First Aid
Responding to an Emergency
The focus of this chapter will be on responding to an emergency, choking and rescue breathing,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bone, joint, and muscle injuries along with responding to a few
outdoor emergencies.
First Aid is the immediate care given to a victim of injury or sudden illness before professional medical
help arrives.
Emergency Action Plan
The American Red Cross and the American Heart association recommend these actions when you
encounter an emergency:
1. Check. Check to see if the scene is safe for you, the victim, and any bystanders. Then check the
victim for these life-threatening conditions:
a. Severe Bleeding-blood pouring from an open wound, blood in vomit, pain or swelling the
abdomen, and weakness or confusion.
b. Unconsciousness1. Gently tap the victim on the shoulder
2. Ask, “Are you OK?”, “Open your eyes”
3. If no response, the victim is probably unconscious
c. Breathing Difficulties-look to see if the person’s chest is rising and falling. Listen for normal
breathing or feeling for escaping air against your cheek. Gasping for breath is another sign
of breathing difficulties.
2. Call
a. Call 911 immediately if a victim shows any life-threatening conditions.
b. If there is another person with you, have that person call 911 while you stay with the victim.
c. Be prepared to answer the operator’s questions and follow directions calmly and
completely.
d. If you are unsure about whether to call 911, the safest thing to do is make the call.
3. Care
a. Be prepared to act quickly to provide first aid.
b. Always care for victims with life-threatening conditions first.
c. If you suspect a neck or spine injury, do not move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary
Universal Safety Precautions
As a provider of first aid, you have a responsibility to yourself and to your victim to guard against the
transmission of infectious diseases. When giving first aid, always follow these universal safety
precautions:
1. Wear disposable gloves whenever there is a chance that you will come into contact with body
fluids.
2. Use a plastic face shield or mask with a one-way valve when you perform rescue breathing.
3. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after providing first aid.
Shock
With any serious injury, you need to monitor the victim closely for signs of shock. Shock is a condition in
which the heart fails to circulate blood adequately to the vital organs. The more severe the injury, the
more likely that shock will develop. Even if the injury or illness itself is not immediately life threatening,
shock can lead to death. Signs of shock include:
1. Restlessness or irritability
2. Confusion or disorientation
3. Skin that is pale, ashen, bluish, cool, or moist
4. Rapid breathing
5. Rapid, weak pulse
6. Excessive thirst
7. Nausea or vomiting
First Aid for Shock
1. Call 911 immediately if you suspect that someone is in shock.
2. Lay the victim on the floor or ground. If possible, place a blanket or jacket beneath the victim to
provide insulation.
3. Raise and support the victim’s legs if there is no leg or hip injury. This will improve blood flow to
the vital organs.
4. Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound using sterile gauze or clean
absorbent cloth.
5. Cover the victim with a blanket or coat to keep him or her warm.
6. Monitor the victim’s breathing or pulse. Be prepared to begin rescue breathing
The Good Samaritan Laws
Even when first aid is applied correctly, there are times when complications can occur. Most states have
a Good Samaritan Law for people who administer first aid to victims. These laws prevent the rescuer
from being sued if complications arise. The rescuers should use common sense and follow these
guidelines:
1. Call 911
2. If someone’s life is in danger and you know the correct first aid procedures, you should
administer first aid.
3. If the victim is conscious, you should ask the person’s permission first to administer first aid.
4. Be sure your help will not further harm them victim.
Choking and Rescue Breathing
You’re at a restaurant when suddenly a person at a nearby table starts gasping for air. What would you
do?
Choking
When food or any other object becomes lodged in a person’s airway, the person may choke. Choking,
also called obstructed airway, is a life-threatening emergency. Unless the object is dislodged within
minutes, the person can die because the brain is deprived of oxygen. Signs of choking may include:
1. Bringing one or both hands to the throat. (the universal sign)
2. The person may gasp for air or turn blue
3. A choking person will not be able to speak.
First Aid for Choking in an Adult or Child
The Heimlich maneuver is the procedure used for choking. It involves delivering abdominal thrust in a
manner to force air from the lungs into the victim’s airway to expel the object. See and practice
procedure on page 724.
Rescue Breathing
If a person stops breathing, the body’s cells quickly run out of oxygen and begin to die. This is especially
true of brain cells. If brain cells are deprived of oxygen for more than five or six minutes, some cells will
begin to die. This can result in permanent brain damage or death. See procedure on page 725
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
If an unconscious victim is not breathing normally, the person might be suffering serious heart
complications. Every second is critical for the victim’s survival.
Cardiac Arrest
People who suffer heart attacks, severe injuries, drug overdoses, near drowning, or breathing problems
may go into cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood throughout the body.
When blood does not circulate, the brain and other vital organs do not receive oxygen. Without oxygen,
the victim will lose consciousness and die within minutes.
How to Perform Cardiovascular Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR combines rescue breathing (to force oxygen into the lungs) with chest compressions (to pump blood
throughout the body). If you have confirmed that the victim is unresponsive and you have been trained
in CPR, and then give CPR. Have the class copy steps 1-4 down on page 726 and the CPR cycle of 2
rescue breaths and 30 compressions found on page 727.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries
Suppose that a friend tripped and fell and his wrist began to swell. Would you know what to do? By
providing proper first aid, you can reduce your friend’s pain and speed up the healing process.
Fractures
A fracture is a crack or break in a bone
There are two types of fractures: Closed and Open
 In a closed fracture, the skin remains intact.
 In an open fracture, a piece of the broken bone sticks out through the skin. In addition, an open
fracture may bleed heavily.
The only sure way to identify a fracture is with an X-ray.
Signs of Possible fracture:
 Swelling and bruising at the injured area
 Pain in the injured area
 Deformity of the injured area, such as a shortened, bent, or twisted limb
 Difficulty moving the injured area
First Aid for Fractures
1. For closed fracture
 Stabilize the injured area with a sling or a splint. A splint is any material that prevents
the injured part from moving. Do not try to straighten a bent bone or limb.
 Keep the victim still and comfortable. Seek medical attention.
2. For open fracture
 Call 911 immediately
 Cut away clothing from the wound. Do not try to push the bone back through the skin.
Do not straighten a bent bone or limb.
 Apply gentle pressure with a large sterile pad or clean cloth to control bleeding. Do not
push directly on the exposed bone.
 Cover the entire wound with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.
 If the victim needs to be moved before help arrives, first apply a splint to stabilize the
injured area.
Strains and Sprains
A muscle strain can result from overexerting or pulling a muscle, such as a back muscle. Symptoms of a
muscle strain include:
 Dull pain that worsens with movement or the injured area
 Swelling around the injured area
A sprain is an injury to a ligament—the strong, flexible bands of tissue that hold bones together at a
joint. Symptoms of a sprain include:
 A popping sound or tearing sensation at the time of injury
 Pain in the injured joint, especially when moving it
 Swelling of the joint
 Tenderness when the injured area is touched
 Discoloration (black and blue) around the injured area
First Aid for Strains and Sprains-----R.I.C.E.
 Rest the injured area and avoid using it
 Ice the area during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. After that, periodically apply moist
heat to the area.
 Compress the area with an elastic wrap.
 Elevate the injured area to prevent or limit swelling.
Dislocations
If a joint is twisted or overstressed, one or more of the bones that normally meet at that joint may
become displaced, or dislocated. Symptoms of a dislocation include:
 Swelling and deformity around the injured area
 Inability to move the joint, or pain when moving
 Discoloration, tenderness, or numbness
First Aid for Dislocations




Do not move the injured limb or try to put a dislocated bone back into its place.
Place the victim in a comfortable position
Stabilize the injured body part with a sling or a splint.
Seek medical attention promptly.
Muscle Cramps
A muscle cramp is the sudden, painful contraction of one or more muscles. Symptoms of a muscle
cramp include:
 Severe pain in the cramping muscle
 Inability to use the cramping muscle
First Aid for Muscle Cramps




Stretch out the cramping muscle to counteract the cramp.
Massage the muscle firmly, but gently.
Have the victim drink plenty of fluids.
Seek medical help if the cramps persist.
Outdoor Emergencies
Many teens enjoy outdoor activities. But those activities can expose you to extremes in temperatures
and other potential dangers that require first aid.
Heat Exhaustion
Working outdoors in the heat or long periods of strenuous exercise can lead to heat exhaustion. With
heat exhaustion, a person’s body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Signs of heat exhaustion
include:
 Skin that is cool, moist, pale, ashen, or flushed
 Headache, nausea, or dizziness
 Weakness or exhaustion
 Heavy sweating
 Muscle cramps
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion





Help move the victim to a cool or shady location
Loosen or remove any tight clothing
If the victim is conscious and alert, give fluids to replace fluids lost in sweat.
Cool the victim’s body by wrapping it in water-soaked towels or by sponging or spraying cool
water onto the victim
Monitor the victim for signs of heat stroke or shock. Be prepared to call 911, if necessary.
Heat Stroke
If heat exhaustion is not treated and the victim continues to overheat, heat stroke can develop. In heat
stroke, the body systems become so overheated that they stop functioning. As body fluids become
depleted, the person stops sweating and the body can no longer cool itself. Vital organs, such as the
brain, heart, and kidneys, can cease to function and death can result. Signs of heat stroke include:
 Confusion or strange behavior
 Red, hot, dry skin
 Inability to drink or vomit
 Shallow breathing, seizures, or unconsciousness
First Aid for heat Stroke




Call 911 immediately. Then help move the victim to a cool or shady location.
Loosen or remove any tight clothing.
Cool the victim quickly using whatever means is available. You can soak towels or sheets in cold
water and apply them to the victim’s body. You can use a hose to spray water on the victim, or
wrap cold packs in a cloth and apply them to the victim.
Carefully monitor the victim. Be prepared to perform rescue breathing or CPR, if necessary.
Rescuing a Drowning Victim
If someone in the water seems to be having trouble breathing, assess the situation, call 911 or send
someone for help. Determine how to rescue the person quickly without putting yourself at risk.