BASIC FIRST AIDBASIC FIRST AID

Basic Signs and Procedures

Universal ResponseUniversal Response

Determine nature of emergencyCall for medical help (911)Avoid moving the personAssess the person’s condition and

provide necessary assistance

Medical EmergencyMedical Emergency

A Medical Emergency exists when the injury or sudden illness is assessed to be “life threatening” or one that requires immediate advanced medical attention.

ExamplesExamples

Cardiac arrest

Stopped breathing

Choking Heavy bleeding Burns Heart attack Broken bones poisoning

Shock Dislocated joints Stroke Status Epilepticus Anaphylactic

Shock

Communication GuidelinesCommunication Guidelines

Begin communicating as soon as you approach

Keep trying to communicateAsk what happenedTell the person what happenedTell the person you will helpTell the person what you are doing

BleedingBleeding

There are approximately 4 quarts of blood in the human body.

Control External BleedingControl External Bleeding

Place clean barrier on wound Apply direct pressure Maintain direct pressure and protect the

wound. Elevate unless a broken bone is suspected. If bleeding persists use a pressure point in

addition to direct pressure. Call 911; Stay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Heavy BleedingHeavy Bleeding

If bleeding continues AND is life threatening,

Use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.Call 911Stay until help arrives, monitor breathing

and circulationUse of a tourniquet is when you must

sacrifice a limb for a life.

Head, Neck, Back InjuriesHead, Neck, Back Injuries

Do not move the victimKeep them calm and comfortableReport the injuryReport any unusual behaviorCall for medical help – bleeding or fluid

from nose or mouth or earsStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Nose BleedNose Bleed

Usually occur when there is a blow to the nose. Apply Direct Pressure – firmly pinching the

nostrils with the thumb and forefinger Have the victim tilt their head forward

DO NOT pack the nose with cotton or gauze. Ice will help reduce inflammation.

ShockShock

Shock is not a specific disease or injury, but a physical state that is potentially fatal.

It is a failure of the cardiovascular system to keep adequate blood circulating to the vital organs of the body.

Shock is most commonly caused by a loss of blood, exposure to an allergen, or poorly managed diabetes.

Signs of Traumatic ShockSigns of Traumatic Shock

Acting restless but feels weakUsually unable to explain symptoms to

youConfused behaviorVery fast or very slow breathing and pulse rateCool, moist skinWeakness in arms and legs

First Aid - ShockFirst Aid - Shock

Keep victim calm and quietHave them lie on their back – feet

slightly elevatedMaintain normal body temperatureCall for medical help (911)Stay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Anaphylactic ShockAnaphylactic Shock

Caused by a severe allergy (insect stings, usually wasp or bee stings, or injections or reactions of some medications).

Medical help must be obtained immediately because the condition can only be treated with medication.

Signs of Anaphylactic ShockSigns of Anaphylactic Shock

Flushing, itching, or burning skinHives or swellingDifficulty breathing, wheezingSwelling around mouth, tongue, lips

First Aid – Anaphylactic First Aid – Anaphylactic ShockShockStay with the person who has been

stung by a bee or wasp for 5-10 minutes to observe for signs of shock.

Call for medical help (911) immediately if they develop symptoms

Stay until help arrives, monitor breathing and circulation

Insulin ShockInsulin Shock

Insulin shock occurs when the brain does not get the amount of sugar it requires.

Insulin shock can occur when a diabetic patient takes too much insulin, takes a regular dose of insulin without having eaten enough or has exercised and uses up all available glucose.

Signs of Insulin ShockSigns of Insulin Shock

Irritable, aggressive or unusual behavior

ShakingSkin is cold and damp, sweating, pale

color

First Aid – Insulin ShockFirst Aid – Insulin Shock

Give sugar (I.e. sugar, honey, fruit juice, soda with sugar, etc.)

Call for medical help (911)Stay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Temperature ExtremesTemperature Extremes

PhotosensitivityCertain medications used to treat medical

symptoms may make a person extra sensitive to sunlight and can cause dehydration in extreme heat.

Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion

Occurs when a person begins to feel the effects of extreme heat and sunlight.

SignsPale clammy skinProfuse perspirationExtreme tiredness or weaknessHeadache, nausea, dizziness

First Aid – Heat ExhaustionFirst Aid – Heat Exhaustion

Move the person to a cooler place (shade, indoors)

Cool the body Bed Rest Salt Solution (1/2 teaspoon salt in ½ glass

water every 15 minutes Stay until help arrives, monitor breathing

and circulation Seek medical care for extreme heat

exhaustion

Heat StrokeHeat Stroke

Occurs when a person’s temperature control system stops working properly or fails – no perspiration to cool the body

Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result

Signs of Heat StrokeSigns of Heat Stroke

Hot dry, red skinVery small pupilsVery high body temperatureDecreased consciousness/alertness

First Aid – Heat StrokeFirst Aid – Heat Stroke

CALL 911 immediatelyMove person to a cooler place

(indoors) Immerse in cool bath or wrap in cool,

wet sheets or towelsTreat for shockStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulationIf victim is conscious and responsive,

have them sip a salt/water solution.

HypothermiaHypothermia

Occurs when a person is subjected to cold conditions over an extended period of time. Shock will occur if body is not returned to a normal temperature and the person may slip into a coma or possibly even die.

May even occur on a hot day – submerged in extremely cold water for an extended period of time. Water can lower body temperature 8 times faster than air. 76 degree water temperature can cause hypothermia in as little as 20 minutes.

Signs of HypothermiaSigns of Hypothermia

Shivering – uncontrollable muscle contractions designed to increase internal temperatures

Decreased consciousnessWeakness, decreased coordination

First Aid - HypothermiaFirst Aid - Hypothermia

Move person to a warmer area (indoors, out of cold water, etc.)

Provide warm DRY clothing and/or blankets

Try to keep the person awake and conscious

Call 911 ImmediatelyStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

BurnsBurns

Vary in severity – depending on depth and location– face– hands– genitals

Very young and elderly people – high risk

Classifications of BurnsClassifications of Burns

First Degree Burn – damage to top layer of skin; red and dry; heals 5-6 days – Sunburn

Second Degree Burn – damage is deeper; red with blisters, skin may look wet; very painful and slow to heal 3-4 weeks – may result in scarring

Third Degree Burn – severe damage to layers of skin/tissue; life threatening; skin is brown or black; very painful or no pain because nerve endings damaged; extensive healing time is needed

First AidFirst Aid 3rd Degree Burns

– Call 911 immediately (notify Nurse and supervisor on call)

– Treat for shock– Cover with DRY,

STERILE dressing– Elevate burn above

heart level– DO NOT rinse

blisters with water

1st & 2nd Degree Burns– Small burns – no

blisters – rinse with large amounts of COOL water

– Cover with DRY STERILE dressing

– Elevate burn above heart level

– Notify Nurse

PoisoningPoisoning

MedicationsHousehold cleanersPetroleum products and by-products

– Paint, polish, auto products Pesticides Plants Make-up, hair spray, toiletries, etc. Vitamins venom

Poison AbsorptionPoison Absorption

Ingested (swallowed) InhaledSkin contactEyes Insect sting or spider biteAnimal bite

Signs/Symptoms - PoisoningSigns/Symptoms - Poisoning

Vomiting and/or heavy labored breathing

Deep sleepEye pupils that are very large or very

small

First Aid - PoisoningFirst Aid - Poisoning

Notify Nurse and on-call supervisorPoisons taken orally:Call 911 or Poison Control immediately Identify the poison if possibleStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulationDO NOT INDUCE VOMITING, unless

instructed to do so by emergency technicians.

First Aid - PoisoningFirst Aid - Poisoning

Notify Nurse and on-call supervisorSkin Contact Remove clothing contaminated by the

poison Flood skin with water until the burning

sensation stops EYES – flush eyes with water – nose

outward – 15 minutes Call 911 Stay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Injury to BonesInjury to Bones

Diagnosis is usually impossible without X-Rays. First aid is intended to prevent further injury or harm until they can receive medical attention.

Closed FractureClosed Fracture

Injury beneath the skin; Difficult to detect without x-ray

SignsSwellingPainDeformityDiscoloration/bruising

First Aid - FractureFirst Aid - Fracture

Call 911 Immobilize injuryStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Open FractureOpen Fracture

Fracture associated with open wound Broken bone tears through skin More serious than closed fracture

Call 911 Immobilize injury, control bleeding and

protect from infection Stay until help arrives, monitor breathing

and circulation

SprainSprain

Injury to tendons, ligaments, or cartilage; result of forcing limb beyond the normal range of motion.– Ankles– Fingers– Wrist– Knees

Must have X-Ray to rule out broken bone.

Signs - SprainSigns - Sprain

SwellingTendernessPain on motiondiscoloration

First Aid - SprainFirst Aid - Sprain

Seek medical attention Immobilize the injuryElevate the joint and apply cold, wet

cloths or ice pack on injury during the first ½ hour after accident to slow swelling

DO NOT elevate if you suspect a fracture

StrainStrain

Injury to the muscle; fibers may be stretched or torn – overexertion of a muscle.

Rest Apply warm wet applications Ibuprofen or aspirin Seek medical attention

Back strain – lie on hard, flat surface

DislocationDislocation

Displacement of a bone end from a joint; caused by falls or blows and may be accompanied by a fracture.

SignsSwellingPainDeformityDiscoloration/bruising

First Aid - DislocationFirst Aid - Dislocation

Call 911 Immobilize injuryStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Insect Bites/StingsInsect Bites/Stings

Wash with soap and water Cold pack on area to reduce swelling/pain Place stung area below heart level (reduce

circulation of venom) DO NOT try to remove stinger by squeezing

or using tweezers (release more venom into blood

May use hard plastic card to draw out stinger See medical attention if serious

Systemic Allergic ReactionsSystemic Allergic Reactions

Occurs when people are allergic to poisonous bites or stings

LIFE THREATENING! Pain Swelling of the throat, tongue, hands or face Difficulty breathing (wheezing) Redness or discoloration at the site Severe itching (hives, rash) Decreased consciousness

Other Bite WoundsOther Bite Wounds

Animal or HumanWash well with soap and waterAlert authorities (pet control, if animal);

call nurse and supervisor on callApply clean, dry dressing; control

bleeding if necessary Practice all Universal Precautions.

First Aid First Aid

Call 911Treat for shockStay until help arrives, monitor

breathing and circulation

Seizures – First AidSeizures – First Aid

Cushion head Protect from injury; move people and

furniture away Loosen tight neckwear and belt Turn on side (if possible) Reassure person throughout the seizure Stay with victim and monitor breathing,

circulation, and assist as needed during recovery.

Seizures – First AidSeizures – First Aid

Most Seizures in people with known epilepsy are not medical emergencies

You should call 911 for a person who is having a seizure for the first time

Document Seizure on appropriate paperwork

Status EpilepticusStatus Epilepticus

Seizure activity that continues without a significant break for rest period between seizures – generally lasting 30 minutes or longer

represents a life threatening emergency

Notify Nurse and call 911after 2 minutes of activity

Seizures Seizures

DO NOT:Place anything in the mouthAttempt to restrain movements Hold hand of victim (may crush yours)