Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

1 Introduction to First Aid

Physical Symptoms of Acute Stress Trembling – When your body anticipates the need for intense physical effort, it releases adrenalin and glucose. Adrenalin is a chemical the body uses all the time in a controlled way, only giving you as much as you need. Blood sugar, or glucose, is also used for energy and in a healthy person is properly regulated as well. When you experience new stressors, your body may give you too much adrenalin and glucose. Too much adrenalin and glucose can cause you to tremble as your muscles try to deal with the extra energy. Recognize it and continue with your tasks. By remaining calm you will mentally signal to your body that you do not need any more adrenalin or glucose.

Nausea – Another byproduct of adrenalin can be nausea. The body releases adrenalin into the stomach and too much may cause varying degrees of discomfort. Certain sounds, smells, and sights may also cause nausea. Dizziness – When the body prepares for intense activity it increases your breathing and heart rate. It also narrows blood vessels close to the surface of the skin and widens them to the heart, lungs, and other major organs to provide them with an increased blood supply. When this happens suddenly there is a temporary drop in blood pressure and oxygenated blood may not reach the brain in enough quantity. This is usually short-lived but can cause feelings of dizziness or fainting.

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