AMERICAN RED CROSS
FIRST AID BASICS
INJURIES
• Injury is one of our nation’s most important
health problems.
• Most of us will have a significant injury at
some time in our lives.
• Many injuries are
preventable.
INJURIES
• FIVE LEADING CAUSES
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Motor vehicle accidents
Falls
Poisoning
Drowning
Choking
INJURIES
• With any serious injury or illness, shock is
likely to develop.
• Develops when the circulatory system fails
to deliver blood to all parts of the body.
• Has a tendency to progressively get worse.
• IS life-threatening.
• CAN NOT be managed by first aid alone.
INJURIES
• SIGNALS OF SHOCK
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RESTLESSNESS OR IRRITABILITY
ALTERED CONSCIOUSNESS
NAUSEA
PALE OR ASHEN, COOL, MOIST SKIN
RAPID BREATHING
RAPID PULSE.
INJURIES
• CARE FOR SHOCK
– Have the victim to lie down. This is often the
most comfortable position.
– Help the victim to rest comfortably as pain can
intensify or accelerated the progression of
shock.
– Call 911.
– Control any external bleeding
INJURIES
• CARE FOR SHOCK
– Elevate the legs about 12 inches if you don’t
suspect broken bones. If unsure, leave lying
flat.
– Help the victim to maintain normal body
temperature.
– DO NOT give anything to eat or drink, even
though they may be thirsty.
– Reassure the victim.
WOUNDS
• 1. BRUISE contusion
– Damage to the soft tissue and blood vessels
causing bleeding under the skin.
– At first it may appear red.
– Over time it may turn dark red or purple.
– A large or painful bruise may be a signal of
severe damage to deep tissues
WOUNDS
• 2. SCRAPE abrasion, rug burn, road rash
– Most common type of wound.
– Caused by skin that has been rubbed or scraped
away.
– Usually painful because scraping of the outer
layer of skin exposes nerve endings.
– Dirt and other matter can easily become ground
into the wound.
– Can easily become infected if not kept clean.
WOUNDS
• 3. CUT
incision; laceration
– Either jagged or smooth edges.
– Commonly caused by sharp objects such as
knives, scissors, or broken glass.
– Deep cuts can damage nerves, large blood
vessels and other soft tissues.
– Deep cuts usually bleed freely.
– May or may not be painful.
WOUNDS
• 4. AVULSION
– A cut in which a portion of the skin or other
soft tissue is partially or completely torn away.
– A partially avulsed piece of skin may remain
but hangs like a flap.
– Often damages deeper tissues, bleeding is often
significant.
WOUNDS
• 5. PUNCTURE
– A wound caused when a pointed object, such as
a nail, piece of glass or knife pierces the skin.
– A gunshot wound is also a puncture wound.
– Because they do not bleed a lot, they can easily
become infected.
– Bleeding can be severe if involves major vessel.
– An object that remains embedded is called an
impaled object.
WOUNDS
• Caring for wounds, especially open wounds,
often involves controlling bleeding.
• Bleeding can occur both internally or
externally, and a wound can be open or
closed.
• Most bleeding will stop by itself in a
relatively short time.
Signals Of Internal Bleeding
• Tender, swollen, bruised or hard areas of
the body such as the abdomen.
• Rapid, weak pulse.
• Skin that feels cool or moist or looks pale or
bluish.
• Vomiting or coughing up blood.
• Excessive thirst.
• Becoming confused, faint, drowsy or
unconscious.
Caring for Major Open Wounds
• Control bleeding by placing a clean covering,
dressing, over the wound and apply pressure.
• Apply a bandage snugly over the dressing.
• If bleeding cannot be controlled, put another
bandage snugly over the dressing.
• Call your emergency number.
• Maintain direct pressure until help arrives.
• Wash your hands immediately after giving care.
Wounds That Need Stitches
• Bleeding from an artery or uncontrolled bleeding.
• Wounds that show muscle or bone, involve joints,
gape widely, or involve hands or feet.
• Large or deep puncture wounds.
• Large or deeply embedded objects.
• Human or animal bites.
• Wounds that, if left unattended, could leave
conspicuous scars, such as on the face.
Controlling Bleeding
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
• IMPALED OBJECT
– DO NOT remove
– Bandage bulky
dressings around the
object to support it in
place.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
• AMPUTATED PART
– Wrap severed part in
sterile gauze
– Put it in a plastic bag
– Place bag on ice
– Make sure the part is
taken to the hospital
with the victim.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
• NOSE BLEED
– Direct pressure
– Elevate
– Have the victim lean
forward
– Pinch the nostrils
together until bleeding
stops.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
• INSIDE CHEEK
– Place folded dressing inside the mouth against
the wound.
• OUTSIDE CHEEK
– Use dressings to apply pressure directly to the
wound and bandage so as not to restrict
breathing.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
• TOOTH
– PLACE A STERILE
DRESSING DIRECTLY IN
THE SPACE LEFT BY
THE TOOTH.
– TELL THE VICTIM TO
BITE DOWN.
– PLACE TOOTH IN MILK
OR WATER AND TAKE
WITH VICTIM.
BURNS
• Burns are caused by:
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HEAT
CHEMICALS
ELECTRICITY
RADIATION
• A critical burn can be life threatening and
needs immediate medical attention.
TYPES OF BURNS
• SUPERFICIAL first degree
– Involves only the top layer of skin.
– The skin is red and dry and the burn is usually
painful.
– The area may swell.
– Most sunburns are superficial burns
– Usually heal in 5-6 days without scaring.
TYPES OF BURNS
• PARTIAL THICKNESS
second degree
– Involves the top layers of skin.
– Skin is red and has blisters that may open and
seep clear fluid making the skin appear wet.
– The burned skin may appear mottled.
– Usually painful and the area swollen.
– The burn heals in 3-4 weeks
– Scarring may occur.
TYPES OF BURNS
• FULL THICKNESS
third degree
– Destroys all layers of skin and any or all of the
underlying structures – fat, muscle, bones, etc.
– Look brown or black (charred) with the tissues
underneath sometimes appearing white.
– Can be extremely painful or relatively painless
if the burn destroys the nerve endings.
CRITICAL BURNS
• Burns involving trouble breathing.
• Burns covering more than one body part.
• Burns to the head, neck, hands, feet or
genitals.
• Burns (other than a very minor one) to a
child or an elderly person.
• Burns resulting from chemicals, explosions,
or electricity.
CARE FOR BURNS
• Stop The Burning.
– Put out the flames or remove from source.
• Care First.
– For a serious burn, have someone call 911 or
local emergency number.
– If alone, provide two minutes of care, then
make the call
CARE FOR BURNS
• Cool The Burn
– Use large amounts of cool water.
– DO NOT USE ice or ice water
– Use whatever sources area available
• Garden hose
• Wash basin
• Cover the Burn
– Use dry, sterile dressings or clean cloth.
– Loosely bandage in place.
– Prevents infection.
Do’s & Don’ts of Burn Care
• DO
– Cool a burn by
flushing with water
– Cover with dry, clean
covering.
– Do keep he victim
comfortable
– Do keep the victim
from getting chilled or
overheated
• DON’T
– Apply ice directly to
any burn unless very
minor.
– Touch a burn with
anything except a clean
covering.
– Remove pieces of cloth
that stick to a burn.
– Don’t break blisters.
– Don’t use any ointment
on a severe burn.
BURNS
• Dry chemicals causing burns should be
brushed off the skin with a gloved hand,
being careful not to get the chemical on
yourself or the victim, until EMS arrives.
• Never go near a victim of an electrical burn
until you are sure the victim is not still in
contact with the power source.
Injuries to Muscles, Bones, & Joints
• When a serious injury occurs, it is best NOT
to move the victim.
• If you have to move or transport the victim,
you should splint the injured part first.
• By applying a splint, you can help minimize
movement and prevent further injury.
Injuries to Muscles, Bones, & Joints
5 MINUTE BREAK
Injuries to Head, Neck and Back
• When to suspect Head, Neck and Back
Injuries
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A fall from a height greater the that of victim’s.
A fall by any elderly person.
Any diving mishap.
A person found unconscious for unknown
reason.
– Any motor vehicle accident involving a driver
or passenger where severe blunt force to the
head or chest, abdomen or pelvic area is
possible.
Injuries to Head, Neck and Back
• When to suspect Head, Neck and Back
Injuries
– Any injury that penetrates the head or chest,
abdomen or pelvic area, such as a gunshot
wound.
– Any person thrown from a motor vehicle.
– Any injury in which a victim’s helmet is broken
(motorcycle, bicycle, football or industrial)
– An accident involving a lightning strike or
other accident where victim is thrown.
Injuries to Head, Neck and Back
• Signals of Head, Neck or Back injuries
– Change in consciousness.
– Severe pain or pressure in the head, neck or back.
– Tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet
and toes.
– Partial or complete loss of movement of any body part.
– Unusual bumps or depressions on the head or over the
spine.
– Blood or other fluids in the ears or nose.
Injuries to Head, Neck and Back
• Signals of Head, Neck or Back injuries
– Heavy external bleeding of the head, neck or
back.
– Seizures.
– Impaired breathing or vision as a result of an
injury.
– Nausea or vomiting.
– Persistent headache.
– Loss of balance.
– Bruising of the head, especially around the eyes
and behind the ears.
General Care for Head,
Neck or Back Injuries
• Minimize movement of the head, neck and
back.
• Maintain an open airway.
• Check consciousness and breathing.
• Control any external bleeding.
• Keep victim from getting chilled or
overheated.
SUDDEN ILLNESSES
• Although there are many different types of
sudden illness, they often have similar
signals
• You will rarely know the exact cause of the
sudden illness, but this should not keep you
from providing the proper initial care.
• There is a list of signals of many sudden
illnesses.
Signals of Sudden Illness
• Feeling lightheaded,
dizzy, confused, or
weak.
• Changes in skin color
(pale, ashen or
flushed) or sweating.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Change in
consciousness.
• Seizures.
• Paralysis or inability
to move.
• Slurred speech.
• Difficulty seeing.
• Severe headache.
• Trouble breathing.
• Persistent pressure or
pain.
Care for Sudden Illness
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CHECK, CALL, CARE
Care for any life-threatening conditions first.
Help the victim rest comfortably.
Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
Reassure the victim.
Watch for changes in consciousness and breathing.
Do not give anything to eat or drink unless FULLY
conscious.
• Call EMS if needed.
Care for Sudden Illness
• CALL EMS IF THE VICTIM
– Is unconscious, unusually confused or seems to
be losing consciousness.
– Has trouble breathing or is breathing in a
strange way.
– Has persistent chest discomfort or pressure.
– Has pressure or discomfort in the abdomen that
does not go away.
– Is vomiting or passing blood.
Care for Sudden Illness
• CALL EMS IF THE VICTIM
– Has a seizure lasing more than 5 minutes or has
multiple seizures.
– Has a seizure and is pregnant or is diabetic.
– Has a severe headache or slurred speech.
– Has injuries to the head, neck or back.
– Appears to have been poisoned.
Care for Sudden Illness
• VOMITS
– PLACE HIM OR HER ON THE SIDE SO
THAT YOU CAN CLEAR THE MOUTH.
– DO A FINGER SWEEP AND CLEAR THE
MOUTH.
– PLACE IN RECOVERY POSITION OR
POSITION FOR PROPER CARE.
Care for Sudden Illness
• FAINTS
– POSITION HIM OR HER ON THE BACK
AND ELEVATE THE LEGS 8-10 INCHES IF
YOU DO NOT SUSPECT A HEAD, NECK
OR BACK INJURY.
Care for Sudden Illness
• DIABETIC EMERGENCY
– HIGH BLOOD SUGAR, hyperglycemia.
– LOW BLOOD SUGAR, hypoglycemia.
– Give the conscious victim some type of sugar,
preferably in liquid form, such as orange or
apple juice, non-diet soda or 2-3 teaspoons of
sugar dissolved in a glass of water.
Care for Sudden Illness
• SIGNALS OF DIABETIC EMERGENCY
– CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF
CONSCIOUSNESS.
– RAPID BREATHING AND PULSE.
– FEELING AND LOOKING ILL
– WEAKNESS AND FATIGUE.
– FOR MORE INFO, CALL 1-800-DIABETES
Care for Sudden Illness
• SEIZURES
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DO NOT hold or restrain the person.
DO NOT place anything in the mouth.
Remove nearby objects that might cause injury.
Cushion the victims head using a folded cloth,
towel or pillow.
– Watch for vomiting or breathing trouble after
seizure.
Care for Sudden Illness
• SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
– Assist the victim with his or her medication
which may be available as a single-dose
epinephrine pen.
– Monitor breathing. (May become difficult or
stop)
– Call EMS
– Act quickly.
Care for Sudden Illness
• POISONING
– FOUR WAYS
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Ingestion
Inhalation
Absorption
Injection
– POISON CONTROL CENTER
• 1-800-222-1212
Care for Sudden Illness
• POISONING
– If you think someone has been poisoned, call
your poison control center (phone book) or
local emergency number
– Do not give syrup of ipecac or activated
charcoal to a poisoned victim unless directed to
do so by the PCC or EMS dispatcher.
INSECT BITES
• SIGNALS
– STINGER MAY BE
PRESENT
– PAIN
– SWELLING
– POSSIBLE
ALLERGIC
REACTION
• HIVES, SWELLING,
TROUBLE
BREATHING
• CARE
– REMOVE STINGER –
SCRAPE AWAY.
– WASH WOUND.
– COVER
– APPLY COLD PACK
– WATCH FOR
SIGNALS OF
ALLERGIC
REACTION.
SNAKE BITES
• SIGNALS
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BITE MARK
PAIN
SWELLING
BRUISING
• CARE
– WASH WOUND
– KEEP BITTEN PART
STILL, ANDLOWER
THAN THE HEART.
– CALL LOCAL
EMERGENCY
NUMBER
– WATCH FOR LIFETHREATENING
CONDITIONS.
ANIMAL BITES
• SIGNALS
– BITE MARK
– BLEEDING
• CARE
– IF BLEEDING IS MINOR,
WASH WOUND.
– CONTROL BLEEDING
– COVER
– GET MEDICAL
ATTENTION
– CALL ANIMAL
CONTROL
– DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CONTAIN ANIMAL.
HEAT RELATED ILLNESS
• ONCE SIGNALS APPEAR, CONDITION
CAN WORSEN QUICKLY.
• HEAT RELATED ILNESSES
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HEAT CRAMPS
HEAT EXAUSTION
HEAT STROKE
ALL ARE A CONTINUUM
Signals of Heat Related Illness
• HEAT CRAMPS
– Cramps or painful muscle contractions in legs, hands or
abdomen
• HEAT EXHAUSTION
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Cool moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Exhaustion
Signals of Heat Related Illness
• HEAT STROKE
– LIFE THREATENING
– RED SKIN THAT IS EITHER DRY OR
MOIST.
– RAPID, WEAK PULSE
– CHANGE IN CONSCIOUSNESS
– RAPID, SHALLOW BREATHING
Signal of Heat Related Illness
• When you recognize in early stages, you
can reverse it.
• A continuum and is hard to distinguish
distinct stages.
• Refusing water, vomiting and change in
consciousness mean that the victim’s
condition is getting worse.
Care for Heat Related Illness
• Move to cooler environment.
• Give cool water to drink - Sip (only if FULLY
conscious)
• Lightly massage or stretch muscle for heat cramps
• Loosen or remove clothing
• Fan the victim
• Get the victim to circulating air while applying
water with a cloth or sponge.
Care for Heat Related Illness
• If the victim is conscious, give small
amounts of cool water to drink.
• If the victim’s condition does not improve
or if you suspect heat stroke, call 911 or the
local emergency number.
• Give care and monitor for life-threatening
conditions until help arrives.
Cold Related Illness
• Hypothermia
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SHIVERING
NUMBNESS
GLASSY STARE
APATHY
LOSS OF
CONSCIOUSNESS
• Frostbite
– Loss of feeling in
affected area
– Skin that appears waxy
– Cold to touch or is
discolored (flush,
white, yellow or blue)
Care for Cold Related Illness
• HYPOTHERMIA
– Gently move the victim to a
warm place.
– Check ABC’s and care for
shock.
– Remove wet clothing and
cover with blanket or
plastic sheeting
– Carefully monitor use of
heating sources
– Warm the victim slowly and
handle carefully.
• FROSTBITE
– Remove wet clothing and
jewelry from the affected
area.
– Soak the frostbitten part in
warm water.
– Cover with dry, sterile
dressings.
– DO NOT rub the frostbitten
area.
– Check ABC’s and care for
shock.
QUESTIONS
?
EXAMINATION