Basic life support Basic life support (BLS) is the level of medical care which is used for patients

with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until the patient can be given full medical care at a hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, in cluding emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and by laypersons who have re ceived BLS training. BLS is generally used in the pre-hospital setting, and can be provided without medical equipment. Many countries have guidelines on how to provide basic life support (BLS) which are formulated by professional medical bodies in those countries. The guidelines outline algorithms for the management of a number of conditions, such as cardia c arrest, choking and drowning. BLS generally does not include the use of drugs or invasive skills, and can be contrasted with the provision of Advanced Life Su pport (ALS). Most laypersons can master BLS skills after attending a short cours e. Firefighter, lifeguards, and police officers are often required to be BLS cer tified. BLS is also immensely useful for many other professions, such as daycare providers, teachers and security personnel and social workers especially workin g in the hospitals and ambulance drivers. CPR provided in the field increases the time available for higher medical respon ders to arrive and provide ALS care. An important advance in providing BLS is th e availability of the automated external defibrillator or AED. This improves sur vival outcomes in cardiac arrest cases. Basic life support consists of a number of life-saving techniques focused on the medicine "CAB"s (previously known as ABC. was recently changed by the American Heart Association) of pre-hospital emergency care: Circulation: providing an adequate blood supply to tissue, especially critical o rgans, so as to deliver oxygen to all cells and remove metabolic waste, via the perfusion of blood throughout the body. Airway: the protection and maintenance of a clear passageway for gases (principa lly oxygen and carbon dioxide) to pass between the lungs and the atmosphere. Breathing: inflation and deflation of the lungs (respiration) via the airway Healthy people maintain the CABs by themselves. In an emergency situation, due t o illness (medical emergency) or trauma, BLS helps the patient ensure his or her own CABs, or assists in maintaining for the patient who is unable to do so. For airways, this will include manually opening the patients airway (Head tilt/Chin lift or jaw thrust) or possible insertion of oral (Oropharyngeal airway) or nas al (Nasopharyngeal airway) adjuncts, to keep the airway unblocked (patent). For breathing, this may include artificial respiration, often assisted by emergency oxygen. For circulation, this may include bleeding control or Cardiopulmonary Re suscitation (CPR) techniques to manually stimulate the heart and assist its pump ing action. BLS in the United States BLS in the United States is generally identified with Emergency Medical Technici ans-Basic (EMT-B). However, the American Heart Association's BLS protocol is des igned for use by laypeople, as well as students and others certified first respo nder, and to some extent, higher medical function personel. It includes cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, drowning, and foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO, or choking). EMT-B is the highest level of healthcare provider that is limited to the BLS protocol; higher medical functions use some or all of the Advanced Ca rdiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols, in addition to BLS protocols. The algorithm for providing basic life support to adults in the USA was publishe d in 2005 in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association (AHA).[1] The AHA uses four-link "Chain of Survival" to illustrate the steps needed to res uscitate a collapsed victim: Early recognition of the emergency and activation of emergency medical services Early bystander CPR, so as not to delay treatment until arrival of EMS Early use of a defibrillator Early advanced life support and post-resuscitation care Bystanders with training in BLS can perform the first 3 of the 4 steps. Basic Life Support 2011 Guideline

Steps in resuscitation are now DRS C-A-B in this sequence - Check for Danger - Check for Response - S has been added for Send for help - A directs rescuers to open the Airway - B directs rescuers to check Breathing but no need to deliver rescue breaths - C directs rescuers to perform 30 Compressions to patients who are unresponsive and ot breathing normally, followed by 2 rescue breaths - D directs rescuers to attach an AED as soon as it is available and follow prompts The major change is that in the patient who is unresponsive and not breathing CP R commences with chest compressions rather than rescue breaths. If unwilling / u nable to perform rescue breathing, then perform compression-only CPR, as any att empt at resuscitation is better than no attempt; and should be encouraged. Adult BLS sequence C-A-B is recommended in the new AHA EU guidelines.Keeping these facts as such fo llow the sequence introduced by AHA guidelines 2010 recommendations C-A-B should be followed in learning and teaching BLS. Ensure that the scene is safe. Assess the victim's level of consciousness by asking loudly and shaking at the s houlders "Are you okay?" and scan chest for breathing movement visually.If no re sponse call for help by shouting for ambulance or EMS and ask for an AED( which is available in offices and building floors). Assess:* If the patient is breathing normally, and pulse is present then the pat ient should be placed in the recovery position and monitored. Transport if requi red, or wait for the EMS to arrive and take over. If patient is not breathing assess pulse at the carotid on your side for an adul t, at the brachial for a child and infant for 5 seconds and not more than 10 sec onds; begin immediately with chest compressions at a rate of 30 chest compressio ns in 18 seconds followed by two rescue breaths in 5 seconds each lasting for 1 second. If the victim has no suspected cervical spine trauma, open the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver; if the victim has suspected neck trauma, the airwa y should be opened with the jaw-thrust technique. If the jaw-thrust is ineffecti ve at opening/maintaining the airway, a very careful head-tilt/chin-lift should be performed. Blind finger-sweeps should never be performed, as they may push foreign objects deeper into the airway.This procedure has been discarded as this may push the fo reign body down the airway and increase chances of an obstruction. Continue chest compression at a rate of 100 compressions per minute for all age groups, allowing chest to recoil in between. For adults push up to 5 cm and for child up to 4cm. For infants up to 3cm or 1/3 of the chest diameter antero-poste riorly.Keep counting aloud. Press hard and fast maintaining the rate of at about 100/minute.Allow recoil of chest fully between each compression.After every 30 chest compressions give two rescue breaths in adult and child victim, Continue f or five cycles or two minutes before re-assessing pulse. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for at least 5 seconds and no more than 10 seconds.This is another step that has been discarded and considered loss of valu able time. Attempt to administer two artificial ventilations using the mouth-to-mouth techn ique, or a bag-valve-mask (BVM). The mouth-to-mouth technique is no longer recom mended, unless a face shield is present. Verify that the chest rises and falls; if it does not, reposition (i.e. re-open) the airway using the appropriate techn ique and try again. If ventilation is still unsuccessful, and the victim is unco nscious, it is possible that they have a foreign body in their airway. Begin che st compressions, stopping every 30 compressions, re-checking the airway for obst ructions, removing any found, and re-attempting ventilation. If the ventilations are successful, assess for the presence of a pulse at the ca rotid artery. If a pulse is detected, then the patient should continue to receiv e artificial ventilation's at an appropriate rate and transported immediately. O

therwise, begin CPR at a ratio of 30:2 compressions to ventilation's at 100 comp ressions/minute for 5 cycles. After 5 cycles of CPR, the BLS protocol should be repeated from the beginning, a ssessing the patient's airway, checking for spontaneous breathing, and checking for a spontaneous pulse as per new protocol sequence C-A-B. Laypersons are commo nly instructed not to perform re-assessment, but this step is always performed b y healthcare professionals (HCPs). If an AED is available it should be activated immediately and its directives fol lowed and (if indicated), call for clearance before defibrillation/shock should be performed. If defibrillation is performed,begin chest compression immediately after shock. BLS protocols continue until (1) the patient regains a pulse, (2) the rescuer is relieved by another rescuer of equivalent or higher training (See Abandonment), (3) the rescuer is too physically tired to continue CPR, or (4) the patient is pronounced dead by a medical doctor.[1] At the end of five cycles of CPR, always perform assessment via the AED for a sh ockable rhythm, and if indicated, defibrillate, and repeat assessment before doi ng another five cycles. The CPR cycle is often abbreviated as 30:2 (30 compressions, 2 ventilation's or breaths). Note CPR for infants and children uses a 15:2 cycle when two rescuers are perfor ming CPR (but still uses a 30:2 if there is only one rescuer). Two person CPR fo r an infant also requires the "two hands encircling thumbs" technique for the re scuer performing compressions. Drowning Rescuers should provide CPR as soon as an unresponsive victim is removed from th e water. In particular, rescue breathing is important in this situation. A lone rescuer is typically advised to give CPR for a short time before leaving the victim to call emergency medical services. Since the primary cause of cardiac arrest and death in drowning and choking vict ims is hypoxia, it is more important to provide rescue breathing as quickly as p ossible in these situations, whereas for victims of VF cardiac arrest chest comp ressions and defibrillation are more important. Hypothermia In unresponsive victims with hypothermia, the breathing and pulse should be chec ked for 30 to 45 seconds as both breathing and heart rate can be very slow in th is condition. If cardiac arrest is confirmed, CPR should be started immediately. Wet clothes s hould be removed, and the victim should be insulated from wind. CPR should be co ntinued until the victim is assessed by advanced care providers. Foreign body airway obstruction (choking) Rescuers should intervene in victims who show signs of severe airway obstruction , such as a silent cough, cyanosis, or inability to speak or breathe. If a victim is coughing forcefully, rescuers should not interfere with this proc ess. If a victim shows signs of severe airway obstruction, abdominal thrusts should b e applied in rapid sequence until the obstruction is relieved. If this is not ef fective, chest thrusts can also be used. Chest thrusts can also be used in obese victims or victims in late pregnancy. Abdominal thrusts should not be used in i nfants under 1 year of age due to risk of causing injury. If a victim becomes unresponsive he should be lowered to the ground, and the res cuer should call emergency medical services and initiate CPR. When the airway is opened during CPR, the rescuer should look into the mouth for an object causing obstruction, and remove it if it is evident. How to Handle A Seizure Victim Call 911 - immediately. If you are handling the victim, make sure that someone i n the crowd makes the call. Don't just say "Someone call 911" - you need to poin t at a specific person and instruct them to make the call. Otherwise, everyone m ay assume someone else made the call. Do NOT do anything to ...

Reference *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_life_support *http://www.ask.com/web?q=How+To+Handle+A+Seizure+Victim%3f&o=0&l=dir&qsrc=3053& rq=on *http://tl.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_diferrent_kinds_of_wounds *http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/transportation-logistics/traffic-management.jhtml *http://www.emedicinehealth.com/poisoning/page1_em.htm *http://www.emedicinehealth.com/poisoning/page2_em.htm *http://www.emedicinehealth.com/poisoning/page3_em.htm *http://www.emedicinehealth.com/choking/page1_em.htm *http://www.emedicinehealth.com/choking/page2_em.htm *http://www.emedicinehealth.com/choking/page3_em.htm *http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitation

What are the diferrent kinds of wounds? Abrasions. Also called scrapes, they occur when the skin is rubbed away by frict ion against another rough surface (e.g. rope burns and skinned knees). Avulsions. These occur when an entire structure or part of it is forcibly pulled away, such as the loss of a permanent tooth or an ear lobe. Explosions, gunshot s, and animal bites may cause avulsions. Contusions. Also called bruise these result from forceful trauma that injures an internal structure without breaking the skin. Blows to the chest, abdomen, or h

ead with a blunt instrument (e.g. a football or a fist) can cause contusions. Crush wounds occur when a heavy object falls onto a person, splitting the skin a nd shattering or tearing underlying structures. Cuts are slicing wounds made with a sharp instrument, leaving even edges. They m ay be as minimal as a paper cut or as significant as a surgical incision. Lacerations. Also called tears, these are separating wounds that produce ragged edges. They are produced by a tremendous force against the body, either from an internal source as in childbirth, or from an external source like a punch. Missile wounds. Also called velocity wounds, they are caused by an object enteri ng the body at a high speed, typically a bullet. Punctures are deep, narrow wounds produced by sharp objects such as nails, knive s, and broken glass. Traffic management The concept of traffic management as applied to the ground transportation indust ry encompasses a variety of processes, technology, and cooperative ventures, all of which are measures aimed at making more efficient use of existing roads by c ontrolling the volume and speed of traffic. Such measures tackle a number of pro blems, including road safety and public transport penetration, to list just a fe w examples. There are several implications from the trend of more and more vehicles travelin g the roadways. For one, there is a corresponding rise in greenhouse gas emissio ns, including CO2 which has been attributed to global ambient air temperature in creases. Government policies are being drafted and implemented to address this i ssue, and one of the means to address the problem is through various traffic man agement schemes. A second result of increased road traffic is simply more congestion, which trans lates into wasted fuel, wasted time, and angry motorists. Several studies have b een conducted on the effects of increased road traffic, most notably in the US t he Urban Mobility Study, conducted annually by the Texas Transportation Institut e of Texas A&M University. The Eddington Tranpsort Study provides a look at road congestion and its effects in the UK. One solution to the road congestion problem in urban areas is the imposition of Road User Charges (RUCs). Several metropolitan areas in Europe have begin to imp ose RUCs, and this concept is expected to gain ground in the larger metropolitan areas of the United States, especially as fuel costs continue to rise. How PwC can help you Traffic management solutions, while imposed by governmental agencies, are increa singly involving private enterprise in the solution. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been an effective method to implement some of the proposals put for th to handle traffic management challenges. PPPs lend themselves very nicely to supporting traffic management development initiatives, as the sphere of influenc e for traffic management encompasses both public road infrastructure and private vehicle ownership and control. We offer a comprehensive service: advising on pr ocurement, financial structuring, designing performance payment regimes, tax, ac counting and human resource issues. Our reputation as the best PPP adviser in th e world is confirmed in the advisor ranking tables of Project Finance Internatio nal. Poisoning Overview If you or someone you know has swallowed or breathed in a poison, and you or the y have serious signs or symptoms (nausea, vomiting, pain, trouble breathing, sei zure, confusion, or abnormal skin color), then you must either call an ambulance for transport to a hospital emergency department or call a poison control cente r for guidance. The National Poison Control Center phone number in the U.S. is 1 -800-222-1222. If the person has no symptoms but has taken a potentially dangerous poison, you should also call a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency departme nt for an evaluation.

Poison is anything that kills or injures through its chemical actions. Most pois ons are swallowed (ingested). The word poison comes from the Latin word - potare - meaning to drink. But poisons can also enter the body in other ways: By breathing Through the skin By IV injection From exposure to radiation Venom from a snake bite Poisoning Causes Poisons include highly toxic chemicals not meant for human ingestion or contact, such as cyanide, paint thinners, or household cleaning products. Many poisons, however, are substances meant for humans to eat, including foods a nd medicines. Foods Some mushrooms are poisonous Drinking water contaminated by agricultural or industrial chemicals Food that has not been properly prepared or handled Drugs Drugs that are helpful in therapeutic doses may be deadly when taken in excess. Examples include: Beta blockers: Beta blockers are a class of drugs used to treat heart conditions (for example, angina, abnormal heart rhythms) and other conditions, for example , high blood pressure, migraine headache prevention, social phobia, and certain types of tremors. In excess, they can cause difficulty breathing, coma, and hear t failure. Warfarin (Coumadin): Coumadin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots. It is the active ingredient in many rat poisons and may cause heavy bleeding and d eath if too much is taken. Vitamins: Vitamins, especially A and D, if taken in large amounts can cause live r problems and death. Poisoning Symptoms The signs and symptoms seen in poisoning are so wide and variable that there is no easy way to classify them. Some poisons enlarge the pupils, while others shrink them. Some result in excessive drooling, while others dry the mouth and skin. Some speed the heart, while others slow the heart. Some increase the breathing rate, while others slow it. Some cause pain, while others are painless. Some cause hyperactivity, while others cause drowsiness. Confusion is often seen with these symptoms. When the cause of the poisoning is unknown A big part of figuring out what type of poisoning has occurred is connecting the signs and symptoms to each other, and to additional available information. Two different poisons, for example, may make the heart beat quickly. However, on ly one of them may cause the skin and mouth to be very dry. This simple distinct ion may help narrow the possibilities. If more than one person has the same signs and symptoms, and they have a common exposure source, such as contaminated food, water, or workplace environment, the n poisoning would be suspected. When two or more poisons act together, they may cause signs and symptoms not typ ical of any single poison. Toxidromes Certain poisons cause what toxicologists call toxidromes - a contraction of the words toxic and syndrome. Toxidromes consist of groups of signs and symptoms fou nd together with a given type of poisoning. For example: Jimson weed, a plant smoked or ingested for its hallucinogenic prop erties, produces the anticholinergic toxidrome: Rapid heart rate, large pupils, dry hot skin, retention of urine, mental confusion, hallucinations, and coma. Most poisons either have no associated toxidrome orhave only some of the expected features of the toxidrome.

Delayed onset of symptoms A person can be poisoned and not show symptoms for hours, days, or months. Cases of poisoning with a prolonged onset of symptoms are particularly dangerous beca use there may be a dangerous delay in obtaining medical attention. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered one of the safest drugs but is toxic to th e liver when taken in large quantities. Because it acts so slowly, 7-12 hours ma y pass before the first symptoms begin (no appetite when normally hungry, nausea , and vomiting). The classic example of a very slow poison is lead. Before 1970, most paints cont ained lead. Young children would eat paint chips and, after several months, deve lop abnormalities of the nervous system. When the illness may be poisoning - or may not be poisoning Some signs and symptoms of poisoning can imitate signs and symptoms of common il lnesses. For example, nausea and vomiting are a sign (vomiting) and symptom (nausea) of p oisoning. However, nausea and vomiting can also be found in many illnesses that have nothing to do with poisoning. Examples include: stroke, heart attack, stomach ulcers, gallbladder problems, hepatitis, appendicitis, head injuries, and many others. Almost every possible sign or symptom of a poisoning can also be caused by a non poi son-related medical problem. Choking Overview Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which preven ts a person from breathing effectively. Choking can cause a simple coughing fit, but complete blockage of the airway may lead to death. Choking is a true medical emergency that requires fast, appropriate action by an yone available. Emergency medical teams may not arrive in time to save a choking person's life. Breathing is an essential part of life. When we inhale, we breathe in a mix of n itrogen (75%), oxygen (21%), carbon dioxide, and other gases (4%). In the lungs, oxygen enters the bloodstream to travel to the rest of the body. O ur bodies use oxygen as a fuel source to make energy from the food we eat. Carbo n dioxide, a waste product, enters the bloodstream and travels back to the lungs . When we exhale, we breathe out carbon dioxide (8%), nitrogen (71%), and oxygen ( 16%). When someone is choking with a completely blocked airway, no oxygen can enter th e lungs. The brain is extremely sensitive to this lack of oxygen and begins to d ie within four to six minutes. It is during this time that first aid must take p lace. Irreversible brain death occurs in as little as 10 minutes. Choking Causes Choking is caused when a piece of food or other object gets stuck in the upper a irway. In the back of the mouth are two openings. One is the esophagus, which leads to the stomach; food goes down this pathway. The other is the trachea, which is the opening air must pass through to get to the lungs. When swallowing occurs, the trachea is covered by a flap called the epiglottis, which prevents food from ent ering the lungs. The trachea splits into the left and right mainstem bronchus. T hese lead to the left and right lungs. They branch into increasingly smaller tub es as they spread throughout the lungs. Any object that ends up in the airway will become stuck as the airway narrows. M any large objects get stuck just inside the trachea at the vocal cords. In adults, choking most often occurs when food is not chewed properly. Talking o

r laughing while eating may cause a piece of food to "go down the wrong pipe." N ormal swallowing mechanisms may be slowed if a person has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and if the person has certain illnesses such as Parkinson's dis ease. In older adults, risk factors for choking include advancing age, poor fitting de ntal work, and alcohol consumption. In children, choking is often caused by chewing food incompletely, attempting to eat large pieces of food or too much food at one time, or eating hard candy. Ch ildren also put small objects in their mouths, which may become lodged in their throat. Nuts, pins, marbles, or coins, for example, create a choking hazard. In the United States, almost 200 children die each year from choking, most of them younger than four years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is estimated that more than 17,500 children 14 years of age or y ounger are treated in U.S. emergency departments for choking episodes annually. Choking Symptoms If an adult is choking, you may observe the following behaviors: Coughing or gagging Hand signals and panic (sometimes pointing to the throat) Sudden inability to talk Clutching the throat: The natural response to choking is to grab the throat with one or both hands. This is the universal choking sign and a way of telling peop le around you that you are choking. Wheezing Passing out Turning blue: Cyanosis, a blue coloring to the skin, can be seen earliest around the face, lips, and fingernail beds. You may see this, but other critical choki ng signs would appear first. If an infant is choking, more attention must be paid to an infant's behavior. Th ey cannot be taught the universal choking sign. Difficulty breathing Weak cry, weak cough, or both When to Seek Medical Care Choking is an emergency. It can quickly result in death if not treated promptly. Call your local emergency medical services at 911 instead of your doctor. Do no t hesitate to call for emergency help if you believe a person is choking. Do not attempt to drive a choking person to a hospital emergency department. Although it only takes one person to administer first aid to the choking victim, there are other duties to perform. As you prepare to help the choking victim al ways shout for help. Have other bystanders call the 911 emergency medical system . While waiting for the ambulance, follow the steps listed in the Self-Care at Hom e section of this article. If the choking episode is successfully treated at home and there is no fear that other objects may still be in the airway, a visit to the hospital may not be ne cessary. If you are alone and no one responds to your calls for help, do not leave the ch oking person to call 911. Begin first aid immediately. What Is a Stroke? What Causes a Stroke? A stroke is a condition where a blood clot or ruptured artery or blood vessel in terrupts blood flow to an area of the brain. A lack of oxygen and glucose (sugar ) flowing to the brain leads to the death of brain cells and brain damage, often resulting in an impairment in speech, movement, and memory. The two main types of stroke include ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Isc hemic stroke accounts for about 75% of all strokes and occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, forms that blocks blood flow to part of the brain. If a blood clot forms somewhere in the body and breaks off to become free-floating, it is calle d an embolus. This wandering clot may be carried through the bloodstream to the brain where it can cause ischemic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blo od vessel on the brain's surface ruptures and fills the space between the brain

and skull with blood (subarachnoid hemorrhage) or when a defective artery in the brain bursts and fills the surrounding tissue with blood (cerebral hemorrhage). Both result in a lack of blood flow to the brain and a buildup of blood that pu ts too much pressure on the brain. The outcome after a stroke depends on where the stroke occurs and how much of th e brain is affected. Smaller strokes may result in minor problems, such as weakn ess in an arm or leg. Larger strokes may lead to paralysis or death. Many stroke patients are left with weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, i ncontinence, and bladder problems. Who gets stroke? Anyone can suffer from stroke. Although many risk factors for stroke are out of our control, several can be kept in line through proper nutrition and medical ca re. Risk factors for stroke include the following: Over age 55 Male African American, Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander A family history of stroke High blood pressure High cholesterol Smoking cigarettes Diabetes Obesity and overweight Cardiovascular disease A previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) High levels of homocysteine (an amino acid in blood) Birth control use or other hormone therapy Cocaine use Heavy use of alcohol What causes stroke? Ischemic strokes are ultimately caused by a thrombus or embolus that blocks bloo d flow to the brain. Blood clots (thrombus clots) usually occur in areas of the arteries that have been damaged by atherosclerosis from a buildup of plaques. Em bolus type blood clots are often caused by atrial fibrillation - an irregular pa ttern of heart beat that leads to blood clot formation and poor blood flow. Ads by Google Home Theater Speaker - Top Deals at Factory Price. Contact Directly & Get Live Q uotes! - www.Alibaba.com/CE-Products 98% Thyroid Disease Cured - 100% Natural Herbs, with TGA, GMP, SGS. Thousands of recovery cases! - www.greenlife-herbal.com Stem cells for SCI - 1,000+ Spinal Cord Injury patients Treated with Cord Blood Stem Cells - SpinalCordInjurySciTreatment.com Hemorrhage strokes can be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure, a head inj ury, or aneurysms. High blood pressure is the most common cause of cerebral hemo rrhage, as it causes small arteries inside the brain to burst. This deprives bra in cells of blood and dangerously increases pressure on the brain. Aneurysms - abnormal blood-filled pouches that balloon out from weak spots in th e wall of an artery - are the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. If a n aneurysm ruptures, blood spills into the space between the surfaces of the bra in and skull, and blood vessels in the brain may spasm. Aneurysms are often caus ed or made worse by high blood pressure. A study found that a Single Gene Defect Can Lead To Stroke And Deadly Diseases O f The Aorta And Coronary Arteries. A less common from of hemorrhage stroke is when an arteriovenous malformation (A VM) ruptures. AVM is an abnormal tangle of thin-walled blood vessels that is pre

sent at birth. A study found that migraines increase stroke risk during pregnancy. What are the symptoms of stroke? Within a few minutes of having a stroke, brain cells begin to die and symptoms c an become present. It is important to recognize symptoms, as prompt treatment is crucial to recovery. Common symptoms include: Dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance and coordination Speech problems Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body Blurred, blackened, or double vision Sudden severe headache Smaller strokes (or silent strokes), however, may not cause any symptoms, but ca n still damage brain tissue. A possible sign that a stroke is about to occur is called a transient ischemic a ttack (TIA) - a temporary interruption in blood flow to part of the brain. Sympt oms of TIA are similar to stroke but last for a shorter time period and do not l eave noticeable permanent damage. A study found that women are more likely to experience non-traditional stroke sy mptoms. How is stroke diagnosed? A stroke is a medical emergency, and anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to a hospital immediately so that tests can be run and the correct trea tment can be provided as quickly as possible. Physicians have several tools available to screen for stroke risk and diagnose a n active stroke. These include: Physical assessment - blood pressure tests and blood tests to see cholesterol le vels, blood sugar levels, and amino acid levels Ultrasound - a wand waved over the carotid arteries in the neck can provide a pi cture that indicates any narrowing or clotting Arteriography - a catheter is inserted into the arteries to inject a dye that ca n be picked up by X-rays Computerized tomography (CT) scan - a scanning device that creates a 3-D image t hat can show aneurysms, bleeding, or abnormal vessels within the brain Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a magnetic field generates a 3-D view of the brain to see tissue damaged by stroke CT and MRI with angiography - scans that are aided by a dye that is injected int o the blood vessels in order to provide clearer and more detailed images Echocardiography - an ultrasound that makes images of the heart to check for emb olus How is stroke treated? The primary goal in treating ischemic stroke is to restore blood flow to the bra in. This will be attempted using blood clot-busting drugs such as aspirin, hepar in, or tissue plasminogen activators that must be administered within three hour s of the stroke. In addition, surgical procedures may be performed that can open up or widen arteries. These include carotid endarterectomy (removal of plaque a nd widening of the carotid artery) and angioplasty (a balloon that widens the ca rtoid artery and is held open with a metallic mesh tube called a stent). A study found that cholesterol lowering drugs can prevent stroke recurrence. Hemorrhagic stroke is treated differently than ischmic stroke. Surgical methods used to treat this stroke variant include aneurysm clipping, aneurysm embolisati on, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) removal. Aneurysm clipping consists of a small clamp placed at the base of the aneurysm that isolates it from the circu lation of it's attached artery and keeps the aneurysm from bursting or re-bleedi ng. Aneurysm embolisation (coiling) uses a catheter inserted into the aneurysm t

o deposit a tiny coil that off the aneurysm off from ve usually smaller AVMs or in order to eliminate the

coil fills the aneurysm, causing clotting and sealing arteries. AVM removal is a surgical procedure to remo AMVs that are in more accessible portion of the brain risk of rupture.

US researchers found that patients who had experienced strokes as long as six mo nths earlier were able to regain brain function through the help of a novel robo tic device that they squeezed with their hand. Most stroke victims will require rehabilitation after the event. A person's cond ition is generally dependent on the area of the brain and the amount of tissue t hat was damaged. It is common for the rehabilitation process to include speech t herapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and family education. A study carried out by researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago found that Tai Chi helped stroke victims regain balance. A new study has found that the short window of time to treat stroke patients can be expanded. A stroke patient was intravenously injected with his own bone marrow stem cells as part of a research trial at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston . How can stroke be prevented? One way to prevent a stroke is to notice a transient ischemic attack (TIA) - or mini stroke - that provides symptoms similar to stroke. Knowing the symptoms of stroke can lead to earlier treatment and better recovery. Much of stroke prevention is based on living a healthy lifestyle. This includes: Knowing and controlling blood pressure Finding out if you have atrial fibrillation Not smoking Lowering cholesterol, sodium, and fat intake Following a healthy diet Drinking alcohol only in moderation Treating diabetes properly Exercising regularly. Moderate aerobic fitness can reduce stroke risk, a study f ound. Managing stress Not using drugs A study found that drinking three cups of tea per day reduces the risk of stroke Taking preventive medications such as anti-platelet and anticoagulant drugs to p revent blood clots Cholesterol lowering drugs can prevent stroke recurrence Cardiopulmonary resuscitation Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest. It is indicated in those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing, for example agonal respirations. It may be performed both in and outside of a hospital. CPR involves chest compressions at least 5cm deep and at a rate of at least 100 per minute in an effort to create artificial circulation by manually pumping blo od through the heart. In addition, the rescuer may provide breaths by either exh aling into the subject's mouth or utilizing a device that pushes air into the su bject's lungs. This process of externally providing ventilation is termed artifi cial respiration. Current recommendations place emphasis on high-quality chest c ompressions over artificial respiration; a simplified CPR method involving chest

compressions only is recommended for untrained rescuers. CPR alone is unlikely to restart the heart; its main purpose is to restore parti al flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart. The objective is to delay ti ssue death and to extend the brief window of opportunity for a successful resusc itation without permanent brain damage. Administration of an electric shock to t he subject's heart, termed defibrillation, is usually needed in order to restore a viable or "perfusing" heart rhythm. Defibrillation is only effective for cert ain heart rhythms, namely ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tach ycardia, rather than asystole or pulseless electrical activity. CPR may succeed in inducing a heart rhythm which may be shockable. CPR is generally continued un til the subject regains return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or is declared dead. Medical uses CPR is indicated for any person who is unresponsive with no breathing, or who is only breathing in occasional agonal gasps, as it is most likely that they are i n cardiac arrest.:S643 If a person still has a pulse, but is not breathing (resp iratory arrest), artificial respirations may be more appropriate, but due to the difficulty people have in accurately assessing the presence or absence of a pul se, CPR guidelines recommend that lay persons should not be instructed to check the pulse, while giving health care professionals the option to check a pulse. I n those with cardiac arrest due to trauma CPR is considered futile in the pulsel ess case, but still recommended for correctible causes of arrest. Methods In 2010, the American Heart Association and International Liaison Committee on R esuscitation updated their CPR guidelines.:S640. The importance of high quality CPR (sufficient rate and depth without excessively ventilating) was emphasized.: S640 The order of interventions was changed for all age groups except newborns f rom airway, breathing, chest compressions (ABC) to chest compressions, airway, b reathing (CAB).:S642 An exception to this recommendation is for those who are be lieved to be in a respiratory arrest (drowning, etc..:S642 Standard A universal compression to ventilation ratio of 30:2 is recommended.:8 With chil dren, if at least 2 rescuers are present a ratio of 15:2 is preferred.:8 In newb orns a rate of 3:1 is recommended unless a cardiac cause is known in which case a 15:2 ratio is reasonable.:S647 If an advanced airway such as an endotracheal t ube or laryngeal mask airway is in place delivery of respiration should occur wi thout pauses in compressions at a rate of 8 10 per minute. The recommended order of interventions is chest compressions, airway, breathing or CAB in most situations ,:S642 with a compression rate of at least 100 per minute in all groups.:8 Recom mended compression depth in adults and children is about 5cm (2inches) and in in fants it is 4cm (1.5inches.:8 As of 2010 the Resuscitation Council (UK) still re commends ABC for children. As it can be difficult to determine the presence or a bsence of a pulse the pulse check has been removed for lay providers and should not be performed for more than 10 seconds by health care providers.:8 In adults rescuers should use two hands for the chest compressions, while in children they should use one, and with infants two fingers (index and middle fingers). Compression only Compression only (hands-only or cardio-cerebral resuscitation) CPR is a techniqu e that involves chest compressions without artificial respiration.:S643 It is re commended as the method of choice for the untrained rescuer or those who are not proficient as it is easier to perform and instructions are easier to give over the phone.:S643:8 In adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, compression-onl y CPR by the lay public has a higher success rate than standard CPR. The excepti ons are cases of drownings, drug overdose, and arrest in children. Children who receive compression only CPR have the same outcomes as those who received no CPR .:S646 The method of delivering chest compressions remains the same, as does the rate (at least 100 per minute). It is hoped that the use of compression only de livery will increase the chances of the lay public delivering CPR. As per the Am

erican Heart Association, the beat of the Bee Gees' song Stayin' Alive provides an ideal amount of beats-per-minute to use for hands-only CPR. For those with no n cardiac arrest and people less than 20 years of age standard CPR is superior t o compression only CPR. In pregnancy During pregnancy when a woman is lying on her back the uterus may compress the i nferior vena cava and thus decrease venous return. It is recommended for this re ason that the uterus be pushed to the persons left and if this is not effective either roll the person 30s or consider emergency cesarean section. Other Interposed abdominal compressions may be beneficial in the in hospital environme nt. There is however no evidence of benefit pre-hospital or in children. Interna l cardiac massage is manual squeezing of the heart carried out through a surgica l incision into the chest cavity. This may be carried out if the chest is alread y open for cardiac surgery. Traffic Management Active traffic management (ATM), also known as managed lanes or smart lanes, is a scheme for improving traffic fl ow and reducing congestion on motorways. It has been implemented in several coun tries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It makes us e of automatic systems and human intervention to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of road users.