Warm-Up Write a paragraph describing what you know about CPR.

First Aid and Emergencies Lesson 27

Objectives Describe criteria that determine when emergency first aid is needed Demonstrate the appropriate steps for responding to emergency situations Define universal precautions and appropriate use Identify the appropriate steps for responding to life threatening emergencies

Terms First Aid: Universal Precautions Immediate, temporary care given to an ill or injured person until professional medical care can be provided Universal Precautions Actions taken to prevent the spread of disease by treating all blood and other body fluid as if they contained pathogens Wearing protective gloves Using a mouth piece during breathing emergencies Washing hands before and after providing first aid

Responding to an Emergency First step in responding to an emergency is recognizing it Common indicators of an emergency: Unusual sights, sounds, behaviors, and/or odors If you find yourself in an emergency, remain calm and follow these steps developed by the American Red Cross Check, Call, Care

First steps to take in an emergency situation. Check, Call, Care First steps to take in an emergency situation.

Types of Injuries: Open Wounds Abrasion Skin scraped against a hard surface Tiny blood vessels in the outer layers of skin break Dirt and bacteria can easily enter the site Especially important to clean the wound Laceration Cut caused by a sharp object Slices through layers of skin Accompanied by bleeding Infection may occur if not cleaned Deep lacerations may damage nerves, large blood vessels and soft tissues Puncture Small by deep hole caused by an object that pierces the skin Does not usually cause heavy external bleeding, however, if the puncture it deep internal bleeding could occur High risk of infection, including tetanus Avulsion Tissue is partly or completely separated from the body Heavy bleeding Pack the severed part in ice or ice water, if possible to preserve the issue Immediately call for professional medical assistance

First Aid for Bleeding First put on clean protective gloves Wash a minor wound with mild soap and running water DO NOT attempt to clean a severe injury such as an avulsion Control the bleeding Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth and apply pressure Elevate the wound above the level of the heart Cover the gauze with a sterile bandage Cover the dressing with a pressure bandage and/or use pressure point bleeding control Call for help!

Applying a Pressure Bandage Place a dressing ove the wound Secure the roller bandage over the dressing Use overlapping turns, covering the dressing completely Secure the bandage Split the ends into two strips and tie them together over the wound Make sure the bandage is not so thight that it cuts of all circulation

Pressure Point Bleeding Control Press the main artery against a bone to stop blood supply to the injured area Used only when absolutely necessary! Person requiring this is seriously injured and possible in shock Points at which pressure should be applied

Burns Caused by Classified into 3 categories, based upon depth Heat Figure 26.2 pg 741 Caused by Heat Radiation from sun Chemicals Electricity Classified into 3 categories, based upon depth Heat burns are most common, chemical and electrical burns require special first-aid procedures (contact the Red Cross for more information on these)

Responding to Common Emergencies

Muscle Cramps Sudden and painful tightening of a muscle Can occur when active or at rest Medications can also cause them Treatment Stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cramp Massage firmly Apply moist heat Get medical help if the cramp persists

Strains and Sprains Strain: injury to a muscle, usually resulting from overuse Symptoms Pain Swelling Bruising Loss of movement Sprain: injury to a ligament, usually resulting from a sudden twisting force Serious strains and sprains require medical attention, while minor ones can be treated with RICE R: Rest Avoid any movements that cause pain I: Ice Icing helps reduces the pain and swelling 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off C: Compression Light pressure from an elastic wrap E: Elevation Raise the affected limb above the level of the heart

Fractures and Dislocations Fracture: break in the bone Keep the victim still and call 911 If the victim must be moved, keep the fractured area immobilized by securing a splint

Unconsciousness Condition in which a person is not alert and aware of his or her surroundings Different levels, ranging from drowsiness to coma Unconscious victim can choke to death because of an inability to cough, clear the throat or react to a blocked airway Place an unconscious victim in the recovery position

Fainting Occurs then blood supply to the brain is temporarily inadequate Usually brief Could be symptomatic of a medical problem, but not necessarily If you feel faint lie down, or sit with your head between your knees If someone else faints, position him or her on back, with legs elevated 8 to 12 inches above the heart If vomiting occurs, place the person in the recovery position to prevent choking

Concussion Jarring injury to the brain that affects normal brain function Do not move an unconscious victim if you suspect a head injury or concussion Check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation Get professional help Have a conscious victim lie down Use first aid for any bleeding If the victim is unconscious and you do not suspect head or neck injury, place in the recovery position

Recovery Position: Figure 28.7 pg 751

Animal Bites Wash the bite area with mild soap and warm water for 5 minutes to remove saliva and foreign matter Use direct pressure or pressure point bleeding control to stop any bleeding If wound is swollen apply ice Cover the wound with a clean dressing or bandage Most serious consequence is rabies Viral disease of the nervous system that if left untreated eventually will cause paralysis and death No cure for rabies after symptoms develop If vaccinated promptly after being bitten, immunity can be developed before symptoms arrive

Nosebleeds Can occur Treatment If the nose is struck If the mucous membranes in the nose dry out from breathing dry air Treatment Keep the person quiet Walking, talking and blowing the nose may increase breathing Breathe through the mouth Site down and lean forward, DO NOT tilt the person’s head back Could cause person to choke as blood runs down the back of the throat Use a protective barrier and press on the bleeding nostril for 15 minutes

Object in the Eye Do not rub the eye Encourage the person to blink Try to find the object Gently pull the lower eyelid down while the person looks up Pull the upper eye lid up while the person looks down Touch the object with a moistened cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth Flush the eye Tilt the head so the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye Hold the eye open with one hand Pour a steady stream of cool water into the eye, from the inside corner to the outside corner

Poisoning Treatment

Poison: any substance that causes injury, illness or death when introduced into the body Approximately 90% of poisonings occur in the home Over half of these poisonings involve children under 6

Types of poisoning Venom: a poisonous substance secreted by a snake, spider or other creature Injected into body through a bite or sting Certain plants or foods can also be poisonous Gasses or vapors may also be poisonous Carbon monoxide from hot water heaters or furnaces Exhaust fumes from automobiles Fumes from gas or oil burning stoves Poison Control Center 24 hour hotline that provides emergency medical advice on treating poisoning victims When calling Be prepared to give your name, location and phone number Provide the name of the substance, when it was ingested and the amount involved Describe the state of the victim, as well as his or her age and weight Be prepared to follow instructions and answer any questions

First Aid for Poisoning First call 911, then practice these strategies Swallowed poisons Call poison control May be instructed to dilute the poison by drinking milk or water or to induce vomiting Inhaled poison Get the person to fresh air Do not breathe in the fumes If victim is not breathing, start rescue breathing Poison on the skin Remove contaminated clothing Rinse skin continuously with water for 15 minutes Rinse with mild soap and water after rinsing for 15 minutes Rinse again with fresh water Have someone call 911 while your rinse, if possible Poison in the eye Flush eye immediately for 15 minutes Have victim blink Call 911 Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed to do so, some poisons can be aspirated into the lungs and cause even more damage, others can burn the esophagus if the victim vomits

First Aid for Poisonous Bites and Stings Snakebite 20 venomous snakes in the US Usually not fatal, however a bite can cause sever pain, loss of function, and rarely the loss of a limb Insect Bites and Stings Move to a safe area to avoid further harm Remove the singer by scraping it with a firm, sharp-edged object Wash with mild soap and water Apply cold compress If bitten by a venomous spider, or if victim shows trouble breathing, call 911 immediately Figure 28.2 pg 758 for snakebite first aid

First Aid for Poisonous Plants 85% of Americans will develop an allergic skin reaction if exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac Symptoms: Blistering Swelling Burning Itching Fever First defense is to recognize and avoid them Flush affected areas with water and then wash with soap and water Use calamine lotion to relieve itching