Many snakes in Australia are capable of lethal bites. These include: taipans, brown snakes, tiger snakes, death adders, black snakes, copperhead snakes, rough scaled snakes and many sea snakes. Anti-venom is available for all venomous Australian snake bites.
Read MoreThe spinal cord is a mass of nerve fibres that enables signals to travel between the brain and the rest of the body. It runs down through the neck and is protected by the spinal column that consists of 33 vertebrae bones that have a spongy disc between each vertebra. The lower spinal bones are fused together. In an accident the vertebrae may be fractured or dislocated, causing injury to the spinal cord.
Read MoreSoft tissue injuries may be sudden or get worse gradually. Further treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Always see your doctor if pain persists after a couple of days.
Read MoreA needle stick injury occurs when the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. Blood-borne diseases that could be transmitted by such an injury include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Read MoreA person may survive the initial impact of a motor vehicle accident, but other associated elements may cause death, such as airway obstructions whilst unconscious, or severe bleeding. The aim is to make the scene safe first, secondly, see who is injured, how many are injured and who requires treatment first, prioritise, then assist the injured.
Read MoreA stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. The longer untreated, the greater the degree of brain damage. When an artery to the brain blocks or ruptures, brain cells in the area die from lack of oxygen. Sometimes this can result in death.
Read MoreIn medicine and first aid the term ‘shock’ refers to a loss of effective circulating blood volume. This can be from severe bleeding, burns, diarrhoea and vomiting, sweating and dehydration (heat-stroke), severe infection, allergic reactions, or major or multiple fractures, spinal injury, heart disorder including a heart attack, abnormal dilation of blood vessels.
Read MoreA seizure may occur when normal brain activity is disrupted which can cause changes in sensation, awareness, behaviour and level of consciousness. All or part of the body may be affected.
Read MoreCardiac arrest is a term used to describe a collapsed casualty who is unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing normally (or at all) and not moving.
Read MoreHyperthermia is a ‘heat induced illness.’ Heat stress can cause mild conditions such as a rash or cramps, however serious and life-threatening conditions, such as heat stroke can worsen pre-existing medical conditions.
Read MoreDehydration is when there is not enough water in the body to function normally.
Read MorePoisoning may be accidental or deliberate. Most pharmaceuticals are poisonous, even lethal in overdose. If poisoning occurs in an industrial area, farm or laboratory setting, suspect particularly dangerous agents and take safety precautions. If more than one person simultaneously appears affected by a poison, there is a high possibility of dangerous environmental contamination.
Read MoreHyperventilation is deep or rapid breathing that can be caused by panic or anxiety.
Read MoreCauses – Downed power lines, faulty equipment, overloading power boards, lightning strike.
Read MoreEnvenomation is caused when a venomous creature bites or stings another creature to inject venom.
Read MoreA sudden blockage of one of the coronary arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle resulting in an immediate life-threatening risk. If not corrected quickly there is a risk of serious permanent heart muscle damage or death. Urgent medical care is required so the casualty can receive clot-dissolving medications that clear the blocked artery, restore blood supply to the heart muscle and limit damage to the heart – “every minute counts”.
Read MoreCauses of ear injury include: Foreign objects – insects, debris or dirt….
Read MoreAsthma is a disorder affecting the airways, (the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs). In people with asthma, the airways are particularly sensitive and they can have difficulty getting air into and out of their lungs. If exposed to certain triggers their airways will narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.
Read MoreThe eye can be injured by a chemical, foreign object or direct blow. There will usually be pain and redness associated with an eye injury. There may also be bleeding, tearing, sensitivity to light, swelling and/or discolouration.
Read MoreHead injuries may cause loss of consciousness, bleeding, neck or spinal injury, damage to the brain, eyes, ears, teeth, airways and mouth, or other structures. A severe blow may cause unconsciousness, however a casualty may sustain a significant head injury without loss of consciousness, or loss of memory (amnesia), Severe trauma and injuries may lead to death or permanent brain damage.
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