arm on your thigh.
2️⃣ Give 5 Firm Back Blows
- Using the heel of your hand, give 5 quick, firm slaps between the infant’s shoulder blades.
3️⃣ Turn the Infant Over
- While keeping their head lower than their body, turn them face-up.
4️⃣ Check the Mouth for an Object
- If you see the object, carefully remove it.
🚨 Do NOT stick your fingers in the baby’s throat! You may push the object deeper.
5️⃣ Perform 5 Chest Thrusts
- Place two fingers on the center of the chest (just below the nipple line).
- Give 5 quick chest thrusts (pushing down about 1.5 inches).
6️⃣ Repeat Steps Until the Object is Expelled
- Continue 3 cycles of back blows and chest thrusts.
- If the baby becomes unresponsive, call 911 and begin infant CPR.
When to Call 911 🚨
Call 911 immediately if:
🚨 The person cannot breathe or speak.
🚨 They lose consciousness.
🚨 The object does not come out after multiple attempts.
🚨 The infant remains unresponsive or weak after the object is expelled.
💡 After choking, the victim may still be in distress. Monitor them closely for weak breathing, difficulty swallowing, or ongoing discomfort. Seek medical care if needed.
Quick Quiz: Choking Emergencies
1️⃣ What is the universal sign for choking?
a) Hands clutching the throat
b) Hands waving in the air
c) Slumping forward
2️⃣ True or False: If someone is coughing forcefully, you should perform the Heimlich maneuver.
3️⃣ How do you position an infant when performing back blows?
a) Lying flat on their back
b) Face-down on your forearm, with head lower than chest
c) Sitting upright in a chair
4️⃣ What should you do if a choking victim becomes unresponsive?
a) Keep doing the Heimlich Maneuver
b) Call 911 and start CPR
c) Try to pull the object out with your fingers
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
✔ If the person can cough or speak, let them try to clear the airway themselves.
✔ If they cannot breathe, cough, or speak, perform the Heimlich Maneuver.
✔ For infants, use back blows and chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
✔ Call 911 if the person does not recover or becomes unresponsive.
Understanding Drowning
Drowning occurs when water prevents the lungs from getting oxygen, leading to suffocation. Even if a drowning victim is revived, they can suffer from brain damage or death if deprived of oxygen for too long.
🚨 Drowning is silent! Unlike in movies, victims rarely scream or thrash—they often slip underwater quietly.
💡 Drowning can happen in:
✔ Pools, lakes, oceans, or rivers
✔ Bathtubs (especially for children)
✔ Buckets or toilets (for small children)
How to Recognize Drowning
🚨 Look for these signs:
✔ Head tilted back, mouth open
✔ Arms flapping or moving weakly
✔ Eyes glassy, panicked, or closed
✔ Struggling to stay above water but not making progress
✔ Quiet or unable to call for help
🚨 If a person disappears underwater, they need help IMMEDIATELY!
First Aid for Drowning 🚨
Step 1: Get the Victim Out of the Water Safely
✔ DO NOT put yourself at risk!
✔ If possible, use a reaching tool (a rope, life preserver, pool noodle, or long stick).
✔ If you must enter the water, approach from behind to avoid being grabbed and pulled under.
✔ Once out of the water, check if they are breathing.
Step 2: Check for Breathing & Pulse
✔ If the person is not breathing, begin CPR immediately!
✔ If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side).
✔ Even if they regain consciousness, seek medical attention—drowning victims can develop secondary drowning (fluid in the lungs).
Step 3: Perform CPR if the Victim is Not Breathing 🚨
✔ Give 2 rescue breaths first (since drowning involves lack of oxygen).
✔ Begin chest compressions (30 compressions, then 2 breaths).
✔ Continue CPR until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
💡 Drowning victims need oxygen immediately! Do not delay CPR.
Dry Drowning & Secondary Drowning
✔ A drowning victim may seem fine at first but later develop trouble breathing, coughing, or fatigue.
✔ This can be fatal hours after the incident!
✔ Seek medical attention for ANY drowning victim, even if they seem okay.
When to Call 911 🚨
📌 Call 911 immediately if:
🚨 The person was underwater for more than a few seconds.
🚨 They are not breathing or need CPR.
🚨 They were revived but have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or extreme fatigue.
💡 ALWAYS get medical help for a drowning victim, even if they recover.
Water Safety Tips to Prevent Drowning
✔ Never leave children unattended near water—even bathtubs!
✔ Learn CPR—it can save a life!
✔ Always wear life jackets in open water (rivers, lakes, and oceans).
✔ Never swim alone.
✔ Avoid alcohol and drugs when swimming or boating.
✔ If you see someone struggling, throw them a flotation device instead of jumping in.
🚨 Drowning happens FAST. Stay alert and act quickly.
Quick Quiz: Drowning & Water Emergencies
1️⃣ What is the FIRST thing you should do if you see someone drowning?
a) Jump in and grab them
b) Call 911 and try to reach them with a long object
c) Wait to see if they make it back to shore
2️⃣ True or False: If a drowning victim is revived, they always recover fully and do not need medical attention.
3️⃣ What is the best way to approach a drowning victim if you must enter the water?
a) Swim straight toward them from the front
b) Swim behind them to prevent being grabbed
c) Avoid entering the water—drowning victims are too dangerous to help
4️⃣ Why is secondary drowning dangerous?
a) The victim may develop breathing problems hours later
b) It causes temporary confusion but no real harm
c) It only happens in salt water
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
✔ Drowning is often silent—learn to recognize the warning signs.
✔ Rescue safely—never put yourself at risk.
✔ Perform CPR immediately if the victim is not breathing.
✔ Even if revived, seek medical attention due to the risk of secondary drowning.
✔ Prevention is key—supervise children, wear life jackets, and avoid risky water behavior.
What is Shock?
In a medical emergency, shock refers to the failure of blood circulation to supply vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. If untreated, shock can lead to organ failure and death.
Shock is always an emergency! Recognizing and treating it quickly can save a life.
Causes of Shock
Shock can be caused by three major failures in the body’s circulation system:
Blood Loss – Severe bleeding (internal or external) reduces oxygen supply. Excessive Blood Vessel Dilation – Blood vessels expand too much, reducing blood pressure (e.g., in anaphylactic shock). Heart Failure – The heart cannot pump blood effectively (e.g., heart attack, electrical shock).
Types of Shock & Their Causes
Hypovolemic Shock – Caused by severe bleeding, dehydration, or burns. Cardiogenic Shock – Caused by heart failure, heart attack, or heart disease. Neurogenic Shock – Caused by spinal cord injuries that disrupt nerve control over blood vessels. Septic Shock – Caused by severe infections that spread through the bloodstream. Anaphylactic Shock – Caused by a severe allergic reaction (see below).
No matter the cause, all forms of shock are medical emergencies!
Signs & Symptoms of Shock
Recognizing shock quickly is critical. Look for these warning signs: Dazed or confused appearance Pale, clammy skin Rapid, weak pulse Shallow, irregular breathing Nausea or vomiting Excessive thirst Dilated pupils Loss of consciousness (severe cases)
If untreated, shock can cause death within minutes!
First Aid for Shock
Step 1: Keep the Person Lying Down
If possible, keep the victim flat on their back. Elevate the legs about 12 inches unless there’s a head, neck, spine, or leg injury.
Step 2: Make Breathing Easier
Loosen tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist. Do NOT move the person unnecessarily—minimize movement.
Step 3: Keep the Victim Warm & Calm
Cover them with a blanket or jacket to maintain body temperature. Reassure the person—fear and stress can worsen shock.
Step 4: Monitor Breathing & Pulse
If the person stops breathing, begin CPR immediately. If the victim vomits, turn them on their side to prevent choking.
Step 5: Call 911
Shock is always a medical emergency. Seek immediate help.
DO NOT give food, drinks, or medication—they may choke.
Anaphylactic Shock – Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes airway swelling and breathing difficulty.
Signs of Anaphylaxis:
Rapid, severe symptoms may include: Itchy, burning skin or hives Swelling of the tongue and face Severe breathing difficulty Tightness in the chest Weak or irregular pulse Convulsions (in extreme cases)
First Aid for Anaphylactic Shock
Use an EpiPen (epinephrine) immediately if available. Call 911 immediately—even if symptoms improve after using the EpiPen. Have the person sit upright to make breathing easier. Monitor their breathing and pulse—be ready to perform CPR if needed.
Anaphylaxis can worsen quickly! Early treatment is critical.
Fainting vs. Shock
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness due to a brief drop in blood flow to the brain. It is a mild form of shock that usually resolves quickly.
First Aid for Fainting:
If someone feels faint, help them sit down and lower their head between their knees. If they faint, lay them down with their legs elevated to restore blood flow. If they do not regain consciousness within a minute, call 911.
Fainting may signal a more serious medical issue—always assess the situation carefully!
When to Call 911
Call 911 immediately if: The person is in shock (rapid pulse, pale skin, confusion). They lose consciousness and don’t wake up quickly. They have severe allergic reaction symptoms. They stop breathing or have a weak pulse—begin CPR if necessary.
Quick Quiz: Shock & First Aid
a) Sitting up in a chair
b) Lying flat with legs elevated (unless injury prevents it)
c) Lying on their stomach
a) Give them food to absorb the allergen
b) Use an EpiPen if available and call 911
c) Lay them down and wait to see if symptoms improve
a) Pale, clammy skin and rapid pulse
b) High fever and swollen glands
c) Sneezing and runny nose
Final Thoughts: Lesson 16 Recap
Shock is a failure of blood circulation that can lead to death if untreated. Common causes include blood loss, heart failure, severe allergic reactions, burns, and trauma. Keep the person lying down, elevate the legs, loosen clothing, and keep them warm. Call 911 for any form of shock—medical attention is critical! Anaphylactic shock is life-threatening—use an EpiPen and seek emergency help.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
A stroke is a medical emergency—every second counts! Quick treatment can save lives and prevent permanent disability.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke (most common) – Caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. Hemorrhagic Stroke – Caused by a burst blood vessel, leading to bleeding in the brain. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or “Mini-Stroke”) – A temporary blockage that resolves within 24 hours but is a major warning sign of a future stroke!
No matter the type, strokes require immediate medical attention!
How to Recognize a Stroke: The FAST Test
Use the FAST method to quickly identify stroke symptoms:
F – Face Drooping – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A – Arm Weakness – Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S – Speech Difficulty – Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T – Time to Call 911 – If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately!
Other Stroke Symptoms May Include: Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes Sudden severe headache with no known cause Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
If you suspect a stroke, do NOT wait to see if symptoms improve. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
First Aid for Stroke
What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Help:
Call 911 immediately – Do NOT drive the victim to the hospital yourself. Keep the person calm and in a safe position. Have them lie down with their head slightly elevated to reduce brain pressure. Do NOT give food, drinks, or medication. Monitor their breathing and be prepared to give CPR if necessary.
A stroke victim needs treatment within the first 3 hours for the best chance of recovery!
When to Call 911
Call 911 immediately if you notice: ANY signs of stroke (FAST symptoms). Sudden loss of balance, vision, or speech. Severe headache with no known cause. Seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
DO NOT let the person “sleep it off” or wait to see if symptoms improve—every second matters!
Quick Quiz: Stroke & First Aid
a) Face, Arms, Speech, Time
b) Face, Alertness, Speech, Temperature
c) First Aid, Arms, Stroke, Time
a) Give them water to keep them hydrated
b) Call 911 immediately
c) Have them walk around to test their balance
a) It causes temporary headaches but goes away quickly
b) It can cause permanent brain damage or death without quick treatment
c) It is only dangerous in elderly people
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Use the FAST method to quickly identify a stroke and act immediately. Call 911—time-sensitive treatments can prevent permanent brain damage! Do NOT give food, drinks, or medicine—just keep the person calm and monitored.
What is a Seizure?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, or unusual behavior. Seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes and may be caused by:
Epilepsy (chronic seizure disorder) Head trauma or brain injury High fever (febrile seizures in children) Stroke or low oxygen levels Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia in diabetics) Drug or alcohol withdrawal
Not all seizures involve convulsions (shaking). Some may cause staring, confusion, or unresponsiveness.
Types of Seizures
Generalized Seizures (Tonic-Clonic / Grand Mal) Most recognizable seizure type – causes full-body convulsions Victim may cry out, fall to the ground, shake uncontrollably, or lose consciousness May last 30 seconds to 2 minutes
Absence Seizures (Petit Mal) Brief episodes (seconds long) of staring or unresponsiveness No convulsions—often mistaken for daydreaming
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures) May cause jerking movements, confusion, or strange sensations Person may remain conscious but unable to respond
A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is a medical emergency! Call 911 immediately.
First Aid for Seizures
What to Do During a Seizure:
Stay calm and protect the victim from injury. Gently guide them to the ground (if possible) to prevent falling. Clear the area of sharp or dangerous objects. Loosen tight clothing around the neck to aid breathing. Place something soft (like a jacket) under their head to prevent injury. Turn them on their side once the seizure stops to prevent choking. Stay with them until they are fully awake and alert.
What NOT to Do During a Seizure:
Do NOT hold the person down. Let the seizure run its course. Do NOT put anything in their mouth. They will NOT swallow their tongue! Do NOT attempt CPR unless the person is not breathing after the seizure stops. Do NOT offer food, water, or medicine immediately after a seizure.
If the person has a history of epilepsy, let them rest after the seizure. If they recover normally, emergency care may not be necessary.
When to Call 911
Call emergency services if: The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. The person has multiple seizures in a row without regaining consciousness. They are injured during the seizure (head injury, bleeding, etc.). This is their first seizure or cause is unknown. The person does not regain consciousness after the seizure ends.
First Aid for Febrile Seizures (Seizures in Children)
Febrile seizures are triggered by high fever in young children (usually under age 5). Last less than 5 minutes and usually resolve on their own.
What to do: Gently lay the child on their side in a safe area. Do NOT put anything in their mouth or try to stop movements. Cool them down by removing excess clothing. Monitor breathing and call a doctor after the seizure.
Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if breathing is affected.
Quick Quiz: Seizures & First Aid
a) Hold the person down to stop the convulsions
b) Clear the area of dangerous objects and protect their head
c) Put a spoon in their mouth to prevent choking
a) Sitting in a chair
b) Lying flat on their back
c) On their side to prevent choking
a) Always
b) Only if they stop breathing after the seizure ends
c) Never, because they will always start breathing normally on their own
Final Thoughts: Lesson Recap
Seizures can vary from mild staring episodes to full-body convulsions. Most seizures stop on their own within a few minutes. Protect the person from injury, but NEVER hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if multiple seizures occur.