Good Samaritan Laws Laws that protect a rescuer

Good Samaritan Laws: Laws that protect a rescuer from being sued after giving emergency care Universal Precautions Wash hands before and after giving care Wearing gloves Using a mouthpiece for rescue breaths

Bleeding Emergencies • Average size adult has 5 -6 quarts of blood • Types of bleeding: – Arterial: rapid blood loss from an artery, spurts – Venous: steady from veins, may be life-threatening – Capillary: oozes, easily controlled Steps to control bleeding: 1. 2. 3. 4. Direct Pressure Elevate Pressure Points Tourniquet: use only as a last resort

Types of wounds: 1. Abrasion – Scraping of the outer layers of skin 2. Laceration 4. Puncture – 5. Avulsion – – Jagged cut 3. Incision – Straight, smooth cut Stab wound Tearing of a patch of tissue/skin 6. Amputation – Cutting off of a body part

1. Stitches – – Must be placed within 6 -8 hours after injury Helps wound to heal quicker Infection is less likely Scarring is lessened 2. Signs of Infection – – – Redness Swelling and warmth Pus Fever Swollen lymph nodes 3. Tetanus – – Also called “lock jaw” Caused by a virus and is fatal Can be prevented with vaccination Need a shot every 7 -10 years 4. Rabies – – Carried by warm-blooded mammals Fatal if not treated with rabies shots 5. Nosebleeds – Hold head forward and apply pressure

Thermal Burns: caused by heat (iron, stove, steam) • Treatment involves running burned area under cool water • DO NOT put ice, butter, vaseline on burn • DO NOT remove clothing that is stuck to the burn • DO NOT break blisters • Assessing the burn: – How large is the burn? • “Rule of Nines” is used by medical personnel to describe the % of body burned – How deep is the burn? • • • 1 st degree: mild redness and pain 2 nd degree: blisters 3 rd degree: all skin layers destroyed – What parts of body are burned? • Face, hands, feet are of major concern – How old is the victim? • Elderly and children are at higher risk for complications – Does the victim have any other medical conditions?

Other types of burns • Sunburns: caused by the UV rays of sun • Chemical burns: treatment involves running under cool water for 20+ min • Electrical burns: victim will usually have entrance and exit burns on the body and a major concern is heart failure

Shock-occurs when the tissues or organs are inadequately supplied with oxygenated blood Signs and Symptoms • Eyes are dull, sunken and pupils dilated • Skin is pale, moist, cold • Nausea/Thirst • Pulse is weak or absent Treatment 1. Maintain open airway 2. Control any bleeding 3. Elevate the legs 12” in most situations 4. Cover with blanket to keep victim warm 5. Do not give victim anything to eat or drink

Positions for shock 1. Elevate the feet and legs about 12” for most situations 2. Elevate the head/shoulders if victim is having breathing trouble, head injury, or possible heart attack 3. Place victim on his/her side if unconscious 4. DO NOT move the victim if a neck or spinal cord injury is suspected

Types of Shock 1. Hypovolemic – severe blood loss 2. Respiratory – inadequate breathing 3. Psychogenic – – – Fainting Most cases of fainting aren’t life-threatening Signs are dizziness, nausea, paleness, sweating 4. Septic – severe infection 5. Anaphylactic – – – severe allergic reaction Caused by insect stings, injections (medications), ingestion (eating foods such as peanuts, fish, milk), or inhalation (breathing in of dust, pollen, mold) Treatment requires immediate medical response: Epipen and 911

CPR and AED • CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation • Adult: 30 compressions and 2 breaths • Purpose is to circulate oxygenated blood through body • Rescue Breathing: for a victim that is not breathing but has a pulse • AED: Automated External Defibrillator • Purpose is to shock the body in hopes of restarting the victim’s heart rhythm • Choking victim: give abdominal thrusts if victim is not coughing or able to speak

• Sprains and strains: – – R est I ce C ompression E levation