The most common emergencies – how to react?

In Switzerland, around 30,000 people suffer a heart attack every year. By acting quickly and correctly in an emergency, the chances of survival of those affected can be increased and permanent damage minimized. Men are three to four times more likely to suffer a heart attack than women. It is important to know that the symptoms can differ between men and women. For this reason, heart attacks in women are not always recognized.

Heart attack symptoms in men

• Severe pain in the chest
• Radiation of pain into the shoulders and arms
• Fear of death
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Heart attack symptoms in women

Possible symptoms as with men, in addition:

• Unusually severe fatigue
• Stomach ache
• Dizziness
• Powerlessness
• Tightness in the chest (also on the right)

How can you help?

Call the emergency number 144 immediately. Then place the affected person on the floor with their upper body slightly raised. If the person is no longer breathing, start chest compressions immediately and use the defibrillator.

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and can be fatal. It is characterized by the fact that the entire body reacts. Anaphylaxis usually occurs very quickly and severely after contact with the allergenic substance. In adults, it is often triggered by bee and wasp stings, medication and foods such as peanuts or crustaceans. People with severe allergies are usually aware of this and carry an adrenaline pen and emergency medication.

Symptoms

• Itching, swelling of the affected area
• Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, coughing attacks
• Gastrointestinal complaints: Abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
• Severe dizziness, feeling of powerlessness

How can you help?

Alert 144 and keep the affected person as close as possible to the ground until the emergency services arrive and, if possible, remove the noxious substance (e.g. sting from a bee sting). Do not give fluids or food. Ask the person affected whether they have any known allergies and whether they have any emergency medication with them (e.g. EpiPen, emergency kit).

Poisoning can have a variety of causes: for example, accidentally swallowed chemicals, an overdose of medication, excessive alcohol consumption or drug abuse. Poisonous plants, animals or fungi can also be dangerous, although this is rather rare in our latitudes.

Symptoms of poisoning

The symptoms depend on the substance and amount:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Intoxication
• Drowsiness
• Abdominal cramps
• Respiratory problems
• Unconsciousness

How can you help?

Call Toxinfo Suisse (145) or the emergency number (144). Give the person water, tea or syrup to dilute the toxic substance. Do not induce vomiting in the patient. In case of skin burns, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and take care to protect yourself (do not touch unprotected). If unconscious, place in recovery position or start resuscitation measures if there is no breathing and no signs of life.

Fish bones, chicken bones or simply a piece of bread – it’s easy to choke while eating. Normally this is harmless and we simply cough the foreign body out of the windpipe. However, if the foreign body becomes wedged, it can quickly become dangerous. In the worst case scenario, you can fall unconscious within minutes and even die – the so-called bolus death.

Symptoms

• Severe coughing irritation
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• Noises when breathing
• Strangle
• Unconsciousness

How can you help?

React immediately with a few strong blows to the back. This is usually enough to spit out the foreign body. If not, call the emergency services (144) and then use the Heimlich maneuver. The helper holds the victim from behind and applies jerky pressure to the pit of the stomach with both hands. If the maneuver is successful, the patient must still undergo a medical examination to rule out internal injuries. In the event of fainting or respiratory arrest, start resuscitation measures immediately.