Topic starter
Our tripsitters and therapists are currently being trained to provide first aid in case of accidents. In this blog, I will write down some findings to provide a framework for ourselves and others regarding what to do in the event of accidents during psychedelic sessions.
Posted : 1 July 2024 19:50
How to respond to skin wounds
If water is available:
- Rinse the wound clean with lukewarm running (drinking) water.
If there is no water tap available, drinking water from a bottle or flask can also be used. - If necessary, use a soft brush or tweezers to remove superficially attached dirt, such as pebbles.
- Dry the area around the wound with a clean cloth.
- Cover large skin wounds that require treatment by the general practitioner with a sterile or as clean cover as possible.
- Let small skin wounds air dry.
If no water is available:
- (Once the bleeding has stopped) clean the wound as thoroughly as possible with a skin disinfectant.
- Dry the area around the wound with a clean cloth.
- Let small scrapes air dry.
- Cover the wound with a sterile compress, a bandage, or a clean cloth.
The skin around a small wound can be effectively cleaned with a skin disinfectant based on chlorhexidine or alcohol 70%.
Applying roofing felt
A dressing consists of a sterile gauze pad for the wound, usually wrapped in a slightly elastic bandage.
A 'regular plaster' is in principle also just a dressing.
Goal:
- Sterile draping of a skin wound.
Execution:
- Remove a non-adherent sterile compress from the packaging.
- Place the compress on the wound. Ask for assistance if necessary.
- Wrap a lightly elastic bandage around it.
- Secure the end with adhesive plaster.
Applying a quick bandage
Goal:
- Sterile draping of a skin wound.
Execution:
- Remove a bandage from the packaging.
- Place the compress of the emergency bandage on the wound.
- Hold the shortest end of the bandage in one hand.
- Roll the longest end around the compress so that all sides of the compress are sealed.
- Secure the end with adhesive plaster.
Adhesive strips for cuts
Goal:
- Stopping bleeding from a small cut with sharp edges.
Execution:
- Remove a portion of the protective film so that the first strip can be easily peeled off.
- Hold the strip at both ends.
- Stick one end to the skin, perpendicular to the center of the wound.
- Hold the other end of the strip with the other hand without touching the skin.
- Secure the already applied strip with one finger and press the wound edges firmly together with your other finger.
- Meanwhile, gently pull on the strip with the other hand and stick the second end to the skin.
- If necessary, pat the wound dry again and repeat the previous step by alternately placing a strip on the left and right.
- To provide even more support, you can finally stick a few strips criss-cross over the strips already applied.
Bandaging a skin wound with an object
Goal:
- Fixing an object in a skin wound.
Execution:
- Keep the object motionless.
- Fill the height difference between the skin and the object on both sides. Use two rolls of unpackaged bandage and secure them with adhesive tape.
- Alternatively, bandages, rolls of adhesive plaster, or tape are also suitable for securing the object.
- Carefully and loosely apply a bandage over this.
- The dressing must not press on the object.
- Do not resist movement of the object when this is caused by breathing, for example in the case of a chest injury.
Posted : 3 July 2024 20:21
Topic starter
Bleeding
Recognizing an active (external) bleeding
In the case of severe or active (external) bleeding, the skin and underlying tissues are damaged, and (a large amount of) blood flows from the wound. If someone loses too much blood, this can be a life-threatening situation. It is therefore important to react immediately and correctly to limit blood loss while awaiting the arrival of emergency services.
What do you observe?
- Open wound that is bleeding heavily/actively.
- In this hemorrhage, the epidermis, dermis, and part of the fat are damaged.
Treating an active (external) bleeding
What are you doing?
- Ask the victim to press on the wound themselves if possible.
- Leave the victim lying down or in a position that feels most comfortable in the event of fainting.
- Have someone call 112, or call yourself if you are alone, in case of serious injury with heavy blood loss. In other situations, call the GP emergency line.
- Put the phone on speakerphone so you can hear the operator's instructions while keeping your hands free.
- Put on disposable gloves if immediately available.
- Remove any clothing to expose the wound if you cannot clearly see where the bleeding is coming from.
- Apply firm pressure directly to the wound, preferably with a piece of fabric. For a large wound, use two hands, using your body weight if necessary. Do not waste time looking for a sterile dressing first. Any clean piece of fabric will do.
- Continue to apply direct pressure until professional help has arrived.
- Apply a pressure dressing or trauma bandage as soon as possible.
- If available, apply a tourniquet in case of life-threatening blood loss in an extremity. If available, hemostatic gauze can be used to pack the wound in case of life-threatening blood loss (for example, in the neck, armpits, or groin).
- Protect the victim from hypothermia.
Bleeding from the ear: keep the ear clear so that blood can drain out. Do not apply pressure.
Recognizing internal bleeding
An internal hemorrhage is a bleeding in which blood vessels inside the body are damaged, but the bleeding does not exit the body. Some organs (for example, the heart, liver, spleen, or kidneys) are very richly supplied with blood vessels and can lose a lot of blood if they are damaged.
The severity of an internal hemorrhage is extremely difficult to assess because you do not see any blood. If the victim goes into shock, he has already lost a lot of blood.
There are various causes that can lead to shock. The body's reaction to sudden blood or fluid loss is shock, such as in cases of internal bleeding, heart failure, and circulatory arrest.
Allergic reactions can also cause symptoms of shock. In the event of sudden blood or fluid loss, the body attempts to limit the consequences of the loss. The heart beats faster to circulate the remaining blood, and breathing accelerates. The blood is directed to the organs necessary for survival: the heart, lungs, and brain.
What do you observe?
- The victim feels sick and looks very sick.
- The victim is limp and powerless.
Treating shock
Someone in a state of shock is in life-threatening and needs expert help as soon as possible.
What are you doing?
- Call or have someone call 112, stating a (suspected) case of shock. Put the phone on speakerphone.
- Lay the victim down. Let the victim rest and refrain from any further exertion.
- Wrap the victim in a blanket or aluminum blanket (rescue blanket).
- Do not let the victim drink, eat, or smoke.
- Regularly check his level of consciousness by asking how he is doing.
- Provide further First Aid if the victim loses consciousness.
Applying a (wound) compression bandage
A (wound) compression bandage consists of applying pressure with an elastic bandage, exerting pressure on the wound site to stop the bleeding. Ensure that the bandage is tight enough to stem the bleeding but does not constrict full circulation. If the skin around the bandage turns blue or becomes numb, loosen the bandage slightly but do not remove it completely.
Goal:
- Applying pressure to a severe external hemorrhage using a pressure bandage.
Execution:
- (Preferably) remove a bandage from the packaging.
- Place this on the wound all at once.
- Secure the quick bandage by covering the top and bottom of the compress with an elastic bandage.
- Take a roll of elastic bandage.
- Roll firmly, without pulling, in the direction of the heart.
- Secure the bandage with adhesive plaster.
When should you seek professional help?
Sometimes it is difficult to judge when to seek professional help and who to call. Do you go to the GP or the out-of-hours GP service, directly to the hospital's emergency department, or do you call 112? Here you can read a summary of when and who to call in a bleeding.
In case of severe or active bleeding and/or shock:
- Ask a bystander to call an ambulance on 112.
If you are alone, call 112 yourself. Preferably put the phone on speakerphone so that you can hear the operator's instructions while keeping your hands free.
It is not a problem if 112 is called instead of the GP or the GP emergency post, or vice versa. The healthcare professionals ensure the appropriate assistance is provided.
Posted : 4 July 2024 19:54
Topic starter
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed is almost always harmless. Picking the nose or a blow to the nose can damage a blood vessel, causing bleeding. Small children sometimes put things in their noses, such as a small stone, and this can cause a small wound. The mucous membrane on the inside of the nose is thin and quite delicate.
What do you observe?
- Blood is running from one or both nostrils.
- The blood is (possibly) running into the pharynx.
What are you doing?
- Keep your head slightly bent forward.
- Make that person blow their nose properly.
- Do not snout in case of possible nose fracture or possible skull injury.
- Pinch the nose shut for ten minutes and see if the bleeding has stopped.
- Bleeding not stopped? Pinch the nose shut.
- Contact your GP or out-of-hours GP service if the bleeding persists, and keep pinching your nose shut continuously.
Many small blood vessels run through the nasal mucosa. After a cold, due to scab formation, or nose picking, this area can easily start to bleed, resulting in a nosebleed. A nasal spray containing corticosteroids can also cause a nosebleed. Nasal packing may only be inserted with the permission of a doctor.
When should you seek professional help?
Sometimes it is difficult to judge when to seek professional help and who to call. Do you go to the GP or the out-of-hours GP service, straight to the hospital's emergency department, or do you call 112? Here you can read a summary of when and who to call in case of nosebleed.
Call the GP or the out-of-hours GP service:
Call the GP or the out-of-hours GP service:
- If the bleeding does not stop, blood continues to flow from the mouth, the child continues to swallow blood, or if the child has frequent nosebleeds, the general practitioner or the GP emergency service must be called. A ruptured blood vessel will then continue to bleed longer than normal.
Posted : 4 July 2024 20:12
Topic starter
Choking
Mild choking
Choking can occur if, for example, a candy, a piece of food, or another object goes down 'the wrong throat'. The wrong throat is the windpipe. The airway is then no longer freely permeable.
A foreign object can partially or completely obstruct the airway. If the airway is partially obstructed, the victim will still cough and breathe audibly and clutch at their throat. In the event of a complete airway obstruction, the victim will make silent coughing movements, will barely or not be able to breathe, will turn blue, and will eventually lose consciousness.
What do you observe?
- The victim can speak, cough, or breathe.
Treating a mild choking
A foreign object in the airway always triggers a cough. A spontaneous cough is more effective, stronger, and safer than any action by a first responder. Therefore, encourage the victim to cough.
What are you doing?
- Encourage the victim to keep coughing.
- Do nothing further.
- Check if the victim has resumed normal breathing.
Severe choking
Suffocation occurs when a person's airway is blocked. In the case of severe choking or suffocation, the victim cannot speak, coughs silently, and can barely or not breathe at all. Later, the face may turn blue and the victim may lose consciousness. The victim is unable to breathe at all. There is panic and agitation. This is a life-threatening situation! If the victim chokes or is in danger of suffocating, try to clear the airway.
What do you observe?
- Not speaking, coughing, or breathing (sometimes wheezing).
- Possibly panic and trying to breathe.
- Reduced consciousness or unconsciousness.
- Blue skin color (cyanosis).
Treating severe choking
If the victim does not cough effectively:
- When a bystander is present, let him or her stay with you.
- First give five blows on the back between the shoulder blades. Have the victim sit if the height difference is too great.
- If the blows between the shoulder blades have not opened the airway, give five abdominal thrusts.
- Subsequently, apply chest thrusts if abdominal thrusts are impossible due to the size of the victim, for example, pregnancy of 20 weeks or more or obesity. Have the victim lean their back against a wall or door if sitting is not possible.
- Call 112 when abdominal thrusts—whether effective or not—have been applied and put the phone on speakerphone. Only call 112 yourself if no one else can.
- If the airway obstruction still persists after that, continue alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts until professional help takes over.
Strikes on the back and belly thrusts execution
Execution:
- Stand diagonally behind the victim.
- Support the chest with one hand and bend the victim well forward. This way, if the object dislodges, it will come out and not end up deeper in the airway.
- Deliver a maximum of five firm blows between the victim's shoulder blades. Do this with the heel of your free hand. Each blow should be intended to remove the object.
- Check after each blow whether the airway is clear. If the object has come out, it is not necessary to give the remaining blows.
- Bend the victim forward (if the victim is no longer bent over).
- Stand behind and against the victim and wrap both arms around the upper area of the abdomen, below the ribs.
- Make a fist and place it between the navel and the lower point of the sternum.
- Grasp the fist with the other hand.
- Pull the fist in a fluid, powerful motion, first towards yourself and then upwards.
- Do this a maximum of five times.
If abdominal thrusts become difficult
If abdominal thrusts are made difficult by the size of the victim (for example, due to pregnancy from 20 weeks or due to obesity), chest thrusts may be considered. For chest thrusts, place your hands slightly higher than for abdominal thrusts, on the lower half of the sternum. Perform a chest thrust in the same way as for abdominal thrusts.
If the first responder cannot stand behind the victim due to their size, chest thrusts can also be performed from the front, with the victim leaning against the wall with their back. This technique can also be applied to disabled victims who are wheelchair-bound. Apply the brakes to the wheelchair and, if possible, position the back against the wall so that it cannot tip over.
If the victim loses consciousness
- Check if help is on the way or have someone call 112 anyway.
- Carefully lay the victim on their back on the ground.
- Start CPR.
When should you seek professional help?
Sometimes it is difficult to judge when to seek professional help and who to call. Do you go to the GP or the out-of-hours GP service, straight to the hospital's emergency department, or do you call 112? Here you can read a summary of when and who to call in case of Choking.
Call 112:
- In case of severe choking and unconsciousness:
Only call 112 yourself if no one else can; first give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades and, if necessary, 5 abdominal thrusts. Preferably put the phone on speakerphone so that you can hear the operator's instructions while keeping your hands free.
Call the GP or the out-of-hours GP service:
- In case of mild choking if:
The victim continues to cough, has difficulty swallowing, or retains the sensation that something is stuck in their throat. After the removal of an object, a piece may remain in the airway and cause further consequences.
It is also possible that internal organs are damaged by abdominal thrusts. The victim must therefore always be examined after the incident.
Posted : 4 July 2024 20:23
Topic starter
Neck and spinal injury
Neck and spinal injuries occur in an accident involving a sudden impact on the body, for example in a car accident or a fall down the stairs.
Take into account a possible neck or spinal injury if:
- there is an accident involving a sudden impact on the body;
- the victim has fallen greater than his own body length;
- the victim hit the bottom while diving into the water;
- the victim has serious wounds to the neck or back.
Recognizing neck and spinal injuries
What do you observe?
- Accident involving sudden impact on the body.
- The victim may have pain in the neck or back.
- The victim is lethargic, sleepy, restless, or has an urge to move.
- The victim has memory loss or is unconscious.
- Possible loss of muscle strength.
- Sensation of tingling in arms, fingers, and legs.
What are you doing?
- Tell the victim to lie still.
- Ask a bystander to call an ambulance on 112.
- If you are alone, call 112 yourself. Put the phone on speakerphone so that you can hear the operator's instructions while keeping your hands free.
- If necessary, hold the head with two hands in the found position.
- If the victim is restless or resists, do not support the head.
- Only turn the victim onto their side in case of vomiting and/or blood loss from the mouth.
Treating neck and spinal injuries
Only hold the neck and head if the victim wishes. Often, he holds his own head. If the victim is restless or resists, do not hold the head. Otherwise, this increases the risk of movement and shifting in the spine. A neck splint is applied only when professional emergency responders are on site and deem it necessary.
In the case of an unconscious accident victim with a high risk of neck or spinal injury, keep the airway clear if necessary by applying the chin lift.
Stabilizing neck and head
Goal:
- Holding the head in case of possible cervical spine injury.
Execution:
- Approach the victim from the front.
- Tell the victim that he must not move his head and neck. Tell him what you are going to do.
- Only hold the neck and head if the victim wishes. Often, the victim holds the head themselves.
- Stand or sit behind the victim.
- Find support for your forearms (for example, on the floor or the backrest of a chair).
- Hold the head with two hands.
- Spread your fingers so that you have a good grip on the head. Make sure you do not apply any pressure.
- Continue providing support until professional care providers take over or tell you that you can let go.
When should you seek professional help?
Call 112 if:
- Any suspicion of neck or spinal injury.
Posted : 4 July 2024 20:35
Concussions
mild traumatic brain injury
Mild traumatic brain injury, or a concussion, is the result of a blow or impact to the head. The skull is usually strong enough to protect the head against a fall, impact, or blow. Nevertheless, it is possible for the skull itself or the brain to be damaged. In the case of mild traumatic brain injury, such as bumping the head or falling from a low height, the injury will usually be limited to a bump or wound on the head.
Severe traumatic brain injury
Severe traumatic brain injury is always accompanied by neck or spinal injury, until proven otherwise. The victim must remain still (of their own accord). The head is only held if the victim is able to cooperate.
Recognizing mild traumatic brain injury
What do you observe?
- An accident or unfortunate fall on the head.
- Headache, confusion, nausea, balance problems or dizziness, double or poor vision.
- Confused or unusual behavior / feeling unclear.
- Increased sensitivity to light or sound.
- Sometimes: bump or wound on the head.
- Sometimes: disturbance of consciousness or unconsciousness or convulsions.
- Sometimes: blood or fluid from the nose, mouth, or ear.
- Sometimes: blue discoloration around the eyes (so-called periorbital hematoma).
Treating traumatic brain injury
What are you doing?
- Call 112 after a (serious) accident, in case of disturbances of consciousness, severe headache, severe shortness of breath or seizures:
- Check vital signs, if unconscious and no normal breathing: Start CPR.
- Tell the victim to stay lying down or at least not to move. Repeat this regularly, as a victim with a brain injury may have difficulty remembering your instructions.
- Is the victim wearing a motorcycle helmet? Do not remove the helmet, but only flip up the visor.
- Only turn the victim onto their side in cases of vomiting where there is a risk of suffocation or if you need to leave the scene.
- Check vital signs, if unconscious and no normal breathing: Start CPR.
- Always refer to a (general) practitioner.
If the symptoms only appear later
Sometimes symptoms only appear in the first days or weeks after the accident. Sometimes the loss of consciousness after the accident is so brief that it goes unnoticed, yet there are strong indications of head injury, such as drowsiness, lethargy, and headache.
Children require extra attention. After a seemingly minor accident, whether or not involving loss of consciousness, a child may only become drowsy, lethargic, and restless later.
What do you observe?
- Not responding well / difficult to wake up.
- Confused or behaving differently.
- Sudden difficulty speaking, moving an arm or leg, or seeing.
- Headache that is getting worse.
- Blood or fluid from the ear.
- The memory has still not been restored 4 hours after the blow.
- Constantly nauseous or vomiting several times.
- If you have the feeling that the victim is not doing well.
What are you doing?
- Call the general practitioner or the out-of-hours GP service immediately, even if the victim was already examined by a doctor immediately after the accident.
When should you seek professional help?
Sometimes it is difficult to judge when to seek professional help and who to call. Do you go to the GP or the out-of-hours GP service, directly to the hospital's emergency department, or do you call 112? Here you can read a summary of when and who to call in a traumatic brain injury.
Call 112 if:
- a victim with severe traumatic brain injury.
Call the GP or the out-of-hours GP service in case of:
- a victim with mild traumatic brain injury.
In the event of brief loss of consciousness and/or brief confusion or forgetfulness, always contact the general practitioner.
It is not a problem if 112 is called instead of the GP or the GP emergency post, or vice versa. The healthcare professionals ensure the appropriate assistance is provided.
Posted : 4 July 2024 20:48
Poisoning
Hazardous substances can exist in various forms: as a solid, a liquid, and a gas. These hazardous substances can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or injection. With some hazardous substances, the body reacts within a few seconds, while with others, it takes hours or days.
What do you observe?
- The victim ingested a dangerous substance or took an overdose.
- Harmful symptoms such as itching, a dry mouth, blurred vision, and pain.
- In a serious situation, symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, breathing difficulties, cardiac arrhythmias, and unconsciousness may occur.
What are you doing?
- Think about your own safety. Do not simply enter a room where you suspect hazardous substances in the air.
- If possible, stop the further exposure of the victim to the hazardous substance.
- Call or have someone call 112 in case of unconsciousness, shortness of breath, drowsiness, extensive (external) wounds, or intentional ingestion of dangerous substances.
- In all other cases, call the emergency number of the GP or the out-of-hours GP service.
- If possible, report which substance is involved and strictly follow the advice of the professional healthcare providers.
- Start CPR if the victim has no or no normal breathing. See Basic CPR (BLS) course.
- In case of venom in the mouth: try to rinse the mouth (or have someone else do so) with water a few times (do not swallow).
- Never induce vomiting in the victim or give milk or other substances to drink, unless expressly advised by a healthcare professional.
- Place a sleeping or unconscious victim in the stable side position, as there is a risk of vomiting.
Particular danger to children
Dishwasher tablets and button cell batteries pose a particular danger to children. Button cell batteries are becoming increasingly common in households, for example in remote controls, toys, electric candles, and tea lights. If a child swallows a button cell battery, it usually passes through the gastrointestinal tract without problems. However, in a small percentage of cases (<1%), the battery gets stuck and causes local tissue damage. If you suspect that a child has swallowed a battery, always consult your GP.
Chemical injuries
In some (more serious) situations where a victim has come into contact with a hazardous substance, you must act quickly, but continue to ensure a safe working environment. Call or have someone call 112 and always follow the instructions of the dispatcher.
In case of burns caused by contact with hazardous substances, rinse the skin immediately, preferably with rinsing solution (according to the instructions for use or safety data sheet), or otherwise with lukewarm water. You can read how to do this on the next page.
What do you do in case of chemical injuries?
- First, gently brush the powder off the skin. Alkali metals, in particular, react strongly with water.
- If clothing is stuck to the skin, start rinsing immediately and then try to carefully remove the clothing. Continue rinsing to dilute.
- Continue rinsing for at least 45 minutes to dilute, or until professional rescuers take over. Adjust the water temperature to what the victim finds comfortable.
- Have the victim remove contaminated clothing, shoes, and jewelry as soon as possible. Ensure you avoid contact with the hazardous substance. For example, place it in a (garbage) bag and seal it. This also applies to clothing that has come into contact with gases and vapors, as these can linger in the clothing.
- Do not leave an unconscious victim lying on their back. Place the victim in the stable side position.
- After contact with spilled radioactive substances, the victim must contact their general practitioner if the incident did not warrant calling 112.
Posted : 7 July 2024 11:48
CO poisoning (carbon monoxide)
A characteristic of (slow) CO poisoning is that health complaints, such as fatigue, disappear during a stay away from home. However, upon returning home, the body absorbs too much carbon monoxide again and the symptoms return. Ultimately, carbon monoxide can be fatal.
What do you observe?
- Headache, nausea, drowsiness and/or fatigue.
- Shortness of breath.
- Vomiting and/or dizziness.
- Unconsciousness (victim is breathing or is no longer breathing)
- The victim may have a pink color.
Treating carbon monoxide poisoning
When entering a house where there is suspected to be an excessively high concentration of carbon monoxide gas, always pay attention to your own safety; never put yourself in danger! It is better to call 112. Holding a (wet) handkerchief over your mouth helps. not to stop carbon monoxide.
What are you doing?
- Think about your own safety.
- Call or have someone call 112.
- Ensure a safe environment if you want to provide assistance (open windows, possibly eliminate the cause).
- If possible, take the victim to a safe environment.
When should you seek professional help?
Sometimes it is difficult to judge when to seek professional help and who to call. Do you go to the GP or the out-of-hours GP service, directly to the hospital's emergency department, or do you call 112? Here you can read a summary of when and who to call in a poisoning.
Call 112 if:
- Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Unconsciousness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Becoming drowsy.
- Extensive (external) wounds.
- Intentional ingestion of hazardous substances.
Call the GP or the out-of-hours GP service in case of:
- All other cases of poisoning.
Posted : 7 July 2024 11:50
Pain in the heart region
Sometimes the symptoms of someone with chest pain are not always clear; there is initially moderate chest pain and a feeling of discomfort. The cause of chest pain can range from stress-related symptoms to a heart attack. The victim may say that nothing is wrong, but does need help quickly. Nevertheless, err on the side of caution and call 112 or have someone call 112.
What do you observe?
- Tightening pain or pressure in the chest.
- Radiating pain to the arms, shoulder blades, neck, jaw, or stomach area.
- Suffering from sweating.
- Suffering from nausea or vomiting.
- Less obvious or severe symptoms such as:
- Pain in the upper abdomen, jaw, neck, or between the shoulder blades, without chest pain.
- shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, dizziness, restlessness or feelings of anxiety, rapid breathing.
In the elderly and diabetics, a heart attack can occur without the aforementioned symptoms. The victim may also experience unexpected pain, for example in the upper abdomen, high in the back, or in one or both arms. The victim may also suffer from sudden fatigue and/or (acute) shortness of breath.
Treating chest pain
What are you doing?
- Call or have someone call 112.
- Ensure that the victim does not exert themselves by having the person sit or, if necessary, lie down. Let the victim choose the most comfortable position themselves.
- Regularly check consciousness and breathing.
- A second rescuer can retrieve an AED and place it out of sight of the victim. The AED is then available if the victim finds themselves in a situation where CPR is necessary.
If the victim is short of breath, you can have the victim lie with their upper body slightly elevated. In case of fainting and dizziness, raise the legs slightly (jackknife position). If the victim does not wish to do this, allow them to assume a preferred position themselves.
When should you seek professional help?
Sometimes it is difficult to judge when to seek professional help and who to call. Do you go to the GP or the out-of-hours GP service, straight to the hospital's emergency department, or do you call 112? Here you can read a summary of when and who to call in case of chest pain.
To be on the safe side regarding chest pain:
Call or have someone call 112.
Call or have someone call 112.
Posted : 7 July 2024 12:05
Stroke
A stroke is an umbrella term for a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), a cerebral infarction, or a cerebral hemorrhage. A stroke means an acute disruption of the blood supply to the brain, which is often accompanied by neurological deficits. It is not visible from the outside which type you are dealing with. It is more important to quickly recognize the signs and act immediately.
What do you observe?
- Face, arm, or leg is limp or numb.
- Confusion or difficulty speaking.
- Difficulty seeing, walking, or maintaining balance.
- Acute severe headache.
Recognizing a stroke quickly:
- Mouth: Check if the mouth is crooked or if one corner of the mouth is drooping. Ask the person to show their teeth as a check.
- SpeechThe person is speaking nonsense or is unable to find the right words. Have the person say a sentence to check.
- Arm: An arm or leg may be paralyzed. To check, have the limbs straightened and the palms turned upwards.
Treating a stroke
What are you doing?
- Call or have someone call 112 in case of disturbances of consciousness or signs of a stroke.
- Call the GP's emergency number in case of very sudden, severe headache. Especially in combination with fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- Ensure the victim does not exert himself by having him sit. In principle, let him choose the most comfortable position himself. Regularly check consciousness and breathing.
- Do not give the victim any food or drink. There is a risk that he may choke.
When should you seek professional help?
Call 112:
- In case of disturbances of consciousness or signs of a stroke.
Call the GP or the out-of-hours GP service:
- In case of very sudden, severe headache. Especially in combination with fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- When the victim and/or bystander indicate that the symptoms resembling a stroke were short-lived.
Posted : 7 July 2024 12:18