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Act on the brain and spinal cord to stop the perception of pain.
Produce a state of well-being and relaxation. While they have
legitimate medical use, they are among the most commonly
abused drugs. Side effects include nausea, vomiting,
constricted pupils, constipation, and slow and shallow
breathing. Overdose may lead to unconsciousness and death.
Non-opiods
(e.g.
acetaminophen)
Act in similar way to the opiods but with fewer side effects.
Signs of an overdose may not be immediately obvious but if
the antidote is not administered swiftly, fatal liver failure can
set in, even in an adult who appears to be healthy. Signs
include pain, nausea, and vomiting.
NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. aspirin,
ibuprofen)
Act at the site of pain to prevent the painful stimulation of
nerve endings. While generally safe, they can irritate the
stomach lining, causing pain and bleeding, particularly in
those susceptible to stomach ulcers.
Sleeping drug and antidepressants
Benzodiazepines
and
barbiturates
Act by depressing brain function. Minor
side effects include slow mental activity
and drowsiness. Effects of overdose include
gradual decline into unconsciousness,
shallow breathing, and abnormal pulse
rate.
Stimulants and hallucinogens
Amphetamines (e.g. speed)
Act by stimulating the central nervous system (the brain and
spinal cord). Signs include out-of-character behavior,
hallucinations, energetic sweating, and increased heart rate.
ALCOHOL POISONING
Right
Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. If the victim becomes
unconscious, place in the recovery position.
TREATMENT
1. Monitor and maintain the persons
airway and breathing. Be prepared to
resuscitate the person if necessary.
2. If the person becomes unconscious,
place into the recovery position. The
person is extremely likely to vomit, so watch carefully
for signs of vomit and remove from the mouth as
needed.
3. If the person is conscious, help into a comfortable
position and encourage him or her to keep still.
4. Check for additional injury and give treatment as
appropriate.
5. Protect from extremes of cold to reduce the risk of
hypothermia developing. If the person is unconscious,
you suspect further injury, you are worried that the
other substances may have been consumed, or you
have any other doubts as to their condition, call 911. Do
not underestimate the risk of alcohol poisoning.
If you do not feel that an ambulance is necessary, ensure that
the person is not left alone, that the airway and breathing are
regularly checked, and that the victim is in a safe, warm place
until
he
is
better.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
MISCARRIAGE
Passing the fetus and other products associated with birth (this may
just kook like a heavy blood clot)
Many miscarriages can take several days from start to finish and may not
start with a heavy blood flow or sever pain. Some women who are
miscarrying may not have realized that they are pregnant because many
miscarriages take place in the first weeks after conception.
Pregnant women suffering unusual bleeding should always seek early
medical advice from their doctor or midwife. An investigation may show that
the pregnancy has not ended or that miscarriage is threatened but not
inevitable.
OTHER
EMERGENCY
PROBLEMS
WITH
PREGNANCY
Ectopic pregnancy
In this circumstance, the fertilized egg become
embedded in the Fallopian tube rather than the womb. As
well as ending the pregnancy, this is a potentially lifethreatening condition for the mother. The woman will
usually have severe pain in the abdominal area, with
potential bleeding and signs of shock. Call 911
immediately.
The woman has removed the clothes from her lower body.
If the urge to bear down comes on the way to hospital, the mother can try
using breathing techniques to avoid pushing.
IF
THE
BABY
IS
BREECH
(NOT
HEAD
FIRST)
The concern with the breech birth is that the largest part of the baby (the
head) may not be easily delivered. If the baby is breech a
foot, knee, or buttock may come out first. If this
happens:
1. Ensure that medical help has been called.
2. Allow the birth to continuedo not try to stop the
baby coming out.
3. Support the babys body as it is delivered.
4. If the head is not delivered within 3 minutes of the shoulders, gently
raise the babys legs to the ceiling until you can see the face (do not
pull the baby from the mother). Wipe the face clear and encourage the
mother to keep pushing until the head is delivered.