The current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has resulted in drastic changes in the way we do things. Everyone across the world has had to change some essential aspects of their lifestyle.
While some changes are necessary for our safety, others could have adverse effects on our health. The impact of such changes includes emotional and psychological stress. In other cases, the epidemic has resulted in changes in the physical wellbeing of humans across the globe.
Bloodborne pathogens are disease caused by microorganisms found in the blood. There are different types or bloodborne pathogens causing different infections with the most common being Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Others are malaria, brucellosis and syphilis among others
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a first aid procedure performed on cardiac arrest victims to restore their normal heartbeat. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart electrical functions are interrupted. It could result in abnormal heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Cardiac arrest could also result from slow heart rhythms also bradycardia. Ventricular fibrillation- is the most severe of all, instead of contracting to pump blood, the ventricles quiver or fibrillate. This condition is critical and requires emergency attention(CPR and AED). Ventricular tachycardia- is a condition whereby the heartbeat is too fast with over 100 beats per minute, and this condition starts with the lower heart chambers.Bradycardia- happens when the heart’s rhythm is extremely slow.
Covid 19 also known as the newly discovered Coronavirus is an infectious disease. People infected with the virus will experience severe to mild symptoms. A large population of those infected do not require specialized treatment. People at a higher risk of developing severe Covid 19 symptoms are those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and severe respiratory problems. The disease spreads through droplets from saliva and coughing. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is by acquiring as much knowledge as you can about the disease.
Most people infected with Covid 19 don’t show any symptoms, commonly referred to asymptomatic. The most common symptoms are: dry cough, fever and tiredness. Other symptoms include aches and pains, sore throat, headache, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes. Persons with severe system have difficulty moving, chest pain or pressure and shortness of breath or difficult breathing. It takes an infected person between five and fourteen days to show symptoms.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation also known as CPR is a procedure performed on cardiac arrest victims to revive their heart rhythm. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning. The risk of cardiac arrest increases with age. However, anyone can fall victim. A set of factors are known to cause heart problems. Among them include lifestyle and genetic factors.
Cardiac arrest can affect healthy persons without prior heart problems. Corporate safety managers should be aware of the causes, symptoms and management of cardiac arrest cases. The symptoms of cardiac arrest include loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness. Victims may also experience chest pain or discomfort, feeling of light-headedness or collapsing, palpitations and shortness of breath.
Basic life support (BLS) is the type of medical care provided by health professionals to persons experiencing cardiac arrest, obstructed airway or respiratory arrest such as cases of choking and drowning. The procedures involved in BLS include relieving obstructed airway, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the use of automated external defibrillator (AED). The elements of basic life support include circulation, airway and breathing (CAB). Research places emphasis on providing chest compressions as the airway brings about delay which might cost the life of the victim.
Blood borne pathogens are disease causing microorganisms carried in blood. These pathogens can potentially result in illnesses upon exposure. The preventive measures vary from one type of pathogen to another.
The most common bloodborne pathogens are
Stress is a reaction of the body due to any effect of a change leading to physical, mental, or emotional tension. It may arise from any occurrence that leads to frustrations, anger, and nervousness. The body’s reaction to these feelings is stress.
Stress may be may bring a positive or negative effect, depending on how it is handled. Stress response may be beneficial in protecting the body. However, stress has its harmful effects, which may become a serious chronic condition if not well managed. When the body becomes triggered too easily, or there are too many stressors at a go, it can undermine one’s mental and physical health and become harmful. Feelings of stress tend to increase the number of stressors.
Basic life support refers to the assistance professional first responders give to victims with an obstructed airway, respiratory distress and those with cardiac arrest. These skills require the knowledge of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AED (automated defibrillator) skills and knowledge of relieving airway obstruction.
The ABC are abbreviations for Airway, Breathing and Compressions. It refers to the sequence of events in BLS. The aim of ABC procedure is to ensure that the victim should receive proper CPR within the shortest time possible. Research findings by the American Heart Association show that beginning the chest compressions earlier improves the victim’s chances of survival. Responders should not take more than 10seconds checking for a pulse. Wherever in doubt, bystanders should begin CPR. There is little harm likely to occur if the victim is not in need of CPR. Earlier CPR procedures advised for listening and feeling for breathing; which might take more time for non medical professionals. If the victim is unresponsive, gasping for air or without a pulse, it’s best to begin CPR within the he shortest time possible.
