Basic First Aid Tips for Everyday Basic Rules

Basic First Aid Tips for Everyday

Basic Rules To Remember n n When you respond to an incident that has resulted in injury always provide for your safety first and those in the immediate environment- you cannot help anyone if you secure an injury at the scene Always carry latex disposable gloves for emergencies on and off the playground Wash your hands after removing contaminated gloves Dispose of any bandages or gauze with blood or other body fluid contamination, using the double bagging method

Inform the Parent n Always inform the parent or guardian of any injuries sustained at school, no matter how minor you suspect the injury might be. n Make a note for the nurse and place in her mailbox, so that she can follow up on any serious incidents.

Incident Reports n Many school employees fail to file an incident report when students sustain falls or injuries. These reports are essential to protect school personnel in case some complication develops later. Also, this reminds the school staff to inform the nurse and parents of more serious incidents.

Remember ABC n n Remember your CPR and Heimlich Maneuver Training: A- Be sure the airway is open and not obstructed B- Breathing: Begin assessment and provide respiratory support if needed C-Circulation: If pulse is absent send for defibrillator (if one available), 9 -1 -1, and begin CPR

Injury to head, neck or back n n If an individual appears to have injured the neck or back it is important to stabilize the head gently between your hands in the position that the person is found. If movement is allowed and the spinal column is involved, it can result in paralysis. Send for emergency assistance and keep the person immobilized unless they have to be moved to a safer area

Choking It is wise to remind all teachers to review the “universal choking sign” with all students annually. Placing both hands as if they are grasping the front of their neck is that sign. If the victim is coughing or speaking, observe but do not administer first aid unless they are unable to cough or speak and it is apparent that something is lodged in the throat. Heimlich maneuver is taught in your CPR certification class.

Possible Fractured Bones n n n If a child sustains an injury and demonstrates the following, they should have the area on the body immobilized and be referred to a physician for assessment: Swelling or excessive bruising Deformity of the area Unusual complaint of pain in the area, even if swelling is not evident Remember: only an x-ray can rule out a fracture

Cuts and Abrasions n n Wear gloves If bleeding, apply direct pressure After bleeding is controlled or if a minor scrape, clean with water and mild soap; or at least flush with clean water If bleeding is severe, apply more gauze when bandage becomes soaked with blood-do not take original bandage off since this will tear away any clots that have begun to form

Control of Bleeding n n n If severe laceration and it is possible, raise the limb (or cut) above the level of the heart and place a cold compress on top of bandage Watch any injury for infection for several days Refer any serious wounds to physician immediately Send for emergency assistance if bleeding cannot be controlled Apply clean dry dressing and advise parent of injury so that he/she can apply antibiotic crème or seek physician assessment if necessary

Puncture Wounds n n n Any puncture wound is risky for infection Refer any puncture wound to the doctor after rinsing with clean water. The doctor will determine if a Tetanus booster is required. Any dirty item that causes a wound can cause Tetanus- it does not have to be a ‘rusty’ object; just ‘dirty’.

Nosebleeds n n Have student pinch the nostrils together gently for 5 to 15 minutes. If bleeding profusely, the student may need to lean head slightly forward to avoid choking on blood going down back of throat. Apply cool compress at nose bridge if bleeding does not stop After 20 minutes, contact emergency personnel if bleeding cannot be controlled (or if all efforts fail to slow the bleed. If fracture of the nose or face is suspected the child should be sent to physician immediately

Dental Injuries n n If a child loses a primary (baby) tooth, gentle rinsing with clean water generally stops the bleeding; larger teeth may require that the child bite down on a clean gauze. If permanent tooth is lost, place the tooth in milk (preferred) or water, handling the tooth by the crown, not the root; and send to the dentist immediately with the child.

Sprains and Strains Apply ace bandage that will support area Apply ice or cold compress on bandage at site of injury but do not ever place ice directly on bare skin! Elevate injured area If excessive swelling or discomfort continues, refer to physician immediately n

Impaled Objects n n n If the individual has an object stuck into the body and hanging out (like a pencil, stick, etc. ) DO NO REMOVE THE OBJECT! It is impossible to determine how deep the object might be and what type of injury has occurred. Obtain assistance from 9 -1 -1 and refer to physician Contact parent immediately

Eye Injuries n n n If a child gets some type of foreign object in the eye, flush gently with clean water If discomfort continues, refer to physician since the cornea may be effected with a scratch and may require antibiotic treatment to prevent infection. If a chemical splash into the eye; flush eye with clean water thoroughly and refer to physician to check for burns on surface of eye If person wears contacts and experiences chemical splash in eye; flush with water while contact is still in eye. Contact physician for further follow-up immediately. Contact parent and school nurse to report injury.

Chemical Burns Flush with cool water for 15 minutes on skin surface n Contact physician if burn has occurred. n

Fainting n Should always be reported to family and child should be seen by family physician that day, unless there are specific orders from the doctor regarding these symptoms.

Heat Emergencies n Hot and humid weather takes its toll on the elderly and on children much more quickly than other age groups n Keep individuals hydrated when outdoors and provide shaded areas for breaks

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion (Can lead to Heat Stroke) n Dizziness Headache Nausea Excessive thirst Skin is red and hot n Get the person to a cooler area immediately n n

If not nauseated: n Allow the student to drink ½ glass of water every 15 minutes; drinking excessively and quickly can cause vomiting which can worsen the situation n If symptoms worsen or continue, contact 9 -1 -1 n Practices for sports should be scheduled during the cooler time of day during extreme temperatures.

When In Doubt: n Contact your school nurse n Or during an emergency n 9 -1 -1