First Responder: Emergency Action Steps 1. CHECK the scene and victim 2. CALL CARE for the victim First Aid, pg. 20

CHECK THE SCENE Is the scene safe? What happened? Are there any bystanders available to help? How many victims are there? Part 1 First Aid, pg. 20

CHECK THE VICTIM NEVER move a victim unless they are in immediate danger If the situation is life threatening… call immediately! ! Unconsciousness ! Trouble breathing ! No signs of circulation ! Severe bleeding First Aid, pg. 21

If the victim is conscious… Introduce yourself Interview the victim Talk to bystanders GET CONSENT to treat the victim First Aid, pg. 22

Getting consent from a victim Introduce yourself Disclose your level of training Explain the care you would like to give For a child, get permission from a parent or guardian FYI- If a person is unconscious, it is implied that you have permission to administer first aid. First Aid, pg. 31

Call Part 2 Call First or Call Fast? Call First: Unconscious person (age 8+) Unconscious infant or child with suspected heart problems Call Fast: Unconscious child (age 8 or younger) Anyone near drowning or submersed Cardiac problems related to a trauma Drug overdose First Aid, pg. 23

When the situation is determined to be a call fast emergency… administer one minute of first aid, then call

Other scenarios that require a call to emergency services after giving first aid: Chest discomfort, pressure or pain Severe bleeding Persistent abdominal pain or pressure Vomiting or passing blood Severe seizures Seizure and pregnant or diabetic Severe headache or slurred speech Suspected poisoning Head, neck or back injuries Broken bones First Aid, pg. 22

Part 3 CARE Providing first aid: Prioritize injuries, and treat the most serious first Monitor vital signs Help victim rest comfortably Reassure the victim First Aid, pg. 24

Cardiac Emergencies According to the American Red Cross, an estimated 61 million Americans suffer from cardiovascular disease. Of those, almost one million die every year due to their heart condition. First Aid, pg. 116

Heart attack- when there is a complete or partial blockage of blood flow, which damages heart tissue. Blood cannot effectively circulate throughout the body depriving cells of the oxygen needed to survive. Cardiac arrest- a condition in which the heart stops beating. Types of Cardiac Emergencies First Aid, pg. 117

Signs of a Heart Attack  Chest pains, pressure, and/or discomfort  Pain spreads to shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms  Shortness of breath or trouble breathing  Nausea or vomiting  Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting  Pale, gray or blue skin tones  Sweating First Aid, pg. 120

Care for a Heart Attack  Recognize the signs  Call  Help victim rest comfortably  Loosen restrictive clothing  Assist victim with any prescribed medications that may help  Monitor breathing and other vital signs  Be prepared to perform CPR First Aid, pg. 121

Causes for Cardiac Arrest  Heart disease  Drowning  Suffocation  Drugs  Severe chest injuries  Loss of a large amount of blood  Electrocution  Stroke First Aid, pg.1 20

Urgent Someone who is clinically dead has stopped breathing and blood has stopped circulating. There is a short window in which the brain and organs survive until the oxygen is depleted. In order to save the victim, heart and lung function need to be restored artificially. First Aid, pg. 117

Chain of Survival Early Recognition Early CPR Early Defibrillation Early Advanced Medical Treatment First Aid, pg. 118

Administering CPR (adult) We are going to cover the following key features of CPR: Hand position Position of the rescuer Compression techniques Breathing/ compression cycles

Hand Position Using the hand closer to the victim’s feet, find the lower edge of the victim’s rib cage. Slide two fingers (middle and index) up to where the sternum and rib cage meet. Place those two fingers on that notch. First Aid, pg. 121

Place the heel of your other hand next to your index finger. When the heel of the hand is positioned correctly, place the other hand on top. Use the heel of the hand to apply pressure on the chest (sternum). Interlace the fingers to keep them off the chest. First Aid, pg. 121

Position of Rescuer Kneel beside the victim. Straighten arms and lock elbows Shoulders are directly above hands. Use your body weight to perform compressions, and do not rely on arm strength. First Aid, pg. 122

Compression Technique Push sternum 1.5 to 2 inches Straight up and down Smooth, not jerky Maintain a steady rhythm; do not pause Compressions should be done at a rate of about 100 per minute. First Aid, pg. 122

Compressions w/ Breathing For every 15 compressions, use 2 breaths. Use the head-tilt/chin-lift technique. After 4 cycles (one minute) check vitals. Use carotid artery in neck and two fingers to check for pulse. First Aid, pg. 123

Continued... Still no pulse, continue with CPR. Check after a few more minutes. If there is a pulse, check for breathing. Give rescue breaths if necessary. If breathing, keep airway open and monitor vitals. First Aid, pg.1 23

Head-tilt/ Chin-lift Technique Push forehead down Pull up on chin First Aid, pg. 98

Check Breathing Is the victim breathing? Listen Feel Watch

Rescue Breathing Pinch off nose Seal off mouth Slow breath, watch chest Two quick breathes (2 seconds) Pause, then continue Check vitals, after 1 minute First Aid, pg. 98

When to Stop CPR Scene becomes unsafe Circulation begins AED is available Trained rescuer arrives to take over You are too exhausted to continue. First Aid, pg.. 124

Conclusion If you are the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency, the first steps you take may save someone life. Especially in the case of a cardiac emergency, those first few minutes are critical. Stay calm and always be prepared.

References Jupiterimages Corporation, (2007). Animation Factory. Retrieved May 20, 2007, Web site: (2002, Nov. 19). Retrieved May 20, 2007, from Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Web site: Wreckmaster, Inc, (2000). World of Recovery. Retrieved May 20, 2007, from Wreckmaster Web site: Clipart and Images American National Red Cross, (2005). First Aid: Responding to Emergencies 4th Edition. Yardley, PA: Staywell Medimedia USA. Information