Chapter 3 Before giving Care

How infections occur? Pathogen – germ gets into the body Pathogens enter the body, over power the body’s natural defense systems and cause an illness called an infection. Most infectious diseases are caused by bacteria and viruses. (Tetanus) Bacteria are everywhere; most do not infect humans but those that do cause serious illness.

How infections occur? Diseases caused by bacteria – tetanus and meningitis Body’s ability to fight infection depends on its immune system Antibiotics are prescribed that kill the bacteria or weaken them so the body can get rid of it. Viruses can cause many diseases; may be difficult to eliminate because very few medications are effective against viral infections

Bloodborne Pathogens are spread For any disease to be spread; 4 conditions must be met: 1. A pathogen is present. 2. There is enough of the pathogen present to cause disease. 3. Pathogen passes through the correct entry site. 4. A person is susceptible to the pathogen.

Bloodborne Pathogens are spread Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C virus, and HIV can be spread from person to person by Direct contact transmission – infected blood or body fluids from one person enter another’s body at a correct entry site (eyes, directly touching infected blood) Indirect contact transmission- touch an object that contains blood or another body fluid of an infected person, and it enters the body through a correct entry site (soiled dressings, work or equipment surfaces)

Standard Precautions Personal Hygiene – wash hands Personal Protective equipment – disposable gloves, breathing barriers Clean up blood/fluids & dispose in biohazard waste container

Obtaining Consent Before giving first aid to a conscious adult victim, must get their permission to give care This is called consent Victim has right to accept or refuse help Get consent by telling victim Who you are. Your level of training. Ask to Help Care you would like to give. Explain What You Observe and Your Plan.

Consent Do not give care if victim refuses help Call 9-1-1 If victim is a child or infant, get permission from parent or guardian If victim is unconscious or unable to respond, consent is implied Implied consent – assume victim would agree to your help

Good Samaritan Law All states have this law Protects people who willingly provide emergency care without accepting anything in return. As long as responder acts as a reasonable and prudent person, they can not be sued for victim’s injuries

Good Samaritan Law Appropriate Behavior Move victim only if his/her life is endangered Check victim for life threatening emergencies before giving further care Call 9-1-1 or local emergency # Ask conscious victim for permission before giving care Give care only to the level of his/her training Continue to give care until more highly trained personnel arrive

Reaching and Moving Victim Usually you will not have to move a victim Moving a victim needlessly can lead to further injury Move a victim only when you can do so safely and when there is immediate danger Fire Toxic gas Risk of drowning A collapsing structure Uncontrollable traffic hazards

Reaching and Moving Victim Before you act, consider these limitations to moving one or more victims quickly and safely Dangerous conditions at the scene Size of the victim(s) Your physical ability Whether others can help you Victim’s condition Distance you need to travel

Reaching and Moving Victim Follow these guidelines when moving a victim Only attempt to move a person you are sure you can comfortably handle Bend your body at the knees and hips Lift w/your legs, not your back Walk forward, using short steps Watch where you are going Support victim’s head, neck, and back Avoid bending or twisting a victim w/possible head, neck, and back injury

6 Rescue Moves Walking Assist – (conscious victim) 1 or 2 responders; place victim’s arm across your shoulders and hold it; support victim w/other hand around waist. Do Not Use if Suspect Head, Back or Neck Injury Pack Strap Carry – (conscious or unconscious victim) victim standing, position yourself w/back to the victim, back straight, knees bent, shoulders should fit into victim’s armpits. Cross victim’s arms in front of you and grasp wrists, lean forward slightly and pull victim up and onto back, stand up and walk safely. Do Not Use if Suspect Head, Neck, Back Injury.

6 Rescue Moves Two Person Seat Carry – (conscious victim, not seriously injured) 2 people, one arm behind victim’s thighs and the other across victim’s back, interlock arms w/second rescuer, lift victim in the “seat” formed b rescuers’ arms. Clothes Drag – (conscious/unconscious victim suspected of head, neck, back injury) Stabilizes head and neck. Grasp victim’s clothing behind the neck, gathering enough to secure a firm grip. Pull victim to safety. Head is cradled by clothing and rescuer’s arms. No One Way is Best for Every Situation- Objective is to Move Victim w/out Injury to You or Them.

6 Rescue Moves Blanket Drag- Equipment is limited – can be used for Conscious or Unconscious and suspect has a Head, Neck or Back Injury Ankle Drag- Victim is to large to carry. Don’t use if you suspect Head, Neck or Back Injury.