A normal heart beats between 60 and 100 per minute when resting. Atrial Fibrillation is a condition which can increase the heartbeat to over 140 beats per minute. These beats are likely to be irregular. In the heart of someone with this condition, the upper chambers of the heart (called Atria) contract randomly and so […]
The prostate gland is a muscular gland found only in men. It is normally the size of a walnut and is situated in the lower abdomen. Specifically, it is located just underneath the bladder, and the urethra passes from the bladder, through the prostate gland, to the penis. Its main function is to produce prostate […]
Having an alcoholic drink is not usually a problem but when taken in excess it can lead to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning may be a one-off event for the person involved, or it may be linked to a more serious case of alcoholism. Alcohols are a group of chemical compounds, most of which are liquid […]
Croup is an infection (normally viral but can be bacterial) that affects the voice box (larynx) and the airway to the lungs (trachea). It most commonly affects children aged between 6 months and 3 years. Most cases of croup do not need to be treated because the condition usually gets better on its own and […]
As the younger child brain is not developed, children can develop an infection in the area that regulates temperature. Febrile means related to fever and the temperature is usually always over 38 – 39°C. Febrile convulsions are seizures that sometimes happen in a child with a high temperature. They usually occur between the ages of […]
The Recovery Position is a way of placing the patient into a more safe and secure position. The Recovery Position allows you to monitor the patient easily and also negates the risk of them choking on anything. Use of Recovery Position After carrying out a primary survey, you will be able to tell if the […]
A poison, which is also called a toxin, is defined as a substance which, if taken into the body in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary or permanent damage. Poisons are not only swallowed or ingested, they are also absorbed through the skin, inhaled, splashed into the eyes, or injected into the body. Once the toxin […]
A stroke can occur when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or ruptured. This means parts of the brain become starved of oxygen. This is very serious, as your body constantly needs oxygen, especially the brain. If you suspect a stroke, you must call the emergency medical services immediately. An estimated 150,000 people […]
Frostnip is where the skin freezes and becomes red, white and painful. Frostnip most commonly happens to the patient’s extremities such as fingers, toes, ears and nose. This can be an early sign of frostbite, so it is essential to warm up those areas quickly. However, at this stage, calling the emergency medical services is […]
The human body relies heavily on a perfect balance of many factors within itself. Temperature is one of these factors, and the body can suffer heavily if it is even one of two degrees too hot or cold. With just two degrees drop from a normal body temperature, the body can suffer from Hypothermia. Hypothermia […]
