Recommandation PSE (Premiers Secours En équipe)

A generalized convulsive seizure is a disturbance of the brain's electrical activity characterized by loss of consciousness and/or a fixed gaze, accompanied by uncontrolled muscle movements throughout the body (convulsions).

Common causes include:

• Head trauma or its sequelae
• Infections, tumors, or strokes (AVC)
• Absorption of certain toxins
• Hypoglycemia
• Lack of oxygen (e.g., cardiac arrest)
• Epilepsy (recurring seizures)
• Sudden fever in infants

Key risks include:

• Trauma resulting from falls
• Airway obstruction (if the victim is unconscious or vomiting)

Suspension Syndrome occurs when a person is suspended, immobile, and in a vertical position for more than 5 minutes. This is common in mountaineering, caving, industrial work at height, or during rescue winching where harnesses or baudriers are used.

Risks and Consequences:

• Blood accumulation in lower limbs leading to hypotension and cardiac slowing.
• Behavioral disturbances, loss of consciousness, and potential death within minutes or hours.
• Thoracic compression from harnesses/ropes hindering respiration.
• Potential renal complications for survivors.
• Factors such as alcohol or drug use can exacerbate the condition.

Warning Signs (Precursors):

• Dizziness, vertigo, and intense fatigue/malaise.
• Nausea and tremors or fatigue in the limbs.
• Anxiety and visual disturbances.

Obstruction des Voies Aériennes (OVA) is a sudden hindrance or blockage of airflow between the external environment and the lungs. It is categorized into two types:

• Partial Obstruction: Air still passes; respiration remains effective.
• Complete Obstruction: Air no longer passes; respiration is ineffective.

Risks:

• Immediate life threat as oxygen cannot reach the lungs.
• Partial obstructions can evolve into complete obstructions.
• Failure of clearance maneuvers can lead to loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

An explosion is a physical phenomenon where high-temperature, high-pressure gases are released rapidly, creating a shock wave (overpressure followed by immediate depression). Blast injuries are categorized into four types based on the mechanism of trauma:

• Primary Blast: Caused directly by the shock wave. Occurs in air, water, or against solid surfaces.
• Secondary Blast: Caused by flying debris and materials displaced by the blast wind.
• Tertiary Blast: Caused by the physical projection/displacement of the victim's own body.
• Quaternary Blast: Includes all other injuries, such as external burns, airway burns, and intoxication from smoke or chemicals.

An electrical accident involves bodily lesions (temporary or permanent) caused by electric current. These result from:

• Direct effects of current crossing tissues (brain, heart, nerves, vessels).
• Blunt trauma caused by violent muscle contraction or ejection (falls).
• Abnormal release of heat or light produced by the current.

Key terminology:

• Electrisation: Lesions caused by electric current passing through the body.
• Electrocution: A fatal electrisation, occurring immediately or very shortly after the event.

Common causes include contact with two live conductors, contact between a live conductor and the ground, electric arcs, or lightning strikes.

Heat-related illnesses are caused by:

• Prolonged exposure to heat (leading to exhaustion, insolation, or heatstroke).
• Intense physical effort (leading to exertional malignant hyperthermia).
• A combination of hot/humid environments and physical effort.

High-risk populations: Infants, elderly people, and individuals under medical treatment or drug influence.

Potential consequences: Dehydration, neurological and cardiac disorders, and risk of death in severe cases.

An asthma attack is a respiratory distress caused by inflammation and contraction of the smooth muscle fibers of the bronchioles, leading to a sudden narrowing of the airways. It is a chronic respiratory disease that can affect all ages.

Common Triggers:

• Allergens (pollen, animal hair)
• Respiratory infections
• Certain medications (e.g., aspirin)
• Pollution, smoke, or irritating gases
• Climatic variations
• Physical effort
• Strong emotions, anxiety, or distress

Risks:

• Severe respiratory distress
• Loss of consciousness
• Cardiac arrest

For infants and newborns, follow these technical specifications:

• Hand Placement: Place fingers one finger-width above the costal junction.
• Technique (Solo Rescuer): Use the pads of 2 fingers from one hand.
• Technique (Team): Use 2 thumbs side-by-side, with the other fingers encircling the thorax.
• Depth: 1/3 of the chest thickness (approximately 4 cm).

The primary goals for abdominal trauma are to prevent circulatory collapse through monitoring, ensure proper positioning for transport, and seek medical advice.

Immediate actions:

• Lay the victim flat on their back with legs flexed.
• Check for dorsal (back) lesions during movement.
• Protect the victim from extreme temperatures (cold, wind, heat).
• Monitor closely for sudden aggravation.
• Critical: Never remove a penetrating foreign body.