1. Introduction to Basic First Aid Unit 8 Ms. Carey

2. Providing First Aid – The Basics What is First Aid? Immediate care that is given to the victim of an illness or injury to minimize the effects of the illness or injury until experts can take over. The FIRST STEP IN FIRST AID IS TO RECOGNIZE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS. After determining that an emergency exists, check the scene for safety. Your senses can alert you to an emergency – sounds (breaking glass, screeching tires), unusual sights (empty medicine container, person lying on the ground, damaged electrical wire), unusual odors (chemicals, smoke). Do not move a victim unless the victim is in a dangerous area, such as one filled with smoke, carbon monoxide or poisonous fumes, or dangerous traffic, where vehicles cannot be stopped.

3. The Basics Continued… Call 911 if alone, if bystanders present, instruct them to call 911. Give the situation, actions taken, exact location, phone number from which you are calling, assistance needed, number of people involved, and the condition of the victim(s). Do not hang up the phone – keep 911 on the line and available. Avoid any unnecessary movement of the victim. Reassure the victim. A calm attitude will reassure the victim. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink, unless the specific treatment requires that fluids or food be given. Protect the victim from cold or chilling, but avoid overheating the victim. Provide confidentiality. Make every attempt to avoid further injury.

4. The Basics Cont’d TRIAGE – a method of prioritizing treatment. Treat the most severe injury or illness first. If multiple victims, treat the person with the most life-threatening injuries first. Some examples include: No breathing/difficulty breathing No pulse Severe bleeding Persistent pain in the chest or abdomen Vomiting blood/passing blood Poisoning Shock Severe partial-thickness and full-thickness burns

5. Obtaining Consent/Legalities of Providing First Aid If possible, obtain the victim’s permission before providing care – this is called ‘consent’. If the victim is a child, get the permission from the parent. If the victim is unconscious, confused, or seriously ill and unable to consent for care, you can assume that you have permission. This is called implied consent. The Good Samaritan Act protects individuals who offer assistance in an emergency and is reasonably careful in doing so. Malpractice refers to the failure of a professional to use the degree of skill commonly expected in that individual’s profession, resulting in injury, loss, or damage to the person receiving care. Provide only the treatment you are trained to provide.

6. Consent/Legalities Continued… A victim has the right to refuse care. If they do, and it is a life- threatening emergency, call 911 and let the professionals take over. While providing care, it is important to maintain confidentiality and protect the victim’s right to privacy. Do not discuss the victim’s condition with observers on the scene.

7. Wounds/Bleeding Emergencies Wounds are classified as open or closed. They involve injuries to the soft tissues. Open wounds involve a break in the skin or mucous membranes. With a closed wound there is no break in the skin. An example would be a bruise or hematoma.

8. Bleeding Wounds First aid care is directed at controlling the bleeding and preventing infection. Types of bleeding: Arterial – spurts from a wound, results in heavy blood loss, is bright red. LIFE THREATENING and must be controlled quickly. Venous – slower, steadier, and dark red or maroon. Capillary – “oozes” from the wound slowly, clots easily.

9. Bleeding Wounds, Cont’d To control bleeding, in the order to be used: When possible, use some sort of protective barrier – gloves or plastic wrap. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly asap after providing care. Direct Pressure: With gloved hand and sterile dressing, apply pressure directly over wound for 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops. If blood soaks through, apply more dressing. Do not remove dressing or disturb blood clots once they have formed. Elevation: Raise the injured part above the level of the victim’s heart. Pressure Bandage: Apply pressure bandage to hold the dressing in place while maintaining elevation. Pressure Points: If the other steps don’t stop the bleeding, direct pressure is applied to the main artery supplying the limb. (Brachial or femoral arteries). Pressure to these arteries will stop circulation to other parts of the limb, pressure should be applied no longer than absolutely necessary. http://www.profirstaid.com/en/training_video/bleeding-control-arterial-bleeding http://www.profirstaid.com/en/training_video/bleeding-control-venous-bleeding http://www.profirstaid.com/en/training_video/bleeding-control-capillary-bleeding

10. Bleeding Wounds Cont’d Minor Wounds – the first priority in wounds that don’t involve severe bleeding is to prevent infection. Wound should be washed with soap and water, a sterile dressing applied, and monitored for infection. Signs of infection are: swelling, heat, redness, pain, fever, pus and red streaks leading from the wound. Tetanus – is a bacteria that enters a puncture wound. Tetanus can cause serious illness and death. A vaccine is available and patient should be questioned about vaccination status.

11. Bleeding Wounds Cont’d Closed Wounds: Bruise: Cold applications can be applied to control swelling. Internal bleeding: some closed wounds can be extremely serious and may lead to death. Signs and symptoms may include pain, tenderness, swelling, deformity cold and clammy skin, rapid and weak pulse, drop inn blood pressure, uncontrolled restlessness, excessive thirst, vomited blood, or blood in the urine or feces. Get medical help immediately. Do not give any fluids or food to the victim.

12. SHOCK Also known as hypoperfusion. Caused by an inadequate supply of blood to body organs, especially the brain and heart. If not treated, it can lead to death, even with injuries or illnesses that are not fatal. Brain damage occurs after just 4-6 minutes of hypoperfusion. Many causes of shock: hemorrhage, pain, infection, heart attack, stroke poisoning, lack of O2, psychological trauma, and dehydration from loss of body fluids (from burns, vomiting, or diarrhea). Table 15-1 http://www.profirstaid.com/en/training_video/shock

13. Shock Continued Signs and Symptoms: Skin is pale, cyanotic and cool to the touch. Diaphoresis or excessive sweating resulting in clammy, wet skin. Pulse is rapid and weak Respirations are rapid, shallow, and irregular Blood pressure is very low Victim experiences weakness and confusion Victim experiences anxiety Victim is thirsty, nauseous, and vomiting Victim may have blurred vision. Pupils may dilate or become large.

14. Shock Cont’d Treatment for shock: Shock is LIFE THREATENING. It can present in ANY injury or illness. Eliminate the cause – control bleeding, provide oxygen, relieve pain through position change, provide emotional support. The position for treating shock must be based on the victim’s injuries. If neck or spine injuries are suspected, do not move patient unless it is to remove them from danger. The best position is lying flat on the back to improve circulation. Raising the feet or legs 12 inches can promote blood to the heart and brain. If victim is vomiting, turn to side to prevent choking on vomitus. If victim is having difficulty breathing, raise head and shoulders to help breathing. Cover victim with blankets to prevent chilling. Avoid overheating victim. Do not give victim anything to eat or drink. You may offer a moist cloth for comfort.