Basic First Aid
Principles of first aid
What is first aid
• immediate and temporary treatment of a
victim of sudden illness or injury while
awaiting the arrival of medical aid. Proper
early measures may be instrumental in
saving life and ensuring a better and more
rapid recovery. The avoidance of
unnecessary movement and over-excitation
of the victim often prevents further injury..
What is first aid
• It is the initial care of the injured or
sick.
• It is the care administered by a
concerned person as soon as
possible after an accident or illness.
• It is this prompt care and attention
before the arrival of ambulance, that
sometimes means the difference
between life and death, or between a
full or partial recovery.
Conditions required first
aid
• Conditions that require immediate
attention to avert death include cessation
of breathing (asphyxia), severe bleeding,
poisoning, strokes, and heart attack. The
essentials of first aid treatment also
include the correct bandaging of a wound;
the application of splints for fractures and
dislocations; the effective methods of
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
artificial respiration; and treatment of
shock, frostbite, fainting, bites and stings,
burns, and heat exhaustion
Principles of first aid
• First aid saves life so:
It is an essential and vital element
of total medical system
Aims of first aid:
• To preserve life.
• To limit worsening of the
condition.
• To promote recovery.
Characteristic of first
aider
• Highly trained.
• Examined and regularly re-
examined.
• Up-to-date in knowledge and
skills.
• Assertive, has self-confidence.
• Calm, oriented, strong
Responsible Reactions
• KEEP CALM...
• PLAN QUICKLY WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO.
• SEND FOR PROFESSIONAL
HELP.
• BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO
THE INJURED PERSON.
Immediate action:
• The principle to be adopted in first aid is
immediate action.
• The action must be quickly as possible.
• Quick action is necessary to preserve life
and limb.
• A casualty who is not breathing effectively,
or is bleeding copiously, requires immediate
intervention.
• Try to remain calm and think your actions
through. (calm and controlled will give
everyone confidence that the event is being
handled efficiently and effectively).
Will I harm the casualty?
• It is unlikely that the casualty being
treated by a trained first aid provider
will come to any additional harm.
• If first aid is administered quickly,
effectively, and with due care, then
the casualty will not suffer additional
harm.
How do I get help?
• Call an ambulance on "101" as early
as possible.
Medic alert
• Some individuals suffer from certain
medical conditions that may cause them to
present with serious signs and symptoms at
any time. As a form of assistance and
notification, usually a special bracelet, or
less commonly, a necklace.
• (medical condition such as specific heart
diseases, diabetes, asthma, and serious
allergies and other details which may
include allergies, drugs required, or
specialized medical contact.
Examination of a casualty:
• It is important to not miss anything
when treating a causality. Ensure that
you absorb all information available,
irrespective of your internal turmoil
and near panic. It is important that
you approach the incident in a
confident and methodical way.
Securing the scene
Before performing any First Aid,
Check for:
1. Electrical hazards
2. Chemical hazards
3. Noxious & Toxic gases
4. Ground hazards
5. Fire
6. Unstable equipment
The approach
• Always be alert for danger.
• What about the casualty?
• Is there more than one?
Primary examination
• Check to see if the casualty is conscious.
• If conscious put the casualty in the stable
side position,
• check airway and breathing.
• If not breath put casualty on his or her
back and gives two effective breathing.
• Is there pulse?
• Is there bleeding?
• Obtain history (patient, bystanders
• Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The Nine Diagnostic Signs. A rapid but accurate
examination of an injured or critically ill patient is
essential for adequate emergency medical care.
Such an examination includes observation of
diagnostic signs and evaluation of symptoms.
1. State of consciousness
Normally, a person is alert, oriented (knows time,
place, and what day it is), and responsive to vocal
or physical stimuli.
2. Pulse (60-100/m) regular, full pulsation
3. Respiration (12-20/m) regular
4. Blood pressure
5. Temperature: cold, pale, wet, or clammy skin. These signs are often the first
indication of shock
6. Skin color:
• A red color may be present in high blood pressure, certain stages of carbon
monoxide poisoning, and heatstroke.
• A pale, white, ashen, or grayish skin is indicative of insufficient circulation A
pale, white, ashen, or grayish skin is indicative of insufficient circulation.
• A bluish color, cyanosis, results from poor oxygenation of the circulating blood
• yellow color (jaundice) in liver disease.
7. Pupils
• Constricted pupils are often present in a drug addict or a patient with a central
nervous system disorder.
• Variation in the size of the pupils is seen in patients with head injuries or
strokes.
8. Ability to move
9. Reaction to pain
• the patient complains of numbness or tingling in the extremities. It is important
that this fact be recognized as a sign of probable injury of the spinal cord so that
mishandling does not occur and aggravate the condition.
• Severe pain in an extremity with loss of skin sensation may be the result of
occlusion of the main artery of the extremity.
Secondary examination
Examine the causality by conducting a head-
to-toes examination
• Start at the top of the head: bleeding,
fractures, swelling, and pain>
• Face: airy way, eyes, facial fractures,
bruising, and jaw pain.
• Neck, shoulders and chest: medical alert
• arms
• abdomen and pelvis (rigidity, tenderness,
incontinence.
• Leg
• Do not forget to check the back
Chain of Survival
In order for a person to survive:
Early Early CPR Early Early
Access”101” or First Aid Defibrillation Advanced
You Care
EMS on
scene Hospital
Pay attention to:
HISTORY; what happened; from the casualty or bystanders
SYMPTOMS; what only the casualty can tell you
SIGNS; what you can see for yourself
Universal Precautions for Airborne &
Bloodborn Pathogens
HIV & Hepatitis
Gloves & Respiratory
Barrier devise are a must to
prevent transmission of
diseases
Tuberculosis
Remember :
DURING TREATMENT
• avoid contact with body fluids
•avoid coughing, breathing, or speaking over the wound
•use a face shield or mask with one-way-valve when
doing active resuscitation
•avoid treating more than one casualty without washing
hands and changing gloves
•use only clean bandages and dressings
AFTER TREATMENT
•clean up both casualty and yourself
•clean up the immediate vicinity
•dispose of dressings, bandages, gloves and soiled
clothing correctly
•wash hands with soap and water
Fundamentals of First Aid
Activate EMS System “101
• [Link](danger-response-airway-breathing-
circulation)
• 2. Control bleeding
• 3. Treat for Shock(medical emergencies)
• 4. Open wounds & Burns
• 5. Fractures & Dislocations
• 6. Transportation
TRIAGE – The priority of treatment
Is derived from the French trier,
meaning "to sort."
Triage is a brief clinical assessment
that determines the time and
sequence in which patients should
be seen in the ED or, if in the field,
the speed of transport and choice
of hospital destination.
• These decisions generally are
based on a short evaluation of the
patient and an assessment of
vital signs. The patient's overall
appearance, history of illness
and/or injury, and mental status
also are important in the triage
decision.
Triage should not be confused with
the more detailed medical
screening examination (MSE)
required by the Emergency Medical
Treatment and Active Labor Act
(EMTALA) for all patients
presenting to an ED requesting
treatment or evaluation.
Disaster triage
is a dynamic process occurring at several
levels in the system to rapidly identify
patients with critical injuries from the
total number of presenting casualties.
Patients generally are tagged. Tags are color-
coded as follows:
1. Red - Emergent
2. Yellow - Urgent
3. Green – Non-urgent
4. Black - Dead or very severely injured and
not expected to survive
Importance of retriage
• In addition to the initial evaluation,
patients with the most acute levels of
triage should be reevaluated within 2
hours of initial triage and continue to
be reassessed on a regular basis.
Patients with minor problems may not
need such frequent reassessments.
Triage Categories
• Category I (obvious emergency): The
physician must examine the patient
as soon as possible. Case examples
include cardiac arrest, acute severe
chest pain, massive vomiting of blood,
sudden loss of consciousness, head
and neck burn, and major trauma with
hypotension.
Category II
• (strong potential for emergency): The
patient needs full evaluation and
treatment by a physician. Case
examples include acute dyspnea, acute
abdominal pain, acute chest pain,
acute confusion, and severe pain.
Category III
• (potential emergency): Consider
the possibility of an occult or
pending emergency condition.
• for this category include abdominal
pain, high fever, acute back pain,
serious extremity injuries, and
large or high-risk lacerations.
Category IV
• (non-emergent): These patients'
presentation provides no reason
to think they have an
emergency medical condition or
are at risk of developing one.
You should ask yourself
three questions:
• Who needs treatment to save
their life?
• Who will really benefit, and who
won’t?
• If I treat one person, will others
suffer seriously from lack of
attention?
DRABC
• It is the prime consideration for everyone
involved in the care and treatment of
casualties. Experienced first aid providers,
ambulance crews, nurses and medical
specialists, are all aware of the importance
of Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing,
and Circulation.
• Danger (D):
• To yourself: don't put yourself in danger.
• To others: don't allow bystanders to be
exposed to danger.
• To the casualty: remove the danger from
the casualty, or the casualty from the
danger.
Response (R):
• Gently shake and shout at the
casualty.
• Do not shake young children or
infants.
• Is the casualty drowsy or confused?
• Is the casualty unconscious, but
reacting?
• Is the casualty unconscious with no
reaction?
• If unconscious, place the casualty in
Airway:
• Is the airway open and clear?
• Is there noisy breathing?
• Are there potential obstructions
such as blood?
• If so, open and clear the airway.
Breathing:
• Look to see if the chest rises.
• Listen for the sound of
breathing.
• Feel for air
• If not breathing giver 2 effective
breaths.
Circulation:
• Is there a carotid pulse?
• Is it strong?
• Is it regular?
• Is there major blood loss?
• If not pulse present start CPR.
• If the casualty is conscious, then treat
the injuries or illness according to the
signs and symptoms. Remain with the
casualty and call for assistance.
• If the casualty is unconscious and
breathing spontaneously, leave him or her
in the stable side position (recovery
position), and then treat any injuries.
• If the casualty is unconscious and not
breathing, then place him on their back
and resuscitation will done as required.
Respiratory system
Normal vital signs
PATIENT PULSE SYSTOLIC BP RESPIRATION
(BEAT/MIN) (MM HG) (BREATH/MIN)
Newborn 95-145 60-90 30-60
Infant 125-170 75-100 30-60
Toddler 100-160 80-110 24-40
Preschool 70-110 80-110 22-34
School age 70-110 85-120 18-30
Adolescent 55-100 95-120 12-16
•
• RESPAIRATORY FAILURRESPAIRATORY FAILUR
• Respiratory failure is nearly any condition that affects
breathing function or the lungs themselves and can result in
failure of the lungs to function properly. The main tasks of the
lungs and chest are to get oxygen from the air that is inhaled
into the bloodstream, and, at the same to time, to eliminate
carbon dioxide (C02) from the blood through air that is
breathed out. In respiratory failure, the level of oxygen in the
blood becomes dangerously low, and/or the level of C02
becomes dangerously high. There are two ways in which this
can happen. Either the process by which oxygen and C02 are
exchanged between the blood and the air spaces of the lungs (a
process called "gas exchange") breaks down, or the movement
of air in and out of the lungs (ventilation) does not take place
properly..
• Causes
Causes
• Airway obstruction:
1. Anatomical Obstruction (Edema – tonque swallow)
2. Mechanical Obstruction (Drowning, foreignbody)
• Suffocation by Gas Inhalation (Carbon Monoxide )
• An overdose of opioids
• damage to the bones and tissues around the lungs
• weakness of the muscles
• Lung diseases
• blood flow through the lungs becomes abnormal
S&S Airway obstruction
1. Partial Obstruction (cough)
2. Complete obstruction
• Aphasia
• Suffocation
• Cyanosis & congested neck Veins
• Unconsciousness
S&S Carbon Monoxide
1. Headache
2. Tinnitus
3. Nausea & vomiting-
4. Fatigability
5. Exhaustion
6. Unconsciousness
7. reddish skin
Cardiac Arrest
Definition of Cardiac Arrest
• Sudden stopping of contractility
of regular heart muscle, which
lead to stop circulation of blood.
• Causes
• (Ventricular Fibrillation)
• (Ventricular Ischemia) ( Coronary
ischemia due to angina or M.I)
• (Electrolyte imbalance)
- Drug Toxicity
Evacuation techniques for persons with injuries
Definition: Evacuation is defined as transferring a victim from one place
to another with the hope of receiving further aid, in order of his/her
condition not aggravated or to prevent hazards from other threats for
instance aftershocks, landslides or fires.
Objectives of evacuation
• The objectives of an evacuation are to protect victims from the
surrounding conditions against possible aftershocks, and to receive
further aid.
The distance a casualty can be carried depends on many factors, such as
1. strength and endurance of the bearer(s)
2. weight of the casualty
3. nature of the casualty’s injury
4. obstacles encountered during transport.
ONE-RESCUER TECHNIQUES
• Fireman’s Carry
TWO-RESCUER TECHNIQUES
ABC’s
Causes of Respiratory/Cardiac Arrest •
Electrical
Toxic -
Noxious
gases
Drowning Suffocation
Heart Attack Trauma
Drugs Allergic reactions
Reaction Time
• CPR/Artificial respiration is
If
administered Oxygenated
blood flow
• Chance of brain damage must get to
0 to 4 minutes - brain
4 to 6 minutes -
6 to 10 minutes-
10 minutes + -
Recovery rate of
victim if has
atrificial respiation
done immediately
Establish responsiveness • A-B-C’s
Use chin lift/head tilt •
Look.-listen-feel for breathing
Attempt to Ventilate
Ventilate Every 5 seconds
Check pulse Recovery position
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
Should be certified to perform this procedure •
If done improperly, could harm victim •
Courses available through Deep Mine Safety at •
no cost to mining industry
Airway Obstructions
open
Tongue closed
obstructed
Heimlich Maneuver
for
Conscious Airway Obstruction
Bleeding
Cardiovascular system:
• Heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• Bleeding is a loss of blood from the
blood vessels. Severe or
• continued bleeding may lead to
collapse and death. Thus, the first
aider must aim to control severe
bleeding.
• The total quantity of blood in the
human body varies according to
size.
• An adult can lose 500 ml of blood
without any harm, but the loss of
300 ml might cause death in an
infant.
Types of bleeding:
• External bleeding.
• Internal bleeding
• . Wounds and External bleeding:
• External bleeding is usually associated with wounds, those
injuries that are caused by cutting, perforation or tearing the
skin. Serious wounds involve damage to blood vessels.
• Types of external bleeding:
• 1. arterial bleeding: As arteries carry oxygenated blood
from heart, damage to a vessel is characterized by bright
red blood which 'spurts' witth each heartbeat.
• 2. venues bleeding: Damage to veins appears as a darker
red flow.
• 3. Capillary bleeding: damage is associated with wound
close to the skin and is od a bright red 'ooze' from below
the surface type of bleeding usually has a higher risk of
infection than other types of bleeding..
Types of wounds:
1. Cut (Incision): is the type of wound made by
'slicing' with a sharp knife or sharp piece of metal.
2. Laceration: is a deep wound with associated loss
of tissue- the type of wound barbed wire would
cause.
3. Abrasion: is a wound where the skin layers have
been scraped off.
4. Penetrating (Puncture) wounds are perforations,
and may be due to anything from a crokscrew to a
bullet.
5. Amputation: is the loss of a digit or limb by
trauma.
Care and treatment:
1. DRABC
2. Lay the casualty down.
3. Call 101 for ambulance.
4. Quickly check the wound for foreign matter.
5. Immediately apply pressure over the wound to stop any
bleeding
6. Apply a non-adherent dressing.
7. Apply a pad.
8. Raise and support the injured part above the level of the
heart if possible
9. Apply a firm roller bandage.
[Link] cannula if possible
[Link] for shock if required.
[Link] 5 minute recheck the wound if bleeding stop
[Link] if sever bleeding
Methods of controlling bleeding:
• Direct pressure on the wound. use a dressing, if available.
if a dressing is not available, use a rag, towel, piece of
clothing or your hand alone.
• IMPORTANT: ONCE PRESSURE IS APPLIED, KEEP
IT IN PLACE. IF DRESSINGS BECOME SOAKED
WITH BLOOD, APPLY NEW DRESSINGS OVER THE
OLD DRESSINGS. THE LESS A BLEEDING WOUND
IS DISTURBED, THE EASIER IT WILL BE TO STOP
THE BLEEDING!
• If bleeding continues, and you do not suspect a fracture,
ELEVATE the wound above the level of the heart and
continue to apply direct pressure.
Direct Pressure •
for Bleeding
pressure point: pressure on the main
artery.
• carotid artery.
• Temporal artery.
• Femoral artery.
• Brachial artery.
Constrictive
• Constrictive bandages are a measure of
last resort and should only be used in a
life-threatening situation where all else
fails.
• Note the time application. After 30 minutes, release tie
bandage and check for bleeding . If there is no
bleeding, remove it .If bleeding recommences, apply
direct pressure. If this is unsuccessfully, reapply the
constrictive bandage, and recheck every 30 minutes.
• Ensure that the bandage is clearly visible
and inform medical aid of the location and
time of its application.
• Puncture wound
• DRABC.
• Check the wound do not remove any
penetrating object.
• Apply pressure to stop any bleeding.
• Stabilize with a ring pad and non-
adherent dressing.
• Apply a firm roller bandage.
• Rest and elevate injured limb if
injuries permit.
• Amputation:
• DRABC.
• Apply immediate pressure to stop any bleeding.
• Apply a large pad or dressing to the wound.
• Treat for shock.
• Rest and elevate injured limb if possible.
• Collect amputated part- keep dry, do not wash or
clean.
• Seal the amputated part in plastic bag or wrap in
similar waterproof material.
• Place in iced water – do not allow the part to
come in direct contact with ice. Freezing will kill
tissue.
• Ensure the amputated part travels to the hospital
with the causality.
• Remember: so as not to disturb clotting on the
wound, do not remove the initial dressing. If
bleeding continues and seeps through the
bandage and padding, remove and replace these,
leaving the initial dressing in place.
Nose bleeding (epistaxis)
• Have the casualty pinch the fleshy part of
the nose.
• Lean slightly forward.
• Advise casualty not to swallow blood.
• Maintain this posture for approximately ten
minutes.
• Apply cool compress to neck and forehead.
• If bleeding persists, obtain medical aid.
• Advise the casualty not to blow or pink
nose for several hours.
Objects in wounds
• Where possible, swab or wash small objects out of the wound with
clean water. If there is a large object embedded:
• Treatment
• Leave it in place.
• Apply firm pressure on either side of the object.
• Raise and support the wounded limb or part.
• Lay the casualty down to treat for shock.
• Gently cover the wound and object with a sterile dressing.
• Build up padding around the object until the padding is
higher than the object, then bandage over the object withou
pressing on it.
• Depending on the severity of the bleeding, dial 101 for an
ambulance or take the casualty to
Abdominal injuries
Signs and symptoms
• history of the incident
• pale cool clammy skin
• may be evidence of wound
• rapid weak pulse with evidence of shock
• rapid shallow breathing
• abdominal rigidity
• fetal position if lying down
• may be incontinent
• care and treatment
• drabc
• call 101 for an ambulance
• stop any bleeding
• stabilize any object
• pad around wound avoid removing or
touching penetrating objects
• if the wound permits and the casualty is
conscious lay casualty on back and
elevate legs bent at the knees
• IV canula if possible
• reassurance
Evisceration
• evisceration is the protrusion of
abdominal organs from a wound I the
abdomen . care must be taken not to
apply material to the wound that will
stick to the membranes. It should be
noted that often there is little pain
associated with this type of injury and
the casualty may walk around or offer
to help .
Sign and symptoms:
• Obvious protrusion of organs
• Pale , cool, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse, with
evidence of shock
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• My be fecal odor if organs have
been lacerated
• Anxiety
• Nausea
Types of external Bleeding
Artery
Spurting
•Veins Steady flow
•Capillary Oozing
Internal Injuries
Types of Wounds
Control of Bleeding
Elevation
Direct Pressure
Pressure bandage
Cold Applications
Pressure Points
Temporal
Where the artery
passes over a bone Facial
close to the skin Carotid
Sub-clavian
Brachial
Radial
Ulnar
Femoral
Popliteal
Pedal
Tourniquet
Absolute last resort
in controlling
bleeding,Remember
Life or the limb
Once a tourniquet is
applied, it is not to be
removed , only by a
doctor
Shock
Shock affects are major
functions of the body
loss of blood flow to the
tissues and organs
Shock must be treated for
in all accident cases
Treatment for Shock
•Lie victim down if possible
•Face is pale-raise the tail
•Face is red-raise the head
•Loosen tight clothing
•Keep victim warm and dry
•Do not give anything by mouth
•No stimulants
HEAT EXHAUSTION
HEAT EXHAUSTION is caused by exertion accompanied by heat and
high humidity. It particularly affects the very young and the elderly.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
•pale, clammy skin
•profuse and prolonged sweating
•cramps in the limbs and/or abdomen
•nausea and/or vomiting
•headache
•lethargy
CARE AND TREATMENT
•complete rest in the shade, no further exertion
•cool casualty by sponging with tepid water
•when nausea passes, give cool water to drink
(cautiously)
•ensure casualty has assistance when recovered
HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is potentially fatal. In this condition, the body's temperature
regulation center in the brain has been rendered inoperable, and the
temperature continually rises, causing eventual brain damage. Immediate
active intervention is necessary to avoid coma and death.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
flushed, hot, dry skin the casualty has ceased sweating
rapid, strong pulse (sometimes irregular)
irrational or aggressive behavior staggering gait
visual disturbances vomiting
collapse and seizures coma - death
CARE AND TREATMENT
urgent ambulance transport complete rest in shade
remove casualty's clothing
cool casualty with any means possible
be prepared to resuscitate as required
nothing by mouth - dehydration is required by intravenous
HYPOTHERMIA
HYPOTHERMIA is a potentially fatal condition that especially affects the elderly. The
body's core temperature has been lowered to the extent that the brain function is impaired
and the heart's activity is about to be compromised. Urgent first aid intervention is
required.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
pale, cold skin - no capillary return when fingernails are pressed
slow pulse, sometimes skipping a beat
slow, shallow respirations blurred, or double, vision
casualty is silent, appears asleep, difficult to rouse; may be unconscious
casualty experiences a sense of 'wellbeing' absence of shivering
If very cold, may have non-reacting pupils and appear 'death-like'
CARE AND TREATMENT
urgent ambulance transport
warm casualty slowly, wrap in 'space blanket' or similar
if wet, leave less bulky clothing on and warm slowly
once casualty commences shivering, reassess heating
nothing by mouth until fully recovered
be prepared for sudden collapse and resuscitation
Diabetic emergencies
Find out if victim has past diabetic history
Insulin Shock (Hypoglycemia)
Result of insufficient sugar- Fast onset
•Cold clammy skin, pale, rapid respiration's and pulse,
incoherent
•Treat by giving sugar bases products
Diabetic coma (Ketoacidosis)
Too much sugar or insufficient insulin- Slow onset
•Warm, dry skin, slow respirations, smell of rotten fruit on
breath
•True medical emergency, activate EMS system
immediately
Snake & Spider bites
Rattlesnake Copperhead Black Widow Brown Recluse
Limit activity
Constricting bandage above
Cold application
Advanced medical attention
Burns
Thermal burns
Cool application
Cool application Dry sterile dressing,
Don’t break treat for shock
blisters
Severe Burns and Scalds
Treatment:
•Cool the burn area with water for 10 to 20 minutes. Or use Burn Jel.
•Lay the casualty down and make him as comfortable as possible, protecting
burn area from ground contact.
•Gently remove any rings, watches, belts or constricting clothing from the
injured area before it begins to swell.
•Cover the injured area loosely with sterile unmediated dressing or similar
non fluffy material and bandage.
•Don't remove anything that is sticking to the burn.
•Don't apply lotions, ointments, butter or fat to the injury.
•Don't break blisters or otherwise interfere with the injured area.
•Don't over-cool the patient and cause shivering.
•If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin resuscitation immediately,
•If casualty is unconscious but breathing normally, place in the recovery
position.
•Treat for shock.
•Send for medical attention.
Minor Burns and Scalds
Treatment:
•Place the injured part under slowly running water,
or soak in cold water for 10 minutes or as long as
pain persists.
•Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, and
shoes from the injured area before it starts to
swell.
•Dress with clean, sterile, non fluffy material.
•Don't use adhesive dressings.
•Don't apply lotions, ointments or fat to burn/
scald.
•Don't break blisters or otherwise interfere.
•If in doubt, seek medical aid.
Chemical Burns
Treatment:
•Flood the area with slowly running water
for at least ten minutes.
•Gently remove contaminated clothing
while flooding injured area, taking care not
to contaminate yourself.
•Continue treatment for SEVERE BURNS
•Remove to hospital.
Fractures & Dislocations
Don’t straighten break Treat the way
Must treat for bleeding first you found it
Do not push
bones back into
place
Dislocations
The most common dislocations occur in the shoulder, elbow,
finger, or thumb.
LOOK FOR THESE SIGNS:
1. swelling
2. deformed look
3. pain and tenderness
4. possible discoloration of the affected area
IF A DISLOCATION IS SUSPECTED...
1. Apply a splint to the joint to keep it from moving.
2. Try to keep joint elevated to slow bloodflow to the area
3. A doctor should be contacted to have the bone set back
into its socket.
Splints
Must be a straight line break Can be formed to shape of
deformity
Be careful of temperature
change
Head Injuries
A sharp blow to the head could result in a concussion, a jostling of the
brain inside its protective, bony covering. A more serious head injury
may result in contusions, or bruises to the brain.
OTHER SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR IF YOU SUSPECT A VICTIM MAY HAVE
A BRAIN INJURY:
1. clear or reddish fluid draining from the ears, nose, or mouth
2. difficulty in speaking
3. headache
4. unequal size of pupils
5. pale skin
6. paralysis of an arm or leg (opposite side of the injury) or face (same
side of the injury)
PROPER CARE:
1. While waiting on help to arrive, keep the victim lying down in the
recovery position
2. Control any bleeding, and be sure that he is breathing properly.
3. Do not give the victim any liquids to drink.
4. If the victim becomes unconscious for any amount of time, keep track of
this information so that you can report it when medical help arrives.
Neck & Spinal Injuries
CARE AND TREATMENT
•ABC
•extreme care in initial
examination — minimal
movement
•urgent ambulance transport
•apply cervical collar
•treat for shock
•treat any other injuries
•maintain body heat
•if movement required, 'log
roll' and use assistants
•always maintain casualty's
head in line with the shoulders
Lifting techniques
Two person carry
Lift & roll
4 person straddle