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Introduction
This
is relatively uncommon in the field of first aid. If you are unsure
whether the casualty, who says they have diabetes, is suffering from low
or high blood sugar, the chances are it is low, so think carefully before
assuming their blood sugar is high!
When
a casualty's blood level gets above a certain level, hyperglycaemia will
develop. There are a number of ways that someone with diabetes can have
increased blood sugar levels:-
-
Inappropriate
types & quantities of food and drink
-
Under-exterting
themselves, without taking account of their reduced sugar needs
-
Accidental
under-dosing of their medication.
Recognising
high blood sugar
Other
recognition features
Breathing:
laboured and deep breaths. May have a faint smell of acetone (like
pear drop sweets or nail varnish remover). -
Pulse:
fast.
Level
of response: may be deteriorating -
Skin:
dry.
-
Increased
thirst, which leads to drinking more, which leads to passing water
more frequently and in greater amounts.
The
casualty may have a form of recognition, eg carry a card, wear a
bracelet, wear a necklace, carry diabetes medication, etc. REMEMBER,
however, they can always be carrying these for somebody else OR they
may be un-diagnosed!
Care
if unconscious
Check
your own safety.
Open
the casualty's airway and check if they are breathing.
If
their airway is clear and they are breathing
q
An
unconscious casualty must be placed in the recovery
position.
q
(
Dial
999 for an ambulance
q
Every
10 minutes their breathing,
pulse
and level of response must be measured,
recorded. Pass these onto the ambulance crew.
Care
if conscious
Check
your own safety.
q
DO
NOT give the casualty sugary drink, sugar lumps, chocolate, etc
q
If
they are well enough discuss the episode with their doctor
q
If
they are not well enough to discuss the episode with their doctor
(
Dial
999 for an ambulance
q
Every
10 minutes their breathing,
pulse
and level of response must be measured,
recorded. Pass these onto the ambulance crew.
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