Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

6 Medical Emergencies

Generally, if the problem is caused by the heart or lungs, then the entire brain is affected, such as in cardiac arrest where perfusion to the brain ceases and the tissue of the brain dies. If the problem is caused by the brain itself, such as poor perfusion to a single area of the brain, then signs and symptoms may only affect one side of the body. Low oxygen levels in the blood affect the entire brain and can cause anxiety, confusion, and restlessness. Stroke

Almost 50,000 strokes occur each year in Canada, causing 14,000 deaths (StatsCan 2012). Some patients can avoid the terrible consequences of a stroke if they can reach a hospital quickly and receive treatment. Seizures and altered mental status (AMS) can also occur when there is a problem with the brain. This chapter describes common medical emergencies, the function of the brain, and the most common causes of medical emergencies, including stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), seizures, headaches, and AMS. The brain controls all functions of the body including breathing. Many different things can cause problems with the brain and can affect the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC), speech, and motor skills. The brain is most sensitive to changes in oxygen, blood sugar (glucose), and body temperature.

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