Unit 15 First Aid Copyright 2004 by Thomson

15: 1 Providing First Aid § Immediate care given to the victim of an accident or illness to minimize the effect of injury or illness until experts can take over § Reasons for providing correct first aid Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2

Basic Principles of Providing First Aid § § Remain calm and avoid panic Evaluate situation thoroughly Have a reason for anything you do Treatment you provide will vary depending on type of injury or illness, environment, others present, equipment or supplies on hand, and availability of medical help Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3

First Steps § Recognize that an emergency exists § Use all senses to detect problems § Sometimes signs of emergency are obvious and at other times they are less obvious Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 4

Next Steps § Check the scene and make sure it is safe to approach § What to observe § If not safe, call for medical help § If safe, approach the victim § Call emergency medical services (EMS) as soon as possible Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5

Next Steps (continued) § If possible, obtain the victim’s permission before providing any care § Triage if necessary § Check for other injuries § Obtain as much information as possible Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6

General Principles § Obtain qualified help as soon as possible § Avoid any unnecessary movement of the victim § Reassure the victim § Use a confident, calm attitude to help relieve victim’s anxiety § Avoid giving the victim anything to eat or drink Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 7

General Principles (continued) § Protect the victim from cold or chilling, but avoid overheating § Work quickly in an organized and efficient manner § Do not make a diagnosis or discuss condition with observers at scene Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 8

General Principles (continued) § Maintain confidentiality and protect the victim’s right to privacy while providing treatment § Make every attempt to avoid further injury § Provide only the treatment you are qualified to provide Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 9

15: 2 Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) § Cardio: the heart § Pulmonary: the lungs § Resuscitation: to remove from apparent death or unconsciousness § Breathe for the patient and circulate blood Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 10

Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (continued) § Purpose: keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital body organs § Performed until the heart and lungs start working again or until medical help is available § Clinical versus biological death Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 11

Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (continued) § § § ABCDs for airway A stands for airway B stands for breathing C stands for circulation D stands for defibrillation Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 12

Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (continued) § Evaluate victim’s condition before starting CPR § Correct hand placement is essential before compressions are performed § Various methods of CPR used Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 13

Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (continued) § § § One-person rescue for adult victim Two-person rescue for adult victim CPR for infants CPR for children CPR for victims with obstructed airways Reasons for stopping CPR Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 14

15: 3 Providing First Aid for Bleeding and Wounds § Wounds involve injuries to the soft tissues – Open: break in skin or mucous membranes – Closed: no break in skin or mucous membranes, but injury occurs to underlying tissues – Wounds can result in bleeding, infection, and/or tetanus Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 15

Classifications of Open Wounds § § § Abrasion Incision Laceration Puncture Avulsion Amputation Copyright

Controlling Bleeding § First priority because victim can bleed to death quickly § Bleeding can come from arteries, veins, or capillaries § Observe standard precautions Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 17

Controlling Bleeding (continued) § § § § Direct pressure Elevation Pressure bandages Pressure on pressure points Do not disturb clots Do not remove dressings Do not clean wound Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 18

Minor Wounds § § § § First priority – prevention of infection Wash your hands before caring for wound Put on gloves Wash the wound with soap and water Rinse the wound thoroughly Use sterile supplies Tell the victim to get medical help if any signs of infection appear Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 19

Signs of Infection § § § § Swelling Heat Redness Pain Fever Pus Red

Tetanus § Tetanus bacteria can enter an open wound § Serious illness § Get

Objects Embedded in Wound § If superficial, gently remove § Objects embedded in tissues

Closed Wounds § Can occur anywhere on body § If bruise, apply cold application to reduce swelling § Observe for signs of internal bleeding § Get medical help as quickly as possible § Check breathing and treat for shock § Avoid unnecessary movement of victim § No food or fluids Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 23

15: 4 Providing First Aid for Shock § Also called hypoperfusion § Shock: clinical set of signs and symptoms that are associated with an inadequate supply of blood to body organs, especially brain and heart § Causes of shock Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 24

Providing First Aid for Shock (continued) § § § Goals of treatment Positioning of victim Maintain body temperature Avoid food or drink Other principles of care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 25

Types of Shock § § § Anaphylactic Cardiogenic Hemorrhagic Metabolic Neurogenic Copyright © 2004

Types of Shock (continued) § Psychogenic § Respiratory § Septic Copyright © 2004 by

Signs and Symptoms of Shock § Skin is pale or bluish-gray and cool or cold to the touch § Diaphoresis § Rapid and weak pulse § Respirations rapid, shallow, and may be irregular § Blood pressure very low or unobtainable Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 28

Signs and Symptoms of Shock (continued) § § § General weakness Anxiety and extreme restlessness Excessive thirst Nausea and/or vomiting Blurred vision or changes in appearance of eyes Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 29

15: 5 Providing First Aid for Poisoning § Can happen to anyone regardless of age § Poison: any substance that causes a harmful reaction when applied or ingested § Immediate action is needed § First aid varies depending on type of poison, injury involved, and the method of contact Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 30

Ways Poisoning Occurs § § Swallowing various substances Inhaling poisonous gases Injecting substances Contacting the skin with poison Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 31

First Aid for Poisoning § § § If poison has been swallowed Methods to induce vomiting If poisoned by inhalation of gases If poisoned by contact with skin Contact with poisonous plants If poisoned by injection Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 32

15: 6 Providing First Aid for Burns § Injury caused by fire, heat, chemical agents, radiation, and/or electricity § Classifications of burns – First-degree or superficial – Second-degree or partial-thickness – Third-degree or full-thickness Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 33

Treatment Objectives § § § Remove source of heat Cool the skin Cover the burn Relieve pain Observe for and treat shock Prevent infections Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 34

Treatment § § Usually not required for first-degree burns Rules for when to treat All third-degree burns require treatment How to treat superficial or mild seconddegree burns § How to treat severe second-degree burns and third-degree burns Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 35

Treatment (continued) § How to treat when chemicals splashed on skin § How to

15: 7 Providing First Aid for Heat Exposure § Overexposure to heat may cause a chemical imbalance in the body § Occurs when water and salt are lost through perspiration § Also occurs when body cannot eliminate excess heat Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 37

Heat Cramps § § Muscle pains and spasms Caused by exposure to heat Loss of water and salt from perspiration Apply firm pressure on cramped muscle to provide relief § Encourage rest and move to cooler area § Small sips of water or electrolyte solution (e. g. , sports drink) Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 38

Heat Exhaustion § Occurs when exposed to heat and there is loss of fluids

Heat Stroke § Prolonged exposure to high temperatures § Medical emergency – needs immediate care § Body unable to eliminate excess heat § Signs and symptoms § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 40

15: 8 Providing First Aid for Cold Exposure § Exposure to cold external temperatures can cause body tissues to freeze and body processes to slow down § Needs immediate attention § Degree of injury affected by wind velocity, amount of humidity, and length of exposure to cold Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 41

Hypothermia § When body temperature is less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius § Caused by prolonged exposure to cold § Signs and symptoms § Death can occur if body processes become too slowed down § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 42

Frostbite § Actual freezing of tissue fluids with damage to the skin and underlying tissues § Caused by exposure to freezing or belowfreezing temperatures § Early signs and symptoms § Other signs and symptoms as progresses Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 43

Frostbite (continued) § Objectives of first aid § Common sites: fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks § First aid care § Assess for signs and symptoms of shock Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 44

15: 9 Providing First Aid for Bone and Joint Injuries § Variety of injuries can occur § Frequently occur during accidents or falls § Examples: fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains § May have more than one type of injury to bones and joints at the same time Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 45

$Fracture § § § Break in the bone Closed or simple fracture Compound or$

Dislocation § When the end of the bone is displaced from a joint or moved out of its normal position within a joint § Tearing or stretching of ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues also frequently occurs § Signs and symptoms § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 47

Sprain § § Injury to the tissues surrounding a joint Common sites: ankles and wrists Signs and symptoms Frequently resemble fractures or dislocations – treat as fracture if in doubt § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 48

Strain § § § Overstretching of a muscle Caused by overexertion or by lifting Frequent site: back Signs and symptoms First aid treatment Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 49

Splints § Devices used to immobilize injured part § Types of splints – Pneumatic or air splints – Padded boards – Traction splints § Splints can also be made from cardboard, newspapers, pillows, boards, etc. Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 50

Splints (continued) § Need to be long enough to immobilize the joint above and below the injured area § Should be padded § Tied in place § Apply as not to create pressure on area § If open wound, control bleeding before applying splint Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 51

Splints (continued) § Never attempt to reposition bone § Splint before moving victim § Observe precautions when using pneumatic splints § Traction splints Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 52

Circulation Check After Splint § § § § Verify that the splints are not too tight Check skin temperature Check color Note swelling or edema Numbness or tingling Check pulse If circulation impaired, immediately loosen Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 53

Slings § Commercial slings § Triangular bandages § Use: support arm, hand, forearm, and shoulder § Positioning of sling § Check circulation § Limit movement of limb Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 54

Slings (continued) § If use knots – Placement – Padding § Special considerations for

Neck or Spine Injury § Most dangerous types of injuries involving bones and joints § Movement can result in permanent injury resulting in paralysis § Avoid any movement of victim if at all possible § Wait for backboard and adequate help to arrive for transfer Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 56

15: 10 Providing First Aid for Specific Injuries § Treatment for burns, bleeding, wounds, poisoning, and fractures is basically the same for all regions of body § Injuries to specific body parts require special care § Examples: eyes, ears, nose, brain, chest, abdomen, and genital organs Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 57

Eye Injuries § Always involves danger of vision loss § Usually best to avoid giving major treatment § Obtain help of a specialist § Foreign objects in the eye § Blows to the eye § Penetrating injuries that cut eye tissue Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 58

Ear Injuries § Can result in rupture or perforation of eardrum § Torn or detached tissue § Ruptured or perforated eardrum § Clear fluid or blood-tinged fluid draining from ear Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 59

Brain Injuries § Wounds and blows to head and skull can cause brain injury § Obtain medical help as quickly as possible § Signs and symptoms § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 60

Nose Injuries § Nosebleeds are usually more frightening than serious § Nosebleeds also called epistaxis § Causes of nosebleeds § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 61

Chest Injuries § § § Usually medical emergencies Involve heart, lungs, and major vessels Sucking chest wound Penetrating injuries to the chest Crushing injuries to the chest Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 62

Abdominal Injuries § Can cause damage to internal organs and bleeding in major blood vessels § Intestines and other abdominal organs may protrude from open wound § Medical emergency § Bleeding, shock, and damage to organs can be fatal § Signs and symptoms § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 63

Injuries to Genital Organs § Can result from falls, blows, or explosions § Can cause severe pain, bleeding, and shock § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 64

15: 11 Providing First Aid for Sudden Illness § § Can be difficult to determine exact illness Base care on signs and symptoms Obtain information from victim if possible Look for medical alert bracelets or necklaces or medical information cards Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 65

Heart Attack § Also called coronary thrombosis, coronary occlusion, or myocardial infarction § Occurs when there is blockage in one or more coronary arteries § If heart stops, start CPR § Signs and symptoms § First aid care Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 66

Cerebrovascular Accident § Also called stroke, apoplexy, or cerebral thrombosis § Causes § Signs

Fainting § Temporary reduction in supply of blood to brain § Early signs and treatment § If victim loses consciousness, try to prevent injury § Obtain medical help if recovery not prompt, there are other injuries, or fainting reoccurs (can be sign of serious problem) Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 68

Convulsion § § Strong involuntary contraction of muscles Causes Progression of a convulsion First aid care is directed at preventing self-injury Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 69

Diabetes Mellitus § Metabolic disorder caused by lack of or insufficient production of insulin § Diabetic coma § Insulin shock § Differentiate between diabetic coma and insulin shock Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 70

15: 12 Applying Dressings and Bandages § Dressings used as sterile covering and to control bleeding § Materials used in dressings § Dressings can be held in place with tape or a bandage § Bandages used to hold dressings in place, to secure splints, and to support and protect body parts Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 71

Applying Dressings and Bandages (continued) § Apply bandages snugly enough to control bleeding and prevent movement of dressing, but not so tight that they interfere with circulation § Types of materials for bandages § Applying dressings Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 72

Methods of Wrapping Bandages § § Circular Spiral Figure-eight Recurrent wrap for finger Copyright

Checkpoints for Circulation § Check circulation after bandage applied § Signs of poor or impaired circulation – Swelling or edema – Pale or cyanotic color – Coldness to touch – Numbness or tingling – Poor or slow capillary refill § Loosen bandage immediately if warranted Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 74

Summary § Proper first aid can save a life § Provide only care you are qualified to provide § Always reassure victim and avoid unnecessary stress and movement § Obtain medical help as quickly as possible Copyright © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 75