First Aid Chapter 1 What is an emergency

First Aid Chapter 1

What is an emergency? � Emergency: a serious, unexpected situation demanding immediate attention � First Aid: the immediate care given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available

The Survival Chain 6 Links Citizen Responder EMS Dispatcher The First Responder EMT – Emergency Medical Technician Hospital Care Provider Rehabilitation

The Six Links � The Citizen Responder Most important link because this person recognizes the emergency Initiates the reaction to the emergency Could be YOU � EMS Dispatcher Who is called to determine what additional help needs to be sent Also will provide further instructions for assistance

The Six Links �First Responder The first person to arrive on scene who is able to provide higher level of medical care ▪ Firefighter, police

The Six Links �EMT and Paramedics Provide more advanced care & life saving techniques Paramedic: a highly specialized EMT who can also administer medications & IV’s

The Six Links � Hospital Care Givers This care begins once the victim enters the hospital. ▪ Doctors, nurses, and therapist � Rehabilitation Their goal is to return the victim to their previous state of health ▪ Physical or occupational therapist or athletic trainers

The Six Links �REVIEW! FIRST? SECOND? THIRD? FOURTH? FIFTH? SIXTH? Citizen Responder EMS Dispatcher First Responder EMT Hospital Care Giver Rehabilitation

Types of Emergencies Sudden illness Injury Life threatening Non life threatening

Sudden Illness �A physical condition that requires immediate medical attention

Injury �Damage to the body from an external force

Emergencies LIFE THREATENING NON LIFE THREATENING � Impairs the victims ability � A situation that does not to circulate oxygenated blood to all the parts of their body have an immediate impact on a victims ability to circulate oxygenated blood around their body

Emergencies – What kind am I? �Torn ACL? �Seizure? �Heart Attack? �Gun shot wound? �Drug overdose?

Recognizing an Emergency �Unusual Noise �Unusual Odor �Unusual Sight �Unusual Appearance/Behavior

Recognizing an Emergency UNUSUAL NOISE UNUSUAL ODOR � Breaking glass � Crashing medal � Screaming � Screeching tires � Examples? � Gasoline � Chlorine � Smoke � Unidentifiable odor � Examples?

Recognizing Emergencies UNUSUAL SIGHTS � Broken glass � Stopped vehicle � Spilled medicine on counter � Smoke/fire � Downed electrical wires UNUSUAL APPEARANCE/BEHAVIOR � Unconsciousness � Clenching throat � Clenching chest � Excessive sweating � Inability to move � Breathing difficulty � Jaundice

What happened? ?

What happened? ?

What happened? ?

Deciding to ACT! �Why may people hesitate to act? �What are barriers that prevent people from acting?

Deciding to ACT! � Presence of bystanders “Oh, they will do something” Shy The more people around the more responsibility gets passed along � Fear Afraid of doing something wrong in front of others Good Samaritan Law ▪ A bystander has to help a victim unless his or her life would become endangered by assisting ▪ May not be sued if other injuries occur

Deciding to ACT! � Uncertainty about victim Uncomfortable with the age, race, or disability of victim Do not take any behavior personally � Nature of the injury Uncomfortable with blood, vomit, odors It is OK to turn away for a moment to compose yourself

Deciding to ACT! �Fear of transmission of diseases This is why it is necessary to have a First Aid Kit ready and available ▪ car & home

Be Prepared �Keep information about you and your family in a handy place Refrigerator �Keep medical records/insurance information up to date �Teach children how to call 9 -1 -1 �Keep emergency phone number Local police, fire department, poison control �First Aid Kit