Medical emergencies can happen suddenly and without any warning. As such, it’s all-important to remain vigilant for any signs that could point towards possible emergencies.
As a mom, nothing is more important than knowing how to answer whatever challenges your family faces. But before you put all your medical knowledge into action, assessing the situation first will be crucial. A calm mind can carry you through most circumstances, and medical emergencies will be no different. After all, knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is only half the battle. Knowing the best time to do it is the rest of it.
Continue reading to discover some of the best telltale signs of when someone may need CPR.
After They Experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can be one of the deadliest things any home can experience. Its warning signs don’t always seem transparent at first, and they can strike at any moment. Additionally, both old and young can be at risk for SCA.
A recent survey also found that seven out of 10 instances of SCA occur at home. Such findings make it so that SCA becomes every mother’s concern. But, while this can be cause for alarm, knowledge on the matter may provide you the tools to respond to it should it occur in your family.
Your family’s health history can be an excellent place to start your preparations. While your loved ones may not be personally suffering from cardiovascular diseases, it’ll be in everyone’s best interest to do more research.
A history of any of the following conditions can make your family more susceptible to SCA:
- Electrical heart problems
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- History of heart attacks
- Coronary artery disease
- Valvular heart disease
With that said, your children’s physical activity also must be closely monitored. Research has also shown that athletic and physically-active youths made up an immense majority of those who experienced SCA. Too much strenuous activity and certain medications can trigger heart arrhythmia that leads to SCA. Ultimately, moderation and monitoring will be your tools before resorting to CPR.
Should a family member experience SCA, the following symptoms can inform you on what to prepare should they worsen:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
Contacting medical responders must always be your first step in any medical emergency. Additionally, listening to what the responder on services like Avive.life says can guide everyone towards proper treatment.
It’s important to remember that CPR must be used only as a last resort in any situation. Using an AED may prove more effective in this situation as they are designed for SCA specifically. But should tools be unavailable, CPR then should be administered.
After They Suffer Accidental Electrocution
The situations where it can use are varied, while the criteria for performing CPR remain the same. Moreover, a home provides many dangers that make it knowledgeably significant for any mom.
In this example, electrocution is another situation where CPR may become necessary. About 30% of all reported electrocution incidents occur at home. DIY fixes and home improvement projects present the highest number of these unfortunate occurrences. After which, faulty wiring and appliances take second place on the list.
As the electrical current passes through the body, it may together cause both external and internal damage. Burns, seizures, and other symptoms may result from electrocution. However, the internal effects may be more concerning as they aren’t as easy to spot.
Should the heart be exposed to such external forces, it may cause cardiac arrest. When a family member loses consciousness after experiencing a shock, it may be time for CPR. However, one thing always must be kept in mind before springing into action. While time is of the essence, you must always consider safety first. Nothing has gained if both you and your loved one end up incapacitated.
Always remember to turn off the main power source before approaching. After calling emergency services, CPR can be administered.
After They Are Exposed To Chemicals, Smoke, Or Inhalants
As a homeowner, keeping your abode clean and presentable comes naturally. Providing a space where your family can relax can be an invaluable asset. And yet, the same tools used to maintain cleanliness may also bring about some negative effects on your home.
Take, for instance, bathroom cleaning products. Chemical concentrates and caustic acids often are used to remove tough stains and clogs. These powerful tools can be bacteria’s worst nightmare. But the strength of these chemicals may also have adverse effects on your loved ones.
Children and those with chronic respiratory problems have to be monitored closely. Moreover, these chemicals don’t have to be ingested to affect someone. Breathing the fumes from chemicals or toxic can be enough to trigger a response from the body.
These can include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
When a loved one begins to feel any of these symptoms, they may have been exposed to the chemical’s fumes. It’s essential to keep them relaxed and ventilated with fresh air as they recover from the effects. Should their state worsen and show no signs of breathing, CPR can be administered to stabilize them before emergency responders arrive.
Storing these dangerous chemicals in places where children and pets cannot reach them is always a good step. Moreover, keeping the house ventilated during cleanings can lessen extremely the risk of you and your family members inhaling any fumes.
Conclusion
Being a mom means being ready for any situation. It means arming yourself with the necessary knowledge and how to respond to these emergencies.
Additionally, knowing when to use this knowledge can be just as crucial for you and your family.
