First Aid Basics
First
aid is the immediate care given to someone with an illness
or injury.
For
minor problems, it is the steps taken to resolve the issue.
For
serious problems, it is the actions taken before trained help
takes over (such as an EMS responder, nurse, or doctor).
These
actions may make the difference between life and death.
You CAN make a difference!
First Aid Steps
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Recognize the problem/emergency
Check the scene for safety issues
Decide to help
Call 911 when appropriate
Check the victim
Give first aid
Stay with the victim and continue monitoring their condition
until it resolves or trained help arrives
Rescuer Duties

Unless it is part of your job description, you do not have a duty to
act (provide care) and the choice to help is yours.

Once you start first aid you have committed to stay with the victim
until the issue is resolved or trained help arrives.

You should always ask a conscious, responsive adult if you may
administer first aid.

The victim may accept or refuse care. If the victim refuses and you
feel the problem could be more than minor, call 911.
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Consent is assumed for a child if the parent is not present.
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If the victim is unconscious, confused or cannot answer, consent is
assumed.
Victim and Rescuer Safety
What are you looking for?
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Is the scene safe/ Is there danger to the rescuer?
(Don’t become a second victim!)
Is there danger to the victim?
Is there anyone else around who can assist you?
Is a phone available?
How many are injured? How were they injured?
Location of victim.
Use universal precautions and personal protective equipment
(PPE).
Call 911
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For all life-threatening injury or illness
If the victim is unresponsive
If the victims condition is more than minor or has the
potential to worsen
If moving the victim could make them worse
Never transport a victim yourself
When in doubt call- it is better to be safe than sorry!
Protect Yourself
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"Universal precautions," are a set of safeguards designed to prevent
transmission of germs from blood and body fluids when providing first aid.
The three infections that pose the most significant health threats are
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The risk of getting a disease from a victim is low and is significantly
reduced even more when exposure is controlled by wearing personal
protective equipment while providing first aid.
PPE includes the use of gloves, protective eyewear (if possible) and barrier
devices (during CPR).
Proper washing of hands and exposed areas is always critical to
preventing the spread of infection.
Dispose of contaminated waste properly.
Initial Assessment
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Is the victim responsive? Can they talk?
Are they breathing?
Are they moving?
What is their skin color, temperature, and condition.
Are they bleeding?
Are they in pain?
Is anything deformed or swollen?
Are they experiencing any abnormal sensations?
Is the victim wearing any medical alert jewelry?
Medical
Emergencies
For ALL Emergencies:

Stay Calm!
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Scene Safe?
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Call 911 (If necessary or unsure)
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Get First Aid Kit/ AED

Use PPE

Stay With Victim
Breathing Problems
Causes:

Known Disease
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Obstruction
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Swelling
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Infection
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Injuries

Heart Attack
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Stroke
Symptoms:

Labored Breathing
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Very Fast or Slow Breaths
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Noisy Breathing

Can Not Talk
Actions:

Ask- Medicine?
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Assist with Medication SelfAdministration if appropriate

Position of Comfort

Call 911 if:
 No Medicine
 Medicine Doesn’t Work
 Stops Breathing

Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have
been trained
Choking
CAUSE:

Food

Swallowed Objects
SYMPTOMS:

Can‘t Breath
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Quiet/Soundless Cough
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Can’t Talk or Cry
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High Pitched/Noisy
Breaths
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Blue lips/Skin

Makes Universal Sign of
Choking
ACTION: Abdominal Thrusts/Heimlich Maneuver
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Watch Video at by right clicking link and selecting open
hyperlink:
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Perform-theHeimlich-Maneuver-170866241
Ask- “Are you choking?” State- “I can help.”
Stand/Kneel Behind Victim
Wrap Arms Around Waist
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Wrap Mid-Chest for Pregnant/Obese
Make Fist- Place thumb side against body
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Above Belly Button
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Below Breastbone
Grasp Fist with Other Hand
Give Quick Thrusts
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In & Up/Abdomen
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In/Chest
Continue until
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Object Out/Can Breathe
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OR Unresponsive
If Unresponsive
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Call 911
Start CPR-Check mouth for object before breaths
Heart Attack
CAUSE:

Mainly Heart Disease
SYMPTOMS:

Chest Pain, Pressure, Squeezing,
Fullness- Symptoms are Lasting or
Recurrent
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Upper Body Discomfort/ Arms, Back,
Neck, Jaw, Stomach
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Shortness of Breath
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Nausea
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Cold Sweat
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Lightheadedness
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Women, Diabetics and the Elderly may
have symptoms less clear/severe
ACTION:
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Have Victim Sit Quietly
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Call 911 even if Victim Resists EMS
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If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have
been trained
Stroke
CAUSE:
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Bleeding in Brain
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Blocked Blood Vessel in Brain
SYMPTOMS:

Sudden Weakness/ Numbness of Face,
Arm or Leg
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Sudden Confusion, Trouble Speaking
or Understanding
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Sudden Trouble Seeing
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Sudden Trouble Walking , Dizziness,
Loss of Balance and Coordination
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Sudden Severe Headache
ACTION:
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Have Victim Sit/Lie Down Quietly
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Call 911
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If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have
been trained
Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar
CAUSE:
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Too Much Insulin
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Too Little Food
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Vomiting
SYMPTOMS:
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Behavior Change
Sleepiness or Unresponsive
Hunger or Thirst
Weakness
Sweating
Pale Skin
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Seizure
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ACTION:
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If Responsive
 Give Sugar/Food/Drink
 Sit/Lie Down
 Call 911 if Not Feeling Better Soon
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If Non-Responsive
 Do Not Give Food or Drink
 Roll on Side
 If Seizure Occurs- Follow Seizure Protocol
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Start CPR if Breathing Stops
Bad Allergic Reaction
CAUSE:
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Ingestion of Allergen
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Contact with Allergen
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Bite/Sting
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Environmental Allergy
SYMPTOMS:

MILD
Stuffy Nose, Sneezing, Itchy
Eyes, Mild Hives
SEVERE
 Trouble Breathing
 Swelling- face/tongue
 Severe Hives
 Fainting
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ACTION:
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Administer EpiPen
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If Victim Becomes Unresponsive- Start
CPR
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Save Sample of Allergen
Fainting
CAUSE:
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Standing Long Time
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Sudden Standing
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Sudden Extreme Emotion
SYMPTOMS:
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Initially- Dizziness
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Unresponsiveness for Less than
Minute/ Then Fine
ACTION:
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Lay Flat
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Raise Legs ~ 12”
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Check for Injuries
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No Dizziness-Sit to Stand
Seizures-Convulsive
CAUSE:
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Medical Condition/Epilepsy
Head Injury
Low Blood Sugar
Heat Related Injury
Poison
SYMPTOMS:
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Loss of Muscle Control
Fall to Ground
Jerky Movements
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Becomes Unresponsive
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ACTION:
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Protect Victim from Injury
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Check for Breathing
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If Breathing- Roll on Side (If
Head/Neck Injury NOT Suspected)
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If Unresponsive- Start CPR
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DO NOT Restrain Victim or Put
Anything in Mouth
Shock
CAUSE:
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Loss of Blood
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Heart Attack
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Severe Allergic Reaction
SYMPTOMS:
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Feels Weak, Faint, Dizzy
Pale/Grayish Skin
Cold and Clammy to Touch
Restless, Agitated, Confused
ACTION:
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Lay Flat
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Raise Legs If No Pain
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Check for Injuries-Stop Bleeding
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Cover Victim/ Keep Warm
Injury
Emergencies
For ALL Emergencies:
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Stay Calm!
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Scene Safe?
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Call 911 (If necessary or unsure)
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Get First Aid Kit/ AED
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Use PPE
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Stay With Victim
Bleeding You Can See
ACTION:
MINOR
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Wash with Soap & Water
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Apply Pressure
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Apply Dressing
ACTION:
SEVERE
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Have Victim Apply Pressure
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Apply Clean Dry Dressing
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Apply Pressure (with gloves!)
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If Bleeding Continues
 Never Remove 1st Dressing
 Apply 2nd Dressing
 Increase Pressure
 Continue Process Until Bleeding
Stops
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Check for Shock
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Call 911 if
 Severe Bleeding
 Can’t Stop Bleeding
 Symptoms of Shock
 Injury from Fall with
Head/Neck/Spine Injury Possible
 You Are Unsure
Nosebleed
ACTION:
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Press Both Sides of Nostrils
Have Victim Lean Forward
Press Harder if Bleeding Continues
Call 911 if
 Severe Bleeding Continues After 15 Minutes of Pressure
 Bleeding is Gushing and Can’t Be Stopped
The Victim has Trouble Breathing
Mouth bleeding
ACTION:
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REACHABLE INJURY
 Apply Pressure with Clean Dressing to Stop Bleeding
UNREACHABLE INJURY
 Roll Victim on Side so Blood Can Drain Out
Check for Shock
Call 911 if
 Severe Bleeding You Can’t Stop
 The Victim has Trouble Breathing
Puncturing Objects
ACTION:
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Call 911
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DON’T TAKE OUT OBJECT
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Stop Bleeding
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Keep Victim Still
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Check for Shock
Amputations
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Call 911
Stop Bleeding
Check for Shock
Protect Amputated Part
 Rinse with Clean Water
 Cover/ Clean Dressing
 Place in Watertight Bag
 Place Bag on Ice
 Label (name, date, time)
Send with Victim
Tooth Injuries
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Check Mouth/Stop Bleeding
Loose Tooth
 Bite Down on Gauze
 Call Dentist
Chipped Tooth
 Clean Area
 Call Dentist
Lost Tooth (Don’t touch root)
 Rinse (Don’t reinsert)
 Place in Water or Milk
Go to Dentist
Bleeding You Can Not See
CAUSE:
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Blow or Crash
Fall
Blast
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Injury to Abdomen/Chest/Head
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SYMPTOMS:
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Pain in Abdomen/Chest/Head after
Injury
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Shortness of Breath
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Coughed Up/Vomited Blood
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Signs of Shock
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Penetrating Wound
ACTION:
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Call 911
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Keep Victim Still
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Check for Shock
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If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have
been trained
Head Injuries
CAUSE:
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Fall
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Blow or Crash
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Electrocution
SYMPTOMS:
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Unresponsive
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Sleep/Confused
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Vomiting
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Headache
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Vision Problems
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Trouble Walking/Coordination
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Seizure
ACTION:
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Call 911
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Hold Head and Neck
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DO NOT Turn/Move Victim
 Unless Danger
 Victim Vomiting
 To Open Airway
 Use Log Roll
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If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have
been trained
Neck/Spine Injuries
CAUSE:
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Upper Body Injury
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Fall
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Blow/Crash
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Injured Under Influence Drugs or
Alcohol
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Diving Accident
SYMPTOMS:
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Unresponsive
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Sleep/Confused
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Pain
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Weakness/Numbness/Tingling
ACTION:
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Call 911
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Hold Head and Neck DO NOT
Turn/Move Victim
 Unless Danger
 Victim Vomiting
 To Open Airway
 Use Log Roll
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If Unresponsive- Start CPR if you have
been trained
Muscle Sprains/Broken Bones
CAUSE:
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Fall
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Blow/Crash
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Twisting
SYMPTOMS:
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Pain
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Deformity
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Can’t Bear Weight
ACTION:
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Check for Shock
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DO NOT Straighten
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Apply Dressing to Wounds
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Apply Ice (= 20 minutes)
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Elevate Body Part if Doesn’t Cause
More Pain
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Call 911 if
 Large Open Wound
 Severe Deformity
 You are Unsure
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See Doctor
Burns
CAUSE:
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Contact with Heat
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Contact with Electricity
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Contact with Chemicals
SYMPTOMS:
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Pain
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Redness
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Blisters
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Charred Skin
ACTION:
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SMALL BURNS
 Flush with COOL water
 Apply clean/dry dressing
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LARGE BURNS
 Call 911
 Stop Flames on Victim
 Cover with Wet Blanket
 Remove clothes/jewelry
 Check for Shock
 Dry Cover/Keep Warm
 Unresponsive/Start CPR
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ELECTRICAL BURNS
 Call 911(MUST be seen!)
 Check for LIVE current
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Unresponsive/Start CPR
Eye
CAUSE:
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Blow
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Impact with High Speed Object
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Puncture
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Small Object on Eye
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Chemical Contamination
SYMPTOMS:
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Pain
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Vision Problems
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Redness
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Bruising
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Bleeding
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Swelling
ACTION:
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BLOW
 See Doctor
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PUNCTURE
 Call 911
 Cover BOTH eyes with clean, dry
dressing
 Keep Victim Still

IRRITANT
 Flush with clean water
 See Doctor if can’t remove or
chemical contamination
Environmental
Injuries
For ALL Emergencies:

Stay Calm!
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Scene Safe?
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Call 911 (If necessary or unsure)
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Get First Aid Kit/ AED
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Use PPE
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Stay With Victim
Bites and Stings
CAUSE:
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Animal and Humans
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Snakes
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Insects/Bees/Spiders
ACTION:
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SYMPTOMS:
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Pain
Redness
Swelling
Snake
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Possible Nausea, Vomiting, Sweating,
Weakness
Insects/Bees
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Possible Itchiness
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Severe Allergic Reaction Symptoms
Spiders/Scorpions
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Severe Pain at Site
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Muscle Cramps
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Headache
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Fever
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Vomiting
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Breathing Problems
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Seizures
Unresponsiveness
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Stay Clear of Whatever Bit the Victim
ANIMAL/HUMAN BITES
Wash with Soap & Water
Stop Bleeding
Apply Dressing
Apply Ice if Needed
Report to Police
Contact Doctor
SNAKEBITES
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Call 911
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Keep Victim Still
Wash with Soap & Water
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DO NOT Apply Ice, Cut Wound, Apply
Suction, Wrap Tightly, Use Local Electric
Shock
INSECTS/BEES/SPIDERS
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Minor
 SCRAPE off stinger
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Wash- soap & water
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Apply Ice
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Observe 30 min.

Severe
Follow actions for severe allergic reaction
Tick Bite
ACTION:
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Grab Tick Close to Skin with Tweezers
Pull Straight Out
Wash with Soap and Water
Call Doctor
Heat
SYMPTOMS:
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Muscle Cramps
Sweating
Headache
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness
HEATSTROKE
Confusion/strange Behavior
Vomiting
Inability to drink
Skin- red, hot, DRY
Shallow Breathing
Seizures
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Unresponsiveness
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ACTION:
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Move to Cool Place
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Loosen Clothing
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Give Fluids
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Cool Skin with Water

If Unresponsive- Start CPR

DO NOT
 Wait to Cool
 Continue to cool if victim is back
to normal
 Use anything but water to cool
 Give anything by mouth if victim
can’t swallow, is vomiting,
confuses, had a seizure, is
unresponsive

Heatstroke Call 911
Cold
CAUSE:
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Skin Cool/Cold

Skin may be Red, White or Bluish
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Shivering
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Confusion/Personality Change
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Sleepiness or Unconcerned
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Muscle Stiffness/Rigidity
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Trouble Breathing
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Unresponsiveness/Appears Dead
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FROSTBITE
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White, Waxy or Yellow-Grayish Skin

Cold, Hard, Numb Skin
ACTION:
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Move to Warm Place
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Call 911

Check for Responsiveness

Remove Wet Clothes/Jewelry
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Dry Victim/Put on dry clothes

Cover with Blanket- Entire Body except
Face

If Unresponsive- Start CPR

If Unable to get Medical Care

Quickly- Warm skin with warm water

FROSTBITE

DO NOT
 Rub or massage
 Use Heat to thaw
 Thaw if area can refreeze
Poisons
CAUSE:

Swallow, Inhale,
Skin/Eye Contact with a
Toxic Substance
ACTION:

Check for Safety-DO NOT ENTER if

Signs of Poison?
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Spills/Leaks?

Multiple Victims?

If Safe Remove Victim to Fresh Air Area
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Call 911
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Have Someone Get MSDS
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Call Poison Control
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1-800-222-1222

If Unresponsive- Start CPR
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Remove Clothing/Jewelry
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Remove Poison from Victims Skin
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Brush Dry Powder Off with Gloved Hand

Safety Shower/Eye Wash if Available

Flush Area 20 minutes or until Help Arrives

Eyes-Blink Frequently
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Do Not Give Anything by Mouth, Apply Anything to
Skin