First Aid Rapid Action Plan for Diabetes Type 1 #
If on a University of Chichester campus immediately call for a First Aider on 01243 816363 quoting your location, name and the name of the casualty if known and nature of the injury/event. If off campus please ask for support from a first aider where available, and follow the information on the students support card re guidance for calling an ambulance.
The below information provides additional support for academics/students/members of the public and first aiders supporting a UoC student during a seizure event.
You will have most likely reached this link from QR code on the students individual Sunflower lanyard support card – please read this page in conjunction with the information on that card to fill any gaps in this documents generic information.
First Aid Rapid Action Plan #
Diabetes Type 1 #
This plan is for identified students. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a personalised lanyard carried by the student.
If the student is unable to communicate or is confused. unconscious or having a seizure: Call 999 immediately.
Do NOT give anything by mouth.
Put in recovery position.
If on Campus Call a First Aider 01243 81 6363
Check for an individualised Lanyard, this will provide details of condition and location of Glucometer/ snacks drinks/ medication.
Identify Emergency Symptoms Quickly
HYPOGLYCAEMIA (Low Blood Sugar]
Signs, and symptoms
Shaking, sweating
Hunger
Weakness, dizziness
Confusion or irritability
Blurred vision
Pale, rapid pulse
May lead to collapse/seizures if untreated
ACTIONS
Check blood glucose if possible (below 4.0 mmol/L = hypo).
Ask student or check lanyard for location of glucometer. Assist student to check if required.
If glucose is low, and the student is conscious and able to swallow, give: fast-acting carbohydrate: ask student and check Lanyard for location of snacks. Assist student if required.
Recheck glucose after 10–15 mins. If still < 4.0 mmol/L, repeat step 2.
Once recovered, support student by providing a longer-acting carbohydrate (e.g. sandwich, biscuit, milk) if next meal is not due
HYPERGLYCAEMIA (High Blood Sugar)
Signs and symptoms.
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Drowsiness, fatigue
Nausea, vomiting
Fruity-smelling breath
Abdominal pain
Blurred vision
Rapid breathing
ACTIONS.
Support Student to Check blood glucose and ketones if possible.
Blood glucose > 14 mmol/L may indicate hyper.
Ketones > 1.5 mmol/L = risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA
Encourage sugar-free fluids (e.g. water).
Support student to access medication [ insulin] if required.
Do NOT give insulin unless trained
Call 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if any symptoms of DKA Diabetic Ketoacidosis a potential life-threatening complication of Type 1 diabetes.
Symptoms of concern:
Vomiting or breathlessness
Confused/unconscious
Unable to keep fluids down
Drowsiness/ confusion
Headache
Abdominal pain.
STAY WITH STUDENT.
Stay with student until they are fully able to respond and communicate their wishes/ needs
Maintain dignity by minimising onlookers and disruption.
Keep environment as calm as possible.
Reassure the student and update them on what is happening.
Additional Information
This plan is for identified students and will be available on the First aid share point with the students consent.
It is designed to be used in conjunction with a personalised lanyard carried by the student, this should also be available on the SharePoint. It is also supported by a ‘Support to Study Health Plan’ which aligns with Fitness to Study stage 1.
Academic staff/ First Aiders are Welcome to contact student health studenthealth@chi.ac.uk following a First aid incident if they would like support, or would like to reflect on the management of incident
Call for Emergency help Dial 999
Instructions for calling an Ambulance.
Call 999 for the ambulance service and ask for a paramedic ambulance immediately. Note time.
Inform them that the student has Diabetes
It is important to state “a paramedic” is needed, as they carry medication.
Give the student’s location, room no in halls and the University address.
Ensure 01243 816363 has been informed that an ambulance has been called and the location of the student, so that the ambulance can get to the student as soon as possible.
Ask for a first aider to be sent to your location if not already present.
If possible send someone to SIZ to meet Ambulance and guide to location.
Stay with the student at all times and ensure the student is kept as warm and comfortable as possible. Offer reassurance.