Serving Florida

Erik Helms

Program Director

1-877-282-2071

  Section 5: Sudden Illness

Sudden Illness

A medical emergency can be either an Injury or an Illness This section covers Illnesses that can suddenly become an emergency and threaten life. A responsive victim of sudden Illness usually has associated signs and symptoms. A “sign” is the noticeable evidence of a disease and is something the first aid provider can see (for example, a rash). A symptom is something the victim complains about (for example, chest pain) If the victim is awake and talking, Identify yourself, ask lf it's okay to help. If the victim has serious warning signs and symptoms, alert EMS or your Emergency Action Plan Immediately.

One important sign is altered mental status.
This is a sudden or gradual change in personality, behavior or consciousness that can range from mild anxiety to inability to speak and communicate, to complete unconsciousness. There are many reasons for an altered mental status Including heart problems, stroke, poisoning, overdose, diabetic problems, fever, head Injury, Infectious Illness, low levels of oxygen in the brain and seizures The period of altered mental status may be brief or prolonged Altered mental status is a serious warning sign an both adults and children.

Serious signs and symptoms

Adults

Alert EMS or Emergency action play immediately if victim has:

Altered mental Status

Abnormal tissue color (blue, purple, gray or very pale)

Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath

Pain, severe pressure or discomfort in the chest.

Temperature of 105 F. (40.56 Celsius) or higher (heatstroke)

Appears weak, very ill or in severe pain

Serious signs and Symptoms
Children
Alert EMS or Emergency Action Plan immediately if child has:

Altered mental status

Abnormal tissue color (blue, purple, very pale)

Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing, and/or chest tightness

Seizure (in a child without a history of seizure)

Severe stiff neck, headache, and fever
Temperature of 105 F. (40.56 C. ) or higher (heat stroke)

Appears weak or very ill, or in severe pain.

Signs and Symptoms that require medical attention within one hour

Sudden onset of blood-red or purple rash

Fever in any age child less than 2 months (8 weeks) of age.

A large volume or blood in the stools.

A rash is a symptom of many different kinds of childhood infectious illnesses, including chickenpox and scarlet fever. It may be triggered by other infections, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or ringworm.