Karen Hetrick NREMT-P

Reach-throw-row-go◦ Reach for victim.

◦ Throw anything that floats.

◦ Row by using canoe or other boat (not to be attempted without personal floatation devices and beware of water conditions).

◦ Go by swimming (absolute last resort, should not be attempted by untrained personal or those without personal flotation devices).

Extend a pole or throw a line to victim with floatable object.

Pull victim toward shore or edge of ice.

Do not go onto the ice ever.

Indoor electrocutions◦ Faulty electrical equipment or careless use of

electrical appliances◦ Turn off power at circuit breaker, fuse box, or

outside switch box before touching the victim (make sure it is safe to touch the breaker or box, if you do not know how to turn it off do not touch it).

High-voltage power lines◦ Power must be turned off.◦ Wait for trained personnel with proper equipment.

Signs of hazardous materials◦ Signs on vehicle

◦ Spilled liquids or solids

◦ Strong, unusual odors

◦ Clouds of vapor

Stay away and upwind.

Wait for trained personnel to arrive.

Park in a safe area and call 9-1-1. Turn on emergency hazard flashers. Raise

hood of vehicle. Make sure scene is safe. Turn off ignitions of all involved vehicles. Place flares or reflectors. If you suspect spinal injuries, stabilize head

and neck and do not move the patient unless the scene is life threatening, ievehicle is on fire.

Check and care for life-threatening injuries first.

Get all people out of the area quickly.

Call 9-1-1.

Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small.

To use a fire extinguisher, aim directly at the base of the flames and sweep across. Only use an extinguisher rated for that type of fire.

If fire starts to spread leave the area immediately.

Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics.

Class B extinguishers are for flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil.

Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals.

Class C extinguishers are electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great!

Class K extinguishers are for grease fires.

Most common extinguishers is a combination ABC extinguisher.

Any area not intended for human occupancy

Dangerous atmosphere (low oxygen levels) or other dangerous gases

Requires special training and equipment to perform rescue.

For confined space emergencies◦ Call 9-1-1.

◦ Only enter if you have proper training and equipment.

◦ Check motionless victims first.

◦ Once victim is removed, provide care.

Classify into care and transportation priorities.

This helps determine who gets the quickest treatment when there are multiple victims.

There are 4 color coded transportation/treatment categories.

Each company may have different protocols and triage equipment but the colors and categories should be the same across the board.

Typical injuries

Airway/Breathing

Uncontrolled/Severe Bleeding

Severe burns

Signs of Shock

Open chest/abdominal wounds

Burns with no airway problems

Major/multiple bone or joint injuries

Back injuries with or without spinal

cord injuries

Minor fractures

Minor soft tissue injuries

Obvious Death

Obvious nonsurvivable injury

Respiratory Arrest

Cardiac Arrest

Triage Category

RED

YELLOW

GREEN

BLACK

Only move victim if there is immediate danger.◦ Fire◦ Hazardous materials◦ Impossible to protect from hazards such as

uncontrolled traffic, unstable surroundings, weather conditions, etc.

◦ Impossible to access other victims who need lifesaving care

◦ If need to perform CPR and patient is face down

Protect victim’s spine. Drag in direction of the long axis of the body.

Drags◦ Shoulder drag◦ Ankle drag◦ Blanket pull

One-person moves◦ Human crutch

◦ Cradle carry

◦ Fire fighter’s carry

◦ Pack-strap carry

◦ Piggyback carry

Two-person or three-person moves◦ Two-person assist

◦ Two-handed seat carry

◦ Extremity carry

All injured parts should be stabilized before moving.

This would include full spinal immobilization with a backboard, head blocks, and straps.

Thygerson, A., Thygerson, S., Gulli, B., & Piazza, G. (2011).Standard, first aid, cpr, and aed. (6th ed.). Sudburt: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.