Chapter 28

Lesson 1- Providing First Aid

Pgs. 736-741

First Aid: the immediate, temporary care given to an ill or injured person until professional medical care can

be provided.

Universal Precautions: are actions taken to prevent the spread of disease by treating all blood and other body

fluids as if they contained pathogens.

  • Wearing protective gloves
  • Using a mouthpiece or other protective ventilation devise for breathing emergencies
  • Washing your hands before and after providing first aid.

Responding to an Emergency:

Common indicators of an emergency:

  • Unusual sights
  • Unusual sounds
  • Unusual odors
  • Unusual behaviors

What to do:

  • REMAIN CALM- most important!
  • Follow the Check, Call, Care method:

Check the scene and victim.

  • Look around to be sure that the scene is safe.
  • Be alert for dangers such as spilled chemicals, traffic, fire, escaping steam, downed electrical lines and smoke.
  • Determine the number of victims.
  • Do NOT move the victim. Only move victim if his or her life is threatened.

Call for help.

  • Call local emergency number or 9-1-1.
  • Answer all question of the dispatcher.
  • Never hang up until the dispatcher does.
  • If possible, have someone else make the call so you can stay with the victim.
  • If you are alone, finish the call as quickly as possible, and return to the victim.

Provide care for the victim.

  • If possible, get victim’s permission before giving first aid.
  • Always address life-threatening emergencies first.
  • Unconscious, not breathing, having trouble breathing, shows no signs of circulation such as moving or coughing.
  • If you aren’t sure that the victim is conscious, ask “Are you O.K.?”

Types of Injuries:

Open Wound Injuries:

  • Abrasion – Caused by tiny blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin breaking open as a result of the

skin being scraped against a hard surface.

  • Dirt and bacteria can easily enter the sight and cause an infection. Important to clean the wound to prevent infection and speed healing.
  • Laceration – a cut caused by a sharp object, such as a knife or broken glass, slicing through the layers

of skin.

  • Usually has smooth edges.
  • May be caused by a hard blow from a blunt instrument or tearing the skin may cause lacerations with jagged edges.
  • All lacerations are accompanied by bleeding. Depending on the depth, heavy bleeding may occur, as well as damage to nerves, large blood vessels, and soft tissue.
  • Infection may also occur.

  • Puncture – a small but deep hole caused by a pin, nail, fang, or other object that pierces the skin.
  • Do not usually cause heavy external bleeding, but they may cause internal bleeding if major blood vessels or organs if puncture is deep enough.
  • Puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection, including tetanus.
  • Avulsion – results when tissue is partially or completely separated from the body.
  • A partially avulsed piece of skin may remain attached, but hangs like a flap.
  • Heavy bleeding is common.
  • Some times a body part, such as a finger may be severed. These severed parts can be reattached sometimes.
  • If there is a severed part, pack the part in ice or ice water to preserve the tissue.

First Aid for Bleeding:

  • First put on clean protective gloves, if possible. Wash a minor wound with mild soap and running water to remove dirt and debris. Do not attempt to clean severe injuries such as avulsions.

To Control Bleeding:

  • Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth and press firmly.
  • If possible, elevate the wound above the level of the heart.
  • Cover the gauze or cloth dressing with a sterile bandage.
  • If necessary, cover the dressing with a pressure bandage and/or use pressure point bleeding control.
  • Call for help or have someone else do so.

How to apply a Pressure Bandage:

  • Roller bandages can be used to maintain continuous pressure on a wound and control bleeding.
  • Place a dressing over the wound.
  • Secure the roller bandage over the dressing.
  • Using overlapping turns, cover the dressing completely.
  • Secure the roller bandage in place by splitting its end into two strips. Tie the split bandage ends tightly over the wound.
  • Make sure that the bandage is not so tight that it cuts off circulation. It should only be tight enough to maintain pressure on the wound.

Burns:

  • Burns are classified according to depth: first degree burns are superficial, and second- and third- degree burns are deep. Minor burns can be treated at home. Severe burns, however, require professional medical care.

First Degree Burns: only the outer layer of skin is burned and turns red. Cool the burn with cold running water or by immersing it in cold water (not ice) for ten minutes. A clean, cold, wet towel will help reduce pain. Pat the area dry, and cover it with a sterile bandage.

Second Degree Burns: is one in which the top several layers of skin are damaged. The skin will have blisters and appear blotchy. Cool the burn with cold water (not ice) and elevate the burned area with a sterile, dry dressing. DO NOT pop blisters or peel loose skin. Seek professional medical attention. DO NOT USE RUNNING WATER ON OPEN BLISTERS!

Third Degree Burns: a serious burn in which deeper layers of the skin and possible fat, muscle, nerves, and bones are damaged. Call for professional medical help immediately. Cover the area with a dry, sterile dressing or clean cloth. Do not remove any burned clothing from the wound as it can cause the victim to go into shock.

Muscle Cramps:

  • a sudden painful tightening of the muscle
  • Treatment – stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cramp.
  • Massage the cramped muscle firmly.
  • Apply moist heat to the area.
  • If the cramp persists, get medical help.

Strains and Sprains:

  • Strain- an injury to a muscle, usually resulting from overuse of the muscle.
  • Symptoms- pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of movement caused by small tears in the muscle.
  • Sprain- an injury to a ligament, usually results from a sudden twisting force.
  • Symptoms- pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of movement caused by small tears in the

muscle.

Treatment for minor sprains and strains:

  • R.I.C.E. Procedure- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Fractures and Dislocations:

  • Fracture- a break in the bone.
  • Extreme stress may cause the bone to dislocate or disconnect.
  • In both cases the treatment is similar:
  • Keep victim still and call 9-1-1.
  • If they must be moved, keep the fractured area immobilized by securing a splint to the body part with clean lengths of cloth.
  • A splint may be made from rolled newspapers and heavy cardboard, or any material that is durable.

Unconsciousness:

  • A condition in which a person is not alert and aware of his or her surroundings.
  • There are different levels of unconsciousness, ranging from drowsiness to coma.
  • Victim may choke to death because of an inability to cough, clear the throat, or react to a blocked airway.
  • Treatment- primary goal is to prevent choking until professional help arrives. Place victim in the recovery position which is laying the victim on their left side and support their head.
  • If you suspect a spinal or head injury DO NOT move the victim.

Fainting:

  • Occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily inadequate.
  • Loss of consciousness is usually brief.
  • Treatment- lay person down on their back and elevate the feet 8-12 inches above the heart.
  • DO NOT place a pillow under the victims head as this could cause a block in air flow.
  • Loosen tight clothing.
  • Sponge the victims face with water.
  • If the victim vomits roll him or her into the recovery position.

Concussion:

  • A jarring injury to the brain that affects normal brain function.
  • Have a conscious victim lie down.
  • Use first aid on any bleeding.
  • If unconscious and you do not suspect a head or spine injury, place victim in the recovery position, and call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Suspect Head or spine injury- DO NOT move the victim

Animal Bites:

  • The most serious consequence is rabies.
  • Rabies- a viral disease of the nervous system that if left untreated, it eventually causes paralysis and death. There is NO CURE after rabies symptoms develop. If a person is vaccinated promptly after being bitten, he or she can develop immunity before symptoms appear.

First Aid strategies for animal bites:

  • Wash the bite area with mild soap and warm water for five minutes to remove saliva and any other foreign matter.
  • Use direct pressure or pressure point bleeding control to stop any bleeding.
  • If the wound is swollen, apply ice wrapped in a towel for ten minutes.
  • Cover the wound with a clean dressing or bandage.

Poison:

  • Any substance- solid, liquid, or gas- that causes injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body.
  • Approximately 90% of poisonings occur in the home and more than half involve children under the age of six.

Types of Poisons:

  • Venom- a poisonous substance secreted by a snake, spider, or other creature, that is injected into the body through a sting or bite.
  • Household chemicals- bleach, detergents, cleaners
  • Pesticides
  • Certain plants and foods
  • Carbon Monoxide- furnaces and water heaters, exhaust fumes
  • Swallowed Poisons- Determine what was swallowed, call poison control center and follow instructions.
  • May be instructed to give the victim something that dilutes the poison such as milk or water, or you may be directed to induce vomiting. DO NOT induce vomiting unless told to do so.
  • Inhaled Poisons- Quickly get the victim to fresh air.
  • Do not breathe in the fumes.
  • If they are not breathing, begin rescue breathing.
  • Poison on the Skin- must be removed as quickly as possible to limit exposure to the body.
  • Remove contaminated clothing.
  • Rinse skin continuously with water for 15 minutes
  • Rinse the skin with mild soap and water.
  • Rinse again with fresh water.
  • Have someone call 9-1-1 while you are rinsing the skin.
  • Poisons in the eye- Immediately start flushing the eye with lukewarm water and continue for 15 minutes.
  • Have the victim blink the eye as much as possible while flushing.
  • Do not force open the eye.
  • Do not rub the eye.
  • Have someone call 9-1-1 while you are rinsing the eye.

Treatment for Poison- Call a POISONCONTROLCENTER- a 24 hour hot line that provides emergency medical advice on treating poison victims.

When you call the poison control center:

  • Be prepared to give your name, location, and phone number.
  • Provide the name of the substance, when it was ingested, and the amount involved. If possible, give the brand name of the product and a list of ingredients.
  • Describe the state of the victim, as well as his or her age and weight.
  • Be prepared to follow all instructions and answer any questions.

First Aid for Poisonous Bites and Stings:

  • Can come from several sources- insects, spiders, ticks, scorpions, snakes, marine life, and other animals.
  • Snakebites- There are about 20 species of venomous snakes in the U.S. Most are rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, and water moccasins (cottonmouths)
  • Most are not fatal but do cause severe pain.
  • Treatment- Get the victim to the hospital-most important step.
  • Keep the bitten area below the level of the heart. If possible immobilize the limb.
  • Call 9-1-1
  • DO NOT apply ice or heat. Heat makes venom diffuse more rapidly. Ice can cause tissue damage.
  • Maintain breathing and prevent aggravation to the wound.

First Aid for insect bites:

  • Move to a safe area to avoid further harm.
  • Try to remove stinger by scrapping it off with a firm, sharp edged object such as a credit card or fingernail.
  • Wash area with mild soap and water to prevent infection.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste to the area several times a day.
  • Severe bites by poisonous insects where the victim has trouble breathing, call 9-1-1