INTRODUCTION
ORDER OF TREATMENT PRIORITY
OBSTRUCTED AIRWAY
HEART ATTACK
BLEEDING
SHOCK
BURNS
EYE INJURIES
NOSE INJURIES
INSECT BITES
FRACTURES, SPRAINS & STRAINS
POISONING
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES
STROKE
SEIZURES
HEAT EMERGENCIES
COLD EMERGENCIES
LEGAL & ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
YOUR FIRST AID KIT
INTRODUCTION: This tutorial has been prepared
by a
Certified First Aid Instructor with many years
experience teaching first aid, CPR and basic life
support courses. While the material presented
conforms to commonly accepted standards, it is
not intended to substitute for formalized classroom
instruction in first aid, as offered by many
community groups and organizations. Nor should this
tutorial be relied upon for use at the time of an
emergency. The time to learn first aid is BEFORE you
need to use it!
Since you will probably use the skills
presented on this disk only from time to
time, it is a good idea to
review its content
every so often so you don't forget the valuable
lessons.
It is also strongly recommended you sign up for
an inclusive first aid and CPR course.
SECTION
I
ORDER
OF PRIORITY
IN
AN EMERGENCY
In
EVERY emergency situation, there is a logical
order to be followed. First, it is important to
carefully assess the scene of an emergency BEFORE
any further steps are taken. The purpose of this
assessment is to assure it is safe to provide
first aid care. For example, an unconscious victim
might be lying on a live power
line. If a rescuer
were to touch the victim before the power could be
shut off, the rescuer would become a victim as
well! Always be sure it is safe before you attempt
to
help a victim!
Once you determine it is safe for you to help a
victim, you should immediately determine if the
victim has any life threatening conditions.
Begin by checking to see if the victim is
responsive. Kneel and ask, " ARE YOU OK?" If there
is
no response, you must immediately summon an
ambulance! Recent studies have conclusively shown
that victims who are not breathing and do not have
a
heartbeat have a substantially greater chance for
survival if they receive prompt advanced medical
care in a hospital or by trained paramedics.
Only after a call is placed for emergency medical
services does a volunteer attempt to further help
an
unconscious victim.
If
there are bystanders on the scene, summon
someone to your side to provide assistance.
If
the victim is on his stomach, first place the
victim's arm closest to you above his head. Then
turn him over by placing one hand on the victim's
hip and the other hand at the victim's shoulder.
Turn the body in a smooth, even straight line so as
to
not cause further injury in the event of
existing spinal cord injury.
With the victim now on his back, OPEN THE VICTIM'S
AIRWAY by placing the heel of your hand on the
victim's forehead and the tips of your fingers under
the bony part of the jaw.
Push down on the forehead while lifting up the chin
until the jaw is pointing straight up. Now place
your ear over the victim's mouth and LOOK, LISTEN &
FEEL for breathing for 3 to 5 seconds. LOOK at
the
chest to see if it is rising, LISTEN for sounds of
breathing and FEEL for air coming from the victim.
IF
THE VICTIM IS NOT BREATHING, RESCUE BREATHING IS
REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY!
IMPORTANT
WHILE THIS TUTORIAL IDENTIFIES LIFE THREATENING
CONDITIONS REQUIRING RESCUE BREATHING OR CPR,
THESE SKILLS REQUIRE INTENSIVE CLASSROOM SKILL
DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE AND CANNOT BE
EFFECTIVELY PRESENTED OR TAUGHT IN THIS
TUTORIAL. THE AUTHOR STRONGLY ENCOURAGES
EVERYONE TO ENROLL IN A CPR COURSE
Rescue breathing will provide vital oxygen to
a victim who cannot breath on their own. After
giving a victim two breaths, the pulse is
checked at the Carotid Artery to ascertain if
the victim has a heartbeat. This artery is
located on the side of the neck and is found by
first positioning the fingers on the
victim's
Adam's Apple, then sliding the fingers down into
the soft groove on the side of the neck. The pulse
is checked for 5 to 10 seconds.
If the victim has a heartbeat, but is not
breathing, RESCUE BREATHING is required. If the
victim is NOT breathing AND does NOT have a
HEARTBEAT, CPR is required without delay!
These initial steps of checking the AIRWAY,
BREATHING and CIRCULATION (pulse), together
with a check for major BLEEDING, constitute THE
PRIMARY SURVEY, which looks for life-threatening
conditions!
In every instance where first aid is to be
provided, it is important to always ask a
conscious victim for permission to help them.
If a victim is unconscious, it is presumed they
have provided consent for you to assist them.
SECTION II
OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE AIRWAY
[NOTE: Emergency treatment of airway
obstructions is taught as part of CPR
training and only through classroom
practice can the necessary skills be
mastered. The mechanics of handling
airway obstructions are presented in
this tutorial for background insight only]
If an individual is choking - but can speak
or cough forcibly - there is an exchange of
air (although it might be diminished) and you
should encourage the victim to continue coughing
while you just stand by! On the other hand,
if a victim is choking, but CANNOT speak or cough,
an airway obstruction exists which must be treated
immediately!
The treatment for an obstructed airway in a
conscious victim involves use of the HEIMLICH
MANEUVER which is performed as follows:
STAND BEHIND THE VICTIM
WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND THE VICTIM'S WAIST
MAKE A FIST WITH ONE HAND AND PLACE THE THUMB
SIDE OF THE FIST AGAINST THE VICTIM'S ABDOMEN,
JUST ABOVE THE NAVEL AND WELL BELOW THE LOWER
TIP OF THE BREASTBONE
GRASP YOUR FIST WITH YOUR OTHER HAND
WITH ELBOWS OUT, PRESS YOUR FIST INTO THE
VICTIM'S ABDOMEN WITH QUICK, UPWARD THRUSTS
EACH THRUST IS A DISTINCT, SEPARATE ATTEMPT TO
DISLODGE THE FOREIGN OBJECT
REPEAT THRUSTS UNTIL FOREIGN OBJECT IS CLEARED
OR VICTIM BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS
Emergency treatment of airway obstructions in
an unconscious victim is taught in CPR classes.
SECTION III
HEART
ATTACK
Heart attacks are among the leading cause of death
in the United States. A heart attack happens when
one or more of the blood vessels that supply blood
to the heart become blocked. When this occurs, cells
in the heart begin to die when they cannot get blood
for vital nourishment. If a large part of the heart
is deprived of blood, the heart stops beating and
the victim suffers CARDIAC ARREST!
When a victim's heart stops beating, they require
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) which provides
vital oxygen through rescue breathing and which
maintains circulation through chest compressions.
******
PROPER TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM CPR, HOWEVER
ANY HEART ATTACK CAN LEAD TO CARDIAC ARREST AND IT
IS THEREFORE VITAL FOR FIRST AIDERS TO BE ABLE TO
RECOGNIZE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
SO THE VICTIM CAN RECEIVE PROMPT PROFESSIONAL
ATTENTION!
******
A heart attack victim whose heart is still beating
has a much better chance of survival than a victim
whose heart has stopped! Most heart attack victims
who die succumb within 2 hours after
having their
heart attack. Many of these victims could be saved
if bystanders recognize the symptoms of a heart
attack and get the victim to a hospital quickly!
Indeed, many victims of heart attacks think they are
experiencing HEARTBURN or other minor discomfort
when in fact their life is in jeopardy!
The most significant sign of a heart attack is chest
pain. The victim may describe it as pressure, a
feeling of tightness in the chest, aching, crushing,
fullness or tightness, constricting or heavy pain.
The pain may be located in the center of the chest
although it is not uncommon for the pain to radiate
to one or both shoulders or arms or to the neck, jaw
or back.
In addition to pain, victims may experience
sweating, nausea or shortness
of breath. Many
victims deny they may be having a heart attack.
Others may have their condition worsened by fear of
dying.
With all victims of heart attacks - and with all
victims receiving first aid for any condition - it
is important for the rescuer to constantly reassure
the victim and keep them as calm and relaxed as
possible.
The psychological value of
reassurance is as
important in first aid as any treatments!
FIRST AID FOR A HEART ATTACK
1. Recognize the signs &
symptoms of a heart
attack
2. Comfort & reassure the
victim
3. Have the victim stop
whatever they were doing
and sit or lie in a
comfortable position
4. Summon emergency medical
help quickly
5. If the victim become
unconscious, be prepared
to perform CPR [IF YOU ARE
TRAINED TO DO SO]
All of us can reduce the risk of heart attack by
controlling high blood pressure, limiting
cholesterol in the diet, watching weight,
exercising, giving up smoking and minimizing stress.
SECTION IV
BLEEDING
Major bleeding may be a life-threatening condition
requiring immediate attention. Bleeding may be
external or internal. Bleeding may be from an
ARTERY, a major blood vessel which carries
oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout the
body. It may be from a VEIN, which carries blood
back to the heart to be oxygenated or bleeding may
be from a CAPILLARY, the smallest
of our body's
blood vessels.
ARTERIAL bleeding is characterized by spurts with
each beat of the heart, is bright red in color
(although blood darkens when it meets the air) and
is usually severe and hard to control. ARTERIAL
bleeding requires immediate attention!
VENUS bleeding is characterized by a steady flow and
the blood is dark, almost maroon in shade. Venus
bleeding is easier to control than Arterial
bleeding.
CAPILLARY bleeding is usually slow, oozing in nature
and this type of bleeding usually has a higher risk
of infection than other types of bleeding.
FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING IS INTENDED TO:
l. STOP THE BLEEDING
2. PREVENT INFECTION
3. PREVENT SHOCK
HOW TO CONTROL BLEEDING:
1. APPLY 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!
2. 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.
3. IF THE BLEEDING STILL CANNOT BE CONTROLLED, THE NEXT
STEP IS TO APPLY PRESSURE AT A PRESSURE POINT. FOR
WOUNDS OF THE ARMS OR HANDS, PRESSURE POINTS ARE
LOCATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE
WRIST ( RADIAL
ARTERY-WHERE A PULSE IS CHECKED) OR ON THE INSIDE OF
THE UPPER ARM (BRACHIAL ARTERY). FOR WOUNDS OF THE
LEGS, THE PRESSURE POINT IS AT THE CREASE IN THE
GROIN (FEMORAL ARTERY). STEPS 1 AND 2
SHOULD BE
CONTINUED WITH USE OF THE PRESSURE POINTS.
4. THE FINAL STEP TO CONTROL BLEEDING IS TO APPLY A
PRESSURE BANDAGE OVER THE WOUND. NOTE THE
DISTINCTION BETWEEN A
DRESSING AND A BANDAGE. A
DRESSING MAY BE A GAUZE SQUARE APPLIED DIRECTLY TO
A WOUND, WHILE A BANDAGE, SUCH AS ROLL GAUZE, IS
USED TO HOLD A DRESSING IN PLACE. PRESSURE SHOULD BE
USED IN APPLYING THE BANDAGE.
AFTER THE BANDAGE IS
IN PLACE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK THE PULSE TO MAKE
SURE CIRCULATION IS NOT INTERRUPTED. WHEN FACED WITH
THE NEED TO CONTROL MAJOR BLEEDING, IT IS NOT
IMPORTANT THAT THE DRESSINGS YOU WILL USE ARE
STERILE! USE WHATEVER YOU HAVE AT HAND AND WORK
FAST!
A SLOW PULSE RATE, OR BLUISH FINGERTIPS OR TOES,
SIGNAL A BANDAGE MAY BE IMPEDING CIRCULATION.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INTERNAL BLEEDING ARE:
* BRUISED, SWOLLEN, TENDER OR
RIGID ABDOMEN
* BRUISES ON CHEST OR SIGNS OF
FRACTURED RIBS
* BLOOD IN VOMIT
* WOUNDS THAT HAVE PENETRATED
THE CHEST OR ABDOMEN
* BLEEDING FROM THE RECTUM OR
VAGINA
* ABNORMAL PULSE AND
DIFFICULTY BREATHING
* COOL, MOIST SKIN
FIRST AID IN THE FIELD FOR INTERNAL BLEEDING IS
LIMITED. IF THE INJURY APPEARS TO BE A SIMPLE
BRUISE, APPLY COLD PACKS TO SLOW BLEEDING, RELIEVE
PAIN AND REDUCE SWELLING. IF YOU SUSPECT MORE
SEVERE INTERNAL BLEEDING, CAREFULLY MONITOR THE
PATIENT AND BE PREPARED TO ADMINISTER CPR IF
REQUIRED (AND YOU ARE TRAINED TO DO SO). YOU SHOULD
ALSO REASSURE THE VICTIM, CONTROL EXTERNAL
BLEEDING, CARE FOR SHOCK (COVERED
IN NEXT SECTION),
LOOSEN TIGHT-FITTING CLOTHING AND PLACE VICTIM ON
SIDE SO FLUIDS CAN DRAIN FROM THE MOUTH.
SECTION V
SHOCK
SHOCK IS COMMON WITH MANY INJURIES, REGARDLESS OF
THEIR SEVERITY. THE FIRST HOUR AFTER AN INJURY IS
MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT
SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK APPEAR. IF SHOCK IS NOT TREATED,
IT CAN PROGRESS TO CAUSE DEATH!
SHOCK IS FAILURE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM TO
KEEP ADEQUATE BLOOD CIRCULATING TO THE VITAL ORGANS
OF THE BODY, NAMELY THE HEART, LUNGS AND BRAIN.
ANY TYPE OF INJURY CAN CAUSE SHOCK.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK INCLUDE: CONFUSED
BEHAVIOR, VERY FAST OR VERY SLOW PULSE RATE, VERY
FAST OR VERY SLOW BREATHING, TREMBLING AND WEAKNESS
IN THE ARMS OR LEGS, COOL AND MOIST SKIN, PALE OR
BLUISH SKIN, LIPS AND FINGERNAILS AND ENLARGED
PUPILS.
TREATMENT FOR SHOCK:
A GOOD RULE TO FOLLOW IS TO ANTICIPATE THAT SHOCK
WILL FOLLOW AN INJURY AND TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT
IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS!
Putting a victim in a lying-down position improves
circulation. If the victim is not suspected of
having head or neck injuries, or leg fractures,
elevate the legs. If you suspect head or neck
injuries, keep the victim lying flat. If the victim
vomits, turn on their side. If victim is
experiencing trouble breathing, place them in a
semi-reclining position. Maintain the victim's body
SECTION VI
BURNS
The severity of a burn depends
upon its size, depth
and location. Burns are most severe when located on
the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals. Also, when
they are spread over large parts of the body or when
they are combined with other injuries.
Burns result in pain, infection and shock. They are
most serious when the victims are very young or very
old.
First degree burns are the least severe. They are
characterized by redness or discoloration, mild
swelling and pain. Overexposure to the sun is a
common cause of first degree burns.
Second degree burns are more serious. They are
deeper than first degree burns, look red or mottled
and have blisters. They may also involve loss of
fluids through the damaged skin. Second degree
burns are usually the most painful because nerve
ending are usually intact, despite severe tissue
damage.
Third degree burns are the deepest. They may look
white or charred, extend through all skin layers.
Victims of third degree burns may have severe pain
-- or no pain at all -- if the nerve endings are
destroyed.
FIRST AID FOR BURNS;
FIRST DEGREE FLUSH WITH COOL RUNNING
WATER, APPLY MOIST
DRESSINGS & BANDAGE LOOSELY
SECOND DEGREE APPLY DRY DRESSINGS AND BANDAGE
LOOSELY. DO NOT USE WATER AS IT MAY INCREASE
RISK OF SHOCK
THIRD DEGREE SAME TREATMENT AS SECOND DEGREE
ALL VICTIMS OF SERIOUS BURNS
SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP QUICKLY!
Burns may also be caused by chemicals. In these
cases, it is important to remove clothing on which
chemicals have spilled and flush the affected area
with copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes.
SECTION VII
EYE INJURIES
Be extremely careful and gentle when treating eye
injuries.
Floating objects in the eye which can be visualized may
be flushed from the eye with water. If the object cannot
be removed in this manner, the victim should seek medical
attention.
-------------------------------------------------------
Never attempt to remove objects imbedded in the eye!
First Aid care for these injuries consists of bandaging
BOTH eyes and seeking professional care promptly! An
inverted paper cup covered with a bandage is appropriate
for serious eye injuries while the victim is transported
to the hospital.
---------------------------------------------------------
For chemical burns of the eye, wash the eye with copious
amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes. Then wrap a
bandage around both eyes and
seek professional help.
Eyes are delicate and sight is precious! Prompt
professional attention to eye injuries is required to
preserve sight!
SECTION VIII
NOSE INJURIES
Severe nosebleed can be most frightening. It can
also lead to shock if enough blood is lost! Many
cases of nosebleed can be controlled simply by
having the victim sit down, pinch the nostrils shut
and lean forward (to prevent blood from running into
the throat).
Once the bleeding has been stopped, talking, walking
and blowing the nose may disturb
blood clots and
allow the bleeding to resume. The victim should rest
quietly until it appears the bleeding remains
stopped.
If it is suspected that the victim has suffered
head, neck or back injuries DO NOT attempt to
control the blood flow as they may cause increased
pressure on injured tissue. All uncontrolled
nosebleeds require prompt medical attention!
SECTION IX
ANIMAL BITES
ANIMAL BITES CARRY A
HIGH RISK OF INFECTION
AND REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL
ATTENTION PROMPTLY!
Infection may develop hours, or days,
after an animal bite. Signs and symptoms
of infection are pain & tenderness at the
wound site, redness, heat, swelling, pus
at the wound site, red streaks in the skin
around the wound and possible swollen
glands closest to the wound.
First aid care for animal bites includes
washing the wound well with soap
and
water, if there is no heavy
bleeding. Then cover the wound and seek
SECTION XI
FRACTURES, SPRAINS, STRAINS & DISLOCATIONS
Fractures, sprains, strains
and
dislocations may be hard
for the lay
person to tell apart. For
this
reason, first aid treatment of any of
these conditions is handled
as though
the injury was a fracture.
Signs and symptoms of the
above
conditions may include a
"grating"
sensation of bones rubbing
together,
pain, tenderness, swelling,
bruising
and an inability to move
the injured
part.
First Aid for any of these
conditions
consists of:
* Control bleeding, if
present.
* Care for shock.
* Splint affected area to
prevent
further movement, but do
so only if
possible without causing
further
pain to victim.
* Cold packs may help
reduce pain and
swelling.
Victims with traumatic
injuries, such
as those caused by automobile
accidents, falls etc.
should not be
moved except by trained
rescue
workers. Head, neck and
back injuries
are serious and require
special care
for movement and transport
of victims
with these conditions. In
exceptional
circumstances, such as when
a victim
is at risk of further
injury unless
moved, the victim's head and
neck
should be stabilized and
the body
moved with minimal flexing
of the
head, neck or spinal cord.
ALL VICTIMS WITH FRACTURES,
DISLOCATIONS, SPRAINS AND
STRAINS
REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL
MEDICAL
ATTENTION.
professional attention. A serious wound
should be cleaned only by
trained medical personnel.
XII
POISONING
Over a million cases of
poisoning
occur in the United States
each
year, most involving young
children.
PREVENTION of poisoning
should be the
concern of every parent
with young children.
Substances likely to cause
poisoning
should be kept away from
inquiring
youngsters!
Since various poisons cause
different
symptoms, and because
treatments vary
depending upon the
substance
ingested, the first step in
the event
of poisoning is to call the
local
POISON CONTROL CENTER! DO
NOT WAIT
FOR SYMPTOMS TO OCCUR!
IDENTIFY THE
NATURE OF THE POISON AND
RECEIVE
SPECIFIC CARE
INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE
PROFESSIONAL STAFF AT THE
CENTER!
All poisoning victims need
to be
monitored carefully for
signs of
shock or impaired consciousness.
Every household should keep
ACTIVATED
CHARCOAL & SYRUP OF
IPECAC on hand
for possible use in
poisoning
emergencies, however they
should
not be administered unless
instructed
by the Poison Control
Center
staff. Both of these items
are
readily available, without
prescription, at any drug
store.
XIII
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES
Sugar is required in the body for
nourishment. Insulin is a hormone
that helps the body use the sugar.
When the body does not produce enough
Insulin, body cells do not get the needed
nourishment and diabetes results.
People with this condition take Insulin
to keep their diabetes under control.
Diabetics are subject to two very
different types of emergencies:
1. INSULIN REACTION (OR INSULIN SHOCK)
This condition occurs when there is TOO
MUCH INSULIN in the body. This condition
rapidly reduces the level of sugar in the
blood and brain cells suffer.
Insulin reaction can be caused by taking
too much medication, by failing to eat, by
heavy exercise and by emotional factors.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fast breathing, fast pulse, dizziness,
weakness, change in the level of
consciousness, vision difficulties,
sweating, headache, numb hands or feet,
and hunger.
2. DIABETIC COMA
This condition occurs when there is TOO
MUCH SUGAR and too little INSULIN in the
blood and body cells do not get enough
nourishment.
Diabetic coma can be caused by eating too
much sugar, by not taking prescribed
medications, by stress and by infection.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Diabetic coma develops more slowly than
Insulin shock, sometimes over a period of
days. Signs and symptoms include
drowsiness, confusion,deep and fast
breathing, thirst, dehydration, fever, a
change in the level of consciousness and
a peculiar sweet or fruity-smelling
breath.
FIRST AID FOR INSULIN REACTION AND
DIABETIC COMA
Looking for the signs and symptoms listed
above will help to distinguish the two
diabetic emergencies. In addition, if the
patient is conscious, you can ask two very
important questions which will help
determine the nature of the
problem:
1. ASK "HAVE YOU EATEN TODAY?"
Someone who has eaten, but
has
not taken prescribed
medication may
be in a diabetic coma.
2. ASK "HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR MEDICATION
TODAY?"
Someone who has not eaten,
but did
take their medication, may
be having
an Insulin reaction.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE
TWO TYPES OF
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES CAN BE DIFFICULT.
(Always look for an identifying bracelet
which may reveal a person's condition)
******
OF THE TWO CONDITIONS, INSULIN SHOCK IS A
TRUE EMERGENCY WHICH REQUIRES PROMPT
ACTION!
******
A PERSON IN INSULIN SHOCK NEEDS SUGAR,
QUICKLY! IF THE PERSON IS CONSCIOUS, GIVE
SUGAR IN ANY FORM: CANDY, FRUIT JUICE OR
A SOFT DRINK!
SUGAR GIVEN TO A PERSON IN INSULIN SHOCK
CAN BE LIFE-SAVING! IF THE PERSON IS
SUFFERING FROM DIABETIC COMA, THE SUGAR
IS NOT REQUIRED BUT WILL NOT CAUSE THEM
FURTHER HARM.
Monitor victims carefully. Seek
professional help.
SECTION XIV
STROKE
Stroke occurs when the blood flow to the
brain is interrupted long enough to cause
damage.
This may be caused by a clot formed in an
artery in the brain or carried to the
brain in the bloodstream, a ruptured
artery in the brain or by compression of
an artery in the brain, as found with
brain tumors.
First aid consists primarily of
recognizing signs and symptoms and
seeking professional attention.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE INCLUDE:
* WEAKNESS AND NUMBNESS OF THE FACE, ARM,
OR LEG, OFTEN ON ONE SIDE OF
THE BODY
ONLY.
* DIZZINESS
* CONFUSION
* HEADACHE
* RINGING IN THE EARS
* A CHANGE OF MOOD
* DIFFICULTY SPEAKING
* UNCONSCIOUSNESS
* PUPILS OF UNEVEN SIZE
* DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING & SWALLOWING
* LOSS OF BOWEL AND BLADDER CONTROL
IF YOU SUSPECT A PERSON IS HAVING A
STROKE, HAVE THEM STOP WHATEVER
THEY ARE DOING AND REST.
PROMPTLY OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL HELP. REASSURE THE
VICTIM AND KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE. DO NOT GIVE
ANYTHING BY MOUTH. IF THE VICTIM
VOMITS, ALLOW
FOR FLUIDS TO DRAIN FROM THE MOUTH. OBSERVE
CAREFULLY WHILE AWAITING PROFESSIONAL HELP AND,
IF TRAINED TO DO SO, MONITOR THE AIRWAY,
BREATHING AND CIRCULATION AND BE PREPARED TO
ADMINISTER RESCUE BREATHING OR CPR, IF
REQUIRED!
SECTION XV
SEIZURES
Seizures are fairly common occurrences, but are
very misunderstood! Seizures, per se, are not
a specific condition. Rather, they may be
caused by many different types of conditions
such as insulin shock, high fevers, viral
infections of the brain, head injuries or
drug reactions.
When seizures recur with no identifiable cause,
the person is said to have epilepsy.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Many individuals have a warning AURA (or
sensation) before the onset of a seizure. Many
times, a person about to have a seizure
will physically move themselves from danger (as
from the edge of a train platform) before the
seizure begins.
Seizures can range from mild to severe. Mild
seizures may take place and end in a matter of
seconds.
Severe seizures may involve uncontrollable
muscle spasms, rigidity, loss of consciousness,
loss of bladder and bowel control, and in
some cases, breathing that stops temporarily.
Many epileptics carry cards or bracelets
which
identify their condition.
FIRST AID
Summon professional help. Prevent the person
from injuring themselves by moving furniture or
equipment.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTRAIN A PERSON SUFFERING
A SEIZURE AND DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR
MOUTH!
Loosen clothing. If they vomit, turn on their
side to allow fluids to drain. Stay with the
person until they are fully conscious. If
trained, administer rescue breathing or CPR, if
required.
HEAT EMERGENCIES
There are three types of heat emergencies you
may be required to treat.
1. HEAT STROKE
This is the most serious type of heat
emergency. It is LIFE-THREATENING and requires
IMMEDIATE and AGGRESSIVE treatment!
Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat
regulating mechanism fails. The body
temperature rises so high that brain damage
--and death-- may result unless the body is
cooled quickly.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The victim's skin is HOT, RED and usually DRY.
Pupils are very small. The body temperature is
VERY HIGH, sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
FIRST AID
Remember, Heat Stroke is a life-threatening
emergency and requires prompt action!
Summon professional help. Get the victim into
a cool place.
COOL THE VICTIM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IN ANY
MANNER POSSIBLE! Place the victim into a
bathtub of cool water, wrap in wet sheets,
place in an air conditioned room.
Do not give victim anything by mouth. Treat for
shock.
2. HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat
stroke. It is caused by fluid loss which in
turn causes blood flow to decrease in
vital organs, resulting in a form of shock.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
COOL, PALE AND MOIST skin, heavy sweating,
dilated pupils (wide), headache, nausea,
dizziness and vomiting. Body temperature
will be near normal.
FIRST AID
Get the victim out of the heat and into a cool
place. Place in the shock position, lying on
the back with feet raised. Remove or loosen
clothing. Cool by fanning or applying cold
packs or wet towels or sheets. If conscious,
give water to drink every 15 minutes.
IMPORTANT: WHILE HEAT EXHAUSTION IS NOT A LIFE-
THREATENING EMERGENCY LIKE HEAT STROKE, IT CAN
PROGRESS TO HEAT STROKE IF LEFT UNTREATED!
3. HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms due
to heavy exertion. They usually involve the
abdominal muscles or legs. It is generally
thought this condition is caused by
loss of water and salt through sweating.
FIRST AID
Get victim to a cool place. If they can
tolerate it, give one-half glass of water every
15 minutes. Heat cramps can usually be avoided
by increasing fluid intake when active in hot
weather.
SECTION XVII
COLD EMERGENCIES
HYPOTHERMIA
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of this dangerous
condition which can become
life-threatening are: shivering,
dizziness, numbness, confusion,
weakness, impaired judgement, impaired
vision and drowsiness.
Hypothermia victims pass through 5 stages,
with each stage more serious and leading
to death!
STAGE 1 SHIVERING
STAGE 2 APATHY
STAGE 3 LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
STAGE 4 DECREASING PULSE AND
BREATHING
RATE
STAGE 5 DEATH
FIRST AID
Seek professional help. Get victim out of
the cold and into dry clothing. Warm the
body SLOWLY! Give nothing to eat or drink
unless victim is FULLY CONSCIOUS!
If trained, monitor airway, breathing &
circulation.
SECTION XVIII
LEGAL & ETHICAL
CONSIDERATIONS
DUTY TO ACT
No one is required to render first aid
under normal circumstances. Even a
physician could ignore a
stranger
suffering a heart attack if he
chose to do so.
Exceptions include situations
where a person's employment
designates the rendering
of first aid as a part
of described job duties.
Examples include lifeguards,
law enforcement officers,
park rangers and
safety officers in
industry.
A duty to provide first
aid
also exists where an
individual has presumed
responsibility for another
person's safety, as in the
case of a parent-child or
driver-passenger relationship.
While in most cases there is
no
legal responsibility to
provide
first aid care to another
person,
there is a very clear responsibility
to continue care once you
start.
You cannot start first aid
and then stop unless
the victim no longer needs
your attention, other
first aiders take over
the responsibility from you
or you are physically
unable to continue care.
NEED FOR CONSENT
In every instance where first
aid
is to be provided, the
victim's
consent is required. It should
be
obtained from every conscious,
mentally-competent adult.
The consent may be either
oral or written.
Permission to render first aid
to an unconscious victim is implied
and a first aider should not
hesitate to treat an unconscious victim.
Consent of a parent or
guardian
is required to treat a child,
however emergency first aid
necessary to maintain life
may be provided without such consent.
******
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
THAT A VICTIM HAS THE RIGHT
TO REFUSE FIRST AID CARE AND
IN THESE INSTANCES YOU MUST
RESPECT THE VICTIM'S
DECISION.
YOU CANNOT FORCE CARE
ON A PERSON WHO DOES
NOT WANT IT ... REGARDLESS
OF THEIR CONDITION!
******
LEGAL CONCERNS
Some well-meaning people hestitate
to provide first aid because
they
are concerned about being
sued.
THIS NEED NOT BE A CONCERN!
Legislators in almost every
state
in the country have passed
GOOD
SAMARITAN LAWS which are
intended
to protect good people who
offer first aid help to
others.
Most of the Good
Samaritan Acts
are very similiar in their content
and usually provide two basic
requirements which must be
met in order for the
first aider to be protected
by their provisions:
1. The first aider must not
deliberately cause harm
to the victim.
2. The first aider must
provide
the level & type of care
expected
of a reasonable person with
the
same amount of training
& in
similiar circumstances.
*******
THERE SHOULD BE LITTLE, IF
ANY, CONCERN
ABOUT LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
INHERENT
IN PROVIDING FIRST AID.
YOU NEED ONLY HAVE THE
VICTIM'S
CONSENT AND THEN OFFER THE
LEVEL OF CARE FOR WHICH
YOU ARE QUALIFIED.
SECTION XVIX
YOUR FIRST AID KIT
Everyone should have a well-stocked
first aid kit handy at home,
in the car and in the
workplace.
The contents of your kit
will vary depending upon
the number of people it
is designed to protect as
well as special circumstances
where it will be used.
For example, a first aid kit
in a factory where there may
be danger of flying debris
getting into the eye should
certainly have a sterile
eyewash
solution in its kit.
If a family member is a known
diabetic, your kit at home
should
have a glucose or sugar
solution.
When assembling your first aid kit,
whether for use in the home,
car
or at work, you should
consider
possible injuries you are likely to encounter
and then select kit contents
to
treat those conditions.
It's also important to check your kit
periodically to restock items
that have been used
and to replace items that
are out-of-date.
It's also advisable at home
and at work to have both a
stationary
kit, stored in a cabinet
or drawer, as well as a compact portable
kit that can be taken quickly
to the site of an emergency.
**********
RECOMMENDED CONTENTS
FOR A FIRST AID KIT
{Modify to suit your particular needs]
* Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
* Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
* Adhesive tape
* Alcohol - rubbing 70%
* Alcohol wipes
* Antacid
* Antibiotic ointment
* Baking soda
* Calamine lotion
* Chemical ice packs
* Chemical hot packs
* Cotton balls
* Cotton swabs
* Decongestant tablets & spray
* Diarrhea medication
* Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
* Elastic bandages
* Face mask for CPR
* First aid guide
* Flashlight
* Gauze pads - various sizes
* Hot-water bottle
* Household ammonia
* Hydrocortisone cream .5%
* Hydrogen Peroxide
* Hypoallergenic tape
* Ice bag
* Insect repellent
* Insect sting swabs
* Matches
* Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
* Moleskin
* Needles
* Non-adhering dressings [Telfa]
* Oil of Cloves
* Over-the-counter pain medication [aspirin]
* Paper & pencil
* Paper drinking cups
* Roller guaze - self adhering
* Safety pins
* Salt
* Scissors
* Soap
* Space blanket
* Sam splint
* Sugar or glucose solution
* Syrup of Ipecac
* Thermometer - oral & rectal
* Tongue blades
* Triangular bandages
* Tweezers
* Waterproof tape
