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7. If the victim drools or vomits, roll them onto their left side to drain these fluids

8. If at any time during the seizure, the victim stops breathing, perform CPR.

9. Stay with the victim until they wake up.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when either there is bleeding into the brain, or the normal flow of blood to the brain is blocked. Brain cells begin dying within minutes of being deprived of essential nutrients. Seek medical attention immediately, the sooner treatment is given, the more likely that damage can be minimized. Every second counts.

Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, having had a previous stroke, smoking, diabetes and heart disease. The risk of stroke increases as you age.

Symptoms of stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, or arm or leg on one side of your body

• Sudden dimness, blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye

• Loss of speech or trouble speaking or understanding

• Sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause

• Dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially if accompanied by any of the symptoms above

Injuries

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Injuries

Amputation

Many parts of the body can become amputated, from fingers to arms and legs, to even the penis. With amputations, time is of the essence. The quicker the victim receives medical attention, the more likely it is that the amputated part can be reattached.

Treatment:

1. Because there is a lot of blood with an amputation, wear personal protective equipment if available.

2. Call 911, and while waiting for emergency medical personnel, make sure the victim is breathing. If not, begin CPR.

3. Control bleeding on the stump by using direct pressure, elevate the limb above the heart if possible.

4. Do not use a tourniquet unless medical care will be delayed for several hours.

5. Collect the amputated part and put it into a plastic bag, then place the bag on top of ice. Do not put the amputation directly on ice.

6. Do not wash the amputation or put it in water.

7. Watch for signs of shock and treat accordingly.

8. Do not let the victim eat or drink anything.

Black Eye

A black eye is caused by bleeding beneath the skin around the eye. If the area around both eyes is bruised (raccoon eyes), this can indicate a more serious injury, such as skull fracture.

Although most black eye injuries aren’t serious, they often accompany such serious injuries as bleeding within the eye, called a hyphema, which can reduce vision, damage the cornea, or lead to abnormally high pressure inside the eyeball (glaucoma).

Treatment

1. Check to see if there is any blood within the white and colored parts of the eye; if there is, seek medical attention immediately.

2. If the person experiences vision problems such as double vision or blurring, severe pain, or bleeding in the eye or from the nose, seek medical attention immediately.

3. As soon as possible after the injury use gentle pressure to apply a cold pack or a cloth filled with ice to the area around the eye, taking care not to press on the eye itself. Continue using ice or cold packs for 24 to 48 hours.

Blisters

Blisters are most commonly caused by friction or burns. Don’t puncture a blister unless it’s extremely painful or prevents you from walking or using one of your hands. Unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to bacteria, and decreases the risk of infection.

To prevent blisters, use gloves, socks, or a bandage over the area being rubbed. Ill-fitting shoes are often a cause of blisters. When shoe shopping remember to:

• Shop in the middle of the day when your feet will be slightly swollen

• Wear the same socks that you’ll wear with the shoes

• Ask the shoe salesman to measure your feet; shoe sizes change throughout adulthood

• If your feet differ in size, buy the larger size

• Buy flexible, but supportive, shoes with cushioned insoles

• Make sure your shoes leave enough room for you to comfortably wiggle your toes

• Avoid shoes having seams