Procedures

Common First Aid

First aid is help that is given from one person to another in emergency situations like a sudden injury or illness. First aid provides some minimal care to a victim until medical professionals can arrive. This includes anything as serious as CPR to something minor like apply plaster to a cut.

First aid goals can be summarized into three key points. They are sometimes known as the three P's. 

1.     1.  Preserve life

2.     2.  Prevent further harm

3.        3.  Promote recovery

Asphyxiation

What is Asphyxiation?

Asphyxiation is when one stops breathing. Common causes include drowning, choking, and carbon monoxide poisoning. A lack of oxygen in the blood affects the brain first, then it impulses from the respiration center to the rib muscles and the diaphragm weakens. Breathing then becomes slow and shallow and is reduced to twitches. Ones muscles begin to jerk and pupils dilate. Then the skin turns a blue color.

First Aid Steps

First Aid for Asphyxiation

Mouth-to-mouth is the most common method of respiration, and has generally replaced all older methods. It provides air pressure to inflate the lungs immediately. To administer mouth-to-mouth respiration (CPR) follow the steps given below

1. Clear the air passages of any foreign material and be certain that the tongue is not blocking the airway. If the tongue is drawn back, pull it forward.

2.   2.  Place the victim on his back. Tilt the head back so that the chin is pointing upward. Pull or push the jaw into a jutting position.

3.   3.  Pinch the victim's nose between the fingers and thumb

4.   4.  Press your mouth against the victim's mouth firmly, so as to make airtight contact. Many first aid kits contain a mouthpiece, which avoids this direct contact.

5.   5.  Blow air into the victim's mouth until you see the chest rise. When the chest has reached full expansion, stop blowing to avoid damage to the victim's lungs by over-inflation. This is especially true in the case of children.

7.   6.  Repeat the process about 12 times per minute for an adult or about 20 times per minute for a child.

Bone Fracture

What is a bone fracture?

A bone fracture is a broken bone. This emergency requires medical attention, therefore the first thing you should do is call your local emergency number. Take the following actions immediately until medical professionals arrive.

First Aid Steps

First Aid Steps

1.  If the person is unresponsive, isn’t breathing or moving. Begin CPR.

2.  Do not move the person unless it is necessary to avoid further injury.

3.  Stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or clean piece of clothing.

4.  Immobilize the injured area. If the bone is unaligned or has come through the skin, do not try to realign it or push it back in. If you have been trained properly, apply a splint to the area above and below the fractured area. Padding the splint will reduce discomfort.

5.  Apply ice packs. This will reduce swelling and help relieve pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. You can wrap ice in a towel, piece of cloth, or some other material.

6.  Treat for shock. If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.

Burns

What is a burn?

There are three burn classification 1^st-degree burn, 2^nd-degree burn, and 3^rd-degree burns.

A 1^st-degree burn is the least serious of the three. The skin is usually red, there is often swelling, and pain may or may not be a factor. This burn should be treated as a minor burn unless there is substantial portions of the body burned, which would require emergency medical attention.

A 2^nd-degree burn is when the first layer of skin has burned through and the second lay of skin is also burned. Blisters will develop, the skin will take an intensely reddened and splotchy appearance, and there is severe pain and swelling. If it is no larger than 3 inches in diameter, treat as a minor burn. If it is larger treat as a major burn and seek medical attention.

A 3^rd-degree burn is the most serious. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

Minor Burn First Aid Steps

Burns usually heal without further treatment. They could heal with pigment changes. Watch for signs of infection. If it is thought that infection has set in, seek medical attention. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year if exposed. Do not use ice. Do not apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. Do not break blisters.

1. Cool the burn. You should hold the burned area under cool running water for 10 or 15 seconds to help the pain decrease. It also reduces swelling. Do not use ice.

2.  Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Do not use fluffy cotton, or other mater that could get in the wound. Wrap it loosely to avoid pressure. They bandage will keep air off the burn, reduce pain, and protect blistered skin.

3.  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. Use caution when giving to children or teenagers. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Major Burn First Aid Steps

For major burns call local emergency number, and take the following steps until they arrive.

1.  Do not remove burned clothing. However, make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.

2.  Do not immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation.

3.  Check for signs of circulation. If there is no breathing or other signs of circulation begin CPR

4.  Elevate the burned body part or parts above the heart level if possible.

5.  Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage, moist cloth, or a moist cloth towel. 

Heat Stroke

What is a heat stroke?

A heat stroke is the most sever of heat-related problems. It often occurs due to exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake. Those who are obese are more likely to have a heat stroke. The body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat like sweating and temperature control become inadequate. 

Signs & Symptoms

-      - Rapid heartbeat

-      -  Rapid and shallow breathing

-      -  Elevated or lowered blood pressure

-      -  Cessation of sweating

-      -  Irritability, confusion, or unconsciousness

-      -  Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

-      -  Headache

-      -  Nausea

-      -  Fainting, may be first sign for older adults

First Aid Steps

1.  Move the person out of the sun into a shady or air-conditioned space

2.  Call local emergency services

3.  Cool the person by covering with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper.

4.  Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine, if he or she is able.

Hypothermia

What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia can set in when one is exposed to cold temperatures, and the body’s mechanisms may fail to maintain a normal body temperature. Wet or inadequate clothing during cold weather can increase the chances of hypothermia. Signs and symptoms can usually develop slowly. Those who are very skinny are more at risk.  

Signs & Symptoms

-  Shivering

-  Slurred speech

-  Abnormally slow breathing

-  Cold, pale skin

-  Loss of coordination

-  Fatigue, lethargy or apathy

-  Confusion or memory loss

-  Bright red, cold skin (infants)

First Aid Steps

Call local emergency services while waiting follow the following steps.

1.  If breathing stops or seems dangerously slow or shallow administer CPR.

2.  Move the person out of the cold. If going inside isn't possible, protect the victim from the wind, cover their head, and insulate them from the cold ground.

3.  Remove any wet clothing. Replace them with warm and dry clothing.

4.  Don’t apply direct heat. Apply warm compresses to the center of the head, neck, chest, and groin. Any heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back to the heart, lungs, and brain.

5.  Don’t give the person any alcohol. Offer warm drinks unless vomiting.

6.  Don’t message or rub the person. Handle gently because their skin could be frostbitten.

Nose Bleeds

Nosebleeds are common and are often more of a nuisance than a true medical problem. However,
they can be a medical problem. If the bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes you should seek emergency care. Also, if the nosebleed occurs after an accident you could have a broken nose and should seek medical care. If you are experience frequent nosebleeds, or if you are experiencing nasal bleeding and taking a blood thinner, you should contact your doctor. 

First Aid Steps

1.  Sit upright and lean forward. When you stay upright, you reduce blood pressure in the veins of your nose. This discourages further bleeding sitting forward will help you avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate your stomach.

2.  Pinch your nose. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch your nostrils shut. Breathe through your mouth. Continue to pinch for five to 10 minutes. Pinching sends pressure to the bleeding point on the nasal septum and often stops the flow of blood.

3.  To prevent re-bleeding, don’t pick or blow your nose and don’t bend down for several hours after the bleeding episode. During this time, remember to keep you head higher than the level of your heart.

4.  If re-bleeding occurs, blow out forcefully to clear your nose of blood clots and spray both sides of your noses with a decongestant nasal spray containing oxymetazoline. Pinch your nose again as described above and call your doctor.

Cuts and Scrapes

Minor cuts and scrapes usually don’t require emergency medical help. However deep wounds may require stitches. Adhesive strips or butterfly tape can hold a minor cut together, but if you can’t easily close the wound then you should see a doctor. Also if the injured person hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years, it is recommend he or she gets one as soon as possible.

First Aid Steps

First Aid Steps

1.  Wash your hands. This helps avoid infection. Also put on disposable protective gloves if they're available.

2.  Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If not, apply gentle pressure with a sterile bandage or clean cloth and elevate the wound.

3.  Clean the wound. Use clear water to rinse the wound. Also clean around the wound with soap and a washcloth. Keep soap out of the wound, as it can cause irritation.

4.  Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment to help keep the surface moist. These products don't make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage infection

5.  Cover the wound. Bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. If the injury is just a minor scrape, or scratch, leave it uncovered.