WarningThe information below is shown as a reference and it does not substitute the need for attendance for a course in first aid. Certification in First Aid knowledge cab be obtained only through attendance for such courses. See courses available. Show
The Primary SurveyCheck for DangerAre you or the casualty in any danger? If you have not already done so, make the situation safe and then assess the casualty. Check the casualty’s ResponseIf the casualty appears unconscious check this by shouting ‘Can you hear me?’, ‘Open your eyes’ If there is a response: If there is no
response: Open the AirwayOpen the airway by placing one hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilting the head back, then lift the chin using 2 fingers only. Check BreathingLook, listen and feel for no more
than 10 seconds to see if the casualty is breathing normally. If the casualty is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position. CPR for AdultsIf
you have someone with you, send them to Dial 112 for an ambulance immediately. Agonal breathingThis is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is present chest compressions and rescue breaths (together called cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or CPR) should be started without hesitation. The Recovery positionAn unconscious casualty who is still breathing is placed in the recovery position to protect the airway CAUTION: A pregnant casualty should always be rolled to her left side in the recovery position in order to prevent the baby from obstructing blood flow back to the heart. The secondary surveyYou have to check for any symptoms which may not be seen during the primary survey by going through a ‘head-to-toe’ survey. Use the mnemonic AMPLE to make sure you covered all the aspects of the examination: A – Allergy – does the casualty have any allergies? M – Medications – is the casualty on any medication? P – Previous Medical History – any history or warning medallion/bracelets, puffers/inhalers, insulin pen, auto-injectors? L – Last Meal – when and what did the casualty last eat? E – Event History – How did the accident happen? SHOCKDisorders of the blood circulatory system
Causes
Recognition (Signs and Symptoms) Treatment
DO NOT…..
EXTERNAL BLEEDING Priorities of Bleeding
Treating Minor External Bleeding
Treating Severe External Bleeding
CHOKINGDefinition Mild Obstruction – Casualty finds it difficult to but is able to speak, cough, cry or breathe. No treatment is necessary. Severe Obstruction – Casualty is unable to speak, cry, cough or breathe. Casualty will become unconscious with no assistance. Treatment ADULT & CHILD Ask: “ Are you choking? Give up to 5 back blows with the palm of your hand between the shoulder blades if not successful, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts If obstruction does not clear after 3 cycles of the above, call 112 Continue back blows and abdominal thrusts until help arrives Medical attention IS A MUST if abdominal thrusts done. HEAT EXHAUSTIONCauses Caused by loss of salt and water from the body due to excessive sweating. Usually happens gradually. Support casualty’s head as he drinks water Recognition As condition develops there may be:
Treatment · Help Casualty to a cool place
HEAT STROKECaused by a failure of the “thermostat” in the brain, which regulates body temperature
cannot be cooled by evaporation of sweat.
casualty feeling unwell. Keep soaking the sheet Recognition There may be:
Treatment · Help casualty to a cool place. Remove as much of his outer clothing as possible. CALL 112.
falls to 38°C (100.4°C) under the tongue, or 37.5°C (99.5°F) under the armpit. If sheet is not available, fan the casualty or sponge him with cold water.
Anaphylactic ShockDefinition A severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body. It may develop within seconds in susceptible individuals. Chemicals are released into the blood that widen (dilate) blood vessels and constrict (narrow) air passages. Blood pressure falls dramatically and breathing is impaired. Causes · Skin or airborne contact with particular materials
Recognition · Tongue and throat can swell – Risk of hypoxia since the amount of oxygen reaching vital organs is severely reduced.
Treatment · Urgent removal to hospital for emergency treatment with an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline)
Heart Conditions: Angina & Heart Attack.Definition ANGINA PECTORIS: HEART ATTACK: When coronary arteries which supply the heart muscle Most commonly caused by a sudden obstruction of the blood with blood, become narrowed and cannot carry sufficient supply to part of the heart muscle – for example because blood to meet increased demands during exertion or of a clot in a coronary artery (coronary thrombosis). excitement. Main risk is that heart will stop beating. Recognition · Vice-like central chest pain, spreading to jaw and · Persistent vie-like central chest pain, spreading to the down one or both arms. Jaw and down or both arms.
TREATMENT – Place casualty in a half-sitting position to ease strain on the heart. Treatment ANGINA PECTORIS Help the casualty to sit down Let casualty take medication (tablets or aerosol) or help to take. Encourage casualty to rest. Attack should ease within minutes. If the pain persists suspect a heart attack If casualty has angina medication help him/her to take it. Treatment HEART ATTACK Place casualty in comfortable position. Half sitting position will ease strain on the heart. Dial 112 and state that you suspect a heart attack. If casualty asks you to call his doctor do so as well. If casualty is conscious give 300mg aspirin to chew slowly. Monitor & record vital signs – response, pulse and breathing. Penetrated chest woundDefinition When the chest is penetrated, damage to internal organs protected by the ribs may also get effected. The lungs are particularly susceptible to injury. It can either be itself perforated or if not, air can enter from the site of injury and exert pressure on the lung, and the lung may collapse – a condition which is called pneumothorax (A). The uninjured lung may also be affected by this. The build-up of pressure may prevent the heart from refilling with blood properly, impairing the circulation and thus causing shock – a condition which is called tension pneumothorax Recognition · Difficult and painful breathing, possibly shallow, rapid and uneven.
Treatment · Use his palm to cover the wound (A) Encourage casualty to sit up and lean towards the injured side.
AmputationsAim To minimize shock and get casualty AND amputated part to hospital as soon as possible. Treatment · Control blood loss by direct pressure and elevation. To casualty · Apply a sterile dressing or non-fluffy clean pad and secure with a bandage.
Care of · Wrap the severed part in kitchen film or a clean plastic bag. Amputated · Wrap the package in gauze or soft fabric. Part · Place it in a contained full of crushed ice
Foreign object in the eyeDefinition Can be a speck of dust, a loose eyelash, or even a contact lense that can float on the white of the eye. Recognition · Blurred vision
Treatment · Advise casualty to sit down facing the light; eye should not be rubbed
Absence seizuresDefinition A mild form of epilepsy, with small seizures during which the casualty appear distant and unaware of their surroundings Recognition · Sudden switching off; casualty may stare blankly ahead.
Treatment · Help casualty to sit down
Seizures in AdultsDefinition Also called a convulsion or fit. Consists of involuntary contractions of many muscles in the body, due to a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. Causes · Epilepsy
Recognition · The common sequence in an event of epilepsy are as follows:
Treatment · Ease the casualty while falling
* casualty is unconscious for more than 10 minutes * Seizure continues for more than 5 minutes * The casualty is having repeated seizure or having the first seizure * Casualty is not aware of any reason for the seizure. HypoglycaemiaDefinition When the blood-sugar levels falls below normal, brain function is affected. Causes · Body fails to produce sufficient amount of insulin (chemical produced by the pancreas which regulates sugar level in blood).
Recognition · RESPONSE: Aggressive / confused / Rapid loss of consciousness
Treatment · Sit casualty down
PoisonsDefinition Also called a toxin – is a substance which, if taken into the body in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary or permanent damage. Causes Can be swallowed, inhaled, splashed into the eyes, absorbed through the skin or injected. Treatment · Keep casualty still
Burns and scalds Causes
Depth of a burn Superficial burn Involves only the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). This type of burn usually heals well if first aid is given promptly and if blisters do not form. Sun burn is one example. Other causes include minor domestic incidents. Partial-Thickness Destroys the epidermis and are very painful. The skin becomes red and blistered. Blisters form over the skin due to fluids burn released from the damaged tissues. These burns usually heals well, but they can be serious if large areas of the body are affected. If they cover more than 20% of the body they may be fatal. Full- Thickness All layers of the skin are affected. There is generally damage to nerves and thus pain sensation is usually lost, which may Burn mislead you and the casualty about the severity of the injury. Fat tissue, muscles and blood vessels may also be damaged. The skin may look waxy, pale and charred. These burns need urgent medical attention. Extent of a burn If the casualty is a child, call a doctor or take the child to hospital, however small the burn appear. For other people seek medical attention for the following situations:
If not sure about the severity of the burn, seek medical attention Treatment · Remove any dangers
DO NOT Touch the burnt area DO NOT remove stocking clothing (unless it it contaminated with chemicals) DO NOT burst blisters DO NOT Apply lotions or creams DO NOT use fluffy materials DO NOT underestimate the seriousness DO NOT over-cool the casualty (particularly children and babies) StrokeCauses When the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly and seriously impaired by a blood cloth or ruptured blood vessel Recognition There may be: Problems with specch and swallowing If asked to show teeth, only one side of mouth will move or movement will be uneven. Loss of power or movement in limbs Sudden severe headache Confused, emotional mental state that could be mistaken by drunkenness Sudden or gradual loss of consciousness Treatment If conscious: Reassure casualty Lie casualty down with head and shoulder slightly raised and supported. Incline head to the affected side Loosen any tight clothing that might impair breathing If unconscious DRAB and act accordingly Electrical ShockLow voltage current • Break the contact between the casualty and the electrical supply by switching off the current at the mains
DO NOT touch the casualty as he may still be “live” DO NOT use anything metallic to break the electrical contact High-voltage current • Contact with high-voltage current is usually fatal. Anyone who survives will have severe burns. Usually the schock produces a muscular spasm that may propel the casualty some distance away, causing injuries such as fractures.
What position would you put someone with shock?Carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee towards you. Their bent arm should be supporting the head, and their extended arm will stop you rolling them too far.
What's the optimal position for a person in shock does elevating legs improve outcome?The manoeuvre is carried out by first, putting the patient supine or preferably semi- recumbent. Semi –recumbent position will increase the effect of leg raising on cardiac preload as it mobilizes venous blood from the splanchnic area (X. Monnet & J.
Why is left lateral the best recovery position?Patients should be transported to a hospital as quickly, but as passively, as possible. They should be placed on their left side in the recovery position to prevent aspiration of vomit.
|