GOLD LEVEL FIRST AIR REQUIREMENTS
Bronze & Silver Level, plus the following
Treatment of Cramps
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are caused by the dehydration and salt depletion associated with excessive
sweating. Heat cramps are characterized by painful cramps in large muscles.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain and spasms in muscles
 Cool, clammy skin (sweating)
 Fatigue, dizziness, headache
 Nausea
 Shock
Treatment
1. Remove the victim from the hot environment
2. Give the victim cool water to drink
3. Stretch the cramp
4. Advise the victim to eat well to restore the depleted body salt
5. Treat for shock
Muscle Cramp
Muscle cramps (sometimes called charley horses) are spasms in the muscle. They can
occur because of loss of body salt (see the information on heat cramps) or as a reaction to
cold air/water. Not warming up enough before an activity can also lead to muscle
cramps.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain in the muscle
 Muscle twitching or spasms
Treatment
1. Stretch the muscle (slowly lengthen the muscle fibres)
2. Gently massage along the length of the muscle
3. Apply mild heat (warm shower or warm, wet cloth)
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can occur when a person is exposed to high temperatures for a long time.
Water loss occurs through perspiration and can result in mineral and salt loss.
Signs and Symptoms
 Nausea
 Headache, dizziness
 Pal, cool, clammy skin (sweating)
 Restlessness, weakness
 Fear, anxiety
 Confusion, disorientation
 Weak, rapid pulse
 Shallow, rapid respiration
 Cyanosis of the lips and fingernails
Treatment
1. Remove the victim from the hot environment
2. If the victim is alert and nausea is not a big problem, give him or her ater to
drink
3. Advise the victim to eat well to restore the depleted body salt
4. Treat for shock
5. Contact EMS if the victim’s level of consciousness is decreased or moderate
to sever shock is a factor
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a rare but serious condition in which the body’s cooling mechanism stops
working. The body’s core temperature starts to rise, and the body organs are at risk to
tissue damage, convulsions, and cardiac arrhythmia. Thos most likely to suffer
heatstroke are young children and infants, the elderly, and cardiac patients.
Signs and Symptoms
 Fever
 Hot, dry skin, flushed face
 Nausea, vomiting
 Full, pounding pulse
 Decreased level of consciousness (confused, disoriented, unconscious)
 Seizures
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. Remove the victim from the hot environment
4. Remove the outer layer of the victim’s clothing
5. Cool his/her body core (head, neck, chest, back, and groin) by wrapping the
victim in wet sheets, immersing him/ her in cool water or fanning hi/her body
6. Treat for shock
Treatment of Hypothermia
Hypothermia refers to a dropping of the boy’s core temperature. This medically serious
condition can occur with exposure to cold water or air. Most of Canada’s lakes, streams,
rivers and oceans are cold year-round; hypothermia can therefore happen any time of
year!
Signs and Symptoms
 Shivering, feeling cold
 Loss of muscular co-ordination
 Decreased consciousness, confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness
 Fatigue
 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. Remove the victim from the cold environment
4. Warm the victim’s body core (head neck, chest, back and groin) by giving
warm beverages if the victim is alert, immersing him/her in warm water,
wrapping him/her in warm blankets, or getting into the huddle position.
5. Treat for shock
Treatment for Frostbite
Frostbite is freezing that occurs in external tissue. The tissue most at risk is exposed skin
(usually the ears and face), fingers, and toes.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain
 Altered sensation (burning sensation, pins and needles, numbness)
 White area on the skin
Treatment
1. Remove the victim from the cold environment
2. Reheat the affected area with body heat (for instance, put frostbitten fingers
under the armpits, or cup the frostbitten face or ears in the hands) or immerse
the affect body part in warm water
Recognition of Spinal Injury
Spinal injuries occur when trauma affects the nerves in the spinal column. Spinal injuries
of the upper neck are often associated with head trauma and head injuries.
Most of the injury to the spinal cord occurs at the time of impact. Nevertheless, caution
is essential to minimize further damage
The part of the body affected depends on the level of the injury. Neck (or cervical) spinal
injuries can affect the ability to swallow, breathe, or use the arms. Chest (or thoracic)
spinal injuries can affect breathing, the chest wall, or internal organs. Low-back (or
lumbar) spinal injuries can affect the bowel, bladder, or legs.
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain a the site of the trauma
 Loss of co-ordination, sensation, or movement in parts beyond the injury
 Weakness or altered sensation usually affecting both sides of the body (both
feet, of instance, or both arms)
 Bruising, swelling, or bleeding at the site of the trauma
 Shock
Some Common Causes of Spinal Injuries Are:
o Diving head-first into shallow water and hitting the bottom
o Being thrown into the water
o Driving into a sandbar
o Making aggressive contact in water polo
o Falls
o Severe head injuries
o Car accidents
o Bicycle accidents
If you come across an individual who seems to be in an awkward position, do not attempt
to move them. This could be a possible sign of a spinal injury. Make sure to get help
(call EMS), and only someone who is qualified in land spinals should attempt to move
the individual, and only if it is necessary to complete first aid!
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Checking for a Pulse
You must know how to locate a pulse on an adult (carotid pulse – the one on the neck).
When you are checking the pulse of an individual, make sure you do not use your thumb,
as there is a pulse in your thumb!
Landmarking
This is the term used to indicate finding the position where your hands will be placed to
complete CPR. This is completed by finding first the xiphoid process, the tiny
indentation at the bottom, center of the ribcage, and placing your palm two fingers up
from that.
Compressions to Breathes Ratio
If you are the only individual administering the CPR, the ratio is 15 compressions to 2
breaths. If you are administering 2-person CPR, the ratio is 5 compressions to 1 breathe
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains both refer to stretching or tearing of muscle, tendons, or ligaments.
Soft-tissue injuries (injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments) can occur during physical
activity or by trauma (falls, hits, etc.)
Signs and Symptoms
 Pain
 Swelling
 Discoloration (bruising)
 Difficulty moving the affected area
Treatment
1. You treat as if it is a Simple Fracture (RICE)
2. Contact EMS
3. Treat for shock