1. AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
FIRST AID
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

2. AMERICAN HEART ASSICIATION
Non-profit organization
Funded by gifts and grants
Focus
Research
National Standards for CPR, First Aid, AED
Education
Training
Resource Heart Saver First Aid, CPR, AED
Student Workbook and DVD March 2011

3. What is First Aid?
First Aid is immediate care that you give to someone with an illness or injury before others with more advanced training arrives p 3
The majority of first aid responses are for minor illness and injuries and are not life threatening. Some are life threatening.
Knowing what to do when a need arises may save a life or prevent further injury.

4. Why is First Aid Needed?
67 million people visit the Emergency Department, physician office or outpatient facility due to injuries and accidents annually. (CDC )
Leading cause of death
for persons age 1-44 is
unintentional injury
(CDC 2011)

5. Why is First Aid Needed?
One American dies every 4 minutes from a stroke ,000 people per year suffer a stroke; leading cause of disability (CDC 2011)
One in 4 deaths is due to heart disease;
935,000 people have heart attacks; heart
disease is the leading cause of death in
United States (CDC 2009)

6. What would you do?
You are in the mall with friends. Suddenly an individual falls to the ground and appears unconscious. A crowd has gathered and no one is doing anything to help.
Would you help?
Why or Why not?
Discuss with your
table group.

7. Why people don’t help. Uncertain what to do Don’t know what is wrong
Fear of catching a disease
Fear of doing something wrong
Fear of being sued
Our training in First Aid will give you the ability and confidence to help.

8. What to do first. BE SURE THE SCENE IS SAFE
If you see a person experiencing difficulty,
Ask if they need help
Introduce yourself
Say I am trained in first aid
Do you want me to help?
Always ask permission
If the person cannot respond, assume they need help.

9. What to do first. Point to a person and say,
Go call 911 and get the first kit
and AED
Begin the process of finding
out what is wrong and take
appropriate action.

10. What if I do something wrong?
If you are well trained and follow the steps we will be learning and practicing you should not do anything wrong.
If something unforeseen happens, you are protected by Good Samaritan Law in Texas
Care given in a reasonable and prudent
manner is protected
Always use common sense and don’t go beyond
your level of training

11. What about getting a disease?
Proper hand washing is your most
important protection. Wash hands
with soap and running
water for 20 seconds.
Use universal precaution which we
will learn through the training

12. Universal Precautions: Keys
Treat all blood and body fluids as infected
Use proper personal protective equipment:
Gloves
Eye Protection
Mask

13. P Phoning for help When to phone Someone is seriously ill or injured
You are not sure what to do
Who to call
911 or area emergency number
What to say:
Identify yourself, state the
emergency, give a detailed address
When to hang up- the 911 operator will
tell you

14. How do I find out what I need to do to help the person?
The next step is to begin looking for what is wrong.
If the person can tell you listen carefully and take proper action
If the person is unconscious, check for breathing. If person is not breathing, begin CPR
Look for any obvious signs of injury
Look for medical jewelry

15. What is next? You will learn what to do for common problems
After the emergency, you may not share information about the person and what happened. Personal privacy is protect by law.

16. Be Prepared: First Aid Kit
A first aid kit should contain the supplies
need in an emergency and kept in an
area where everyone can find it easily.
After the kit is used, the supplies should be replaced immediately.

17. Let’s review the basics
Answer the questions on your notesheet and prepare for discussion.
So, how do feel about giving first aid at this point?
Distribute flow chart and fill in answers to this point
Practice finding a person in trouble and complete first steps.

18. Medical Emergencies
Occur suddenly and may threaten a person’s life if not corrected immediately
Breathing Problems
Choking in an Adult
Allergic Reactions
Heart Attack
Fainting
Diabetic with Hypoglycemia
Stroke
Seizure
Shock

19. Breathing Problems The brain begins to die within four minutes
without oxygen. Breathing problems can
lead to cardiac arrest and need to be
treated immediately.
Most people who have
breathing problems keep
needed medicines with them
but may need help taking them

20. Breathing Problems
How do I know if someone is having trouble breathing?
Is breathing very fast or very slow?
Is person having trouble with every
breath?
Is person’s breathing making sounds or
whistling?
Can the person only make sounds or speak few words at a time

21. Common Breathing Problems
Asthma Chronic disease causing inflammation of lining of the bronchi and bronchioles. (main airways in the lungs)
Medicine needed for
treatment is in an inhaler
which most people carry
with them.

22. Common Breathing Problems
Allergies Reaction to an allergen that causes mild to severe reaction. Common
allergens are peanuts, bee or insect
stings, and foods like fish and strawberries.
Medication needed for severe reaction
Epinephrine pen (Epi pen)

23. Signs of an Allergic Reaction
Mild Reactions
Severe Reaction
Stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching around the eyes.
Itching of the skin
Raised, red rash (hives)
Trouble breathing
Swelling of tongue and face
Signs of shock

24. Choking
Choking is when food or an object blocks the airway and stops or interferes with air getting to the lungs.
If the person’s airway is completely blocked and the person cannot speak at all an abdominal thrust is needed.

25. Choking MILD SEVERE Person can make sounds or cough
Action Stand by and let them cough
If concerned, call 911
Person cannot breathe or speak, makes choking sign
Give abdominal thrusts.

26. Finding the Problem/Actions
After receiving permission to help
Ask person if they can tell you what is
wrong.
Ask if they have medicine, if yes get it
and help patient take medicine or give
the medicine to the patient.
Cal1 911 if you give Epi-pen
or problem continues

27. HEART ATTACK The first minutes of a heart
attack are the most important.
Without immediate action,
the person may get worse and die.
Many people will deny they are having a heart attack. Act anyway. Better to be safe than sorry.

28. Signs of a Heart Attack
Chest discomfort in the center of the chest. May come and go. May be described as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
Discomfort in other parts of upper body.
One or both arms, back, neck jaw, or
abdomen
Shortness of breath
Others cold sweat, nausea, dizziness

29. Signs of a Heart Attack: Women, Elderly, Diabetics
May have less typical symptoms.
May complain of uncomfortable feeling in back, jaw, neck, or shoulder. May complain of shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting.

30. Finding the Problem/Action
After receiving permission to help
Ask person to describe what is happening.
If you, suspect a heart attack
Keep person calm
Get help: call 911, first aid kit,
AED
Give aspirin if appropriate
Be ready to give CPR

31. Shock Develops when not enough blood flows to the cells of the body.
Common causes:
Loss of blood visible or not seen
Severe heart attack
Severe allergic reaction

32. Signs of Shock Person may feel Weak, faint or dizzy Nausea or thirst
Have pale or grayish skin
Act restless, agitated, confused
Be cold, and clammy to the touch

33. Finding the Problem/Action
After receiving permission to help
Ask person if they can tell you what is
wrong.
Get help: Call 911, first aid kit, AED
Have person lie on back
Cover person to keep them warm

34. Stroke
Occurs when blood stops flowing to part of the brain. Signs of stroke are usually sudden
Immediate action is critical. A medication to dissolve clots can be given within the first hours after signs appear.
Limit is usually three hours.

36. Signs of a Stroke Warning signs include:
Sudden weakness or numbness of
face, arm, or leg especially one side
Confusion, trouble speaking or
understanding
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Severe headache with no known
cause

37. Stroke: FAST
FACE
ARMS
SPEECH
TIME to call 911

38. Finding the Problem/Action
After receiving permission to help
Ask person if they can tell you what is
wrong.
Get help: Call 911, first aid kit, AED
Note the time when symptoms appeared

39. Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
Diabetes is a disease that affects levels of sugar in the blood. Too much or too little sugar in the blood can be a problem.
Low blood sugar is the most common medical emergency. Causes include
Not enough food or vomiting
Not eating enough food for activity
Taking too much insulin

40. Finding the Problem/Action
After receiving permission to help
Ask person if they can tell you what is
wrong.
If person can sit up and swallow give
them something that contains sugar
Have person sit or lie down
If person does not get better
immediately, call 911

41. Foods with Sugar Fruit Juice Milk Sugar Honey
Regular soft drink (not diet)

42. Seizure Abnormal electrical of the brain
Causes: head injury, low blood sugar, head related injuries, poisons,
Signs: Loss of muscle control, fall to ground, jerking of arms, legs, other parts
Key action: Protect person

43. Fainting
Fainting is a short period of time when a person stops responding for a few minutes
and then appears fine. The cause is not
enough brain to the brain.
Causes
Stands without moving for a long time
Has a heart condition
Suddenly stands after squatting
Receives bad news
Key Action: Have person lie down

44. Let’s Review
You are talking to a friend. Suddenly your friend is not making sense and their speech is slurred. You notice the right side of their face appears different and they are stumbling. What’s do you think is happening. What do you do?
You see a person in front of you fall and begin to jerk violently. What do you suspect and what do you do?

45. Injury Emergencies
When injuries occur, prompt action is needed to help stabilize the current injury and prevent further problems after the injury.
Injuries to be covered:
Bleeding you can see
Bleeding you can’t see
Wounds
Head, neck and spine injuries
Broken bones and sprains
Burns and electrical injuries

46. Bleeding You Can’t See
Bleeding always needs immediate attention. When a large blood vessel is torn or cut, a person can lose a lot of blood within minutes.
The key to bleeding is to apply pressure to the cut or tear using a bandage, sterile if available to help prevent infection. You need to use PPE if available.

47. First Aid Actions for Bleeding
After receiving permission to help
Have someone get the first aid kit/AED
Have the person hold a gauze on the
site while you put on gloves and goggles
Apply direct pressure on the bandage
gauze with the flat part of you fingers or
palm

48. First Aid Actions for Bleeding
If the bleeding does not stop add another gauze on top of the first one and press harder Do not pull off the bottom dressing Keep pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops Apply a bandage over the dressing and seek medical attention.

49. Call 911 When There is a lot of bleeding You cannot stop the bleeding
You see signs of shock
You suspect a head, neck or spinal injury
You are not sure what to do

50. Minor Cuts and Scrapes When the wound is minor,
Wash the wound with clean water
Apply dressing
Later, an antibiotic ointment can be
applied to help prevent infection

51. Applying a Tourniquet
If an arm or leg has bleeding you cannot stop, you can apply a tourniquet
Pre-made tourniquet
Place the tourniquet 2” above
the bleeding until bleeding stops
Note time should be called
Make a tourniquet
Use a cloth or bandage at least 1”
the bleeding and tighten using
a stick until bleeding stops

52. Bleeding You Can’t See
Being hit hard in the chest, abdomen or falling may cause internal injuries resulting in bleeding inside.
After receiving permission to help
Ask person what happened
Get first aid kit and AED
Call 911
Put on PPE
Have person lie down and keep still
Check for signs of shock

53. Wounds
You may need to manage a variety of wounds that may be bleeding.
Wounds include
Bleeding from Nose
Bleeding from Mouth
Tooth Injuries
Eye injuries
Penetrating and Puncture Objects
Amputations

54. Bleeding from Nose
The nose has blood vessels that are near the surface in mucous membranes and may bleed extensively.
Actions
After receiving permission to help
Get the first aid kit; put on PPE
Pinch the nose on both nostrils
Have person sit and lean forward
Call 911 if bleeding continues 15”, gushing
or person has trouble breathing

55. Bleeding from the Mouth
Bleeding from the mouth can be serious especially if teeth or blood blocks the airway.
Actions
After receiving permission to help
Get first aid kit and put on PPE
Apply pressure to area with gauze
Call 911 if bleeding does not stop or
person has breathing problems

56. Tooth Injuries Bleeding may occur when a tooth is injured. Actions
After receiving permission to help
Get first aid kit and put on PPE
Check mouth of loose or chipped teeth
Cleans mouth with saline or water
Put pressure on bleeding area with
gauze
If tooth is out, place in milk or water

57. Penetrating and Puncturing Objects
When an injury is cause by a knife, sharp stick or other penetrating object, do not remove it.
Actions
Get permission to help and put on PPE
Call 911
Stop any bleeding you can see
Keep the person from moving

58. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries may happen in a variety of ways. Direct hit to eye or side of the head, ball striking eye, stick or another sharp object may injure the eye.
Signs to look for include
Pain
Trouble seeing
Bruising or Bleeding
Redness or swelling

59. Actions for Eye Injuries
After receiving permission to help
Tell person to keep eyes closed and
call 911 if eye is hit hard or is punctured
If eye has an irritant, use water to rinse
the eye; if irritant can’t be removed
call 911

60. Amputations
If a body part is amputated, save the part because doctors may be able to reattach the part.
Actions
Get first aid kit and put on PPE
Call 911
Apply pressure stop the bleeding
Find the part, rise in water, cover with
gauze, place in plastic bag, put on ice or in
water and send with person to hospital

61. Head, Neck and Spine
Head, neck, and spinal injuries occur in many ways. Falls from heights, injury to head, diving, electrical injury or car accidents may be the cause.
Actions
Get first aid kit and call 911
Minimize movement of head
and neck

62. Signs of Head and Spinal Injuries
Head Injury
Does not respond
Acts sleepy/confused
Vomits
Headache
Visual problems
Trouble walking or
moving
Has a seizure
Neck and Spine
Car wreck
Fall from height
Weak arms/legs
Pain neck or back
Not fully alert

63. Broken Bones and Sprains
Get first aid kit/PPE
Cover open wound
with clean dressing
Place cold on for 20”
Call 911 for
Large open area
Injured part bent
Unsure what to do
Person should avoid
using part until
checked.
Splinting
Make splint from
magazine/ something
that will keep injured
part from moving
Tie to injured part
Don’t straighten any part
that is bent
Don’t move a broken
bone thru skin

64. Broken Bones and Sprains
Joints sprain when they move they move in directions they are not supposed to go. Bones break.
Signs
Pain swelling;
joint may turn blue
Extremity is bent in
unusual direction
Bone is exposed

65. Burns Can be caused by heat, electricity, or chemicals
Heat burns occur because of contact with fire, a hot surface, hot liquid or steam.
Use cool water on burns not ice water.

66. Severity of Burns

67. Burns: Actions Small Burn Cool with water Run water on burn
until it stops hurting
Cover with dry, non-
stick sterile or
clean dressing
Large Burn
Put fire out
Remove jewelry
clothing not stuck
to skin
Cover with blanket
Check for shock

68. Electrical Injury
Electricity can burn the body inside and out side. A small wound may appear on the body when extensive damage has been done inside.
Electricity can cause stop breathing and/or cause a heart arrhythmia
TAKE EXTRA TIME TO BE SURE THE SCENCE IS SAFE

69. Electrical Injury Actions
Call 911
Get first aid kit and AED/Use PPE
If breathing has stopped, begin CPR
STAY CLEAR OF PERSON UNTIL THE POWER IS TURNED OFF.

70. Environmental Emergencies
Environmental factors like extreme heat or cold, insect bites and a variety of poisons can produce life threatening situations.
Emergencies include
Bites and stings
Heat Related Emergencies
Cold Related Emergencies
Poison Emergencies

71. Bites and Stings Animal and Human Bites
Most bites are minor and do not break
the skin. If a skin break occurs, treat the
area like a wound.
Actions
Get first aid kit. Use PPP
If animal bite, call 911
Clean the wound with running water
Stop any bleeding with pressure and dressing
For swelling use ice bag with water 20”

72. Snake Bites
When a snake bites someone, try to identify the snake (get a good description) if possible.
If type of snake is unknown, assume it is poisonous.

73. Snake Bites: Actions Signs Pain at site that keeps getting worse
Swelling of the area
Nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness
Actions (BE SURE THE SCENE IS SAFE)
Call 911
Ask person to stay calm and still
Remove and tight clothing or jewelry
Wash area with soap and water

74. Insect Stings
Most insect and spider bites cause only mild irritation. Some can be serious and
potentially fatal.
Person may have a severe allergy
Poison may be injected from spiders
(black widow or brown recluse

75. Insect Stings: Actions
Get first aid kit and wear PPE
Call 911 if
Person has signs of severe reaction
Person tells you of severe allergy; get
their epi-pen
If bee sting, remove stinger using dull edge like a credit card
Wash area with running water and soap
Put a bag of ice with water covered with towel on site for 20”
WATCH PERSON FOR 30”

76. Poisonous Spider & Scorpion Bites
Actions
Same as insect sting
Signs
Severe pain at site
Muscle cramps
Headache
Fever
Vomiting
Breathing problems
Seizures
Lack of response

77. Ticks Actions Get first aid kit and wear PPE
Grab tick by mouth or head as close to skin as possible with tweezers
Pull straight up and hold; tick will let go
Wash the bite with running water and soap
If in an area with tick-borne diseases,
see a healthcare provider

78. Heat Related Emergencies
Heat Cramps
Mild heat emergency usually caused by
vigorous exercise
Heat cramps cause painful muscle
spasms in the calves, arms, stomach, back
Actions
Have person rest and cool off
Give drink with sugar or electrolytes, water

79. Heat Related Emergencies
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Signs
Sweating
Nausea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Muscle cramps
Feeling faint
Fatigue
Life-threatening
Signs
Hot red, dry skin
Confusion
Dizziness
Seizures
Passing out

80. Actions Heat Stroke Get first aid kit; PPE Call 911
Heat Exhaustion
Get first aid kit; PPE
Call 911
Have person lie down in cool place
Remove clothing
Spray with cool water or
Place cool damp cloths on neck, armpit and groin area
Give person drink a with sugar, electrolytes, water
Get first aid kit; PPE
Call 911
Begin cooling immediately.
Put person in water up to neck or cool with water spray:
Stop when person’s
behavior is normal
Give sports drink

81. Cold Related Emergencies
Frostbite affects parts of body exposed to cold like fingers, toes, nose and ears
Signs
Skin over area white, waxy or grayish - yellow
Area is cold and numb
Area is hard and skin doesn’t move

82. Frostbite Action Move person to warm place Call 911
Remove tight clothing and jewelry
Remove wet clothing and pat dry
Put on warm clothes and cover person
with blanket
Don’t try to thaw frozen part if chance of
refreezing

83. Hypothermia Occurs when body temperature falls
Shivering produces heat; when it stops
the body becomes very cold
Signs
Skin cool to touch
Shivering stops
Confusion, drowsiness
Personality may change
Muscles become stiff and rigid
Skin becomes ice cold and blue
Breathing may slow or stop

84. Actions: Hypothermia Get person out of cold Call 911
Remove wet clothing and pat dry
Put on dry clothes and blanket
Wrap person in anything you have-
cover head not face

85. Poisoning Emergencies
May be caused by chemicals or gases
Be sure scene is safe
Wear PPE
Determine cause of poisoning if possible
Call Poison Control