First AidFirst Aid

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Written by Jodi Braswell

• Immediate care given to the victim of an Immediate care given to the victim of an accident or illness to minimize the effect of accident or illness to minimize the effect of injury or illness until experts can take overinjury or illness until experts can take over

• Reasons for providing correct first aidReasons for providing correct first aid

Basic Principles of Providing First Basic Principles of Providing First AidAid

• Remain calm and avoid panicRemain calm and avoid panic

• Evaluate situation thoroughlyEvaluate situation thoroughly

• Have a reason for anything you doHave a reason for anything you do

• Treatment you provide will vary depending Treatment you provide will vary depending on type of injury or illness, environment, on type of injury or illness, environment, others present, equipment or supplies on others present, equipment or supplies on hand, and availability of medical helphand, and availability of medical help

First StepsFirst Steps

• Recognize that an emergency existsRecognize that an emergency exists

• Use all senses to detect problemsUse all senses to detect problems

• Sometimes signs of emergency are Sometimes signs of emergency are obvious and at other times they are less obvious and at other times they are less obviousobvious

Next StepsNext Steps

• Check the scene and make sure it is safe Check the scene and make sure it is safe to approachto approach

• What to observeWhat to observe

• If not safe, call for medical helpIf not safe, call for medical help

• If safe, approach the victimIf safe, approach the victim

• Call emergency medical services (EMS) Call emergency medical services (EMS) as soon as possibleas soon as possible

Next StepsNext Steps((continued)continued)

• If possible, obtain the victim’s permission If possible, obtain the victim’s permission before providing any carebefore providing any care

• Triage if necessaryTriage if necessary

• Check for other injuriesCheck for other injuries

• Obtain as much information as possible Obtain as much information as possible before you proceedbefore you proceed

• Obtain qualified helpObtain qualified help

• Avoid any unnecessary movement of the Avoid any unnecessary movement of the victimvictim

• Reassure the victimReassure the victim

• Use a confident, calm attitude to help Use a confident, calm attitude to help relieve victim’s anxietyrelieve victim’s anxiety

• Avoid giving the victim anything to eat or Avoid giving the victim anything to eat or drinkdrink

(continued)(continued)

• Protect the victim from cold or chilling, but Protect the victim from cold or chilling, but avoid overheatingavoid overheating

• Work quickly in an organized and efficient Work quickly in an organized and efficient mannermanner

• Do not make a diagnosis or discuss Do not make a diagnosis or discuss condition with observers at scenecondition with observers at scene

((continued)continued)

• Maintain confidentiality and protect the Maintain confidentiality and protect the victim’s right to privacy while providing victim’s right to privacy while providing treatmenttreatment

• Make every attempt to avoid further injury Make every attempt to avoid further injury or harmor harm

• Provide only the treatment you are Provide only the treatment you are qualified to providequalified to provide

Open WoundsOpen Wounds

• AbrasionAbrasion

• IncisionIncision

• LacerationLaceration

• PuncturePuncture

• AvulsionAvulsion

• AmputationAmputation

Controlling BleedingControlling Bleeding

• First priority because victim can bleed to First priority because victim can bleed to death quicklydeath quickly

• Bleeding can come from arteries, veins, or Bleeding can come from arteries, veins, or capillariescapillaries

• Observe standard precautionsObserve standard precautions

Controlling BleedingControlling Bleeding((continued)continued)

• Direct pressureDirect pressure

• ElevationElevation

• Pressure bandagesPressure bandages

• Pressure on pressure pointsPressure on pressure points

• Do not disturb clotsDo not disturb clots

• Do not remove dressingsDo not remove dressings

• Do not clean woundDo not clean wound

Controlling BleedingControlling Bleeding

Minor WoundsMinor Wounds

• First priority – prevention of infectionFirst priority – prevention of infection

• Wash your hands thoroughly before caring Wash your hands thoroughly before caring for woundfor wound

• Put on glovesPut on gloves

• Wash the wound with soap and waterWash the wound with soap and water

• Rinse the woundRinse the wound

• Use sterile suppliesUse sterile supplies

Signs of InfectionSigns of Infection

• SwellingSwelling

• HeatHeat

• RednessRedness

• PainPain

• FeverFever

• PusPus

• Red streaksRed streaks

Signs of InfectionSigns of Infection

Objects Embedded in WoundObjects Embedded in Wound

• Examples such as splinters, pieces of Examples such as splinters, pieces of glass, or small stonesglass, or small stones

• If superficial, gently removeIf superficial, gently remove

• Objects embedded in tissues should be Objects embedded in tissues should be left and removed by physicianleft and removed by physician

Embedded ObjectEmbedded Object

Closed WoundsClosed Wounds

• Can occur anywhere on bodyCan occur anywhere on body• If bruise, apply cold application to reduce If bruise, apply cold application to reduce

swellingswelling• Observe for signs of internal bleedingObserve for signs of internal bleeding• Get medical helpGet medical help• Check breathing and treat for shockCheck breathing and treat for shock• Avoid unnecessary movementAvoid unnecessary movement• No food or fluidsNo food or fluids

Proving First Aid for ShockProving First Aid for Shock

• Also called hypoperfusionAlso called hypoperfusion

• Shock: clinical set of signs and symptoms Shock: clinical set of signs and symptoms that are associated with an inadequate that are associated with an inadequate supply of blood to body organs, especially supply of blood to body organs, especially brain and heartbrain and heart

• Causes of shockCauses of shock

Signs and Symptoms of ShockSigns and Symptoms of Shock

• Skin is pale or bluish-gray and cool or cold Skin is pale or bluish-gray and cool or cold to the touchto the touch

• DiaphoresisDiaphoresis

• Rapid and weak pulseRapid and weak pulse

• Respirations rapid, shallow, and may be Respirations rapid, shallow, and may be irregularirregular

• Blood pressure very low or unobtainableBlood pressure very low or unobtainable

Signs and Symptoms of ShockSigns and Symptoms of Shock((continued)continued)

• General weaknessGeneral weakness

• Anxiety and extreme restlessnessAnxiety and extreme restlessness

• Excessive thirstExcessive thirst

• Nausea and/ or vomitingNausea and/ or vomiting

• Blurred vision or changes in appearance Blurred vision or changes in appearance of eyesof eyes

Treatment for ShockTreatment for Shock

• Goals of treatmentGoals of treatment

• Positioning of victimPositioning of victim

• Maintain body temperatureMaintain body temperature

• Avoid food or drinkAvoid food or drink

• Other principles of careOther principles of care

Providing First Aid for PoisoningProviding First Aid for Poisoning

• Can happen to anyoneCan happen to anyone

• Poison: any substance that causes a Poison: any substance that causes a harmful reaction to the outside or inside of harmful reaction to the outside or inside of the bodythe body

• Immediate action is neededImmediate action is needed

• First aid varies depending on type of First aid varies depending on type of poison, injury involved, and the method of poison, injury involved, and the method of contactcontact

Ways Poisoning OccursWays Poisoning Occurs

• Ingesting various substancesIngesting various substances

• Inhaling poisonous gasesInhaling poisonous gases

• Injecting substancesInjecting substances

• Skin contact with poisonSkin contact with poison

First Aid for PoisoningFirst Aid for Poisoning

• If poison has been swallowedIf poison has been swallowed– Methods to induce vomitingMethods to induce vomiting

• If poisoning by inhalation of gasesIf poisoning by inhalation of gases

• If poisoning by contact with skinIf poisoning by contact with skin

• Contact with poisonous plantsContact with poisonous plants

• If poisoning by injectionIf poisoning by injection

Providing First Aid for BurnsProviding First Aid for Burns

• Injury caused by fire, heat, chemical Injury caused by fire, heat, chemical agents, radiation, and/ or electricityagents, radiation, and/ or electricity

• Classifications of burnsClassifications of burns– SuperficialSuperficial– Partial-thicknessPartial-thickness– Full-thicknessFull-thickness

Superficial BurnSuperficial Burn

Partial Thickness BurnPartial Thickness Burn

Full Thickness BurnFull Thickness Burn

TreatmentTreatment

• Remove source of heatRemove source of heat

• Cool the skinCool the skin

• Cover the burnCover the burn

• Relieve painRelieve pain

• Observe for and treat shockObserve for and treat shock

• Prevent infectionsPrevent infections

TreatmentTreatment

• Usually not required for superficial and Usually not required for superficial and mild partial-thickness burnsmild partial-thickness burns

• Rules for when to treatRules for when to treat

• All full-thickness burns require medical All full-thickness burns require medical treatmenttreatment

• How to treat superficial and mild partial-How to treat superficial and mild partial-thickness burnsthickness burns

TreatmentTreatment((continued)continued)

• How to treat severe partial- or full-How to treat severe partial- or full-thickness burnsthickness burns

• How to treat when chemicals splashed on How to treat when chemicals splashed on skinskin

• How to treat eyes burned by chemicals or How to treat eyes burned by chemicals or irritating gasesirritating gases

Providing First Aid for Heat Providing First Aid for Heat ExposureExposure

• Overexposure to heat may cause a Overexposure to heat may cause a chemical imbalance in the bodychemical imbalance in the body

• Occurs when water and salt are lost Occurs when water and salt are lost through perspirationthrough perspiration

• Also occurs when body cannot eliminate Also occurs when body cannot eliminate excess heatexcess heat

Heat CrampsHeat Cramps

• Muscle pains and spasmsMuscle pains and spasms

• Caused by exposure to heatCaused by exposure to heat

• Loss of water and saltLoss of water and salt

• Apply firm pressure on cramped muscle to Apply firm pressure on cramped muscle to provide reliefprovide relief

• Provide rest and move to cooler areaProvide rest and move to cooler area

• Small sips of water or electrolyte solution Small sips of water or electrolyte solution (e.g. sports drink)(e.g. sports drink)

Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion

• Occurs when exposed to heat with loss of Occurs when exposed to heat with loss of fluids through sweatingfluids through sweating

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• First aid careFirst aid care

Heat StrokeHeat Stroke

• Prolonged exposure to higher than normal Prolonged exposure to higher than normal temperaturestemperatures

• Medical emergency- needs immediate Medical emergency- needs immediate care and attentioncare and attention

• Body unable to eliminate excess heatBody unable to eliminate excess heat

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• First aid careFirst aid care

Providing First Aid for Cold Providing First Aid for Cold ExposureExposure

• Exposure to cold temperatures can cause Exposure to cold temperatures can cause body tissues to freeze and body processes body tissues to freeze and body processes to slow downto slow down

• Needs immediate attentionNeeds immediate attention

• Degree of injury affected by wind velocity, Degree of injury affected by wind velocity, amount of humidity, and length of amount of humidity, and length of exposure to coldexposure to cold

HypothermiaHypothermia

• When body temperature is less than 95°F When body temperature is less than 95°F (35°C)(35°C)

• Caused by prolonged exposure to coldCaused by prolonged exposure to cold

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• Death can occur if body processes Death can occur if body processes become too slowed downbecome too slowed down

• First aid careFirst aid care

FrostbiteFrostbite

• Freezing of tissue fluids with damage to Freezing of tissue fluids with damage to the skin and underlying tissuesthe skin and underlying tissues

• Caused by overexposure to freezing or Caused by overexposure to freezing or below-freezing temperaturesbelow-freezing temperatures

• Early signs and symptomsEarly signs and symptoms

• Other signs and symptoms as frostbite Other signs and symptoms as frostbite progressesprogresses

FrostbiteFrostbite(continued)(continued)

• Objectives of first aidObjectives of first aid

• Common sites: fingers, toes, ears, nose Common sites: fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeksand cheeks

• First aid careFirst aid care

• Assess for signs and symptoms of shock Assess for signs and symptoms of shock and treat as neededand treat as needed

FrostbiteFrostbite

Providing First Aid for Bone and Providing First Aid for Bone and Joint InjuriesJoint Injuries

• Frequently occur during accidents or falls Frequently occur during accidents or falls with variety of injurieswith variety of injuries

• Examples: fractures, dislocations, sprains Examples: fractures, dislocations, sprains and strainsand strains

• May have more than one type of injury to May have more than one type of injury to bones and joints at the same timebones and joints at the same time

FractureFracture

• Break in the boneBreak in the bone

• Closed or simple fractureClosed or simple fracture

• Compound or open fractureCompound or open fracture

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• Objectives of first aidObjectives of first aid

Open Compound FractureOpen Compound Fracture

Compound FractureCompound Fracture

Spiral FractureSpiral Fracture

DislocationDislocation

• When the end of the bone is displaced When the end of the bone is displaced from a joint or moved out of its normal from a joint or moved out of its normal position within a jointposition within a joint

• Tearing or stretching of ligaments, Tearing or stretching of ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues also muscles, and other soft tissues also frequently occursfrequently occurs

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• First aid careFirst aid care

DislocationDislocation

SprainSprain

• Injury to tissues surrounding a jointInjury to tissues surrounding a joint

• Common sites: ankles and wristsCommon sites: ankles and wrists

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• Sprains frequently resemble fractures or Sprains frequently resemble fractures or dislocations – treat as fracture if any doubtdislocations – treat as fracture if any doubt

• First aid careFirst aid care

StrainStrain

• Overstretching of a muscleOverstretching of a muscle

• Caused by overexertion or by liftingCaused by overexertion or by lifting

• Frequent site: backFrequent site: back

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• First aid symptomsFirst aid symptoms

SplintsSplints

• Devices to immobilize injured partsDevices to immobilize injured parts

• Types of splintsTypes of splints– Pneumatic or air splintsPneumatic or air splints– Padded boardsPadded boards– Traction splintsTraction splints

• Splints can also be made from cardboard, Splints can also be made from cardboard, newspapers, pillows, boards, etcnewspapers, pillows, boards, etc

SplintsSplints(continued)(continued)

• Need to be long enough to immobilize the Need to be long enough to immobilize the joint abode and below the injured area to joint abode and below the injured area to prevent movementprevent movement

• Should be paddedShould be padded• Tied in placeTied in place• Apply so as not to create pressure on Apply so as not to create pressure on

affected areaaffected area• If open wound, control bleeding before If open wound, control bleeding before

applying splintapplying splint

SplintsSplints(continued)(continued)

• Never attempt to reposition boneNever attempt to reposition bone

• Splint before moving victimSplint before moving victim

• Observe precautions when using Observe precautions when using pneumatic splintspneumatic splints

• Traction splintsTraction splints

SplintsSplints

Circulation Check After SplintCirculation Check After Splint

• Verify that the splints are not too tightVerify that the splints are not too tight• Check skin temperatureCheck skin temperature• Check colorCheck color• Note swelling or edemaNote swelling or edema• Numbness or tinglingNumbness or tingling• Check pulseCheck pulse• If circulation impaired, immediately loosen If circulation impaired, immediately loosen

the tiesthe ties

Slings

• Commercial slingsCommercial slings

• Triangular bandagesTriangular bandages

• Uses: support arm, hand, forearm, and Uses: support arm, hand, forearm, and shouldershoulder

• Positioning of slingPositioning of sling

• Check circulationCheck circulation

• Limit movement of limbLimit movement of limb

SlingsSlings(continued)(continued)

• If using knotsIf using knots– PlacementPlacement– PaddingPadding

• Considerations for shoulder injuryConsiderations for shoulder injury

SlingsSlings

Neck or Spine InjuryNeck or Spine Injury

• Most dangerous types of injuries involving Most dangerous types of injuries involving bones and jointsbones and joints

• Movement can result in permanent injury Movement can result in permanent injury resulting in paralysisresulting in paralysis

• Avoid any movement of victim if at all Avoid any movement of victim if at all possiblepossible

• Wait for backboard and adequate help to Wait for backboard and adequate help to arrive for transferarrive for transfer

C-CollarC-Collar

Providing First Aid for Specific Providing First Aid for Specific InjuriesInjuries

• Treatment for burns, bleeding, wounds, Treatment for burns, bleeding, wounds, poisoning, and fractures is basically the poisoning, and fractures is basically the samesame

• Injuries to specific body parts require Injuries to specific body parts require special carespecial care

• Examples: eyes, ears, nose, brain, chest, Examples: eyes, ears, nose, brain, chest, abdomen, and genital organsabdomen, and genital organs

Eye InjuriesEye Injuries

• Always involves danger of vision lossAlways involves danger of vision loss

• Best to avoid giving major treatmentBest to avoid giving major treatment

• Obtain help of a specialistObtain help of a specialist

• Foreign objects in the eyeForeign objects in the eye

• Blows to the eyeBlows to the eye

• Penetrating injuries that cut eye tissuePenetrating injuries that cut eye tissue

Ear InjuriesEar Injuries

• Can result in rupture or perforation of Can result in rupture or perforation of eardrumeardrum

• Torn or detached tissueTorn or detached tissue

• Ruptured or perforated eardrumRuptured or perforated eardrum

• Clear fluid or blood-tinged fluid draining Clear fluid or blood-tinged fluid draining from earfrom ear

Brain InjuriesBrain Injuries

• Wounds and blows to head and skull can Wounds and blows to head and skull can cause brain injurycause brain injury

• Seek medical help as quickly as possibleSeek medical help as quickly as possible

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• First aid careFirst aid care

Chest InjuriesChest Injuries

• Usually medical emergenciesUsually medical emergencies

• Involve heart, lungs, and major vesselsInvolve heart, lungs, and major vessels

• Sucking chest wound Sucking chest wound

• Penetrating injuries to the chestPenetrating injuries to the chest

• Crushing injuries to the chestCrushing injuries to the chest

Providing First Aid for Sudden Providing First Aid for Sudden IllnessIllness

• Can be difficult to determine exact illness Can be difficult to determine exact illness being experiencedbeing experienced

• Base care on signs and symptomsBase care on signs and symptoms

• Information from victim if possibleInformation from victim if possible

• Look for medical alert bracelets or Look for medical alert bracelets or necklaces or medical cardsnecklaces or medical cards

Heart AttackHeart Attack

• Known by other names as coronary Known by other names as coronary thrombosis, coronary occlusion, or thrombosis, coronary occlusion, or myocardial infarctionmyocardial infarction

• Occurs when there is blockage in one or Occurs when there is blockage in one or more coronary arteriesmore coronary arteries

• If heart stops, start CPRIf heart stops, start CPR

• Signs and symptomsSigns and symptoms

• First aid careFirst aid care

FaintingFainting

• Temporary reduction in supply of blood to Temporary reduction in supply of blood to brainbrain

• Early signs and treatmentEarly signs and treatment

• If victim loses consciousness, try to If victim loses consciousness, try to prevent injuryprevent injury

• Obtain medical help if recovery not Obtain medical help if recovery not prompt, there are other injuries, or fainting prompt, there are other injuries, or fainting reoccursreoccurs

ConvulsionConvulsion

• Type of seizure- strong involuntary Type of seizure- strong involuntary contraction of musclescontraction of muscles

• CausesCauses

• Progression of a convulsionProgression of a convulsion

• First aid care is directed at preventing self-First aid care is directed at preventing self-injuryinjury

Diabetes MellitusDiabetes Mellitus

• Metabolic disorder caused by lack of or Metabolic disorder caused by lack of or insufficient production in insulininsufficient production in insulin

• Diabetic comaDiabetic coma

• Insulin shockInsulin shock

• Differentiate between diabetic coma and Differentiate between diabetic coma and insulin shockinsulin shock

Applying Dressings and BandagesApplying Dressings and Bandages

• Dressings used as sterile covering and to Dressings used as sterile covering and to control bleedingcontrol bleeding

• Materials used in dressingsMaterials used in dressings

• Dressings can be held in place with tape Dressings can be held in place with tape or a bandageor a bandage

• Bandages used to hold dressings in place, Bandages used to hold dressings in place, to secure splints, and to support and to secure splints, and to support and protect body partsprotect body parts

Applying Dressings and BandagesApplying Dressings and Bandages(continued)(continued)

• Applying bandages snugly to control Applying bandages snugly to control bleeding and prevent movement of bleeding and prevent movement of dressing, but not to interfere with dressing, but not to interfere with circulationcirculation

• Types of bandages consist of:Types of bandages consist of:– Roller gauzeRoller gauze– TriangularTriangular– ElasticElastic

Checkpoints for CirculationCheckpoints for Circulation

• Check circulation after applicationCheck circulation after application

• Signs of poor or impaired circulation:Signs of poor or impaired circulation:– Swelling or edemaSwelling or edema– Pale or cyanotic colorPale or cyanotic color– Coldness to touchColdness to touch– Numbness or tinglingNumbness or tingling– Poor or slow capillary refillPoor or slow capillary refill

• Loosen bandage immediatelyLoosen bandage immediately