BASIC FIRST AID
OSHA defines first aid as, “emergency care
provided for injury or sudden illness before
professional emergency medical treatment
becomes available.”
Goal: Knowledge & Confidence
FIRST AID PROVIDER
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At work, injuries and illnesses kill about 2.2 million
people in the world each year.
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in
the United States for individuals younger than 44
years of age.
In the U.S., about 1/3 of all injuries and 20% of injury
deaths occur at home.
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For every home injury death there are about 650 nonfatal
home injuries.
The essential responsibilities of a first aid provider
are:
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Recognizing a medical emergency
Making the decision to help
Identifying hazards and ensuring personal safety
Activating EMS
Providing supportive basic first aid care
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
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All states have passed “Good Samaritan laws” to help
encourage bystanders to assist those in need. These laws
protect anyone who:
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Voluntarily provides assistance, without expecting or accepting
compensation
Is reasonable and prudent
Does not provide care beyond the training received
Is not “grossly negligent,” or completely careless, in delivering
emergency care
Good Samaritan Laws vary slightly from state-to-state
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Be familiar with the laws in your state
Everyone has a right to refuse medical treatment- Always ask a
responsive person if they want help before providing care.
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When a person is or becomes unresponsive, the legal concept of
“implied consent” allows a provider to help without asking. It
assumes the person would agree to be helped if responsive.
LEGAL CONSIDERATION CONT.
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If parent or guardian is present, obtain the parent or
guardian’s consent prior to giving care.
When one is not present, the consent is implied.
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Provide care and contact a parent or guardian as soon as
reasonably possible.
There has never been a successful lawsuit in the US
against a person providing first aid in good faith.
Activate EMS immediately
 If the scene is unsafe, do not enter
 Never attempt skills that exceed provider training
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Once care has begun, and it is safe to do so, remain with
the ill or injured person until someone with equal or
greater emergency medical training takes over.
RECOGNIZING AN EMERGENCY AND
DECIDING TO HELP
 The
most critical decision a provider will
make is whether to get involved when a
medical emergency has occurred.
 Reasons you might be hesitant:
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You feel like you’re alone in helping
Making things worse
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You think you don’t have a lot of medical knowledge
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Training provides you with knowledge and skills designed only
to help—and not harm– those in need.
Not necessary, First Aid skills are based on effective
procedures that can be easily learned and safely applied.
Others have already stopped to help
 It never hurts to see if any additional assistance is
needed.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Emergency scenes are often unsafe
 Provider’s personal safety is always the highest
priority, even before the safety of an ill or injured
person
 Always pause before approaching an emergency
and look for obvious hazards.
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If unsafe, do not approach
If the location you’re in is unsafe, get out
When caring for someone, a provider can be
exposed to blood or other potentially infectious
body fluids.

While the risk of contracting a disease is extremely low,
it is prudent to take simple measures to avoid exposure
PERSONAL SAFETY CONT.

Infectious blood borne diseases include the
following:
Hepatitis B
 Hepatitis C
 HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
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Exposure can occur through the direct contact
with infectious material such as:
Through an open wound or sore
 Through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose,
and eyes
 Through a skin puncture with a contaminated, sharp
object
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Reducing exposure lowers the chance of infection
PERSONAL SAFETY CONT.
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“Universal Precautions” is an approach that recommends
handling all blood and other body substances as if they are
infectious.
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Disposable gloves are the most commonly used barrier.
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To be effective, the approach is the same for everyone,
regardless of age or relationship.
Inspect gloves for damage or tears before use
If damaged replace immediately
Remove contaminated gloves properly
Use a shield or CPR mask for rescue breaths
A provider may choose to not use barriers, depending on
relationship to the person and knowledge of the person’s
health status.
If a provider doesn’t have personal protective equipment,
you may choose to improvise.
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Towel, plastic bag, anything that can help avoid direct contact
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
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An EMS system typically uses specialized emergency
communication to gather information and dispatch
appropriate emergency resources.
One of the fundamental responsibilities of a trained
provider is to activate the EMS system in an emergency,
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EMS providers:
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Immediate activation of EMS recommended when:
 A person is unresponsive
 A significant mechanism of injury has occurred
 A warning sign of serious illness exists
 The severity of a person’s condition is unclear
Respond directly to emergency scenes
Provide emergency medical care
Transport ill or injured people to a hospital
Activating EMS—calling a universal emergency telephone
number, such as 911.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CONT.
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Ideally, one person should call EMS while another person
cares for the ill or injured person.
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EMS dispatcher will ask for basic info:
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Type of emergency
Location
The number and conditions of those who are ill or injured
What care is being provided
Answer the dispatcher’s questions as clearly as possible.
Only hang up if directed to do so by the dispatcher.
There may be an Emergency Action Plan in the workplace
that consists of specific procedures on how to respond to
internal emergencies and activate EMS.
Majority of medical emergencies occur at home, so it is also
smart to develop a personal emergency response plan for
your home and review it frequently with members of your
household.
PRIMARY ASSESSMENT—UNRESPONSIVE
PERSON
 The
primary assessment helps a provider
assess for immediate life-threatening
problems, activate the EMS system, and
rapidly provide priority care.
 Follow this Skill Guide for Primary
Assessment of an Unresponsive Person.
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Assess the Scene
Check for Response
Activate EMS and get an AED
Look for normal breathing
Provide indicated care
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If breathing—recovery position
Not breathing—CPR
Use AED as soon as it is available
PRIMARY ASSESSMENT—UNRESPONSIVE
PERSON
If you see an adult collapse and find she is
unresponsive and not breathing, or only gasping,
the immediate application of continuous
compression to the chest and use of an AED
could significantly increase the person’s chance of
surviving.
 Compression-only CPR is a simpler, but limited,
alternative to standard CPR, which combines
compressions and rescue breaths. As a first aid
provider, it is highly recommended for you to
receive additional training in standard CPR.
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UNRESPONSIVE AND BREATHING–
RECOVERY POSITION
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Even if a person is breathing normally, a lack of
responsiveness is still considered to be a lifethreatening condition that requires immediate care.
There are a variety of things that can result in
unresponsiveness:
Medical conditions
 External factors such as alcohol or drug overdose
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Regardless of cause, the greatest treatment concern
is the ability of the person to maintain a clear and
open airway.
Positioning an uninjured, unresponsive person in the
recovery position can help maintain and protect the
airway.
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Uses gravity to drain fluids from the mouth and keep the
tongue from blocking the airway.
PRIMARY ASSESSMENT– RESPONSIVE
PERSON
Just as with an unresponsive person, the primary
assessment for someone who is responsive is to
assess for and immediately treat life-threatening
problems, including bleeding and shock.
 Follow this Skill Guide for Primary Assessment
of a Responsive Person:
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Assess the Scene
Introduce yourself
Check for bleeding
Check for tissue color and body temperature
Activate EMS
PRIMARY ASSESSMENT– RESPONSIVE
PERSON
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Tissue color depends on the amount of blood
circulating below the skin.
Normal tissue color is light pink
 Paleness can indicate blood loss or shock
 A bluish color can indicate lack of oxygen
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Normal skin feels warm and dry. Cool, wet skin
can be an indication of shock.
 Emergencies are dynamic events that can change
at any time. Reassessment is the ongoing
observation of an ill or injured person to monitor
his or her condition and the effectiveness of first
aid.
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PRIMARY ASSESSMENT– RESPONSIVE
PERSON
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Make sure the situation remains safe for you to be
there.
Watch for changes in a person’s level of
responsiveness.
Ensure the airway is open and clear and that the
person is breathing normally.
Reassess to ensure external bleeding is controlled.
Look for changes in the person’s tissue color or skin
temperature.
Check at regular intervals until another provider or
EMS personnel takes over.
SECONDARY ASSESSMENT
When a primary indicates no life- threatening
problems, complete a secondary assessment to
gather additional information.
 Follow this Skill Guide for Secondary
Assessment:
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Determine the person’s chief complaint
 Look Around.
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Mechanisms of force that caused the injury may help
predict the presence of a hidden injury.
 Clues in the environment
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Look at the person
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Briefly assess the person from head to toe. Look and feel for
signs of injury and illness
SECONDARY ASSESSMENT
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Remember DOTS:
Deformities
 Open injuries
 Tenderness
 Swelling
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If needed, remove or cut away clothing to get a
better look at an affected body part.
 Compare one side of the body to the other.
 If at any time you suspect spinal injury,
immediately provide spinal motion restriction by
manually stabilizing the head.
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SECONDARY ASSESSMENT
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Ask questions
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Symptoms- Things the person is feeling, such as pain,
nausea, dizziness, or anything related to the situation
Allergies- Things the person may be allergic to
Medications- prescribed or is taking
Past Medical history- problems that may be related to
what’s going on
Last oral intake- when the person last ate or drank
Events leading up to problem- what the person was doing
just prior to the problem
If you find or begin to suspect a life-threatening problem is
occurring while performing a secondary assessment,
immediately stop, activate EMS, and provide primary care
CONTROL OF BLEEDING
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Bleeding reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of
blood. If heavy or uncontrolled, bleeding can quickly
become life-threatening.
Arterial bleeding is bright red and will often spurt
from a wound
If the blood is dark red and flowing steady, it is likely
coming from a damaged vein.
Activate EMS for any heavy bleeding.
Bleeding exposes the provider to potentially infectious
body fluids
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Always use protective barriers
Continuous firm and direct pressure applied to a wound is
the best method for controlling external bleeding
CONTROL OF BLEEDING
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Follow this Skill Guide for Control of Bleeding
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Apply direct pressure
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Apply a pressure bandage
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Wrap roller gauze or elastic bandage around limb or over injury
for continuous pressure.
If bleeding continues, follow these steps
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Clean, absorbent pad. Apply pressure with the flats of the
fingers directly on the point of bleeding.
If blood soaks through pad, apply another pad, leave the initial
pad.
Apply more pressure with the palm of the hand
Manage shock
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If the person has no difficulty breathing, lay person flat on
ground
Maintain normal body temperature, do not overheat
Give nothing to eat or drink, even if they ask
Keep the person comfortable and calm
INTERNAL BLEEDING
A significant blow can create injury and bleeding
inside the body. This is especially true for organs
in the chest and abdomen.
 Internal bleeding can be difficult to detect. Signs
of shock may be the earliest indication that
internal bleeding is occurring. Suspect it if the
chest or abdomen is hit hard.
 Surgery may be the only way to control internal
bleeding
 Early suspicion and activation of EMS is critical
for effective treatment, and possibly survival
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MANAGING SHOCK
Shock develops when poor blood flow creates a
shortage of oxygen to body tissues. Any serious
illness or injury has the potential to cause shock.
 Shock is progressive, early signs can be difficult
to detect. A person may appear uneasy, restless,
or worried.
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Responsiveness may diminish
 The skin may become pale, cool, and sweaty
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A person in shock must get to the hospital as
soon as possible in order to survive
 To limit the effects of shock:
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Ensure an open and secure airway, normal breathing
and control any external bleeding
MANAGING SHOCK
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Maintain body temperature
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If you suspect head or back injury, do not move the
person, tuck the blanket underneath as much as
possible.
Give nothing to eat or drink
 Reassess regularly until EMS take over
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AMPUTATION
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Amputation is the complete loss of a body part
If an amputation has occurred, quickly:
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Assess for and control any severe bleeding
Activate EMS
Calm, comfort, and reassure the person
Reassess regularly until another provider or EMS take
over
Amputated body parts can often be surgically
reattached.
Once the person is stable, locate the severed part
Wrap it in sterile or clean cloth
Place the part in a tightly sealed plastic bag or waterproof
container
 Place the bag or container on ice
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Do not soak the severed part in water, do not put it directly
on ice. Give it to EMS providers for transport with the
person to the hospital
IMPALED OBJECT
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An object that penetrates the body and remains
embedded.
As a general rule, never remove an impaled object. It
can act like a plug and prevent serious blood loss.
If you suspect impalement has occurred, remove or
cut away clothing to confirm the object has
penetrated the skin. Look for any serious bleeding.
Keep the person still to prevent movement
 Use a clean pad to apply direct pressure around the base of
the object, if the injury is bleeding. Use additional padding
to stabilize the object
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Activate EMS for any significant impaled object or if
in doubt about its severity
Treat for shock
OPEN CHEST INJURY
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A puncture injury through the chest wall can disrupt
the chest’s ability to draw air into the lungs
If the provider suspects an injury has penetrated the
chest wall, remove clothing to expose the injury site
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Check for exit injury on the other side
If there are two wounds treat the more serious one first
Air movement through the wound can be indicated by
foamy, bloody air bubbles.
Quickly cover with something airtight only on 3 sides, to
allow for trapped air to escape, secure with tape if
available
 Activate EMS
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Allow the person to assume a position that is
comfortable for them
Regularly reassess
OPEN ABDOMINAL INJURY
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Injury to the abdomen may result in
“evisceration,” a condition in which abdominal
organs protrude through an open wound
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Protect them from further injury
If an open abdominal injury occurs:
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Activate EMS
Cover any protruding organs with a thick, moist
dressing
Do not apply direct pressure on the wound or exposed
internal parts
Treat for shock
Regularly assess until EMS takes over
HEAD, NECK, OR BACK INJURY
Temporary or permanent paralysis
 Confusion, and disorientation
 Instruct responsive person to remain still
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Ask about the injury
 Look for obvious injury
 Ask about numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of
sensation
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Priority is to help prevent further injury and use
spinal motion restriction
Make sure scene is safe
 Encourage the person not to move
 Have a bystander activate EMS
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SPINAL MOTION RESTRICTION
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Stabilize the head
Get into a comfortable position behind the person
Cup your hands on both sides of the persons head, without
covering ears– do not stop the flow of fluid from ears or
nose
 Keep the head, neck and spine in line. Minimize motion
 Comfort, calm, and reassure the person
 Distress and discomfort may make it difficult to restrict
spinal motion in a child. Try your best to hold the head in
the position in which it was found
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Protect the airway
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Establishing and maintaining an airway for an
unresponsive person is a higher priority that protecting a
suspected injury to spine
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If fluids collect in the mouth, roll the person on to their side to
drain
Place in recovery position if you have to leave to get help
SWOLLEN, PAINFUL, DEFORMED LIMB
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Long bones form the upper and lower parts of the
limb
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Muscles, ligaments, and tendons attach to the bones,
allowing movement where the bones come together at
joints
There are 4 different types of injuries affecting bones,
muscles and joints:
Strains and stretching or tearing injuries to muscles or
tendons
 Sprains are tearing injuries to ligaments that hold joints
together
 Dislocations are the separation of bone ends at a joint
 Fractures are breaks in bones
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Difficult to tell the difference—treat all as possible
fractures
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Common signs include: swelling, pain and discoloration
SWOLLEN, PAINFUL, DEFORMED LIMB
Expose the injury
 Cover open wounds
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Never push a bone back under skin
Stabilize the limb
Place your hands above and below the injured area to
help immobilize the limb.
 Splinting can reduce pain and prevent further injury
but in general it is best to rely on EMS personnel to
split.
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IMPALED OBJECT IN THE EYE
Activate EMS
 Do not allow the person to rub the eye
 Never try to remove an embedded object
 For small objects, cover both eyes with loose pads
 Stabilize larger objects with a bulky clean pad
 Cover the uninjured eye with a loose pad
 Covering both eyes can be frightening—calm,
comfort and reassure
 Regularly assess until EMS arrives
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CHEMICALS IN THE EYE
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Corrosive chemicals splashed in the eye can
quickly damage eye tissue
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Affected eyes will appear red and watery
To minimize damage:
Immediately flood the eye with large amounts of
water
 Hold the eye open and flush continuously for at least
15-30 minutes
 Flush outward from the nose side of the affected eye
to prevent contamination of the unaffected eye

Have the person try to remove contact lenses
after flushing
 Activate EMS as quickly as possible
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NOSEBLEED
Small blood vessels inside the nostrils are
ruptured
 Have the person sit up straight with their head
tilted forward, chin down
 Pinch the nose with your thumb and index finger
and hold it for about 10 minutes
 Have the person spit out any blood that collect in
the mouth
 Do not tilt the head back or have the person lie
down.
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Could swallow blood and vomit
If you cannot stop bleeding seek immediate
medical attention
INJURED TOOTH
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Control bleeding
Gently bite down on an absorbent pad
 Application of ice may help reduce bleeding, swelling and
pain
 It the tooth is still in place, get to the dentist as soon as
possible
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If the tooth was knocked out:
It can be re-implanted
 Handle the tooth only by the chewing surface, not the root
 Gently rinse with water—do not scrub
 If possible place it back in the socket, if not keep it moist
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Have the person spit into a cup and put the tooth in the saliva
Milk, contact lens solution, or commercial sports drinks can be
used
Avoid using water
Get the person to a dentist, preferably within 30 minutes
BURNS
The deeper a burn goes into the skin and
underlying tissue, the more likely the risk for
infection
 Minor burns
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Cool the burn with cool water as soon as possible
Continue cooling until pain is relieved
Do not apply ice directly to a cool burn
Leave blisters intact
Cover the burn with a loose sterile pad.
Minor burns usually heal without further
treatment
BURNS
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Deep burns
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Make sure the situation is safe
Activate EMS
Expose affected area
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If clothing is stuck to the burn do not remove
If present, remove jewelry near the burned area
Separate fingers or toes with dry, sterile, nonadhesive dressings
Do not apply butter, ointment, lotion, or antiseptic
Loosely cover burn area with a dry, clean plan or
sheet
Nothing to eat or drink
While waiting for EMS, monitor airway for swelling
from inhalation of smoke or hot gases.
CHEMICAL BURNS
Some chemicals can react and damage skin on
contact. Immediate care is to dilute and remove
the chemical quickly to minimize damage.
 Brush off any dry powder with a gloved hand or
cloth
 Remove any contaminated clothing
 Flood the affected area with large amounts of
water, unless the chemical is known to react with
water
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Continue to flush with water until the burning
sensation stops
Cover any visible burns loosely with a dry, clean
pad and seek medical attention
ELECTRICAL BURNS
Electrical burns are caused by contact with
electrical wires, current or lightning.
 Be safe! Turn the power off before touching the
affected person.
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An electric shock can cause an abnormal heart
rhythm in which the heart stops. Activate EMS,
and have someone get an AED
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If you cannot make it safe, do not attempt care.
Perform CPR until an AED is ready
Internal injury from an electric shock is often
more severe than might be suspected. Always
seek professional medical care.
SUDDEN ILLNESS
A person suddenly appear weak, ill or in severe
pain
 Sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck or
a blood-red or purple rash, especially in children,
can indicate the possibility of severe infection
 In many cases the body displays warning signs:

Altered mental status
 Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath
 Pain, severe pressure, or discomfort in the chest
 Severe abdominal pain

ALTERED MENTAL STATUS
A significant or unusual change in a person’s
personality, behavior, or consciousness. It is an
indication of change in brain function
 Regardless of the cause, altered mental status is
a warning sign of a serious problem:
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Activate EMS
Position the person for comfort
Calm and reassure the person as best you can
If the person’s level of responsiveness is or
becomes severely diminished, consider placing
the person in a recovery position to protect the
airway
 Reassess regularly
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STROKE
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Blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted
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Signs of stroke, but tend to show up suddenly
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Most commonly when a blood clot gets caught in a blood
vessel.
Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg especially
on one side of the body, may be present
A person may appear confused
A change in the ability to speak or understand
Sight and balance
A severe, sudden headache
May become frustrated—unable to move or communicate
Activate EMS
Calm, comfort and reassure. Protect the airway—
recovery position. Be prepared for the possibility of
the need for CPR and AED.
Nothing to eat or drink
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES
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Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot effectively use
sugar for energy.
Suspect possibility of diabetic emergency with anyone who has
a gradual change in mental status
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Ask about medical history and medications
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Skin: pale, cool, and sweaty
Sweet or fruity smell on their breath
Look for medical alert bracelet or necklace
Diminished level of responsiveness & difficulty swallowing,
activate EMS. Do not give anything to eat or drink.
Responsive and able to swallow, give sweet juice, candy,
sugar. Do not use anything with artificial sweetener.
Calm, comfort, and reassure. If no response within 15
minutes, activate EMS.
Insulin is not considered an emergency medication. It is never
appropriate to administer insulin to a diabetic person in an
emergency setting.
SEIZURE
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Seizures are triggered by excessive electrical activity
in the brain. Result in uncontrolled muscle
convulsions.
Protect the person, but do not restrain. Move object
away, allow seizure to take its course.
Generally happen without warning
 Jerking movements of the body occur and breathing may
seem absent. Can lose control of bowel or bladder and may
vomit.
 Nothing in the mouth
 Activate EMS if:
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They were injured during the seizure
Have no history of seizure
Lasts for more than 10 minutes
If response and breathing are absent after seizure, begin
CPR and get an AED
BREATHING DIFFICULTY, SHORTNESS OF
BREATH
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Generally caused by an underlying medical illness such as
asthma, allergic reaction, heart failure or lung disease
Bluish-purple tissue color, especially in the lips or fingers,
indicates a developing lack of oxygen.
Do not wait, activate EMS.
If an AED is available, have someone get it
 Allow the person to be in most comfortable position for
breathing
 Loosen tight clothing
 Calm, comfort and reassure

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Be prepared to provide CPR and attach AED
Severe allergic reaction--anaphylaxis
Bee stings
 Peanuts
 Latex
 Penicillin
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ASTHMA
Affects the small air passages in the lungs.
Irritants can trigger a reaction that results in
narrowed passages due to swelling and the
production of mucus. Airflow into and out of the
lungs is restricted
 Asthma symptoms can vary from mild to life
threatening
 Quick-relief medications that work fast to control
asthma symptoms are available. If the person
has a prescribed inhaler for asthma, assist them
in using it.
 If they do not improve within 15-20 minutes,
activate EMS

METERED-DOSE INHALERS

Prepare the inhaler



Breathe out




Hold the inhaler upright
Tilt the head back slightly
Exhale completely
Breathe in




Remove the cap on the mouth port
Shake the inhaler
Place the port of the inhaler in the mouth
Press down the inhaler canister to release medicine
Inhale slowly for 3-5 seconds and then let go of the
pressure on the canister
Hold breath


Hold for 10 seconds
Repeat as directed by dosage instructions
PAIN, SEVERE PRESSURE, OR DISCOMFORT
IN THE CHEST
Acute coronary syndrome
 Activate EMS immediately

Reduced blood flow to the tissues of the heart (heart
attack)
 Shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness
 Skin: pale, cool and sweaty
 Women will describe indigestion, weakness or fatigue


Encourage person to chew on one non-coated
adult or two low-dose baby aspirin

Do not encourage if they have an allergy to aspirin,
evidence of stroke, or recent bleeding problem.
SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN
Abdomen may be rigid and tender to the touch
 Person may become nauseated and vomit
 Person may describe a recent blunt blow to the
abdomen or may be pregnant

Activate EMS
 Do not give anything to eat or drink

INGESTED POISON

Children under 6 yrs. account for over half of all
poisonings
Most are accidental, while most deaths in adults are
intentional
 Pain meds., personal care products, household cleaning
products


Effects
Abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, and vomiting may
occur
 Altered mental status
 May describe the ingestion
 Open and empty containers, unusual smells, odd stains on
cloths, skin, or lips


Activate EMS


Call National Poison Help Hotline
Do not induce vomiting, or give water, milk, activate
charcoal, or syrup of ipecac unless advised by poison control
or EMS
INHALED POISON

Common poisons
Carbon monoxide
 Natural gas
 Solvent fumes
 Chemical vapors



May complain of headache, nausea, dizziness and
difficulty breathing
Activate EMS if displaying any serious signs or
symptoms

Call National Poison Help Hotline

Help identify the substance
BITES AND STINGS

Snakes
Activate EMS
 Control bleeding with clean pad and direct pressure.
Immobilize limb below heart level
 Do not apply local cooling, do not cut through a snakebite,
apply suction or use a tourniquet


Spiders


Activate EMS if you suspect a severe reaction from a spider
bite
Stinging insects
Defensive
 Remove stinger
 Monitor for at least 30 minutes
 Activate EMS for severe reaction. Assist with epinephrine

BITES AND STINGS

Ticks


Exposure and transmission of infectious diseases
To remove grasp with tweezers close to the skin. Pull straight up
with a steady, slow motion.



Do not use fingernail polish, petroleum jelly, hot match, or
alcohol to remove
Marine animal stings


Difficulty breathing, hear palpitations, weakness, fainting
Wash with household vinegar—deactivate venom



If portions remain in the skin, seek further medical attention
Reduce pain with hot water for at least 20 minutes longer for stingray
barb injected venom
Activate EMS
Human and animal bites




Bacterial infection
Rabies
Control bleeding with direct pressure, wash with large amount
of water
Seek professional medical attention
HEAT EXHAUSTION

Increased internal temperature and excessive loss of
fluids to the environment.


Signs: heavy sweating, pale, cool skin. May become
nauseated and vomit. May complain of headache or
dizziness and feel weak.
Move to a cooler place
Loosen clothing
 Have the person lie down and raise their legs
 Spray water or apply cool, wet cloths to head and torso
 Use a fan to speed evaporation



Drink cool fluids, preferably sports drink with
carbohydrates and electrolytes
If person does not improve activate EMS
HEAT STROKE

Life-threatening


Signs:






Altered mental status
Skin can be red, very warm/hot, and completely dry
Heavy sweating
May collapse and have a seizure
Activate EMS immediately





Can permanently damage organs, including brain and
spinal cord
Spray or pour water on the victim
Apply ice packs to neck, groin and armpits
Cover in a wet sheet, fan them
Best method is to immerse in cool water up to neck
If unresponsive, use recovery position to protect the airway.
Do not force them to drink fluids
HYPOTHERMIA

95 degrees or less







Remove wet clothing, cover with something warm
(not hot)


Cardiac arrest
Pale, cold skin
Uncontrollable shivering
Loss of coordination
Difficulty speaking
Altered mental status
Cover head and neck
Activate EMS and get an AED

Prepare to perform CPR and use AED
FROSTBITE

Frozen skin








Minor can be rewarmed using skin to skin contact
Serious: remove wet clothing, if available activate EMS
Remove jewelry
Place clean pads between frostbitten fingers and toes
Wrap affected area in clean towel or pad
Do not rub or massage
Never give them alcohol
If far away from medical care and no chance of
refreezing
Immerse area in warm (not hot) water for 20-30 minutes.
Check and maintain water temperature
 Severe burning pain, swelling, blistering and color changes
may occur
 Do not let person use affected part after thawed.
 Get professional medical care as soon as you can

EMERGENCY MOVES

It is best not to move, unless in clear danger


Danger of making a spinal injury worse
Most effective is a drag
Pull in the direction of the long axis of the body to keep
spine in line
 Never pull on the head, or pull body sideways
 Common drags:





Extremity drag, grasping and pulling ankles and forearms
Clothing drag, pulling on a person’s shirt in the neck or should
area
Blanket drag, rolling a person onto a blanket and dragging the
blanket
Use your legs
Avoid twisting
 Consider their weight
 Know your physical ability and accept limitations


Vehicle fires are rare, avoid moving an injured person from a
damaged vehicle unless you believe their life is clearly in
danger
EMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION

Caring for someone in an emergency can create emotional
distress. More serious problems or relationships with those
involved can intensify these feelings. Common reactions:


Anxiety, trembling, sweating, nausea, pounding heartbeat
 These are all normal human reactions to a traumatic event.
Just remember to stay calm.
When an emergency is over, a provider is often left alone.
With little time for closure, a provider can begin to
experience a variety of reactions:

Feeling abandoned or helpless, self-doubt, difficulty sleeping,
recalling the event over and over, etc.
 These feelings are normal and should pass with time. To
help cope you can:

Get back to a normal routine, accept it will take time to resolve
these emotions, or talk to someone you trust like a friend or a
counselor.