Frost Bite

Caused by freezing conditions which cut off circulation, usually in extremities (hands, feet, ears, nose), which may be permanently affected. Frost-bitten areas are cold, pale or marbled-looking, solid to the touch, and painless (until circulation is restored). Most...

Heart Attack

The symptoms of a heart attack can be dramatic: severe constricting or bursting pain in the chest, sometimes spreading to the arms, neck, and back; faintness and shortness of breath; irregular pulse; blue lips; collapse and unconsciousness. Breathing and heartbeat may...

Heat Stroke & Exhaustion

Heatstroke is caused by excessive fluid and salt loss in hot or humid conditions, this leads to general dehydration and exhaustion. Predisposing factors include general fatigue or ill health, too much alcohol, and wearing too many clothes. As heatstroke develops the...

Hypothermia

Sets in when core body temperature falls below 35°C (95’F); if cooling continues to 25°C (77°F) or below, recovery is unlikely. As temperature dips, the person becomes dreamy, unresponsive, and reluctant to move, hands, feet, and abdomen feel cold to the touch-...

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding, often more serious than external bleeding, is usually the result of Crush injuries, Fractures, or a burst peptic ulcer. Blood lost internally can pool in connected tissues and cause a build-up of pressure on vial organs, a haemorrhage inside the...

Nosebleeds

Lean the casualty over a basin, pinch the lower pan of the nose for 10 minutes, then release slowly. If blood starts to flow again, pinch the nose for another 5 minutes. If bleeding persists, take the person to a doctor. Do not allow the person to lie down. The nose...