BRONZE LEVEL FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS
Treatment of Cuts (Including Cleaning and Dressings)
Injury (trauma) to tissue can cause bleeding. The severity of the situation varies with the
extent of the tissue damage and the amount of blood lost. Skin tears (for example, skin
sliced on metal) bleed, require treatment, and usually recover quickly. Facial cuts and
head cuts and wounds result in more blood loss because of the number of blood vessels in
the skin of the face and head.
Deep cuts and wounds may require stitches for tissue to heal. Cuts and wounds that
involve bleeding from larger veins and arteries are more serious, and EMS must be called
promptly. The more blood the victim loses, the greater the extent of the shock.
Treatment
1. The best way to remember the treatment for bleeding is RED
Rest the affected body part, and Reassure the victim
Elevate the body part to decrease blood flow (above the heart)
Direct pressure is applied over the wound with the cleanest material available (a
bandage, for example). Direct pressure is the most important factor in
stopping blood flow. Secure direct pressure with a tied bandage. If blood
starts to sep through the bandaging material, place a second bandage on top of
the first. DO NOT lift the bandage – it interrupts the clotting of blood and
increases bleeding.
2. Treat for Shock
3. Contact EMS if there is a lot of blood loss, if you cannot control the bleeding,
or if moderate to severe shock becomes a factor
Important Note
 When securing bandages, tie the knot securely over the wound
 Signs that a bandage is too tight include the part beyond the bandage getting
cool, becoming pale, or lacking a pulse.
 When there is a foreign object in the wound, do NOT remove the object.
Apply pressure around the object to avoid pushing it in deeper. The priority
is to stop the bleeding.
Treatment of Stings & Bites
Bites by humans, animals, and insects often require first aid. If the victim has an allergy
or sensitive to the specific type of bite, anaphylaxis may be an issue (See below). For
most bites, treatment of the injury site is the primary issue.
Signs and Symptoms
 Localized pain
 Bleeding
 Bruising, redness
Puncture-type lacerations in the skin
 Shock
Treatment
1. Control bleeding (if any)
2. Seek medical assistance (to have the risk of infection and immunization needs
evaluated).
3. Treat for shock

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, often life-threatening allergic reaction. Substances associated
with this condition include medications such as penicillin, some foods such as nuts and
seafood, bee stings, and some environmental substances such as molds.
The reaction can be sudden and rapid. People who know they have this condition may
wear a necklace, bracelet, etc., identifying a medical condition and may even carry an
antidote kit. The more signs and symptoms are present, the faster this condition develops
and becomes life-threatening.
Signs and Symptoms
 Generalized itchiness, rash (red), hives
 Difficulty breathing, including wheezing
 Lower level of consciousness (confusion, disorientation)
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed
2. Contact EMS
3. Help victims with their medication if they have an antidote kit.
4. Put ice or a cold pack on the front of the neck and airway
5. Treat for shock
Treatment of Burns
Causes of burns include heat, chemicals, and electricity. Burns are classified in several
ways. This section classifies them in terms of the depth of the skin affected: first-degree
burns, second degree burns, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are the least
serious, third-decree burns the most serious
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are those in which damage is restricted to the surface of the skin.
First-degree burns can be quite painful; in cases such as sunburn, these burns can also be
widespread.
Signs and Symptoms
 Redness
Pain
 Mild swelling
 Anxiety
 Shock
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed
2. Flush the burned area with cool, clean water
3. Repeat the flushing until the victim notes that the heat in the affected area has
subsided (this might take several hours).
4. Treat for shock
5. Contact EMS if the area burned is large, the face and neck are affected, the
victim is a small child or infant, or moderate to sever shock is a factor.

Second-Degree Burn
Second-degree burns affect the upper layers of the skin. These burns are characterized
by blisters, redness, pain and swelling.
Signs and Symptoms
 Blisters
 Redness
 Pain
 Mild swelling
 Anxiety
 Shock
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victims’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed
2. Flush the burned area with cool, clean water.
3. Repeat the flushing until any heat in the affected area subsides (this might
take several hours_.
4. Cover the affected area with clean, wet dressing. The dressing material
should be sturdy enough to stay intact when wet (for example, a triangular
bandage).
5. Keep dressings moist
6. If the hands and feet are affected, separate the fingers or toes with dressings
7. Treat for shock
8. Contact EMS if the area burned is large, the fact and neck are affected, the
victim is a small child or infant, or moderate to severe shock is a factor
Third-Degree Burns
Third-Degree burns (also called “full-thickness burns”) affect all the layers of tissue.
Because the burn goes through the skin, the muscles, nerves and bones in the area may
also be affected.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain
 Red, black, and grey tissue
 Underlying tissue and organs exposed (muscles, nerves, and bones, for
example)
 Second – and first-degree burns in nearby areas
 Anxiety
 Shock
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed
2. Contact EMS
3. Flush the burned area with cool, clean water
4. Repeat the flushing until any heat in the affected area subsides (this might
take several hours).
5. Cover the affected area with a clean, wet dressing. The dressing material
should be sturdy enough to stay intact when wet (for example, a triangular
bandage).
6. Keep dressings moist
7. If the hands and feet are affected, separate the fingers or toes with dressings
8. Treat for shock
Recognition of Fractures and Immediate Treatment
Simple Fractures
Simple fractures are breaks in a bone. Undisplaced fractures are like a crack in a teacup
– there’s a break in the surface but not in alignment. Undisplaced simple fractures can be
distinguished from sprains and strains only on X-rays. Displaced fractures are fractures
in which there’s a break in the surface and in alignment.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain
 Swelling
 Discoloration
 Difficulty moving the affected area
Treatment
1. The way to remember treatment of simple fractures is the word RICE
Rest the injured part. Immobilize it in a comfortable position – DON’T
move it!!
Ice the injured part for 10 to 15 minutes every hour until the swelling
subsides. Icing is the most important component of treatment.
Compress and bandage the injured part. Wrapping with a tensor bandage
will prevent further swelling and immobilzation will maintain alignment
Elevate the injured part – it helps control swelling
2. Contact EMS
3. Treat for shock
4. Assess the pulse and movement beyond the site of the injury. For instance,
assess the pulse and movement in the ankle if the leg is broken
Note: To immobilize joints, you can use air splints, wooden splints, or splints
made out of cardboard or rolled newspaper
Compound Fracture
Compound fractures are displaced fractures in which a bone breks through the skin.
Unless it is absolutely essential, do NOT move victims with this condition – it could
cause further muscle and nerve damage.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain
 Swelling
 Bone protruding through the skin
 Bleeding
 Discoloration
 Difficulty moving the affected part
Treatment
1. Rest the affected part, and immobilize it as you found it. Do not attempt
realignment!
2. Place a clean bandage over the exposed bone
3. Ice the injury for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid wetting the open wound.
4. Contact EMS
5. Treat for Shock
Dislocations
A dislocation is n injury in which the bones at a joint are displaced from their usual
alignment. The joints most commonly dislocated are shoulders, fingers, and toes.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain
 Swelling
 Discoloration
 Difficulty moving the affected area
Treatment
1. Rest the injured part. Immobilize it in a comfortable position – don’t move it!
2. Ice the injured part for 10 to 15 minutes every hour
3. Support the injured part in a position of comfort
4. Contact EMS
5. Treat for shock
Treatment of Shock
Shock is a depression of the body’s circulatory system. Shock occurs when the body is
responding to a stress such as physical illness or injury or to emotional or psychological
distress. Expect shock in anyone requiring rescue or first aid.
Shock can be mild, with a few signs and symptoms, or very serious, with life-threatening
signs and symptoms. The extent of shock is usually related to the severity of the stress on
the body.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pale, cool, clammy skin
 Restlessness, weakness
 Fear, anxiety
 Confusion, disorientation
 Weak, rapid pulse
 Shallow, rapid respiration
 Blue-colored lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
Treatment
1. The way to remember treatment for shock is the word WARTS:
Warmth. Maintain body temperature. If the victim is in the sun, provide
shade. If the victim’s body is cool, maintain heat.
ABC’s. Airway – Maintain an open airway
Breathing – assess the victim’s breathing, and start rescue
breathing if needed
Circulation – Verify the victim’s pulse, and start CPR if needed
Rest and Reassurance. Reassure the victim and make sure he/she rests.
Pursed lip breathing is a technique you can use to calm the victim. Talk
calmly, positively, to him/her, and use a gentle, confident touch. Maintain
YOUR calm, your ability to cop with stress diereclty affects the victim,
and that’s your priority
Treatment. Treat the cause of the stress – the cut, for example, or the
heart attack
Semi-prone position. This is the position of choice for victims. But if the
illness or injury indicates that another position would be better, the victim
should get into that position. For example, a semi-sitting position is
recommended with heart attacks, and spinal victims should be on thir back
with their head immobilized.
Administration of Artificial Respiration (AR)
Important Note: The body’s supply of oxygen is usually sufficient to sustain life for about
4 minutes. This is why you must quickly transport victims to where rescue breathing can
be started!
Method
1. Survey the scene for hazards, and make the area safe
2. Establish unresponsiveness. Gently pinch and shoult, and ask “Are you OK?” for
5 to 10 seconds.
3. Open the airway using a head-tilt/chin-lift technique, and check breathing (3 to 5
seconds). Put your ear close to victim’s nose and mouth and Look, Listen, and
Feel:
 Look for the rising and falling of the chest and the abdomen when the
victim breathes.
 Listen for the sounds of the victim’s breathing.
 Feel the victim’s breath on the sensitive skin of your cheek and ear.
4. Give 2 slow breaths (2 seconds)
 Pinch the nose, and seal the victim’s mouth with your mouth.
 Let the chest deflate between each ventilation
 Look, listen, and feel again for breathing or the exhalation of air
5. Check to see if a pulse is present
6. If the victim has a pulse but is not breathing, continue rescue breathing at the rate
of 1 breath every 5 seconds.
Insulin Shock
Insulin shock (or hypoglycemia) occurs when there is not enough sugar in the
bloodstream. This condition is found mainly in people with diabetes and is associated
with not eating enough, exercising too much, busing under a lot of stress, or taking too
much insulin.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pale, cold clammy skin
 Restlessness, weakness
 Fear, anxiety
 Confusion, disorientation
 Weak, rapid pulse
 Shallow, rapid respiration
 Cyanosis of the lips and fingernails
 Bracelet, necklace, etc., identifying diabetic condition
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed.
2. Help the victim self-administer sugar, a suary drink such as frtuit juice, or a
chocolate bar.
3. Treat for shock
4. Contact EMS
Diabetic Coma
Diabetic coma occurs when there isn’t enough insulin in the body to carry sugar from the
blood to the cells.
Signs and Symptoms
 Flushed, dry skin
 Drowsiness to unconsciousness
 Excessive thirst and urination
 Acetone smell (for example, nail polish remover) on breath
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed
2. Contact EMS
3. Treat for shock
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be caused by trauma to the nose, or they can start spontaneously.
Nosebleeds often look serious because of the amount of blood lost, but they usually
respond promptly to treatment. Nosebleeds that last for more than a few minutes or recur
in a short period of time, may require medical attention.
Signs and Symptoms
 Blood from nose
 Pain associated with the trauma (being hit, for instance)
 Anxiety
 Shock
Treatment
1. Pinch the nose where the soft nostril meets cartilage
2. Treat for shock
3. Apply ice to the forehead of the back of the neck
4. Contact EMS if the nosebleed lasts more than a few minutes, if it recurs, or if
the victim is in moderate to severe shock
Seizures
Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can be
associated with the medical disorder epilepsy, with high fevers, and with drug
intoxication.
Signs and Symptoms
 Loss of consciousness
 Arching of the back and rigidity in the body
 Contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the arms and legs
 Cyanosis of the lips and fingernails
 Loss of control of the bowel or bladder
 Confusion, disorientation, fatigue after seizure
Treatment
1. Clear objects from the surrounding area to prevent victim from strikint hem
and getting injured
2. DO NOT place anything between the victim’s teeth
3. Contact EMS
4. After the seizure is over
a. Assess the victim for injuries
b. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the
victim’s pulse, and start CPR if needed
c. Treat for shock
Fainting
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. It is associated with several medical
disorders, stress, fatigue, and shock.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pale, cool, clammy skin
 Restlessness, weakness
 Fear, anxiety
 Confusion, disorientation
 Weak, rapid pulse
 Shallow, rapid respiration
Treatment
1. Maintain an open airway, assess the victim’s breathing, verify the victim’s
pulse, and start CPR if needed.
2. Identify and control the cause of the fainting
3. Treat for shock