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DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this document has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable at the time and is presented here as a study aid and for general information use only. This information is not intended to replace or supercede the information or procedures outlined in your first aid textbook, other officially issued study materials or government published acts or legislative documents.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, the authors are not responsible for any loss, liability, damage or injury that may be suffered or incurred by any person in connection with the information contained on this site, or by anyone who receives first aid treatment from a reader or user of this information. |
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Hysteria – psychological emergency that causes violent fits of laughing and/or crying, imaged illnesses and a general lack of self control.
Signs & symptoms
• Loss of control of behavior that may show as shouting, rolling on the ground, and beating the chest. Behavior is often made worse by the presence of an audience
• Hyperventilation that may be sever, causing muscle spasms, especially in the wrists and hands
• Obvious tremors or casualty is unable to move
First aid for hysteria
1. ESM, scene survey
2. Lead the casualty to a quiet place, away from onlookers to help them calm down and regain self control
3. Be firm and positive. Do not over sympathize. Listen calmly as the casualty talks. Do not question or contradict the casualty
4. May help to give them permission to start feeling better
5. Stay with casualty until medical help arrives
Anxiety (panic) attack
Signs & symptoms
• Fear or a sense that something terrible will happen
• I can feel my heart pounding
• Trembling and sweating
• Hyperventilation, tingling hands and feet
• Nausea or vomiting
First aid
• Give the same first aid as for hysteria
• If the casualty is hyperventilation, give first aid for hyperventilation (see previous sections)
• Give first aid for any signs and symptoms
• Get medical help and stay with the casualty until help arrives
Physical and sexual assault – choking, gagging, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, casualty seems dazed, seizures or loss of consciousness
First aid for assault
1. ESM, scene survey. If suspect an assault, do not disturb evidence by removing, washing or disposing of clothing.
2. Primary survey, give first aid for life-threatening injuries.
3. General first aid for psychological emergencies as mentioned above. Tell casualty not to wash or use toilet until they seek medical help.
4. Continue care until medical help arrives. |
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