First Aid Basics

First aid is the immediate care given to someone with an illness or injury.

For minor problems, it is the steps taken to resolve the issue.

For serious problems, it is the actions taken before trained help takes over (such as an EMS responder, nurse, or doctor).

These actions may make the difference between life and death.

You CAN make a difference!

First Aid Steps

Recognize the problem/emergency Check the scene for safety issues Decide to help Call 911 when appropriate Check the victim Give first aid Stay with the victim and continue monitoring their

condition until it resolves or trained help arrives

Rescuer Duties

Unless it is part of your job description, you do not have a duty to act (provide care) and the choice to help is yours.

Once you start first aid you have committed to stay with the victim until the issue is resolved or trained help arrives.

You should always ask a conscious, responsive adult if you may administer first aid.

The victim may accept or refuse care. If the victim refuses and you feel the problem could be more than minor, call 911.

Consent is assumed for a child if the parent is not present.

If the victim is unconscious, confused or cannot answer, consent is assumed.

Victim and Rescuer Safety

What are you looking for? Is the scene safe/ Is there danger to the rescuer? (Don’t become a second victim!) Is there danger to the victim? Is there anyone else around who can assist you? Is a phone available? How many are injured? How were they injured? Location of victim. Use universal precautions and personal protective

equipment (PPE).

Call 911

For all life-threatening injury or illness If the victim is unresponsive If the victims condition is more than minor or has

the potential to worsen If moving the victim could make them worse Never transport a victim yourself When in doubt call- it is better to be safe than

sorry!

Protect Yourself "Universal precautions," are a set of safeguards designed to

prevent transmission of germs from blood and body fluids when providing first aid.

The three infections that pose the most significant health threats are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The risk of getting a disease from a victim is low and is significantly reduced even more when exposure is controlled by wearing personal protective equipment while providing first aid.

PPE includes the use of gloves, protective eyewear (if possible) and barrier devices (during CPR).

Proper washing of hands and exposed areas is always critical to preventing the spread of infection.

Dispose of contaminated waste properly.

Initial Assessment Is the victim responsive? Can they talk? Are they breathing? Are they moving? What is their skin color, temperature, and condition. Are they bleeding? Are they in pain? Is anything deformed or swollen? Are they experiencing any abnormal sensations? Is the victim wearing any medical alert jewelry?

Medical Emergencies

For ALL Emergencies: Stay Calm! Scene Safe? Call 911 (If necessary or unsure) Get First Aid Kit/ AED Use PPE Stay With Victim

Breathing Problems

Causes: Known Disease Obstruction Swelling Infection Injuries Heart Attack Stroke

Symptoms: Labored Breathing Very Fast or Slow Breaths Noisy Breathing Can Not Talk

Actions: Ask- Medicine? Assist with Medication Self-

Administration if appropriate Position of Comfort Call 911 if:

No Medicine Medicine Doesn’t Work Stops Breathing

Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have been trained

ChokingCAUSE: Food Swallowed Objects

SYMPTOMS: Can‘t Breath Quiet/Soundless Cough Can’t Talk or Cry High Pitched/Noisy

Breaths Blue lips/Skin Makes Universal Sign

of Choking

ACTION: Abdominal Thrusts/Heimlich Maneuver

Watch Video at by right clicking link and selecting open hyperlink:

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Perform-the-Heimlich-Maneuver-170866241

Ask- “Are you choking?” State- “I can help.” Stand/Kneel Behind Victim Wrap Arms Around Waist

Wrap Mid-Chest for Pregnant/Obese Make Fist- Place thumb side against body

Above Belly Button Below Breastbone

Grasp Fist with Other Hand Give Quick Thrusts

In & Up/Abdomen In/Chest

Continue until Object Out/Can Breathe OR Unresponsive

If Unresponsive Call 911

Start CPR-Check mouth for object before breaths

Heart Attack

CAUSE: Mainly Heart Disease

SYMPTOMS: Chest Pain, Pressure, Squeezing,

Fullness- Symptoms are Lasting or Recurrent

Upper Body Discomfort/ Arms, Back, Neck, Jaw, Stomach

Shortness of Breath Nausea Cold Sweat Lightheadedness Women, Diabetics and the Elderly

may have symptoms less clear/severe

ACTION: Have Victim Sit Quietly Call 911 even if Victim Resists

EMS If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you

have been trained

Stroke

CAUSE: Bleeding in Brain

Blocked Blood Vessel in Brain

SYMPTOMS: Sudden Weakness/ Numbness of

Face, Arm or Leg Sudden Confusion, Trouble

Speaking or Understanding Sudden Trouble Seeing Sudden Trouble Walking ,

Dizziness, Loss of Balance and Coordination

Sudden Severe Headache

ACTION: Have Victim Sit/Lie Down Quietly Call 911 If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you

have been trained

Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar

CAUSE: Too Much Insulin Too Little Food Vomiting

SYMPTOMS: Behavior Change Sleepiness or

Unresponsive Hunger or Thirst Weakness Sweating Pale Skin

Seizure

ACTION: If Responsive

Give Sugar/Food/Drink Sit/Lie Down Call 911 if Not Feeling Better Soon

If Non-Responsive Do Not Give Food or Drink Roll on Side If Seizure Occurs- Follow Seizure

Protocol Start CPR if Breathing Stops

Bad Allergic ReactionCAUSE: Ingestion of Allergen Contact with Allergen Bite/Sting Environmental Allergy

SYMPTOMS:

MILD Stuffy Nose, Sneezing, Itchy

Eyes, Mild Hives SEVERE

Trouble Breathing Swelling- face/tongue Severe Hives Fainting

ACTION: Administer EpiPen If Victim Becomes Unresponsive-

Start CPR Save Sample of Allergen

FaintingCAUSE: Standing Long Time Sudden Standing

Sudden Extreme Emotion

SYMPTOMS: Initially- Dizziness Unresponsiveness for Less than

Minute/ Then Fine

ACTION: Lay Flat Raise Legs ~ 12” Check for Injuries No Dizziness-Sit to Stand

Seizures-Convulsive

CAUSE: Medical Condition/Epilepsy Head Injury Low Blood Sugar Heat Related Injury Poison

SYMPTOMS: Loss of Muscle Control Fall to Ground Jerky Movements

Becomes Unresponsive

ACTION: Protect Victim from Injury Check for Breathing If Breathing- Roll on Side (If

Head/Neck Injury NOT Suspected) If Unresponsive- Start CPR DO NOT Restrain Victim or Put

Anything in Mouth

Shock

CAUSE: Loss of Blood Heart Attack

Severe Allergic Reaction

SYMPTOMS: Feels Weak, Faint, Dizzy Pale/Grayish Skin Cold and Clammy to Touch Restless, Agitated, Confused

ACTION: Lay Flat Raise Legs If No Pain Check for Injuries-Stop Bleeding Cover Victim/ Keep Warm

Injury Emergencies

For ALL Emergencies: Stay Calm! Scene Safe? Call 911 (If necessary or unsure) Get First Aid Kit/ AED Use PPE Stay With Victim

Bleeding You Can SeeACTION:MINOR Wash with Soap & Water Apply Pressure Apply Dressing

ACTION:SEVERE Have Victim Apply Pressure Apply Clean Dry Dressing Apply Pressure (with gloves!) If Bleeding Continues

Never Remove 1st Dressing Apply 2nd Dressing Increase Pressure Continue Process Until

Bleeding Stops Check for Shock Call 911 if

Severe Bleeding Can’t Stop Bleeding Symptoms of Shock Injury from Fall with

Head/Neck/Spine Injury Possible

You Are Unsure

Nosebleed

ACTION: Press Both Sides of Nostrils Have Victim Lean Forward Press Harder if Bleeding Continues Call 911 if

Severe Bleeding Continues After 15 Minutes of Pressure Bleeding is Gushing and Can’t Be Stopped

The Victim has Trouble Breathing

Mouth bleeding

ACTION: REACHABLE INJURY

Apply Pressure with Clean Dressing to Stop Bleeding UNREACHABLE INJURY

Roll Victim on Side so Blood Can Drain Out Check for Shock Call 911 if

Severe Bleeding You Can’t Stop The Victim has Trouble Breathing

Puncturing Objects

ACTION: Call 911 DON’T TAKE OUT OBJECT Stop Bleeding Keep Victim Still Check for Shock

Amputations

Call 911 Stop Bleeding Check for Shock Protect Amputated Part

Rinse with Clean Water Cover/ Clean Dressing Place in Watertight Bag Place Bag on Ice Label (name, date, time)

Send with Victim

Tooth Injuries

Check Mouth/Stop Bleeding Loose Tooth

Bite Down on Gauze Call Dentist

Chipped Tooth Clean Area Call Dentist

Lost Tooth (Don’t touch root) Rinse (Don’t reinsert) Place in Water or Milk

Go to Dentist

Bleeding You Can Not SeeCAUSE: Blow or Crash Fall Blast

Injury to Abdomen/Chest/Head

SYMPTOMS: Pain in Abdomen/Chest/Head

after Injury Shortness of Breath Coughed Up/Vomited Blood Signs of Shock

Penetrating Wound

ACTION: Call 911 Keep Victim Still Check for Shock If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you

have been trained

Head InjuriesCAUSE: Fall Blow or Crash Electrocution

SYMPTOMS: Unresponsive Sleep/Confused Vomiting Headache Vision Problems Trouble Walking/Coordination Seizure

ACTION: Call 911 Hold Head and Neck DO NOT Turn/Move Victim

Unless Danger Victim Vomiting To Open Airway Use Log Roll

If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have been trained

Neck/Spine InjuriesCAUSE: Upper Body Injury Fall Blow/Crash Injured Under Influence Drugs or

Alcohol Diving Accident

SYMPTOMS: Unresponsive Sleep/Confused Pain Weakness/Numbness/Tingling

ACTION: Call 911 Hold Head and Neck DO NOT

Turn/Move Victim Unless Danger Victim Vomiting To Open Airway Use Log Roll

If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have been trained

Muscle Sprains/Broken Bones

CAUSE: Fall Blow/Crash Twisting

SYMPTOMS: Pain Swelling Bruising Deformity Can’t Bear Weight

ACTION: Check for Shock DO NOT Straighten Apply Dressing to Wounds Apply Ice (= 20 minutes) Elevate Body Part if Doesn’t

Cause More Pain Call 911 if

Large Open Wound Severe Deformity You are Unsure

See Doctor

Burns

CAUSE: Contact with Heat Contact with Electricity Contact with Chemicals

SYMPTOMS: Pain Redness Blisters Charred Skin

ACTION: SMALL BURNS

Flush with COOL water Apply clean/dry dressing

LARGE BURNS Call 911 Stop Flames on Victim Cover with Wet Blanket Remove clothes/jewelry Check for Shock Dry Cover/Keep Warm Unresponsive/Start CPR

ELECTRICAL BURNS Call 911(MUST be seen!) Check for LIVE current

Unresponsive/Start CPR

Eye

CAUSE: Blow Impact with High Speed Object Puncture Small Object on Eye Chemical Contamination

SYMPTOMS: Pain Vision Problems Redness Bruising Bleeding Swelling

ACTION: BLOW

See Doctor PUNCTURE

Call 911 Cover BOTH eyes with clean,

dry dressing Keep Victim Still

IRRITANT Flush with clean water See Doctor if can’t remove or

chemical contamination

Environmental Injuries

For ALL Emergencies: Stay Calm! Scene Safe? Call 911 (If necessary or unsure) Get First Aid Kit/ AED Use PPE Stay With Victim

Bites and StingsCAUSE: Animal and Humans Snakes Insects/Bees/Spiders

SYMPTOMS: Pain Redness Swelling Snake

Possible Nausea, Vomiting, Sweating,

Weakness Insects/Bees

Possible Itchiness Severe Allergic Reaction Symptoms

Spiders/Scorpions Severe Pain at Site Muscle Cramps Headache Fever Vomiting Breathing Problems Seizures

Unresponsiveness

ACTION: Stay Clear of Whatever Bit the Victim ANIMAL/HUMAN BITES Wash with Soap & Water Stop Bleeding Apply Dressing Apply Ice if Needed Report to Police Contact Doctor SNAKEBITES

Call 911 Keep Victim Still

Wash with Soap & Water DO NOT Apply Ice, Cut Wound, Apply

Suction, Wrap Tightly, Use Local Electric Shock

INSECTS/BEES/SPIDERS Minor

SCRAPE off stinger Wash- soap & water Apply Ice Observe 30 min.

Severe Follow actions for severe allergic reaction

Tick Bite

ACTION: Grab Tick Close to Skin with Tweezers Pull Straight Out Wash with Soap and Water Call Doctor

Heat

SYMPTOMS: Muscle Cramps Sweating Headache Nausea Weakness Dizziness HEATSTROKE Confusion/strange Behavior Vomiting Inability to drink Skin- red, hot, DRY Shallow Breathing Seizures

Unresponsiveness

ACTION: Move to Cool Place Loosen Clothing Give Fluids Cool Skin with Water If Unresponsive- Start CPR DO NOT

Wait to Cool Continue to cool if victim is

back to normal Use anything but water to

cool Give anything by mouth if

victim can’t swallow, is vomiting, confuses, had a seizure, is unresponsive

Heatstroke Call 911

Cold

CAUSE: Skin Cool/Cold Skin may be Red, White or Bluish Shivering Confusion/Personality Change Sleepiness or Unconcerned Muscle Stiffness/Rigidity Trouble Breathing Unresponsiveness/Appears Dead FROSTBITE White, Waxy or Yellow-Grayish

Skin Cold, Hard, Numb Skin

ACTION: Move to Warm Place Call 911 Check for Responsiveness Remove Wet Clothes/Jewelry Dry Victim/Put on dry clothes Cover with Blanket- Entire Body

except Face If Unresponsive- Start CPR If Unable to get Medical Care Quickly- Warm skin with warm

water FROSTBITE

DO NOT

Rub or massage Use Heat to thaw Thaw if area can refreeze

PoisonsCAUSE: Swallow, Inhale,

Skin/Eye Contact with a Toxic Substance

ACTION: Check for Safety-DO NOT ENTER if Signs of Poison? Spills/Leaks? Multiple Victims? If Safe Remove Victim to Fresh Air Area Call 911 Have Someone Get MSDS Call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 If Unresponsive- Start CPR Remove Clothing/Jewelry Remove Poison from Victims Skin Brush Dry Powder Off with Gloved Hand Safety Shower/Eye Wash if Available Flush Area 20 minutes or until Help Arrives Eyes-Blink Frequently Do Not Give Anything by Mouth, Apply Anything

to Skin