First Aid

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First Aid
Dislocation
Heart Attack
Poisoning
Shock
Seizure
Strain
Burns
Bandages
CVA
Insulin Shock
CPR
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Principles of Providing First Aid

• Immediate care that is provided to the victim of
  injury or illness to minimize the adverse effects
  until experts take over.
• Proper first aid can mean the difference between
  life and death.

• When you encounter an emergency
• REMAIN CALM
• Avoid panic
• Evaluate the situation
• What you will do depends on the type of injury,
  environment, others present, etc. so THINK
  before you act!

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The first step is to be alert to the signs of an
emergency

• Screams
• Calls for help
• Breaking glass
• Screeching tires
• Empty medicine bottle
• Damaged electrical wires
• Smoke or fire
• Blood
• Spilled chemicals
• Difficulty breathing
• Clutching chest or throat
• Abnormal skin color
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Distress

Unusual Sights
Unusual Sounds
Unusual Smells
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Once you determine an emergency exists, take
steps to help the victims

• Check the scene and make sure it is safe to
  approach.
• IF the scene is not safe, call for medical help
  do not endanger yourself or others.
• IF the scene is safe, approach the victim and
  determine consciousness by gently tapping and
  calling to him/her.

• Never move an injured victim unless the victim is
  in danger.
• Call the EMS as soon as possible 911.
• Be prepared to describe location, telephone
  number (where you are calling from), assistance
  required, of people involved, etc.
• Try to obtain victims permission before
  providing care. (If parent is present and victim
  a child, get parents permission.)

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• If person refuses care, do not proceed. If
  possible, have someone witness the refusal of
  care.
• Always attend to life threatening emergencies
  first.
• If victim conscious, breathing and able to talk,
  reassure the victim and try to determine what
  happened.

• Check for injuries examine the victim
  thoroughly and note any abnormal signs or
  symptoms.
• Report abnormalities when EMS arrives.
• Obtain as much information as possible regarding
  the incident and give the information to the
  correct authorities.

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General Principles of First aid

• Obtain qualified assistance as soon as possible
• Report all information obtained to proper
  authorities
• Avoid unnecessary movement of the victim
• Reassure the victim
• If the victim is unconscious or vomiting, do not
  give him or her anything to eat or drink
• Protect the victim from cold or chilling, but
  avoid overheating the victim

• Work quickly, but in an organized and efficient
  manner
• Do not make a diagnosis or discuss the victims
  condition with observers at the scene
• It is essential to maintain confidentiality and
  protect the victims right to privacy while
  providing treatment
• Make every attempt to avoid further injury
• PROVIDE ONLY THE TREATMENT THAT YOU ARE QUALIFIED
  TO PROVIDE

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Wounds

• Injury to soft tissue
• Open Break in the skin or mucous membrane
• Closed No break in skin, injury to underlying
  tissues
• Opening wounds can result in bleeding, infection,
  or tetanus
• First aid directed toward controlling bleeding
  and preventing infection

• Abrasion - skin scraped off, bleeding limited
• Incision cut with sharp object such as knife,
  scissors, razor blade, etc., if cut is deep,
  bleeding can be heavy, also can have damage to
  muscles and nerves.
• Laceration tearing of tissues from excessive
  force, jagged edges, bleeding may be heavy. Deep
  lacerations may become infected

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Wounds cont.

• Puncture Caused by sharp object (pin, nail,
  etc.) External bleeding minimal, may lead to
  infection or tetanus.
• Avulsion Tissue torn or separated from the
  body, bleeding is heavy, important to preserve
  the body part because a surgeon may be able to
  reattach it.

• Amputation Body part cut off or separated from
  the body, bleeding can be extensive, important
  to preserve separated part for reattachment.
  Wrap part in cool, moist dressing (sterile water
  or saline preferred) and place in plastic bag.
  Keep bag cool or in ice water and transport with
  the victim. (Dont place
• the body part in direct
• contact with the ice

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Control Bleeding

• Control bleeding by
• Direct pressure
• Elevation
• Pressure bandage
• Pressure points
• Use protective barrier to control bleeding
  (gloves) or thick layers of dressings. Avoid
  direct contact with blood. Wash hands after
  providing first aid.

• First Priority Control the bleeding!
• Arterial bleeding is bright red in color and life
  threatening.
• Venous bleeding is slower and dark red.

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Infection

• Signs and symptoms of wound infection
• Swelling
• Heat
• Redness
• Pain
• Fever
• Pus
• Red Streaks

• Closed Wounds
• If a bruise, apply cold
• Signs of internal bleeding pain, tenderness,
  swelling, deformity, cold and clammy skin, rapid
  and weak pulse, uncontrolled restlessness,
  excessive thirst, vomiting blood, blood in urine
  or feces.

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Tetanus

• Bacterial infections, most common in puncture
  wounds, be sure to find out when victim last had
  tetanus shot, advise to consult medical
  professional about tetanus booster.
• Object in wound? If on the surface, remove with
  tweezers. If object embedded, let a physician
  remove it.

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Shock
Shock

• When caring for bleeding/wounds, or any other
  injury or illness, be alert for signs of shock.
• Clinical set of signs and symptoms associated
  with inadequate supply of blood to body organs,
  especially the brain and heart.
• If not treated, shock can lead to death, even
  when the victims injuries or illness is not life
  threatening.

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SHOCK Cont.

• Shock caused by
• Hemorrhage
• Excessive pain
• Infection
• Heart Attack
• Poisoning by chemicals, drugs or gases
• Lack of oxygen
• Psychological trauma
• Dehydration from burns, vomiting, or diarrhea

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Symptoms of Shock

• Skin pale or cyanotic
• Skin cool to touch
• Diaphoresis
• Pulse rapid and weak
• Respirations rapid and shallow
• Hypotension
• Victim weak, listless, confused and eventually
  unconscious
• Victim anxious and extremely restless
• Victim may c/o excessive thirst
• Victim may experience NV
• Victim may c/o blurred vision as shock
  progresses, eyes may appear sunken and have
  vacant, confused expression, pupils dilate

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How would you position the following victims when
treating for shock?

• Victim has a broken arm, no other apparent
  injuries
• Victim is vomiting and bleeding profusely from a
  lacerated tongue
• Victim has broken ribs and is dyspneic

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Get Medical help right away. If possible

• Eliminate the cause of shock
• Improve circulation to the brain and heart
• Provide oxygen
• Maintain body temperature
• Positioning patient depends on injuries

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Poisoning

• If poison is ingested, call a poison control
  center or MD STAT. If not available, call EMS
• Save the label or container of the substance
  taken
• It is helpful to know/estimate how much was taken
  and the time the poisoning occurred
• If the victim vomits, save a sample
• If the victim is unconscious check for
  breathing.l Provide rescue breathing if the
  victim is not breathing. If the victim is
  breathing, turn victim on his/her side.
• If the poison control center tells you to induce
  vomiting
• Give syrup of ipecac
• Tickle the back of the victims throat
• Administer warm salt water

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Poisoning Cont.

• DO NOT induce vomiting if
• The victim is unconscious
• The victim swallowed acid or alkali
• The victim swallowed petroleum
• The victim has burns on the lips or mouth
• The victim is convulsing
• Vomiting only removes ½ the poison, so you may
  need to administer activated charcoal to
  counteract the remaining poison
• If poisoning is due to gas inhalation.. Remove
  victim from area

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Odorless and colorless gas
• Before entering the area, take a deep breath and
  dont breathe the gas while removing the victim
  from the area
• After the rescue, check for breathing and
  administer CPR if needed
• Obtain medical help immediately

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Chemicals or Poison that come in Contact with Skin

• Wash with large amounts of water
• Remove clothing or jewelry that contains the
  substance
• If poisonous plant, wash with soap and water- use
  Calamine or Caladryl (or paste made from baking
  soda and water)
• Obtain medical help

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For Insect bite, sting or snakebite

• If possible, hold part below level of the heart
• Remove the stinger and wash the area with soap
  and water
• Apply sterile dressing cold pack

• Monitor the victim and give CPR if needed
• Watch for allergic reaction
• Treat for shock

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Providing First Aid for Burns

• Caused by fire, hear, chemicals, radiation or
  electricity
• First Degree (superficial)
• Involves only the epidermis
• Heals in 5-6 days
• No scarring
• Skin red, mild swelling
• Victim feels pain
• Usually caused by the sun, hot objects or steam
  or exposed to weak acid/alkali

Unusual Sights
Unusual Sounds
Unusual Smells
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Second Degree burn

• Epidermis and dermis
• Blister or vesicle forms
• Skin red and mottled with swelling
• Surface appears wet
• Very painful
• Usually caused by sun, sunlamp, contact with hot
  or boiling liquids, contact with fire.

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Third-degree (Full thickness)

• Injury to all layers and underlying tissue
• Area had white or charred appearance
• Can be extremely painful or painless (if nerve
  endings destroyed)
• Usually caused by flames, prolonged contact with
  hot objects, contact with electricity, immersion
  in hot or boiling liquids

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Treatment for Burns

• Remove source of heat
• Cool affected skin area
• Cover the burn
• Relieve pain
• Observe and treat for shock

• Medical care should be obtained if more than 15
  of adult body burned (10 of a child)

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TX Cont.

• DO NOT apply cotton, tissues, ointment, powders,
  oils, grease, butter, or other substances to the
  burned area unless you are instructed to do so by
  a physician
• DO NOT break open blisters (Why?)
• Be alert to signs of shock
• Remain calm and reassure burn vicitm

• Call for help immediately if 3rd degree burns
• Dehydration can occur quickly with burns.

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Bone and Joint Injuries

• Fracture
• Break in a bone
• Closed or simple does not break the skin
• Compound or open accompanied by open wound on
  skin

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Main Facts regarding Fractures

1. Signs and symptoms vary
2. Common signs and symptoms include deformity,
   limited (loss of) motion, pain and tenderness at
   fracture site, swelling an discoloration,
   protrusion of bone ends

• Victim may have heard a snap or feel a grating
  sensation
• Treatment includes immobilizing above and below
  fracture, treat for shock

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Dislocation

• When the end of a bone moves out of the joint
• Usually accompanied by tearing/stretching of
  ligaments
• SS include deformity, limited or abnormal
  movement, swelling, discoloration, pain,
  tenderness, shortening or lengthening of affected
  arm or leg
• Treatment similar to fractures immobilize
  affected area, do not attempt to reduce the
  discoloration

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Sprain

• Injury to tissues surrounding a joint when the
  part is forced beyond its normal ROM
• Ligaments, tendons, and other tissues stretched
  or torn
• Usually ankle or wrist
• Symptoms similar to fracture and dislocation
• Treatment includes application of cold, elevation
  of affected part, and rest

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Strain

• Overstretching of muscle frequently the back
• SS include sudden pain, swelling and/or
  bruising
• Treatment aimed at resting affect muscle

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Heart Attack

• Also called coronary thrombosis, coronary
  occlusion or myocardial infarction
• Blood supply to heart is blocked
• If heart stops beating CPR must be preformed
• SS may include- chest pain or pressure, pain
  radiating to shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw
• SOB
• Cyanosis
• Victim weak and apprehensive
• May also have NV, diaphoresis, loss of
  consciousness
• Encourage the victim to relax, place him/her in a
  comfortable position, and obtain medical help

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Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)

• Also called CVA, apoplexy, or cerebral thrombosis
• Either a clot in a cerebral artery or hemorrhage
  of a blood vessel in the brain
• Signs/symptoms include numbness, paralysis,
  pupils unequal in size, mental confusion, slurred
  speech, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing
  and swallowing, and loss of consciousness

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• Always remember that although the patient may be
  unable to speak or may be unconscious, he/she may
  be able to hear and understand what is going on!

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Fainting

• Temporary reduction of blood supply to the brain
• Victim regains consciousness after being in a
  supine position
• Early signs- dizziness, extreme pallor,
  diaphoresis, coldness of the skin, nausea,
  numbness and tingling of hands and feet

• When symptoms noticed, help the victim sit with
  head at the level of the knees
• If the victim loses consciousness, try to prevent
  injuring, loosen clothing, maintain open airway

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Convulsion

• Seizure
• Occurs in conjunction with high body temperature,
  head injuries, brain disease, and brain disorders
  such as epilepsy
• Body muscles become rigid followed by jerking
  movements
• During the seizure, victim may stop breathing,
  bite their tongue, lose bladder and bowel
  control, and injure body parts
• Face and lips develop a bluish color
• Victim loses consciousness

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Convulsion Cont.

• When victim regains consciousness, he/she may be
  confused, disoriented and c/o HA
• FA directed toward preventing self injury-remove
  dangerous objects, provide pillow under the head
• Do NOT place anything between the victims teeth
• Do NOT use force to restrain or stop muscle
  movement
• When the convulsion is over, allow the victim to
  rest
• Obtain medical help if seizure lasts more than
  one minute or injury occurs.

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Diabetic Coma

• Caused by an increase in the level of glucose in
  the bloodstream
• A result of an excess intake of sugar, failure to
  take insulin, or sufficient production of insulin
• Signs Confusion, weakness or dizziness, nausea
  or vomiting, rapid, deep respirations, flushed
  skin, and fruity smelling breath

• Victim will lose consciousness and die if not
  treated
• Obtain medical treatment as quickly as possible

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Insulin Shock

• Caused by an excess amount of insulin (low level
  of glucose in bloodstream)
• A result of failure to eat or too much insulin
• Signs Muscle weakness, mental confusion,
  restlessness, or anxiety, diaphoresis, pale,
  moist skin, hunger pains, palpations
• If victim conscious, give sweetened drink or
  sugar
• Avoid giving victim hard candy if confused
• If victim loses consciousness, get medical help

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Dressings and

• Dressingssterile covering over wound or injured
  part
• Bandagesmaterials to hold dressing in place,
  secure splints, and support body parts
• Roller gauze bandages
• Triangular bandages
• Elastic (ACE) bandages

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Bandages Cont.

• After bandage applied, check to be sure it is not
  too tight
• (Check circulation by pressing lightly on
  nailbeds to make then turn white. Color should
  return to nailbeds immediately)

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Until Medical Help arrives

• Cover the pt with blankets or additional
  clothing. Blankets may also be placed between the
  ground and the victim
• Avoid giving the pt. anything to eat or drink. A
  wet cloth may be used to moisten the lips and
  mouth.
• If help wont arrive for more than an hour and
  dehydration is evident, provide fluids.