This manual serves to aid the safety
of the WOW team leaders, the WOWers, and the WOWees during WOW (Weekend of Welcome) 2012.

Table of Contents
Bleeding……………………………………………………………………….3
2
Breathing emergencies…………………………………………………..4
Cardiac emergences……………………………………………………….5
Heat-related emergencies……………………………………………….6
Musculoskeletal injuries…………………………………………………..7
Other injuries…………………………………………………………………8
Shock………………………………………………………………………….12
Soft Tissue Injuries………………………………………………………..12
Substance misuse and abuse…………………………………………..14
Sudden Illness………………………………………………………………14
**The following information was gathered from the text First Aid—Responding to Emergencies,
Published by Stay Well in Yardley, Pennsylvania, Copyright in 2005 by the American Red Cross and revised in 2007.

Bleeding
Both external and internal bleeding are serious issues to deal with immediately. Bleeding is likely to happen this weekend between the Slip n Slide, Sand Volleyball, and moving in. These freshmen are antsy to start living the crazy, reckless college life, and some may even be looking to bleed this weekend. Only you can prevent and treat bleeding.
Signs of External Bleeding

Bleeding from wound, or blood found near victim
Treatment for External Bleeding

Check the scene, then check the victim

Obtain consent from the victim

Cover the wound with sterile dressing (gauze pad or clean cloth)

Apply direct pressure to the wound until bleeding stops

Place a bandage over the dressing

If bleeding does not stop... o apply additional dressing and continue to apply pressure o minimize shock and monitor the ABCs o call 9-1-1
Signs of Internal Bleeding
 swollen or hard soft tissue
 swelling, tenderness, bruising, or rigidity in the injured area
 anxiety or restlessness
 rapid, weak pulse
 rapid breathing or shortness of breath
 cool, moist, pale, ashen, or bluish skin
 nausea, vomiting, or coughing up blood
 abdominal pain
 excessive thirst
 decreased level of consciousness
 severe headache
Treatment for Internal Bleeding

For minor, apply a cold pack to the injured area, separated by a gauze pad
 For serious, call 9-1-1. In the meantime… o Do no further harm o Monitor breathing and consciousness o Keep the victim comfortable
Prevention of Internal and External Bleeding
Be cautious, and be smart in potentially dangerous situations
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Breathing Emergencies
Respiratory distress and respiratory arrest must be dealt with immediately to ensure the safety of the victim. These issues could be caused by pre-existing conditions such as asthma or emphysema, or because of choking on food or something anatomical. Potentially dangerous times could be during high activity, for those with asthma, or at Janzow while eating
Signs of Respiratory Distress
 Victim cannot catch breath or gasping for air
 Either slower or faster than normal breathing
 Unusually deep or shallow breaths
 Unusual noises such as wheezing or gurgling

Moist and flushed appearance

Dizzy or light-headed, tingling in hands, feet, or lips
Treatment for Respiratory Distress

Check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1

Help the victim be more comfortable waiting by… o loosen any tight clothing o get them fresh air o calm and reassure the victim o help him/her take any prescribed medication
 check for other life-threatening conditions and monitor the ABCs
 interview bystanders
Prevention of Respiratory Distress
Be aware of any pre-existing conditions and let those around you know of these conditions and how to help care if a situation arises. Take prescribed medicine and live healthfully.
Signs of Airway Obstruction
 victim clutching at his or her throat
 weak or ineffective cough
Treatment for Airway Obstruction
 check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1

Obtain consent

Lean the victim over your arm and give 5 back blows with the heel of your hand

Stand the person up, and give 5 quick, upward abdominal thrusts

Continue back blows and abdominal thrusts until… o Object is forced out
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o Victim can breathe or cough o Victim becomes unconscious
Prevention of Respiratory Arrest
Chew food well before swallowing. Do not walk, run, or play with food in the mouth. Do not talk to excitedly while eating.
Cardiac Emergencies
It is possible that the participants in this weekend could have cardiovascular disease which could lead to a heart attack or cardiac arrest. These emergencies could happen at any time, so be sure to be aware of where the AEDs are on campus
Signs of a Heart Attack

Persistent chest pain or discomfort, lasting longer than 3 to 5 minutes
 Pain in the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw

Difficulty breathing

Unusual pulse rate

Pale, ashen, or bluish skin

Nausea or vomiting
Treatment for a Heart Attack

Check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1

Help the victim rest comfortably and keep him or her calm and reassured

Loosen any restrictive clothing
 Monitor the victim until the EMS arrives and be prepared to perform CPR
 Interview bystanders and victim of any preexisting conditions
Signs of Cardiac Arrest
 Unconsciousness, no signs of life
 Pale, ashen, or bluish skin
Treatment for Cardiac Arrest

Check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1

Open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin

Check of signs of life for no more than 10 seconds

If no signs of life, give 2 rescue breaths

Have someone go get an AED
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
Give the victim 30 compressions (depth of 2 inches) at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute; place the heel of one hand on the victim’s sternum in the middle of the chest and place the other hand directly on top of the first hand

Give 2 rescue breaths
 Continue cycle of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until… o The scene becomes unsafe o The victim shows signs of life o You are too exhausted to continue o EMS arrives o The AED becomes available and ready to use
 To use an AED… o Turn on the AED o Wipe the victim’s chest dry o Apply the pads to the victim’s bare chest. Place one pad on the victim’s upper right chest and the other on the victim’s lower left side. o Plug the connector into the AED o Let the AED analyze the heart rhythm o Advise all bystanders to stand clear and not touch the victim o Deliver a shock o Continue as the AED suggests
Prevention of a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Live a healthy and active lifestyle. Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Heat-Related Emergencies
WOW occurs during one of the hottest times of the year, and heat can become a problem especially during Friday morning where all the new students move in or during the big group activities outside.
Signs of Heat Cramps

Painful spasms of muscles

Normal body temperature and moist skin
Treatment for Heat Cramps
 have the victim rest comfortably in a cool place
 stretch the muscle and gently massage it
 provide water or a sports drink
 continue to drink plenty of fluids during and after activity
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Signs of Heat Exhaustion
 commonly occurs after long periods of strenuous exercise or work in heat
 cool, moist, pale, ashen, or flushed skin
 headache, nausea, dizziness
 weakness, exhaustion
 heavy sweating
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
 move the victim to a cool environment
 loosen any tight clothing
 apply cool, wet cloths to the wrists, ankles, armpits, groin, and back of the neck
 give the victim cool water slowly
 let the victim rest comfortably
Signs of Heat Stroke
 commonly occurs after ignoring signs of heat exhaustion
 red, hot, or dry skin
 changes in level of consciousness
 vomiting
Treatment for Heat Stroke
 call 9-1-1
 cool the victim by any means necessary
 be prepared to perform CPR if needed
Prevention of Heat-Related Emergencies
Be aware of the early stages and treat as necessary. When out in a hot environment, drink plenty of fluids regularly and take breaks in a cooler environment.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Activities such as the Slip n Slide, Ultimate Frisbee, and Sand Volleyball could result in a musculoskeletal injury (though it could also occur during moving in or going up and down stairs). Thankfully, Seward Memorial Hospital is just down the street to help out!
Signs of Musculoskeletal Injuries
 deformity
 pain or discomfort
 swelling or discoloration
 inability to move or use affected body part
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 protruding bone fragments
 victim feels bones grating
 hearing a “snap” or “pop”
 loss of circulation or sensation
 tingling, cold, or bluish color near the sight of the injury
Treatment for Musculoskeletal Injuries
 Check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1 if… o The injury involves the head, neck, or back o The injury impairs walking or breathing o Fracture or dislocation o Multiple musculoskeletal injuries

Otherwise, care according to RICE: o Rest – avoid any movements or activities that cause pain o Immobilization – use a splint, sling, or bandages o Cold – apply an ice pack (use gauze between skin and ice); leave on for no longer than 20 minutes o Elevation – elevate the injured area, but do not elevate a body part that is fractured or dislocated
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Treat injuries immediately. During recreational activities, be aware of others’ movements. Do not play dangerously as if trying to get hurt.
Other Injuries
This section includes injuries to the extremities, head, neck, back, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
Like the previous section, any of these injuries could occur during recreational activities.
Signs of Serious Extremity Injuries
 Pain or tenderness
 Swelling
 Discoloration
 Deformity of the limb
 Inability to move or use the limb

Severe external bleeding

Loss of sensation, feeling, or tingling

A limb that is cold
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Treatment for Shoulder Injuries

Do not change the position of the shoulder; allow the person to support it him or herself if he or she already is

Control external bleeding with direct pressure
 If the victim is holding the arm away from the body, place a blanket in the gap
 Splint the upper extremity in place
 Check for feeling, warmth, and color
 Place the upper extremity in a sling and bind it to the chest

Apply an ice pack

Take steps to minimize shock

Call the doctor or hospital if necessary
Treatment for Upper Arm Injuries

Same as shoulder injuries

Can use a rigid splint
Treatment for Elbow Injuries

Do not change the position of the elbow; allow the person to support it him or herself is he or she already is

Control external bleeding with direct pressure

Splint the arm from the shoulder to the wrist (place the arm in a sling and secure it to the chest, otherwise immobilize the elbow with a rigid splint)
 Secure the splint with roller bandages
 Check for feeling, warmth, and color
 Apply an ice pack
 Take steps to minimize shock
 Call the doctor or hospital if necessary
Treatment for Forearm, Wrist, and Hand Injuries

Support the injured area

Control external bleeding with direct pressure

Place a soft or rigid splint underneath the forearm

If using a rigid splint, pad the splint and place a roll of gauze under the palm

Check the fingers for feeling, warmth, and color

Secure the splint

Put the arm in a sling and secure it to the chest

Apply an ice pack

Elevate

Take steps to minimize shock
 Call the doctor or hospital if necessary
Treatment for Thigh Injuries


Support the injured area
 Control external bleeding with direct pressure

Call 9-1-1
 Immobilize the injured area with a soft splint and help the victim rest comfortably
 Take steps to minimize shock
 Monitor the victim’s breathing, look, and consciousness
Treatment for Leg Injuries

Same as thigh injuries

Can use a rigid splint

Also, check for feeling, warmth, and color
Treatment for Knee Injuries

Support the injured area

Control external bleeding with direct pressure

Call 9-1-1

If the knee is bent, support it on a pillow or folded blanket

If the knee is on the ground, immobilize it there

Can use a splint to immobilize

Check feeling, warmth, and color

Apply ice pack
 Take steps to minimize shock
 Help victim rest comfortably
Treatment for Foot Injuries
 Support the injured area

Control external bleeding with direct pressure

Call 9-1-1

Immobilize the ankle and food with a soft splint

Check for feeling, warmth, and color

Elevate the injured ankle or foot

Apply an ice pack
Signs of Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Changes in level of consciousness

Sever pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back

Tingling or loss of sensation

Partial or complete loss of movement in a body part
 Unusual bumps or depressions
 Sudden loss of memory
 Blood or other fluids in the ears or nose
 External bleeding
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
Seizures
 Impaired breathing or impaired vision

Nausea or vomiting
 Headache
 Loss of balance
 Bruising of the head
Treatment for Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Call 9-1-1

Minimize movement by using manual stabilization – place hands on both sides of the victim’s head and keep it in the same position

Check for life-threatening conditions

Maintain an open airway

Monitor consciousness and breathing

Control external bleeding with direct pressure

Maintain normal body temperature
Signs of Rib and Pelvis Injuries

Trouble breathing

Severe pain at the site of the injury
 Flushed, pale, ashen, or bluish skin

Deformity
 Coughing up blood
 Bruising
 “sucking” noise
Care for Rib Fractures

Do not move the victim; let him or her rest in a position to help breathing

Call 9-1-1

Binding the victim’s upper arm to the chest

Monitor breathing and skin condition

Take steps to minimize shock
Care for Pelvis

Do not move the victim; let him or her rest comfortably

Control external bleeding and cover protruding organs

Call 9-1-1

Take steps to minimize shock
Prevention of Other Injuries
Practice safety by wearing safety belts, wearing helmets, taking steps to prevent falls, obeying rules in sports, thinking and talking about safety.

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Shock
Whether it be the food in Janzow, being without parents, or seeing the opposite sex for the first time, WOW can be a shocking time.
Signs of Shock
 Restless or irritability
 Altered consciousness
 Pale, ashen, bluish, cool, or moist skin
 Rapid breathing

Rapid and weak pulse

Excessive thirst

Nausea or vomiting
Treatment for Shock

Check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1

Help the victim rest comfortably

Watch for changes in level of consciousness, breathing rate, and skin appearance

Help the victim lie down

Elevate the legs about 12 inches unless if the victim is nauseous, has a head, neck, or back injuring, or it causes more pain
Prevention of Shock
Start caring for shock before it gets serious. Help keep those around you calm, and be aware.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Both open and closed wounds are bound to happen this weekend. As has been the case before, the Slip n Slide and Sand Volleyball are sure to be the culprits.
Signs of Open Wounds
 Break of skin

Bleeding
Treatment for Open Wounds

For minor, put on gloves, apply direct pressure to control bleeding, wash wound with soap and water, apply triple antibiotic ointment, cover the wound with a new sterile dressing

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
For major, call 9-1-1, put on gloves, control external bleeding with gauze (if bleeds seeps through, add more gauze), monitor airway and breathing, take steps to minimize shock, keep the victim’s body temperature regular, have the victim rest comfortably

For a severed body part, call 9-1-1, put on gloves, wrap the severed body part in sterile gauze and place in plastic bag and keep cool, transport to medical facility
 For embedded object, call 9-1-1, put on gloves, do not remove object, use bulky dressings to stabilize the object, control bleeding with pressure around the object
 Wash your hands
Signs of Closed Wounds
 Bruising

Swelling
 redness
Treatment for Closed Wounds
 apply direct pressure
 elevate the injured part
 apply an ice pack (with a gauze pad between skin and ice)
 leave the ice on for no more than 20 minutes, apply again after 20 minutes
 seek medical attention if… o severe pain o cannot move body part o serious damage
Signs of Superficial Burns
 red or dry skin
 painful
 swelling
Treatment for Superficial Burns
 Cool the burn with cold water

Apply a soothing lotion such as aloe vera
Prevention of Soft Tissue Injuries
When going outside, use an SPF sunscreen of 30. When playing recreational activities, practice safety precautions, and be aware of yours and others’ movements.

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Substance Misuse and Abuse
Hopefully this won’t be an issue during WOW, but there will be transfers who will be over 21.
This could potentially be an issue, so it’s best to be prepared.
Signs of Substance Misuse and Abuse
 Moist or flushed skin, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, chest pain
 Respiratory distress, unusual heart rhythms
 Excitedness, restlessness, talkative, or irritability
 Drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, slowed heart and breathing rates, poor coordination

Many signs are similar to other medical emergencies
Care for Substance Misuse and Abuse

Check the scene, then check the victim

Call 9-1-1 or poison control center

Check for life-threatening condtions

Give care only if you feel the person is not a danger to you and others

Interview victim and bystanders

Look for the substance
Prevention of Substance Misuse and Abuse
Substance misuse and abuse can often be prevented during the early stages of life by keeping healthy parental supervision and keeping the traditional family structure together. Offering support and understanding will help individuals, as well as education on the harmful effects of these substances. When using prescriptions, read the product information and use only as directed. Never use another’s prescribed medication. Destroy out-of-date medications.
Sudden Illness
Whether it be preexisting conditions or merely because of the weekend, sudden illnesses such as fainting, diabetic emergencies, or seizures could occur during the weekend. Be prepared!
Signs of Fainting

Loss of consciousness; collapse
 Sweating, vomiting

Distortion or dimming of vision

Head or abdominal pain

Treatment for Fainting

Catch the person, if you can, whil collapsing
 Position the victim on his or her back
 Elevate the legs 12 inches
 Check for any other life-threatening and non-life threatening conditions
 Monitor victim until regaining consciousness and ready to move
Signs of Diabetic Emergencies

Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion
 Irregular breathing

Abnormal pulse

Feeling or looking ill
Treatment for Diabetic Emergencies

Check and care for any life-threating conditions

If unconscious, call 9-1-1, but if conscious…

Interview victim if he or she has diabetes

Give the victim food or fluids with sugar

If this does not help after 5 minutes, call 9-1-1
Signs of Seizures

Loss of body control
 Experience an aura
 Irregular breathing, drooling
 Minor blackouts
Treatment for Seizures
 Do not hold or restrain the victim

Protect the victim from injury – move nearby objects away

Maintain an open airway

Position the victim on his or her side once the seizure ends

Check for life-threatening and non-life-threatening conditions after seizure

Provide a measure of privacy for the victim

Call 9-1-1 for serous situations such as 5+ minute long seizures, repeated, injuries, pregnancy, or diabetes
Prevention of Sudden Illness
Know if you have any of the mentioned conditions and let those around you know. Make for sure that others are well nourished, and have water and snacks on hand.
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