Unit G: Emergency Care Skills
Program Area:
Health Occupations Education
Course Title:
Allied Health Sciences II
Unit Title:
Emergency Care Skills
Suggested
Time for
Instruction:
22 hours
Course Percent:
8%
Unit Evaluation:
50% Cognitive and 50% Performance
Number: 7212
------------------------------------------------------------------------------Competency:
2H07. Provide first aid in an emergency setting.
Specific Objectives:
2H07.01
Acquire certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
2H07.02
Provide basic first aid.
Summer 2000 G.1
Unit G Master Outline
Unit G: Emergency Care Skills
2H07 Provide first aid in an emergency setting.
2H07.01
Acquire certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
2H07.02
Principles of providing first aid
Basic facts about CPR
Performing CPR, one-person rescue *
Performing CPR, two-person rescue *
Performing CPR, infants and children *
Obstructed airway, conscious adult *
Obstructed airway, unconscious victim *
Use of AED *
Provide basic first aid.
A. Bleeding and wounds
1. Types of open wounds
2. Controlling bleeding
3. Infection
4. Severe wounds *
5. Minor wounds
B. Shock
1. Signs and symptoms
2. Treatment
C. Poisoning
D. Burns
E. Bone and joint injuries *
1. Fracture
2. Dislocation
3. Sprain
4. Strain
5. Treatment
F. Sudden illness
1. Heart attack
2. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
3. Fainting
4. Convulsion
5. Diabetic coma
6. Insulin shock
G. Applying dressings and bandages *
Summer 2000 G.2
Unit G: Emergency Care Skills
Terminology List
1. Abrasion
2. Amputation
3. Avulsion
4. Bandages
5. Burn
6. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
7. Cerebrovascular accident
8. Convulsion
9. Diabetic coma
10. Diaphoresis
11. Dislocation
12. Dressing
13. Fainting (syncope)
14. First aid
15. Fracture
16. Frostbite
17. Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
18. Heat cramps
19. Heat exhaustion
20. Heat stroke
21. Hemorrhage
22. Hypothermia
23. Incision
24. Infection
25. Insulin shock
26. Laceration
27. Poisoning
28. Puncture
29. Shock
30. Sprain
31. Tetanus
32. Wound
33. Xiphoid process
Summer 2000 G.3
Name ________________________________________
Date _________________________
2H07.02A PROVIDING FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING WOUNDS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Surveyed the scene/secured environment
Practiced standard precautions throughout procedure
Performed primary survey; checked for consciousness verbal response, ABC's
Reassured victim, identified self, got consent to help
Cared for wound by:
a. Applying direct pressure
b. Using a sterile dressing
c. Pressing firmly against wound
____
6. Elevated wound above level of heart if no fx suspected
7. Applied pressure bandage to injury
8. Checked to be sure bandage was not too tight by checking distal pulse or capillary refill
9. Applied pressure to appropriate pressure point if wound still bleeding until bleeding
controlled
10. Reassured victim
11. Activated EMS system; called 911 and stated:
a. Where emergency was located
b. Phone number calling from and caller's name
c. What happened
d. How many victims needed help
e. Condition of victim
f. Help being given
g. Hang up last
12. Rechecked bleeding, reassured victim
13. Treated for shock
a. Placed in supine position unless contraindicated
b. Elevated lower extremities if no possibility of fracture or spinal injuries
c. Covered victim with blanket
d. Left serious injuries exposed for observation
14. Performed secondary survey
a. Interviewed the victim
b. Checked vital signs
c. Head-to-toe exam; visually inspected, then asked victim to slowly more each
body part if no pain occurs
- Head
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Chest and abdomen
- Arms
- Hips and legs
15. Rechecked ABC's and bleeding site(s)
16. Reassured victim until EMS arrived
---------------------------------------- TOTAL
Mastery
Non-Mastery
MASTERY
YES NO
____ ____
____ ____
____ ____
____ ____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____ ___
= 100% Yes
= Below 100%
Date ____________ Evaluator ___________________
Comments:
Name ________________________________________
Summer 2000 G.4
Date _________________________
2H07.02B PROVIDING FIRST AID FOR BONE/JOINT INJURIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Surveyed the scene/secured environment
Practiced universal precautions throughout procedure
Performed primary survey; checked for consciousness, verbal response, ABC's
Reassured victim; identified self, got consent to help
Activated EMS system: called 911 and stated:
a. Where the emergency was located
b. Phone number calling from and caller's name
c. What happened
d. How many and condition of victims needing help
____
e. Condition of victim
f. Help being given
g. Hung up last
6. Performed secondary survey:
a. Interviewed the victim
b. Checked vital signs
7. Covered open wounds with appropriate dressing and bandage to control bleeding if needed
8. Treated for shock:
a. Placed in supine position unless contraindicated
b. Elevated lower extremities if no possibility of fractures or spinal injuries
c. Covered victim with blanket
____
d. Left serious injuries exposed for observation
9. Completed secondary survey: Head-to-toe exam: visually inspected, then asked victim to
slowly move each body part if no pain occurs
10. Splinted fracture/dislocation according to injury
a. Minimal movement of injury
____
b. Checked distal circulation with pulse or capillary refill
c. Splinted injury in position found
____
d. Applied cravats properly
- Location and tightness
- Knots on outside of splint
- At least one fingernail/toe left visible
e. Immobilized bones/joints above & below fracture site
f. Slung/swathed if appropriate
g. Rechecked distal circulation after completion of splinting
h. Applied ice/cold packs to fracture site or surrounding area (not over open fracture site)
11. Rechecked ABC's and injury sites
12. Reassured victim until help arrived
____
---------------------------------------- TOTAL
Mastery
Non-Mastery
= 100% Yes
= Below 100%
Date ____________ Evaluator ______________________
Comments:
Summer 2000 G.5
MASTERY
YES NO
____ ____
____ ____
____ ____
____ ____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
Name ________________________________________
Date _________________________
2H07.02C APPLYING DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES
1.
Assembled equipment
MASTERY
YES NO
____ ____
2.
Washed hands and put on gloves
____
____
1.
Applied dressing
a. Obtained correct size dressing
b. Opened package without touching dressing
c. Used pinching action to pick up dressing
d. Touched only one part of outside
e. Held dressing over wound and lowered onto wound
f. Secured dressing with tape or bandage
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
2.
Applied spiral wrap with roller gauze
a. Placed sterile dressing on wound
b. Held bandage with loose end coming off bottom
c. Started at bottom of limb and moved upward
d. Anchored bandage correctly
e. Circled area with spiral motion
f. Overlapped each turn with ½ width of bandage
g. Ended with 1 or 2 circular turns around limb
h. Secured with tape, pins, or by tying
____
____
____
____
____
____
5.
Checked circulation in area below bandage
____
____
6.
Loosened bandage immediately if any signs of impaired circulation noted
____
____
7.
Obtained medical help for victim as soon as possible
____
____
8.
Removed gloves and washed hands
____
____
---------------------------------------- TOTAL
____
____
Mastery
Non-Mastery
= 100% Yes
= Below 100%
Date ____________ Evaluator ______________________
Comments:
Summer 2000 G.6
Principles of Providing First Aid
Immediate care that is provided to the victim of injury or
illness to minimize the adverse effects until experts take
over.
Proper first aid can mean the difference between life
and death.
When you encounter an emergency:
REMAIN CALM
 Avoid panic
 Evaluate the situation
 What you will do depends on
the type of injury, environment,
others present, etc. – so THINK
before you act
Summer 2000 G.7
The first step is to be alert to the signs of an
emergency:















Summer 2000 G.8
Screams
Calls for help
Breaking glass
Screeching tires
Empty medicine
bottle
Damaged
electrical wires
Smoke or fire
Blood
Spilled chemicals
Difficulty
breathing
Clutching chest or
throat
Abnormal skin
color
Confusion
Drowsiness
Distress
Once you determine an emergency
exists, take steps to help the victims:
1.
Check the scene and make sure it is safe to
approach.
2.
IF the scene is not safe, call for medical help – do
not endanger yourself or others.
3.
IF the scene is safe, approach the victim and
determine consciousness by gently tapping and
calling to him/her.
4.
Never move an injured victim unless the victim is in
danger.
5.
Call the EMS as soon as possible – 911.
6.
Be prepared to describe location, telephone number
(where you are calling from), assistance required, #
of people involved, etc.
7.
Try to obtain victim’s permission before providing
care. (If parent is present and victim a child, get
parent’s permission.)
Summer 2000 G.9
8.
If person refuses care, do not proceed. If possible,
have someone witness the refusal of care.
9.
Always attend to life threatening emergencies first.
10. If victim conscious, breathing and able to talk,
reassure the victim and try to determine what
happened.
11. Check for injuries – examine the victim thoroughly
and note any abnormal signs or symptoms.
12. Report abnormalities when EMS arrives.
13. Obtain as much information as possible regarding
the incident and give the information to the correct
authorities.
Summer 2000 G.10
General Principles of First Aid
 Obtain qualified assistance as soon as possible
 Report all
information
obtained to
proper authorities
 Avoid
unnecessary
movement of the
victim
 Reassure the victim
 If the victim is unconscious or vomiting, do not give
him or her anything to eat or drink
 Protect the victim from cold or chilling, but avoid
overheating the victim
 Work quickly, but in an organized and efficient
manner
 Do not make a diagnosis or discuss the victim’s
condition with observers at the scene
 It is essential to maintain confidentiality and protect
the victim’s right to privacy while providing
treatment
 Make every attempt to avoid further injury
 PROVIDE ONLY THE TREATMENT THAT YOU
ARE QUALIFIED TO PROVIDE
Summer 2000 G.11
Providing First Aid for
Bleeding and Wounds
Wound
 Injury to soft tissue
 Open: Break in the skin or
mucous membrane
 Closed: No break in skin, injury to underlying tissues
 Opening wounds can result in bleeding, infection, or
tetanus
 First aid directed toward controlling bleeding and
preventing infection
Abrasion - skin scraped off, bleeding limited
Incision – cut with sharp object such as knife, scissors,
razor blade, etc., if cut is deep, bleeding can be heavy,
also can have damage to muscles and nerves.
Laceration – tearing of tissues from excessive force,
jagged edges, bleeding may be heavy. Deep lacerations
may become infected.
Summer 2000 G.12
Puncture – Caused by sharp object (pin, nail, etc.)
External bleeding minimal, may lead to infection or
tetanus.
Avulsion – Tissue torn or separated from the body,
bleeding is heavy, important to preserve the body part
because a surgeon may be able to reattach it.
Amputation – Body part cut off or separated from the
body, bleeding can be extensive, important to preserve
separated part for reattachment. Wrap part in cool, moist
dressing (sterile water or saline preferred) and place in
plastic bag. Keep bag cool or in ice water and transport
with the victim. (Don’t place
the body part in direct
contact with the ice.)
Summer 2000 G.13
Control Bleeding
First Priority – Control the bleeding!
Arterial bleeding is bright red in color and life
threatening.
Venous bleeding is slower and dark red.
Control bleeding by:
1. Direct pressure
2. Elevation
3. Pressure bandage
4. Pressure points
Use protective barrier to control bleeding
(gloves) or thick layers of dressings. Avoid
direct contact with blood. Wash hands after
providing first aid.
Summer 2000 G.14
Infection
Signs and symptoms of wound infection:







Swelling
Heat
Redness
Pain
Fever
Pus
Red streaks
Tetanus – bacterial infection, most common in puncture
wounds, be sure to find out when victim last had tetanus
shot, advise to consult medical professional about
tetanus booster.
Object in wound? If on the surface, remove with
tweezers. If object embedded, let a physician remove it.
Closed wounds
 If a bruise, apply cold
 Signs of internal bleeding – pain, tenderness, swelling,
deformity, cold and clammy skin, rapid and weak
pulse, uncontrolled restlessness, excessive thirst,
vomiting blood, blood or urine in feces.
Summer 2000 G.15
Shock
When caring for bleeding/wounds, or any other injury or
illness, be alert for signs of shock.
Clinical set of signs and symptoms
associated with inadequate supply of
blood to body organs, especially the
brain and heart.
If not treated, shock can lead to death, even when the
victim’s injuries or illness not life threatening.
Shock caused by:
 Hemorrhage
 Excessive pain
 Infection
 Heart attack
 Poisoning by chemicals, drugs or gases
 Lack of oxygen
 Psychological trauma
 Dehydration from burns, vomiting, or diarrhea
Summer 2000 G.16
Symptoms:
 Skin pale or cyanotic
 Skin cool to touch
 Diaphoresis
 Pulse rapid and weak
 Respirations rapid and shallow
 Hypotension
 Victim weak, listless, confused and eventually
unconscious
 Victim anxious and extremely restless
 Victim may complain of excessive thirst
 Victim may experience nausea and vomiting
 Victim may complain of blurred vision – as shock
progresses, eyes may appear sunken and have vacant,
confused expression, pupils dilate
Get medical help right away. If possible:
1. Eliminate the
cause of shock
2. Improve
circulation to the
brain and heart
3. Provide oxygen
4. Maintain body
temperature
Summer 2000 G.17
Positioning patient depends on injuries:
IF NECK OR SPINAL INJURY
SUSPECTED – do not move the victim.
How would you position the following
victims when treating for shock?
 Victim has a broken arm, no other apparent
injuries.
 Victim is vomiting and bleeding profusely
from a lacerated tongue.
 Victim has broken rips and is dyspneic
Cover the patient with blankets or additional clothing.
Blankets may also be placed between the ground and the
victim.
Avoid giving the patient anything to eat or drink. A wet
cloth may be used to moisten the lips and mouth.
If help won’t arrive for more than an hour and
dehydration is evident, provide fluids.
Summer 2000 G.18
Poisoning
If poison ingested, call a poison control
center (PCC) or physician immediately. If
not available, call the EMS.
Save the label or container of the substance taken.
It is helpful to know/estimate how much was taken and
the time the poisoning occurred.
If the victim vomits, save a sample.
IF THE VICTIM IS UNCONSCIOUS – check for
breathing. Provide rescue breathing if the victim is not
breathing. If victim is breathing, turn victim on his/her
side.
If the poison control center tells you to induce vomiting:
 Give syrup of ipecac.
 Tickle the back of the victim’s throat.
 Administer warm salt water.
Summer 2000 G.19
DO NOT induce vomiting if:





The victim is unconscious.
The victim swallowed acid or alkali.
The victim swallowed petroleum.
The victim is convulsing.
The victim has burns on the lips or mouth.
Vomiting only removes ½ the poison, so
you may need to administer activated
charcoal to counteract the remaining
poison.
If poisoning is due to gas inhalation….remove victim
from area.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
 Odorless and colorless gas
 Before entering the area, take a deep breath and don’t
breathe the gas while removing the victim from the
area.
 After the rescue, check for breathing and administer
CPR if needed.
 Obtain medical help immediately.
Summer 2000 G.20
Chemicals or Poisons that come in Contact with Skin
 Wash with large amounts of water
 Remove clothing or jewelry that contains the
substance
 If poisonous plant, wash with soap and water – use
Calamine or Caladryl (or paste made from baking soda
and water.)
 Obtain medical help
For insect bite, sting or snakebite…
 If possible, hold part below level of the heart
 Remove the stinger and wash the area with soap and
water
 Apply sterile dressing & cold pack
 Monitor the victim and give CPR if needed
 Watch for allergic reaction
 Treat for shock
Summer 2000 G.21
Providing First Aid for Burns
 Caused by fire, heat, chemicals, radiation or
electricity.
First-degree (superficial)
 Involves only the epidermis
 Heals in 5-6 days
 No scarring
 Skin red, mild swelling
 Victim feels pain
 Usually caused by the sun, hot objects or steam, or
exposure to weak acid/alkali
Second-degree (partial thickness)
 Epidermis and dermis
 Blister or vesicle forms
 Skin red and mottled with
swelling
 Surface appears wet
 Very painful
 Usually caused by sun, sunlamp,
contact with hot or boiling liquids,
contact with fire.
Summer 2000 G.22
Third-degree (full thickness)
 Injury to all layers and underlying tissue
 Area has white or charred appearance
 Can be extremely painful or painless (if nerve
endings destroyed
 Usually caused by flames, prolonged contact with hot
objects, contact with electricity, immersion in hot or
boiling liquids.
Summer 2000 G.23
Treatment for burns:
 Remove source of heat
 Cool affected skin area
 Cover the burn
 Relieve pain
 Observe and treat for shock
Medical care should be obtained if more than 15% of
adult body burned. (10% of a child)
DO NOT apply cotton, tissues, ointment, powders, oils,
grease, butter, or other substances to the burned area
unless you are instructed to do so by a physician.
DO NOT break open blisters. (Why?)
Call for help immediately if 3rd-degree burns.
Dehydration can occur quickly with burns.
Be alert to signs of shock.
Remain calm and reassure burn victim.
Summer 2000 G.24
Bone and Joint Injuries
Fracture
 Break in a bone
 Closed or simple – does not break the
skin
 Compound or open – accompanied by
open wound on skin
Main facts regarding fractures
1. Signs and symptoms vary
2. Common signs and symptoms include deformity,
limited (loss of) motion, pain and tenderness at
fracture site, swelling and discoloration, protrusion of
bone ends
3. Victim may have heard a snap or feel a grating
sensation
4. Treatment includes immobilizing above
and below fracture, treat for shock
Summer 2000 G.25
Dislocation
 When the end of a bone moves out of the joint
 Usually accompanied by tearing/stretching of
ligaments
 Signs and symptoms include deformity, limited or
abnormal movement, swelling, discoloration, pain,
tenderness, shortening or lengthening of affected arm
or leg
 Treatment similar to fractures – immobilize affected
area, do not attempt to reduce the dislocation
Sprain
 Injury to tissues surrounding a joint when the part is
forced beyond its normal ROM
 Ligaments, tendons and other tissues stretched or torn
 Usually ankle or wrist
 Symptoms similar to fracture and dislocation
 Treatment includes application of cold, elevation of
affected part, and rest.
Strain
 Overstretching of muscle – frequently the back
 Signs/symptoms include sudden pain, swelling and/or
bruising
 Treatment aimed at resting affect muscle
Summer 2000 G.26
Providing First Aid for Sudden Illness
Heart Attack
 Also called coronary thrombosis, coronary occlusion,
or myocardial infarction
 Blood supply to heart is
blocked
 If heart stops beating,
CPR must be performed
 Signs and symptoms may
include – chest pain or
pressure, pain radiating to shoulders, arms, neck or
jaw
 Shortness of breath
 Cyanosis
 Victim weak and apprehensive
 May also have nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, loss of
consciousness
 Encourage the victim to relax, place him/her in a
comfortable position, and obtain medical help
Summer 2000 G.27
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
 Also called CVA, apoplexy, or cerebral thrombosis
 Either a clot in a cerebral artery or hemorrhage of a
blood vessel in the brain
 Signs/symptoms include numbness, paralysis, pupils
unequal in size, mental confusion, slurred speech,
nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and
swallowing, and loss of consciousness.
Always remember that although the
patient may be unable to speak or may
be unconscious, he/she may be able to
hear and understand what is going on.
Summer 2000 G.28
Fainting
 Temporary reduction of blood supply to the brain
 Victim regains consciousness after being in a supine
position
 Early signs – dizziness, extreme pallor, diaphoresis,
coldness of the skin, nausea, numbness and tingling
of hands and feet
 When symptoms noticed, help the victim sit with the
head at the level of the knees
 If the victim loses consciousness, try to prevent
injury, loosen clothing, maintain open airway
Summer 2000 G.29
Convulsion
 Seizure
 Occurs in conjunction with high body temperature,
head injuries, brain disease, and brain disorders such
as epilepsy
 Body muscles become rigid followed by jerking
movements
 During the seizure, victim may stop breathing, bite
their tongue, lose bladder and bowel control, and
injure body parts
 Face and lips develop a bluish color
 Victim loses consciousness
 When victim regains consciousness, he/she may be
confused, disoriented and complain of headache
 First aid directed toward preventing self injury –
remove dangerous objects, provide pillow under the
head
 Do NOT place anything between the victims teeth
 Do NOT use force to restrain or stop muscle
movement
 When the convulsion is over, allow the victim to rest
 Obtain medical help if seizure lasts more than one
minute or injury occurs
Summer 2000 G.30
Diabetic Coma
 Caused by an increase in the level of glucose in the
bloodstream
 A result of an excess intake of
sugar, failure to take insulin,
or insufficient production of
insulin
 Signs: Confusion, weakness
or dizziness, nausea or
vomiting, rapid, deep
respirations, flushed skin, and fruity smelling breath
 Victim will lose consciousness and die if not treated
 Obtain medical treatment as quickly as possible
Insulin Shock
 Caused by an excess amount of insulin (low level of
glucose in bloodstream)
 A result of failure to eat or too much insulin
 Signs: Muscle weakness, mental confusion,
restlessness or anxiety, diaphoresis, pale, moist skin,
hunger pains, palpitations
 If victim conscious, give sweetened drink or sugar
 Avoid giving victim hard candy if confused
 If victim loses consciousness, get medical help
Summer 2000 G.31
Dressings and
Dressing = sterile covering over wound or injured part
Bandages = materials to hold dressing in place, secure
splints, and support body parts
 Roller gauze bandages
 Triangular bandage
 Elastic (Ace) bandages
After bandage applied,
check to be sure it is not
too tight
(Check circulation by
pressing lightly on
nailbeds to make them
turn white. Color
should return to nailbeds
immediately.)
Summer 2000 G.32