Archive for November, 2008
Won’t alcohol or a warm drink help for shock patient?
No. On the contrary, such drinks may be positively harmful. The heat from a warm drink, just like that of a hot-water bottle, will tend to divert much-needed blood away from the brain to other parts of the body. Alcohol, too, causes the blood vessels in the skin to open up and carry more blood to the skin (that is what produces the familiar feeling of warmth we experience after a drink). Unconscious casualties could choke to death if forced to drink. Those with chest, abdominal, or internal injuries could be further injured. And many casualties will need an anesthetic after arrival in hospital, for which it is necessary to have an empty stomach. Even burn victims, who need fluids, should be given only cool water drinks.
How should shock be treated?
Stop any bleeding by direct pressure and call urgently for medical help. Remember, shock is caused by a shortage of blood to the brain, and without blood the brain cannot function for long. Treatment must therefore be directed toward restoring the blood supply to the brain as quickly as possible. In the case of heavy bleeding or loss of body fluid, medical treatment will probably involve a transfusion to replace the blood or fluid lost. That is why it is vital to get the patient to hospital as fast as possible even when bleeding has been stemmed.
While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, keep the patient quiet, comfortable, and reassured. Above all, keep his head low, so that blood can reach the brain more easily. If possible, arrange the patient so that he is lying down with his legs raised (on pillows, cushions, or folded coats) and his head turned to one side in case he vomits. If he is unconscious, use the coma position. Loosen any tight clothing and cover him with a blanket or coat. Keep the room warm, but do not overheat the patient or use a hot water bottle to warm him. The heat from this will divert blood away from the brain, where it is vitally needed, to the skin, where it is not. Give nothing to eat or drink, except to a conscious burned casualty.
What is shock?
Shock is a dangerous state of collapse, which, if not controlled, can be fatal.
What causes shock?
Shock occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced to such an extent that the brain cannot operate efficiently, and the vital body functions that it controls are disrupted. Shock may therefore arise in any condition that upsets the circulation of the blood, such as heavy loss of blood or body fluids (as in serious injuries, large fractures, and burns); internal bleeding from a burst appendix or perforated ulcer; heart attack, or stroke. If the blood supply to the brain is cut off entirely, the brain cannot survive for long, and the person may easily die.
How can I tell if someone is suffering from shock?
When a person goes into shock, he may feel giddy and nauseous, grow extremely pale, and perspire profusely. His skin may be cold and clammy, his vision blurred, and his breathing rapid but shallow. He may complain of thirst, become restless and anxious, and possibly lose consciousness. However, the vital thing to remember is that shock is likely to occur in any serious medical emergency and should be treated urgently without waiting for specific symptoms to appear.
Finding Money in a Credit Crunch
Copyright © 2008 Daniel Lamaute
The credit crunch coupled with a recession means that access to capital has become scarce for most businesses and individuals alike. The crashing home prices have wiped away the ability of most individuals and small business owners to obtain cash from home equity withdrawals or in refinancing their house.
Credit cards are convenient but have never made sense for long term borrowing. Most of them have fees and interest rates that can strangle or trap the user in perpetual debt. An added consideration is that the bankruptcy rules have credit card debts next to impossible for one to shake off and start afresh.
It is a truism that the worst time to look for a loan is when you need one. So how does one find cash in a crunch? The most sensible way of course is to over time build a store of emergency cash fund by spending less than your income. For those who have not accumulated a stash of cash, an alternative might be to look at your other assets such as an IRA or 401(k).