The world woke up with a sad news of the passing on of renown rhumba musician Mose Fan Fan, which happened on May 3, 2019.
The ‘Papa Lolo’ hit-maker tragically collapsed while on a recording trip in Nairobi.
For that reason, it was prudent to tell the public more about collapse and how to deal with it when it happens.
Collapsing occurs due to a range of issues. Usually, it happens when a person has fainted and can get up quickly. But it can be caused by something more serious.
You need to call for urgent action when someone;
- collapses while sitting or lying down
- has a seizure
- Experiences chest pain or palpitations
- develops a sudden, severe headache
- has breathing problems
Meaning of Collapse
People collapse when they suddenly fall down for no obvious reasons.
A collapse may happen when you become unconscious for a few seconds, such as when you faint. You might fall to the ground and not respond to sounds or being shaken. Your pulse may become faint and you might even stop breathing.
Usually, people collapse when the brain does not receive enough oxygen. But when you lie on the ground, your heart find it easier to pump the oxygen to your brain.
Causes of Collapse
Fainting happens when your heart rate drops and your blood vessels widen. This makes your blood to pool in the legs and only a less goes to the brain.
Fainting is also called syncope. It can be caused by triggers that include heat, standing for a long time, seeing blood, or a shock. It can also happen when you stand up quickly, especially if you are tired, dehydrated or have low blood pressure or low blood sugar.
Very occasionally, people collapse without losing consciousness – their muscles just give way. This can happen due to problems with generalized weakness and frailty, a problem with the heart or brain, a seizure or an issue affecting the inner ear.
More Serious Causes of Collapse
-a heart attack
-a stroke
-a seizure
-a major illness
-an injury or accident, especially if there has been a blow to the chest or head
-a drug overdose
-alcohol poisoning
How to Treat Collapse
a) Ensure the area is safe
b) Check for response; ask name, squeeze shoulders. If there is any response, make the patient comfortable and monitor response. If there isn’t quickly call an ambulance.
c) Open the mouth and check the airway for foreign material. If there is foreign material, place in the recovery position and clear the airway. If there is no foreign material, leave in position. Open the airway by tilting the head back with a chin lift.
d) Check for breathing: look, listen, feel for 10 seconds. Not normal breathing? Ensure an ambulance has been called; start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Normal breathing? Place in the recovery position and monitor breathing.
e) Start CPR. 30 chest compressions: 2 breaths. Continue CPR until help arrives or the patient starts breathing.
f) Attach defibrillator (AED) and follow the voice prompts.
After collapse, one should seek urgent medical attention. Your doctor will do several checks including sugar level test, urine test, blood test, heart test to remove an infection and X-rays especially if you got injured during collapse.