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- Don’t panic. You will be able to assess the situation
more effectively. Remember,
psychological support is also important.
- Remember the ABCs of Life Support:
Airways open – Open and maintain victim’s airway.
Breathing restored – If victim is not breathing, begin
rescue breathing techniques
immediately.
Circulation maintained – If no pulse is present, get
assistance from a person certified
in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.
REMEMBER, to be able to perform CPR effectively, it is essential to
be properly
trained.
- Check for bleeding. Apply direct pressure and elevate
injured limb.
- Look for signs of shock and broken bones (fractures).
- Check for emergency medical identification on the victim.
- Get professional medical help quickly. Know emergency numbers,
such as 0 or
911. Telephone appropriate authorities (rescue squad, ambulance, police,
poison
control center or fire department) and describe the problem. Be sure
to give your
name, location and the number of persons involved.
- Loosen any clothing that may restrict victim’s breathing
or interfere with circulation.
- Never give an unconscious person anything by mouth.
- DO NOT move injured persons unless situation is life-threatening.
Keep victim
still, quiet and warm (except heat exhaustion and sunstroke). Victims
with broken
bones (fractures) should not be moved until a splint has been properly
applied.
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CAUTION
DO NOT clean burns or break blisters. DO NOT remove any clothing that
sticks to burn. DO NOT apply grease, ointment or medication to a severe
burn. DO NOT use cotton or material with loose fibers to cover burns.
TREATMENT
First degree burns – redness or discoloration of skin
surface; mild swelling and pain.
- Apply cool, wet cloths or immerse in water. DO NOT use ice.
- Blot gently; apply a dry, sterile pad if necessary.
- Usually medical treatment is not necessary; however, if severe symptoms
exist, call for
professional medical help. Be alert for signs of shock.
Second
degree burns – deep burn with red or mottled appearance;
blisters; considerable pain and swelling; skin surface appears wet.
See treatment for first degree burns. If arms and legs are affected,
elevate above heart level. Burns may be deep and potentially serious,
requiring medical treatment depending on extent and location. Be
alert for signs of shock and infection.
Third degree burns – deep tissue destruction with a
white or charred appearance; no pain. Call for professional medical
help immediately. Be alert for signs of shock.
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BEFORE INITIATING ANY FIRST AID TO CONTROL BLEEDING, BE SURE TO
WEAR HEALTH CARE GLOVES TO AVOID CONTACT OF THE VICTIM’S BLOOD
WITH YOUR SKIN.
1. CLEAN... wound and surrounding area gently with
mild soap and rinse. Blot dry with
sterile pad or clean dressing.
2. TREAT... to protect against contamination.
3. PROTECT... and cover to absorb fluids and prevent
further contamination. (Handle
only the edges of sterile pads or dressings.) Secure with first aid
tape to help keep
out dirt and germs.
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SYMPTOMS
May Include: Pain, redness, swelling
TREATMENT
- First wash your hands thoroughly, then gently wash affected area
with mild soap and
water.
- Sterilize needle or tweezers by boiling for 10 minutes; wipe with
a sterile pad before
use.
- Loosen skin around splinter with needle; use tweezers to remove
splinter. If splinter
breaks or is deeply lodged, consult professional medical help.
- Cover with adhesive bandage or sterile pad, if necessary.
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CAUTION
In highly sensitive persons, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Get
professional medical help immediately. If breathing difficulties occur,
start rescue breathing techniques; if pulse is absent, begin CPR.
SIGNS
Signs of allergic reaction may include: Nausea; severe swelling; breathing
difficulties; bluish face, lips and fingernails; shock or unconsciousness.
TREATMENT
1. For mild or moderate symptoms, wash with soap and cold water. Remove
stinger or
venom sac with tweezers or by gently scraping with fingernail (DO
NOT squeeze).
2. For multiple stings, soak affected area in cool bath. Add one tablespoon
of baking
soda per quart of water.
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BEFORE
INITIATING ANY FIRST AID TO CONTROL BLEEDING, BE SURE TO WEAR HEALTH
CARE GLOVES TO AVOID CONTACT OF THE VICTIM’S BLOOD WITH YOUR
SKIN.
TREATMENT
1. Act quickly. Have victim lie down. Elevate injured limb higher
than heart unless you
suspect a broken bone.
2. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound with
a sterile pad or
clean cloth.
3. If bleeding is controlled by direct pressure, bandage firmly to
protect wound.
Check pulse to be sure bandage is not too tight.
4. If bleeding is not controlled by use of direct pressure, apply
a tourniquet only as a
last resort.
5. Call for professional medical help immediately.
6. If you are bleeding and have no one to help you, call for professional
medical help.
Lie down, so your body weight applies pressure to the bleeding site.
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ESTABLISH
NON-RESPONSIVENESS AND ACTIVATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) OR
CALL FOR HELP.
SYMPTOMS
May include: Shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, rapid
pulse, bluish-purple skin color, dilated pupils, unconsciousness.
TREATMENT
For victim who has stopped breathing:
- Lay victim flat on back. Tilt the head back with one hand to
open airway, while placing
two fingers of the other hand under the chin.
- Clear airway, using your fingers in a hooked fashion to remove
any solid or liquid
obstructions.
- Look, listen, and feel for respiratory movement for 5 seconds.
If breathing is absent,
pinch victim’s nostrils closed, take a deep breath, completely
cover victim’s mouth,
and give two slow, full breaths.
- Check for carotid pulse in neck and for signs of breathing.
- If pulse is present:
For adults – continue rescue breathing
at a rate of one strong every five seconds.
Re-check for pulse and breathing every
twelve breaths.
For infants and small children – breathe
shallow breaths at a rate of one every
three seconds or 20 per minute.
- If pulse is not present, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR).
For adults... Exert enough pressure to depress the breastplate
1 1/2 to 2 inches.
Continue compressions at a rate of "one and two and..."
Every fifteen
compressions should be followed with a pause by two rescue breaths.
For children... Use the heel of only one hand to depress
the breastplate 1 to 1 1/2
inches. Continue compressions at a rate of 100 per minute "one,
two, three..."
Every five compressions should be followed without a pause by
one rescue breath.
For infants... Use only fingertips. Apply moderate pressure
to depress breastplate
1/2 to 3/4 inches. Continue compressions at a rate of at least
100 per minute.
Every five compressions (3 seconds) should be followed without
a pause by one
rescue breath.
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SYMPTOMS
May include: The victim hearing or feeling the bone break;
area tender to touch with pain in one spot; swelling noted around
suspected fracture; limb in an unnatural position; painful movement;
abnormal motion; loss of function; grating sensation; discoloration
of affected area.
TREATMENT
1. Keep victim warm and still, treat for shock if necessary.
DO NOT move victim until
a splint has been applied unless
there is danger of a
life-threatening emergency.
2. If bone is suspected to be broken but does not pierce
the skin (closed fracture),
splint the limb before the victim
is moved, immobilizing the joint above and below the
suspected fracture site.
3. If broken bone pierces the skin (open or compound fracture),
apply pressure to
appropriate pressure point to control
bleeding. DO NOT try to straighten limb, return it
to a natural position, or replace
bone fragments. DO NOT touch or clean the wound.
Secure a sterile pad or clean cloth
firmly in place over the wound and tie with strong
bandages
or cloth strips.
4. If victim must be moved, apply a splint to prevent
further damage. Use anything that
will keep the broken bones from
moving, including broomsticks, boards or rolled
magazines. Pad splints with cotton,
clothes or clean cloths tied firmly (but not tightly)
in place. If victim complains of
numbness, loosen splint.
5. Get professional medical help immediately.
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TREATMENT
1. Remove contaminated clothing.
2. Flush burned area with cool water for at least 5 minutes.
3. Treat as you would any major or minor burn.
4. If eye has been burned:
A. Immediately flood face, inside of eyelid and eye with cool running
water
for at least 15 minutes.
Turn head so water does not drain into uninjured eye.
Lift eyelid
away from eye so the inside of lid can also be washed.
B. If eye has been burned by a dry chemical, lift any loose particles
off
the eye with the corner of a sterile pad or clean cloth.
C. Cover both eyes with dry sterile pads, clean cloths, or eye pads;
bandage
in place.
5. Consult professional medical help.
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Partial
Obstruction with Good Air Exchange
SYMPTOMS
May include: Forceful cough with wheezing sounds between coughs.
TREATMENT
Encourage victim to cough as long as good air exchange continues.
DO NOT interfere with attempts to expel object.
Partial or Complete Airway Obstruction in Conscious Victim with Poor Air Exchange
SYMPTOMS
May include: Weak cough; high-pitched crowing noises during
inhalation; inability to breathe, cough or speak; gesture of clutching
neck between thumb and index finger; exaggerated breathing efforts;
dusky or bluish skin color.
TREATMENT
For Adult Victim
If victim is standing or sitting:
1. Stand slightly behind victim.
2. Place your arms around victim’s waist; place your fist,
thumb side in, against
victim’s abdomen, slightly above the navel and below
the rib margins.
3. Grasp fist with your other hand and exert a quick upward thrust.
Repeat
(five times in a rapid succession) if necessary (Heimlich
Maneuver or manual thrust.)
Complete Airway Obstruction in Unconscious Victim
1. Activate EMS system first. Follow breathing problems section
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SYMPTOMS
May include: Profuse bleeding; swelling and redness of injured
tissue.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove penetrating object.
TREATMENT
1. Get professional medical help immediately.
2 A. If victim is fixed to object (impaled), cut it off at a safe distance
from skin.
Immobilize object with thick dressings
made from sterile pads or clean cloths
secured in place with first aid tape, a belt
or a bandage.
B. If object is protruding from victim, DO NOT move
it. Immobilize object with
thick dressings made from sterile
pads or clean cloths secured in place
with first aid tape, a belt or a bandage. Do not apply
bandage so tightly
that breathing is restricted.
3. If object penetrates chest and victim complains of discomfort
or pressure, quickly
loosen bandage on one side and reseal.
Watch carefully for recurrence. Repeat
procedure if necessary.
4. If breathing problems develop, begin rescue breathing techniques
immediately.
5. Treat for shock.
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CALL
911, YOUR LOCAL FIRST AID SQUAD, OR POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY,
BEFORE ADMINISTERING FIRST AID.
TREATMENT
1. DO NOT give any other first aid if victim is unconscious or is
having convulsions.
Begin rescue breathing techniques or CPR if necessary. If victim
is convulsing, protect
from further injury; loosen tight clothing if possible.
2. If professional medical help cannot be reached immediately:
A. DO NOT induce vomiting if poison is unknown, a corrosive substance
(i.e., acid,
cleaning fluid, lye, drain cleaner), or a petroleum product (i.e.,
gasoline, turpentine,
paint thinner, lighter fluid). DO NOT use activated charcoal.
B. Induce vomiting if poison is known and is not a corrosive substance
or petroleum
product. To induce vomiting: Give adult one ounce of syrup of ipecac
(1/2 ounce for
child) followed by four or five glasses of water. If victim has
vomited, follow with one
ounce of powdered, activated charcoal in water, if available.
3. Take poison container (or vomitus if poison is unknown) with
victim to the hospital.
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CAUTION
Wrap the detached part of the body in something clean, and send
it to the hospital with the victim so that it may be reattached
if possible. Ice may be used to keep the detached part cool; however,
prevent it from direct contact with ice and/or from freezing.
TREATMENT
1. Stop the bleeding immediately.
2. Treat for shock if necessary. If breathing problems are present,
begin rescue
breathing techniques.
3. If wound is not deep or is not bleeding severely, gently cleanse
with mild soap and
warm water. Cover with a sterile dressing or clean cloth and bandage.
4. Get professional medical help immediately.
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CAUTION
Shock is a dangerous condition and can be fatal. Expect some degree
of shock in any emergency. DO NOT give anything by mouth.
SYMPTOMS
May include: Unusual weakness or faintness; cold, pale, clammy
skin; rapid, weak pulse; shallow, irregular breathing; chills; nausea;
unconsciousness.
TREATMENT
1. Treat known cause of shock as quickly as possible (i.e., breathing
difficulties,
bleeding, severe pain).
2. Maintain an open airway. If victim vomits, gently turn head to
side.
3. Keep victim warm and lying flat. (In cases of head or chest injuries,
with no chance of
broken neck or back, elevate head and shoulders 10 inches higher
than feet
if
possible.)
4. Get professional medical help immediately.
5. DO NOT give anything by mouth.
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SYMPTOMS
May include: Painful movement, swelling, discoloration and tenderness
around injured joint.
CAUTION
Victim may have a broken bone (fracture) and should be examined
by a medical professional.
TREATMENT
1. If ankle or knee is affected, do not allow victim to walk. Loosen
or remove shoe;
elevate leg.
2. Protect skin with thin towel or cloth. Then apply cold, wet compresses
or cold packs to
affected area. Never pack joint in ice or immerse in icy water.
3. Consult professional medical assistance for further treatment
if necessary.
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If
injury involves neck or back, DO NOT move victim unless absolutely
necessary. Call for professional medical help.
If victim must be pulled to safety, move body lengthwise,
not sideways. If possible, slide a coat or blanket under the victim:
A. Carefully turn victim toward you and slip a half-rolled blanket
under back.
B. Turn victim on side over blanket, unroll, and return victim onto
back.
C. Drag victim head first, keeping back as straight as possible.
If victim must be lifted:
A. Support each part of the body. Position a person at victim’s
head to provide additional
stability. Use a board, shutter, table top or other firm surface
to keep body as level
as possible.
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TREATMENT
1. Call for professional medical help.
2. DO NOT move victim or give anything by mouth.
3. Keep victim warm; loosen any tight clothing.
4. Maintain an open airway. If breathing difficulties develop, begin
rescue breathing
techniques immediately.
5. Check for emergency medical identification tag to help determine
cause of
unconsciousness.
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CAUTION
Some wounds, such as small cuts or minor scrapes, require only simple
first aid measures; others, however, require immediate first aid
followed by professional medical treatment.
Before treating any serious incision, abrasion or laceration with
extensive bleeding, act quickly to control bleeding. Get professional
medical help immediately.
Any wound can become contaminated and infected.
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TREATMENT
1. Move victim into warm room as soon as possible.
2. Be alert for breathing difficulties; start rescue breathing techniques
if necessary.
3. Remove wet or frozen clothing. Immediately rewarm victim by wrapping
in blankets or
placing in tub of warm, not hot, water. Dry victim thoroughly after
bath.
4. Give victim hot liquids to drink, only if conscious (not alcohol).
5. Follow treatment for frostbite.
6. Consult professional medical help if indicated.
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CAUTION
DO NOT break blisters, rub affected area, or apply heat lamps or
hot water bottles. DO NOT attempt rapid thawing if refreezing is
a possibility.
TREATMENT
1. Warm affected areas as quickly as possible by covering with clothing
and blankets or
immersing frozen part in warm, not hot, water. If frostbitten area
has been thawed and
refrozen, then warm at room temperature.
2. Discontinue warming techniques as soon as affected area becomes
flushed. Expect
swelling and pain after thawing. Victim may require an analgesic.
3. Gently exercise affected area after it has been rewarmed.
4. DO NOT apply dressings or clothing unless transportation is required
for medical help.
If fingers or toes are affected, separate with sterile pads or clean
cloths.
5. Elevate frostbitten areas, but not higher than heart.
6. Get professional medical help.
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SYMPTOMS
May include: Fatigue; irritability; headache; faintness; weak,
rapid pulse; shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; profuse perspiration.
TREATMENT
1. Instruct victim to lie down in a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned
room. Elevate
feet.
2. Massage legs toward heart.
3. Only if victim is conscious, give cool water or electrolyte solution
every 15 minutes
until victim recovers.
4. Use caution when letting victim first sit up, even after feeling
recovered.
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TREATMENT
1. Treat for first or second degree burns.
2. Treat for shock if necessary.
3. Cool victim as rapidly as possible by applying cool, damp cloths
or immersing in cool,
not cold, water.
4. Give victim fluids to drink.
5. Get professional medical help immediately for severe cases.
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SYMPTOMS
May include: Extremely high body temperature (106°F or higher);
hot, red, dry skin; absence of sweating; rapid pulse; convulsions;
unconsciousness.
CAUTION
Sunstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
TREATMENT
1. Get professional medical help immediately.
2. Lower body temperature quickly by placing victim in partially
filled tub of cool, not cold,
water (avoid over-cooling). Briskly sponge victim’s body until
temperature is reduced;
then towel dry. If tub is not available, wrap victim in cold, wet
sheets in well-ventilated
room or use fans and air conditioners until body temperature is
reduced.
3. DO NOT give stimulating beverages, such as coffee, tea, or soda.
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