Good Health and Natural Home Made Remedies: First Aid Tutorial - Basic Techniques To Handle Common Medical Emergencies

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.

**********

Good Health and Natural Home Made Remedies

Pages

First Aid Tutorial - Basic Techniques To Handle Common Medical Emergencies

No comments:

Post a Comment