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Basic Techniques to Handle
Common Medical Emergencies
Order of
Priority in an Emergency
In EVERY emergency situation,
there is a logical order to be followed. First, it
is important to carefully assess the scene of an
emergency BEFORE any further steps are taken. The
purpose of this assessment is to assure it is safe
to provide first aid care. For example, an
unconscious victim might be lying on a live power
line. If a rescuer were to touch the victim before
the power could be shut off, the rescuer would
become a victim as well! Always be sure it is safe
before you attempt to help a victim!
Once you determine it is safe for you to help a
victim, you should immediately determine if the
victim has any life threatening conditions.
Begin by checking to see if the victim is
responsive. Kneel and ask, " ARE YOU OK?"
If there is no response, you must immediately summon
an ambulance! Recent studies have conclusively shown
that victims who are not breathing and do not have a
heartbeat have a substantially greater chance for
survival if they receive prompt advanced medical
care in a hospital or by trained paramedics.
Only after a call is placed for emergency medical
services does a volunteer attempt to further help an
unconscious victim.
If there are bystanders on the scene, summon
someone to your side to provide assistance.
If the victim is on his stomach, first place the
victim's arm closest to you above his head. Then
turn him over by placing one hand on the victim's
hip and the other hand at the victim's shoulder.
Turn the body in a smooth, even straight line so as
to not cause further injury in the event of existing
spinal cord injury.
With the victim now on his back, OPEN THE
VICTIM'S AIRWAY by placing the heel of your
hand on the victim's forehead and the tips of your
fingers under the bony part of the jaw.
Push down on the forehead while lifting up the
chin until the jaw is pointing straight up. Now
place your ear over the victim's mouth and
LOOK, LISTEN & FEEL for breathing for 3 to
5 seconds. LOOK at the chest to see
if it is rising, LISTEN for sounds
of breathing and FEEL for air
coming from the victim.
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IF THE VICTIM IS NOT BREATHING, RESCUE
BREATHING IS REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY!
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IMPORTANT
WHILE THIS TUTORIAL IDENTIFIES LIFE
THREATENING CONDITIONS REQUIRING RESCUE BREATHING OR
CPR, THESE SKILLS REQUIRE INTENSIVE CLASSROOM SKILL
DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE AND CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY
PRESENTED OR TAUGHT IN THIS TUTORIAL. THE AUTHOR
STRONGLY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO ENROLL IN A CPR
COURSE
Rescue breathing will provide vital oxygen to a
victim who cannot breath on their own. After giving
a victim two breaths, the pulse is checked at the
Carotid Artery to ascertain if the victim has a
heartbeat. This artery is located on the side of the
neck and is found by first positioning the fingers
on the victim's Adam's Apple, then sliding the
fingers down into the soft groove on the side of the
neck. The pulse is checked for 5 to 10 seconds.
If the victim has a heartbeat, but is not
breathing, RESCUE BREATHING is
required. If the victim is NOT
breathing AND does NOT
have a HEARTBEAT, CPR is
required without delay!
These initial steps of checking the
AIRWAY, BREATHING and
CIRCULATION (pulse), together with
a check for major BLEEDING,
constitute THE PRIMARY SURVEY,
which looks for life-threatening conditions!
In every instance where first aid is to be
provided, it is important to always ask a conscious
victim for permission to help them. If a victim is
unconscious, it is presumed they have provided
consent for you to assist them.
(back to top)
Obstructions in the Airway
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NOTE: Emergency treatment of airway
obstructions is taught as part of CPR training and
only through classroom practice can the necessary
skills be mastered. The mechanics of handling airway
obstructions are presented in this tutorial for
background insight only
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If an individual is choking - but can speak or
cough forcibly - there is an exchange of air
although it might be diminished) and you should
encourage the victim to continue coughing while you
just stand by! On the other hand, if a victim is
choking, but CANNOT speak or cough, an airway
obstruction exists which must be treated
immediately!
The treatment for an obstructed airway in a
conscious victim involves use of the
HEIMLICH MANEUVER which is performed as
follows:
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Wrap your arms around the victim's waist.
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Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb
side of the fist against the victim's abdomen
just above the navel and well below the lower
tip of the breast bone.
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Grasp your fist with your other hand, with
elbows out, and press your fist into the
victim's abdomen with quick, upward thrusts.
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Each thrust is a distinct, separate attempt to
dislodge the foreign object.
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Repeat thrusts until foreign object is cleared
or the victim becomes unconscious.
Emergency treatment of airway obstructions in an
unconscious victim is taught in CPR classes.
Heart
Attack
Heart attacks are among the leading cause of
death in the United States. A heart attack happens
when one or more of the blood vessels that supply
blood to the heart become blocked. When this occurs,
cells in the heart begin to die when they cannot get
blood for vital nourishment. If a large part of the
heart is deprived of blood, the heart stops beating
and the victim suffers CARDIAC ARREST!
When a victim's heart stops beating, they require
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)
which provides vital oxygen through rescue breathing
and which maintains circulation through chest
compressions.
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PROPER TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM CPR,
HOWEVER ANY HEART ATTACK CAN LEAD TO CARDIAC ARREST
AND IT IS THEREFORE VITAL FOR FIRST AIDERS TO BE
ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART
ATTACK SO THE VICTIM CAN RECEIVE PROMPT PROFESSIONAL
ATTENTION!
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A heart attack victim whose heart is still
beating has a much better chance of survival than a
victim whose heart has stopped! Most heart attack
victims who die succumb within 2 hours after having
their heart attack. Many of these victims could be
saved if bystanders recognize the symptoms of a
heart attack and get the victim to a hospital
quickly! Indeed, many victims of heart attacks think
they are experiencing HEARTBURN or
other minor discomfort when in fact their life is in
jeopardy!
The most significant sign of a heart attack is
chest pain. The victim may describe it as pressure,
a feeling of tightness in the chest, aching,
crushing, fullness or tightness, constricting or
heavy pain. The pain may be located in the center of
the chest although it is not uncommon for the pain
to radiate to one or both shoulders or arms or to
the neck, jaw or back.
In addition to pain, victims may experience
sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Many
victims deny they may be having a heart attack.
Others may have their condition worsened by fear of
dying.
With all victims of heart attacks - and with all
victims receiving first aid for any condition - it
is important for the rescuer to constantly reassure
the victim and keep them as calm and relaxed as
possible.
The psychological value of reassurance is as
important in first aid as any treatments!
FIRST AID FOR A HEART ATTACK:
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Recognize the signs & symptoms of a heart attack
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Comfort & reassure the victim
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Have the victim stop whatever they were doing
and sit or lie in a comfortable position
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Summon emergency medical help quickly
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If the victim become unconscious, be prepared to
perform CPR
[IF YOU ARE TRAINED TO DO SO]
All of us can reduce the risk of heart attack by
controlling high blood pressure, limiting
cholesterol in the diet, watching weight,
exercising, giving up smoking and minimizing stress.
Bleeding
Major bleeding may be a life-threatening
condition requiring immediate attention. Bleeding
may be external or internal. Bleeding may be from an
ARTERY, a major blood vessel which carries
oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout the
body. It may be from a VEIN, which carries blood
back to the heart to be oxygenated or bleeding may
be from a CAPILLARY, the smallest of our body's
blood vessels.
ARTERIAL bleeding is
characterized by spurts with each beat of the heart,
is bright red in color (although blood darkens when
it meets the air) and is usually severe and hard to
control. ARTERIAL bleeding requires immediate
attention!
VENUS bleeding is characterized
by a steady flow and the blood is dark, almost
maroon in shade. Venus bleeding is easier to control
than Arterial bleeding.
CAPILLARY bleeding is usually
slow, oozing in nature and this type of bleeding
usually has a higher risk of infection than other
types of bleeding.
FIRST AID FOR BLEEDING IS INTENDED TO:
How to control bleeding
Apply DIRECT PRESSURE on the
wound. use a dressing, if available. if a dressing
is not available, use a rag, towel, piece of
clothing or your hand alone.
IMPORTANT:
ONCE PRESSURE IS APPLIED, KEEP IT IN PLACE.
IF DRESSINGS BECOME SOAKED WITH BLOOD, APPLY NEW
DRESSINGS OVER THE OLD DRESSINGS. THE LESS A
BLEEDING WOUND IS DISTURBED, THE EASIER IT WILL BE
TO STOP THE BLEEDING!
If bleeding continues, and you do not suspect a
fracture, ELEVATE the wound above
the level of the heart and continue to apply direct
pressure.
If the bleeding still cannot be controlled, the
next step is to apply PRESSURE AT A PRESSURE
POINT. For wounds of the arms or hands,
pressure points are located on the inside of the
wrist ( radial artery-where a pulse is checked) or
on the inside of the upper arm (brachial artery).
For wounds of the legs, the pressure point is at the
crease in the groin (femoral artery). Steps 1 and 2
should be continued with use of the pressure points.
The final step to control bleeding is to apply a
PRESSURE BANDAGE over the wound.
Note the distinction between a dressing and a
bandage. A dressing may be a gauze square applied
directly to a wound, while a bandage, such as roll
gauze, is used to hold a dressing in place. Pressure
should be used in applying the bandage. After the
bandage is in place, it is important to check the
pulse to make sure circulation is not interrupted.
When faced with the need to control major bleeding,
it is not important that the dressings you will use
are sterile! use whatever you have at hand and work
fast!
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A SLOW PULSE RATE, OR BLUISH FINGERTIPS OR
TOES,
SIGNAL A BANDAGE MAY BE IMPEDING CIRCULATION.
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Signs and symptoms of INTERNAL BLEEDING
are:
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bruised,swollen, tender or rigid abdomen
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bruises on chest or signs of fractured ribs
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wounds that have penetrated the chest or abdomen
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bleeding from the rectum or vagina
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abnormal pulse and difficulty breathing
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First aid in the field for internal bleeding is
limited. If the injury appears to be a simple
bruise, apply cold packs to slow bleeding, relieve
pain and reduce swelling. If you suspect more severe
internal bleeding, carefully monitor the patient and
be prepared to administer CPR if required (and you
are trained to do so). You should also reassure the
victim, control external bleeding, care for shock
(covered in next section), loosen tight-fitting
clothing and place victim on side so fluids can
drain from the mouth.
Shock
SHOCK is common with many
injuries, regardless of their severity. The first
hour after an injury is most important because it is
during this period that symptoms of shock appear.
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IF SHOCK IS NOT TREATED, IT CAN PROGRESS TO
CAUSE DEATH!
ANY TYPE OF INJURY CAN CAUSE SHOCK.
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Shock is failure of the cardiovascular system to
keep adequate blood circulating to the vital organs
of the body, namely the heart, lungs and brain.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK INCLUDE:
confused behavior, very fast or very slow
pulse rate, very fast or very slow breathing,
trembling and weakness in the arms or legs, cool and
moist skin, pale or bluish skin, lips and
fingernails and enlarged pupils.
Treatment for Shock
A good rule to follow is to anticipate that shock
will follow an injury and to take measures to
prevent it before it happens.
Putting a victim in a lying-down position
improves circulation.
If the victim is not suspected of having head or
neck injuries, or leg fractures, elevate the legs.
If you suspect head or neck injuries, keep the
victim lying flat. If the victim vomits, turn on
their side.
If victim is experiencing trouble breathing,
place them in a semi-reclining position. Maintain
the victim's body temperature, but do not overheat.
Burns
The severity of a burn depends upon its size,
depth and location. Burns are most severe when
located on the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals.
Also, when they are spread over large parts of the
body or when they are combined with other injuries.
Burns result in pain, infection and shock. They
are most serious when the victims are very young or
very old.
FIRST DEGREE burns are the least
severe. They are characterized by redness or
discoloration, mild swelling and pain. Overexposure
to the sun is a common cause of first degree burns.
SECOND DEGREE burns are more
serious. They are deeper than first degree burns,
look red or mottled and have blisters. They may also
involve loss of fluids through the damaged skin.
Second degree burns are usually the most painful
because nerve ending are usually intact, despite
severe tissue damage.
THIRD DEGREE burns are the
deepest. They may look white or charred, extend
through all skin layers. Victims of third degree
burns may have severe pain -- or no pain at all --
if the nerve endings are destroyed.
First Aid for Burns
FIRST DEGREE: Flush with cool
running water, Apply moist dressings and bandage
loosely.
SECOND DEGREE: Apply dry
dressings and bandage loosely Do not use water as it
may increase risk of shock.
THIRD DEGREE: Same treatment as
second degree.
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ALL VICTIMS OF SERIOUS BURNS
SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP QUICKLY!
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Burns may also be caused by CHEMICALS. In these
cases, it is important to remove clothing on which
chemicals have spilled and flush the affected area
with copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes.
Eye
Injuries
Be extremely careful and gentle when treating eye
injuries.
Floating objects in the eye which can be
visualized may be flushed from the eye with water.
If the object cannot be removed in this manner, the
victim should seek medical attention.
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NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OBJECTS EMBEDDED IN
THE EYE!
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First Aid care for these injuries consists of
bandaging BOTH eyes and seeking
professional care promptly! An inverted paper cup
covered with a bandage is appropriate for serious
eye injuries while the victim is transported to the
hospital.
For chemical burns of the eye, wash the eye with
copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes. Then
wrap a bandage around both eyes and seek
professional help.
Eyes are delicate and sight is precious! Prompt
professional attention to eye injuries is required
to preserve sight!
Nose
Injuries
Severe nosebleed can be most frightening. It can
also lead to shock if enough blood is lost! Many
cases of nosebleed can be controlled simply by
having the victim sit down, pinch the nostrils shut
and lean forward (to prevent blood from running into
the throat).
Once the bleeding has been stopped, talking,
walking and blowing the nose may disturb blood clots
and allow the bleeding to resume. The victim should
rest quietly until it appears the bleeding remains
stopped.
If it is suspected that the victim has suffered
head, neck or back injuries DO NOT attempt to
control the blood flow as they may cause increased
pressure on injured tissue. All uncontrolled
nosebleeds require prompt medical attention!
Animal
Bites
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ANIMAL BITES CARRY A HIGH RISK OF INFECTION
AND REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL ATTENTION PROMPTLY!
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Infection may develop hours, or days, after an
animal bite. Signs and symptoms of infection are
pain & tenderness at the wound site, redness, heat,
swelling, pus at the wound site, red streaks in the
skin around the wound and possible swollen glands
closest to the wound.
First aid care for animal bites includes washing
the wound well with soap and water, if there is no
heavy bleeding. Then cover the wound and seek
professional attention. A serious wound should be
cleaned only by trained medical personnel.
Insect
Bites
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INSECT BITES AND STINGS CAN BE
LIFE-THREATENING
TO PEOPLE WITH SEVERE ALLERGY TO THE INSECT'S VENOM!
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Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction include
pain, swelling of the throat, redness or
discoloration at the site of the bite, itching,
hives, decreased consciousness and difficult or
noisy breathing.
First aid calls for being alert for signs of
allergic reaction or shock and seeking medical
attention as quickly as possible for these victims!
If a stinger remains in the victim, you may try
to remove it carefully with a tweezers or by
scraping with the edge of a credit card. Be careful
not to squeeze the stinger as this will inject more
venom.
Once a stinger has been removed, the wound should
be washed well with soap and water. Cold compresses
will help relieve pain and swelling. The stung area
should be kept lower than the heart to slow
circulation of the venom.
REMEMBER, IN ALL CASES OF INSECT BITES,
WATCH FOR SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTION AND IF THEY
APPEAR, SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION WITHOUT
DELAY!
Fractures,
Sprains, Strains & Dislocations
Fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations may
be hard for the lay person to tell apart. For this
reason, first aid treatment of any of these
conditions is handled as though the injury was a
fracture.
Signs and symptoms of the above conditions may
include a "grating" sensation of bones rubbing
together, pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising and
an inability to move the injured part.
First Aid for any of these conditions consists
of:
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Control bleeding, if present.
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Splint affected area to prevent further
movement, but do so only if possible without
causing further pain to victim.
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Cold packs may help reduce pain and swelling.
Victims with traumatic injuries, such as those
caused by automobile accidents, falls etc. should
not be moved except by trained rescue workers. Head,
neck and back injuries are serious and require
special care for movement and transport of victims
with these conditions. In exceptional circumstances,
such as when a victim is at risk of further injury
unless moved, the victim's head and neck should be
stabilized and the body moved with minimal flexing
of the head, neck or spinal cord.
ALL VICTIMS WITH FRACTURES, DISLOCATIONS,
SPRAINS AND STRAINS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL
ATTENTION.
Poisoning
Over a million cases of poisoning occur in the
United States each year, most involving young
children.
PREVENTION of poisoning should
be the concern of every parent with young children.
Substances likely to cause poisoning should be
kept away from inquiring youngsters!
Since various poisons cause different symptoms,
and because treatments vary depending upon the
substance ingested, the first step in the event of
poisoning is to call the local POISON
CONTROL CENTER!
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DO NOT WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS TO OCCUR!
IDENTIFY THE NATURE OF THE POISON AND RECEIVE
SPECIFIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE PROFESSIONAL
STAFF AT THE CENTER!
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All poisoning victims need to be monitored
carefully for signs of shock or impaired
consciousness.
Every household should keep ACTIVATED
CHARCOAL & SYRUP OF IPECAC on hand for
possible use in poisoning emergencies, however they
should not be administered unless instructed by the
Poison Control Center staff. Both of these items are
readily available, without prescription, at any drug
store.
POISON IVY
 Poison
Ivy
In the East, Midwest and South, it grows as a vine.
In the far Northern and Western United States,
Canada and around the Great Lakes, it grows as a
shrub. Each leaf has three leaflets.
 Poison
Oak
In the West, this plant may grow as a vine but
usually is a shrub. (pictured). In the East, it
grows as a shrub. Hair grows on its fruit, trunk and
leaves, which have three leaflets.
 Poison
Sumac
Grows in standing water in peat bogs in the
Northeast and Midwest and in swampy areas in parts
of the Southeast. Each leaf has seven to 13
leaflets.
These plants will have different colors through
seasons and climates.
Poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak are the
most common plants producing (urushiol) an allergic
contact dermatitis . The best way to prevent a
reaction is to recognize and avoid all contact with
their leaves.
SYMPTOMS
Skin reaction varies in severity; there may be
generalized swelling, rash, itching, and blisters.
Some people may suffer headache, fever, and malaise.
TREATMENT
As soon as possible after contact, whether or not
a reaction occurs, remove all contaminated clothing,
including shoes, and wash all exposed areas
thoroughly with strong soap. Apply alcohol and rinse
copiously with water.
If a rash appears, apply calamine or other
soothing lotion. Corticosteroid creams or lotions
also ease itching and swelling, but follow label
instructions. Apply these creams or lotions only to
limited areas and do not use them on young children.
If you have questions about their application,
consult your doctor.
Cover weeping or oozing blisters with sterile
gauze moistened in a mild solution of 1 tablespoon
of baking soda in 1 quart of water.
If fever or severe symptoms such as widespread
rash or involvement of mouth, eyes or genitals
occur, see a doctor. Your doctor may treat the
reaction with other medicines, such as prednisone.
As an alternative therapy, herbalists recommend
covering poison ivy blisters with a bandage soaked
with tea made from equal portions of white oak bark
and lime water.
What it can look like.
Summer
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Spring
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Fall
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It Climbs
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It Creeps
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It's a Bush
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In a Field
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In the Winter
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Near a Beach
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Other Treatments
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IF SEVERE BLISTERING SEE YOUR DOCTOR. TRY NOT TO
SCRATCH.
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TAKE A SHOWER (NOT A BATH) USE COOL WATER FIRST
THEN WARM, IT HELPS KEEP THE SKIN PORES CLOSED
SO YOU CAN RINSE OFF SOME OF THE POISON IVY
TOXINS. THIS WORKS FOR FIBERGLASS INSULATION
TOO.
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USE SOMETHING LIKE YELLOW DIAL SOAP OR
ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAP
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USE TOWELS ONE TIME AND THEN WASH THEM. DON'T
LET SOMEBODY ELSE USE THEM.
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CHANGE CLOTHES TWICE A DAY AND WEAR LOOSE
CLOTHING
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CHANGE BED SHEETS DAILY AND WASH THEM
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THERE ARE SEVERAL GOOD ANTI ITCH LOTIONS ON THE
MARKET
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A NEWER ONE THAT WORKS WELL IS CLEAR BENADRYL,
GEL OR SPRAY,
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IVY DRY, HYDROCORTISONE CREAM 1 %, AVEENO ANTI
ITCH CREAM, OR CALAMINE LOTION.
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10 DAYS TO 2 WEEKS IS A NORMAL COURSE FOR POISON
IVY
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MORE OFTEN THEN PEOPLE REALIZE THEY RE-INFECT
THEMSELVES AND SPREAD IT TO OTHERS
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IF YOUR ON A LONG CAMP OUT. MIX ONE CUP OF
OATMEAL WITH TWO CUPS OF WATER, MIX IT, PUT IT
IN A CLOTH AND WRING IT OUT, THEN DAB IT ON THE
POISON IVY. YOU CAN PURCHASE AN OVER THE COUNTER
PREMIXED SOLUTION CALLED (AVENNO) AT DRUG
STORES.
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AT HOME: MIX THE OATMEAL AND WATER AND PUT IT IN
A TUB WITH SIX INCHES OF WATER AND SOAK IN IT
FOR 30 MINUTES.
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1 CUP EACH BAKING SODA AND STARCH IN EQUAL
AMOUNTS IN SIX INCHES OF BATH WATER AND SOAK FOR
30 MINUTES. (ANTI-ITCH)
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COOL CAMPERS: PUT ONE TEASPOON OF SALT IN 1 PINT
OF WATER AND SOAK A TOWEL IN IT. PUT ON POISON
IVY 15 MIN 3 TIMES A DAY WITH NEW MIX.
Diabetic
Emergencies
Sugar is required in the body for nourishment.
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use the
sugar. When the body does not produce enough
Insulin, body cells do not get the needed
nourishment and diabetes results.
People with this condition take Insulin to keep
their diabetes under control.
Diabetics are subject to two very different types
of emergencies:
Insulin Reaction (or Insulin Shock)
This condition occurs when there is TOO
MUCH INSULIN in the body. This condition
rapidly reduces the level of sugar in the blood and
brain cells suffer.
Insulin reaction can be caused by taking too much
medication, by failing to eat, by heavy exercise and
by emotional factors.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Fast
breathing, fast pulse, dizziness, weakness, change
in the level of consciousness, vision difficulties,
sweating, headache, numb hands or feet, and hunger.
Diabetic Coma
This condition occurs when there is TOO
MUCH SUGAR and too little INSULIN
in the blood and body cells do not get
enough nourishment.
Diabetic coma can be caused by eating too much
sugar, by not taking prescribed medications, by
stress and by infection.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Diabetic
coma develops more slowly than Insulin shock,
sometimes over a period of days. Signs and symptoms
include drowsiness, confusion,deep and fast
breathing, thirst, dehydration, fever, a change in
the level of consciousness and a peculiar sweet or
fruity-smelling breath.
First Aid for Insulin Reaction and
Diabetic Coma
Looking for the signs and symptoms listed above
will help to distinguish the two diabetic
emergencies. In addition, if the patient is
conscious, you can ask two very important questions
which will help determine the nature of the problem:
ASK "HAVE YOU EATEN TODAY?"
Someone who has eaten, but has not taken prescribed
medication may be in a diabetic coma.
ASK "HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR MEDICATION
TODAY?"
Someone who has not eaten, but did take their
medication, may be having an Insulin reaction.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES OF
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES CAN BE DIFFICULT.
(Always look for an identifying bracelet which
may reveal a person's condition)
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OF THE TWO CONDITIONS, INSULIN SHOCK IS A
TRUE EMERGENCY WHICH REQUIRES PROMPT ACTION!
A PERSON IN INSULIN SHOCK NEEDS SUGAR,
QUICKLY! IF THE PERSON IS CONSCIOUS, GIVE SUGAR IN
ANY FORM: CANDY, FRUIT JUICE OR A SOFT DRINK!
SUGAR GIVEN TO A PERSON IN INSULIN SHOCK
CAN BE LIFE-SAVING! IF THE PERSON IS SUFFERING FROM
DIABETIC COMA, THE SUGAR IS NOT REQUIRED BUT WILL
NOT CAUSE THEM FURTHER HARM.
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Monitor victims carefully. Seek professional
help.
Stroke
Stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is
interrupted long enough to cause damage.
This may be caused by a clot formed in an artery
in the brain or carried to the brain in the
bloodstream, a ruptured artery in the brain or by
compression of an artery in the brain, as found with
brain tumors.
First aid consists primarily of recognizing signs
and symptoms and seeking professional attention.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
-
Weakness and numbness of the face, arm or leg,
often on one side of the body only.
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-
-
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Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
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Loss of bowel and bladder control
IF YOU SUSPECT A PERSON IS HAVING A STROKE,
HAVE THEM STOP WHATEVER THEY ARE DOING AND REST.
PROMPTLY OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Reassure the victim and keep them comfortable. Do
not give anything by mouth. If the victim vomits,
allow for fluids to drain from the mouth. Observe
carefully while awaiting professional help and, if
trained to do so, monitor the airway, breathing and
circulation and BE PREPARED TO ADMINISTER
RESCUE BREATHING OR CPR, IF REQUIRED!
Seizure
SEIZURES are fairly common
occurances, but are very misunderstood! Seizures,
per se, are not a specific condition. Rather, they
may be caused by many different types of conditions
such as insulin shock, high fevers, viral infections
of the brain, head injuries or drug reactions.
When seizures recur with no identifiable cause,
the person is said to have epilepsy.
Signs and Symptoms
Many individuals have a warning AURA (or
sensation) before the onset of a seizure. Many
times, a person about to have a seizure will
physically move themselves from danger (as from the
edge of a train platform) before the seizure begins.
Seizures can range from mild to severe. Mild
seizures may take place and end in a matter of
seconds.
Severe seizures may involve uncontrollable muscle
spasms, rigidity, loss of consciousness, loss of
bladder and bowel control, and in some cases,
breathing that stops temporarily. Many epileptics
carry cards or bracelets which identify their
condition.
First Aid
Summon professional help. Prevent the person from
injuring themselves by moving furniture or
equipment.
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DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTRAIN A PERSON
SUFFERING A SEIZURE
AND DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH!
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Loosen clothing. If they vomit, turn on their
side to allow fluids to drain. Stay with the person
until they are fully conscious. If trained,
administer rescue breathing or CPR, if required.
Heat
Emergencies
There are three types of heat emergencies you may
be required to treat.
Heat Stroke
This is the most serious type of heat emergency.
It is LIFE-THREATENING and requires
IMMEDIATE and AGGRESSIVE
treatment!
Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat
regulating mechanism fails. The body temperature
rises so high that brain damage --and death-- may
result unless the body is cooled quickly.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
The victim's skin is HOT,
RED and usually DRY.
Pupils are very small. The body temperature is VERY
HIGH, sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
FIRST AID:
Remember, Heat Stroke is a life-threatening
emergency and requires prompt action! Summon
professional help. Get the victim into a cool place.
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COOL THE VICTIM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IN
ANY MANNER POSSIBLE!
Place the victim into a bathtub of cool water, wrap
in wet sheets, place in an air conditioned room.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do not give victim anything by mouth. Treat for
shock.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat
stroke. It is caused by fluid loss which in turn
causes blood flow to decrease in vital organs,
resulting in a form of shock.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
COOL, PALE AND MOIST skin, heavy
sweating, dilated pupils (wide), headache, nausea,
dizziness and vomiting. Body temperature will be
near normal.
FIRST AID:
Get the victim out of the heat and into a cool
place. Place in the shock position, lying on the
back with feet raised. Remove or loosen clothing.
Cool by fanning or applying cold packs or wet towels
or sheets. If conscious, give water to drink every
15 minutes.
IMPORTANT: WHILE HEAT EXHAUSTION IS NOT A
LIFE- THREATENING EMERGENCY LIKE HEAT STROKE, IT CAN
PROGRESS TO HEAT STROKE IF LEFT UNTREATED!
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms due to
heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal
muscles or legs. It is generally thought this
condition is caused by loss of water and salt
through sweating.
FIRST AID:
Get victim to a cool place. If they can tolerate it,
give one-half glass of water every 15 minutes. Heat
cramps can usually be avoided by increasing fluid
intake when active in hot weather.
Cold
Emergencies
Hypothermia: Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of this
dangerous condition which can become
life-threatening are: shivering, dizziness,
numbness, confusion, weakness, impaired judgment,
impaired vision and drowsiness.
Hypothermia victims pass through 5 stages, with
each stage more serious and leading to death!
-
-
-
-
Decreasing Pulse and Breathing Rate
-
FIRST AID
Seek professional help. Get victim out of the
cold and into dry clothing. Warm the body
SLOWLY! Give nothing to eat or drink unless
victim is FULLY CONSCIOUS!
If trained, monitor airway, breathing &
circulation.
Legal and
Ethical Considerations
DUTY TO ACT
No one is required to render first aid under normal
circumstances. Even a physician could ignore a
stranger suffering a heart attack if he chose to do
so.
Exceptions include situations where a person's
employment designates the rendering of first aid as
a part of described job duties. Examples include
lifeguards, law enforcement officers, park rangers
and safety officers in industry.
A duty to provide first aid also exists where an
individual has presumed responsibility for another
person's safety, as in the case of a parent-child or
driver-passenger relationship.
While in most cases there is no legal
responsibility to provide first aid care to another
person, there is a very clear responsibility to
continue care once you start. You cannot start first
aid and then stop unless the victim no longer needs
your attention, other first aiders take over the
responsibility from you or you are physically unable
to continue care.
NEED FOR CONSENT
In every instance where first aid is to be provided,
the victim's consent is required. It should be
obtained from every conscious, mentally-competent
adult. The consent may be either oral or written.
Permission to render first aid to an unconscious
victim is implied and a first aider should not
hesitate to treat an unconscious victim.
Consent of a parent or guardian is required to
treat a child, however emergency first aid necessary
to maintain life may be provided without such
consent.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT A VICTIM
HAS THE RIGHT
TO REFUSE FIRST AID CARE AND IN THESE INSTANCES YOU
MUST
RESPECT THE VICTIM'S DECISION. YOU CANNOT FORCE CARE
ON A PERSON WHO DOES NOT WANT IT ... REGARDLESS
OF THEIR CONDITION!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL CONCERNS
Some well-meaning people hesitate to provide first
aid because they are concerned about being sued.
This need not be a concern!
Legislators in almost every state in the country
have passed GOOD SAMARITAN LAWS which are intended
to protect good people who offer first aid help to
others.
Most of the Good Samaritan Acts are very similar
in their content and usually provide two basic
requirements which must be met in order for the
first aider to be protected by their provisions:
The first aider must not deliberately cause harm
to the victim.
The first aider must provide the level & type of
care expected of a reasonable person with the same
amount of training & in similiar circumstances.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THERE SHOULD BE LITTLE, IF ANY, CONCERN
ABOUT LEGAL CONSEQUENCES INHERENT IN PROVIDING FIRST
AID.
YOU NEED ONLY HAVE THE VICTIM'S CONSENT
AND THEN OFFER THE LEVEL OF CARE FOR WHICH YOU ARE
QUALIFIED.
Disclaimer: The first aid and/or medical
information recommended and provided in this website
are based upon responsible medical sources. BSA
Troop 125 or its Members does not assume
responsibility for any adverse consequences or
reactions resulting from the use of any products or
procedures suggested herein. Each person is urged to
consult a physician, when circumstances permit,
before using any medications or employing any of the
recommendations provided herein.
Your First
Aid Kit
Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit
handy at home, in the car and in the workplace.
The contents of your kit will vary depending upon
the number of people it is designed to protect as
well as special circumstances where it will be used.
For example, a first aid kit in a factory where
there may be danger of flying debris getting into
the eye should certainly have a sterile eyewash
solution in its kit. If a family member is a known
diabetic, your kit at home should have a glucose or
sugar solution.
When assembling your first aid kit, whether for
use in the home, car or at work, you should consider
possible injuries you are likely to encounter and
then select kit contents to treat those conditions.
It's also important to check your kit
periodically to restock items that have been used
and to replace items that are out-of-date.
It's also advisable at home and at work to have
both a stationary kit, stored in a cabinet or
drawer, as well as a compact portable kit that can
be taken quickly to the site of an emergency.
Recommended Contents for a First Aid Kit
[Modify to suit your particular needs]
-
Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
-
Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Decongestant tablets & spray
-
-
Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
-
-
-
-
-
Gauze pads - various sizes
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
-
-
-
Non-adhering dressings [Telfa]
-
-
Over-the-counter pain medication [aspirin]
-
-
-
Roller guaze - self adhering
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sugar or glucose solution
-
-
Thermometer - oral & rectal
-
-
-
-
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