Basic First Aid Tips

[Manfred_Man]

Ambulance Emergencies

Know when it is an emergency

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether your problem is serious or not. Here are just a few examples of when you require emergency medical care - and you should call 911 or go to an Emergency Department.

- When you are experiencing pains or tightness in the chest
- When you have severe pain
- When you have shortness of breath
- When a person is choking or having difficuly breathing
- When you think you may have fractured or broken a bone, or have a wound that may need stitches
- When you have sudden, sever headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, or dizziness
- If your child has diarrhea and vomiting and won't eat or drink
- When a baby under six month has a fever over 38.5*C or 101*F

* If you have any doubts, call 911. The ambulance will take you to the appropriate Emergency Department.

Remember:
- the ambulance can't help you if they can't find you
- STAY CALM - give clear information
- clear a path to the patient - move furniture, unlock doors
- if possible have someone meet the ambulance
- be sure your house number is clearly visible from the street
- if you live in a house - turn on the outside lights at night
- if you live in an apartment - try to meet the ambulance at the lobby door and have the elevator ready.
- DO NOT move the patient, UNLESS life is threatened.

What to do
Be prepared to answer the following questions related to the patients condition:
- consciousness
- breathing
- bleeding

Call the emergency number 911 for medical emergencies.
Be sure to state your name, address of the emergency and phone number from where you are calling.

[Manfred_Man]

Bleeding

External bleeding, direct pressure on wound (except for impaled objects)

Remember, RED:

Rest patient
Elevate wounded limb
Direct pressure on wound

DO NOT apply a tourniquet

[Manfred_Man]

Broken Bones

Signs and symptoms:
- patient heard bone "snap"
- deformity at site of fracture - pain at site of fracture
- impaired movement of limb.

Action:
- do not move
- help patient find a comfortable position
- control bleeding if present

[Manfred_Man]

Burns

- DO NOT remove any material stuck to the skin
- cover area of the burn with clean, water moistened dressing
- apply clean water to dressed burn, to cool, as required
- never put any medication on burn unless a doctor directs you to do so

DO NOT use creams, lotions, butter, etc.

[Manfred_Man]

Choking

If the patient is coughing or can speak - DO NOTHING.

INFANT
- place child facedown over your arm, with head lower than body
- deliver four firm back blows
- follow with chest thrusts
- IF UNSUCCESSFUL - REPEAT

Choking Sign - hand around front of throat
- a choking patient could collapse in one minute and might die without your help.
- a person who is choking cannot speak to you - learn this sign for choking - and watch for it

If the patient is coughing or can speak - DO NOTHING.

If they cannot breath or speak to you, take action:
- reassure the patient
- support their body
- landmark and apply abdominal thrusts
- repeat until object is expelled

[Manfred_Man]

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - CPR

Learn this CPR procedure in a certified course.
Be sure to recertify annually.

Adult procedures
- shake shoulders firmly and shout
- no breathing, no pulse - apply CPR

If there is no response:
- open airway
- listen, watch and feel for breathing
- if patient is not breathing, GIVE 2 BREATHS
- check for a heart beat by feeling for the carotid pulse at the neck.

If there is no pulse:
- landmark and apply 15 chest compressions - followed by two breaths
- repeat compressions and breathing until help arrives
ratio: 15 compressions and 2 breaths
rate 100 compressions per minute.


Infants and small children procedure
Same procedure as for adults, except:
- support the infants head - slightly tilted back
- normal-sized breaths for children - smaller puffs for infants

Age: Infant (1 Year)
Part of Hand: Tips of index and middle fingers
Number of Compressions: At least 100 per minute 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Breath. (Breath interposed after 5th compression)

Age: Child (1-8 years)
Part of Hand: Heel of one hand
Number of Compressions: At least 100 per minute 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Breath. (Breath interposed after 5th compression)

[Manfred_Man]

Fire Emergencies

- call the emergency number 911 for fire emergencies
- be sure to state which community you are calling from and give the address

Fire emergency examples:
- presence of smoke
- presence of fire
- presence of toxic fumes

What to do:
- get everyone out of the building/area
- pull the fire alarm

If you are in a building/area where there is smoke and/or fire:
- try to move quickly, but safely, through the area
- try to move quickly below the smoke level
- move on arms/hands & knees if necessary

If you catch fire while in a building/area:
- if possible, Stop-Drop-and-Roll
- shed unnecessary clothing that is on fire, provided you are not burned

[Manfred_Man]

Heart Attack

Heart Attack - The #1 Killer

Many heart attacks can be prevented, learn to reduce the risk:
- quit smoking
- exercise regularly
- eat properly
- reduce stress
- have your blood pressure checked regularly

Symptoms - watch for these signs:
(A conscious heart attack patient can usually speak to you)
- chest pain or pressure
- shortness of breath
- sweating
- nausea
- ashen skin colour
- weakness

Action
Remember - the FIRST TWO hours are most important.
- take positive action
- expect denial - be persistent in giving assistance

If the signals persist for two minutes or longer
- sit the person down
- reassure him/her
- SEND FOR AN AMBULANCE

[Manfred_Man]

Poisoning

Rule of thumb

Unless you are certain of the poison and know the correct treatment:
- DO NOT induce vomiting
- for information regarding poisons and appropriate first aid treatment call Poison Control
- make sure you have the telephone numbers for Poison Control and Local & Regional Hospitals

remeber, if there are any signs of distress, don't hesitate to call for an ambulance

teach your children the symbols for Poisonous, Corrosive, Explosive

[Manfred_Man]

Police Emergencies

Call the emergency number 911 for police emergencies.

Police emergency examples:
- crime in progress
- suspicious person
- child or elderly person missing
- personal injury

[Manfred_Man]

Seizures

Care for Seizures:
- DO NOT attempt to restrain patient
- DO NOT attempt to force anything between the patient's teeth
- beware of the possibility of the patient causing personal injury by striking surrounding objects, during the seizure (remove objects, if possible)

- When seizure is over, place patient in the recovery position

Call 911, if necessary

[Manfred_Man]

Shock

Care of Shock:
- act immediately
- keep patient lying down
- reassure patient
- elevate patient's legs
- keep patient warm - avoid overheating
- watch patient carefully

DO NOT give the patient anything to drink - especially alcohol.

[Manfred_Man]

Stroke

Signs and Symptoms:
- slurred speech
- confusion
- paralysis of face and/or limbs

Action:
- recognize the signs
- call an ambulance

[Manfred_Man]

Unconsciousness

Evaluation is critical

If a spinal injury IS suspected:
- shout into patient's ear for response
- DO NOT SHAKE

If a spinal injury IS NOT suspected:
- shake shoulders
- shout in ear for response


If there is no other response:
- LOOK, LISTEN, and FEEL for breathing

If patient is not breathing
- give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (one breath every five seconds)

- open the airway, push forehead back and hold
- clear out mouth, if necessary, with fingers
- remove dentures (where necessary) only if loose


If patient is breathing, place him/her in the recovery position to prevent choking

Recovery Position
- lie victim on their side
- bottom arm positioned straight down their side in front of body
- top arm positioned forward, bent 90 degrees at elbow with hand in front of face
- legs straight with bottom leg slightly in front of top leg

[Doughboy]

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[Manfred_Man]

Anaphylaxis: First aid

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can produce shock and life-threatening respiratory distress. In sensitive people, anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or up to several hours after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance. Almost any allergy-causing substance — including insect venom, pollen, latex, certain foods and drugs — can cause a reaction. Some people have anaphylactic reactions from unknown causes.

If you're extremely sensitive, you might break out in hives and your eyes or lips may swell severely. The inside of your throat may swell as well, even to the point of causing difficulty breathing and shock. Dizziness, mental confusion, abdominal cramping, nausea or vomiting also may accompany a severe allergic reaction.

If you've had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, carry medications with you as an antidote. Epinephrine is the most commonly used drug for severe allergic reactions. Because the effects of epinephrine are only temporary, seek emergency medical attention immediately after using it.

If you observe someone having an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis:

• Seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
• Check to see if the person is carrying special medication to inhale, swallow or inject to counter the effects of the allergic attack.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person is not breathing, has no signs of circulation or is completely unconscious

[Manfred_Man]

Animal bites

Domestic pets cause most animal bites. Dogs are more likely to bite than cats. Cat bites, however, are more likely to cause infection. Bites from non-immunized domestic animals and wild animals carry the risk of rabies. Rabies is more common in raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes than in cats and dogs. Rabbits, squirrels and other rodents rarely carry rabies. If an animal bites you or your child, follow these guidelines:

• For minor wounds. If the bite barely breaks the skin, treat it as a minor wound. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection and cover the bite with a clean bandage.
• For deep wounds. If the bite creates a deep puncture of the skin or the skin is badly torn and bleeding, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and see your doctor.
• For infection. If you notice signs of infection such as swelling, redness, increased pain or oozing, see your doctor immediately.
• For suspected rabies. If you suspect the bite was caused by an animal that might carry rabies — any bite from a wild or domestic animal of unknown immunization status — see your doctor immediately.

Doctors recommend getting a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your last one was more than five years ago and your wound is deep or dirty, your doctor may recommend a booster. You should have the booster within 48 hours of the injury.

[Manfred_Man]

Black eye

The so-called black eye is caused by bleeding beneath the skin around the eye. Sometimes a black eye indicates a more extensive injury, even a skull fracture, particularly if the area around both eyes is bruised or if there has been head trauma. Although most black-eye injuries aren't serious, bleeding within the eye, called a hyphema, is serious and can reduce vision and damage the cornea. In some cases, glaucoma also can result.

Take these steps to take care of a black eye:

• Using gentle pressure, apply ice or a cold pack to the area around the eye for 10 to 15 minutes. Take care not to press on the eye itself. Apply cold as soon as possible after the injury to reduce swelling.
• Be sure there's no blood in the white and colored parts of the eye.

Seek medical care immediately if you experience vision problems (double vision, blurring), severe pain, or bleeding in the eye or from the nose.

[Manfred_Man]

Blisters

Common causes of blisters include friction and burns. If the blister isn't too painful, do everything possible to keep it intact. Unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection. Cover the blister with a small adhesive bandage to protect it.

If the blister is painful, drain the fluid while leaving the overlying skin intact. Here's how:

• Wash your hands and the blister with warm water and soap.
• Swab the blister with rubbing alcohol.
• Sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol.
• Use the needle to puncture the blister. Aim for several spots near the blister's edge. Let the fluid drain, but leave the overlying skin in place.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment to the blister and cover with a bandage.
• Use tweezers and scissors sterilized with rubbing alcohol to cut away all the dead skin after several days. Apply more ointment.

Call your doctor if you see signs of infection around a blister — pus, redness, increasing pain or warm skin.

To prevent a blister, use gloves, socks, a bandage or similar protective covering over the area being rubbed. Special athletic socks that have extra padding in critical areas are available. You might also try attaching moleskin to the inside of your shoes where it might rub, such as your heels.

Remember the following when you shop for shoes:

• Shop during the middle of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day, so a midday fitting will probably give you the best fit.
• Measure your feet. Shoe sizes change throughout adulthood.
• Measure both feet and try on both shoes. If your feet differ in size, buy the larger size.
• Go for flexible but supportive shoes with cushioned insoles.
• Be sure that you can comfortably wiggle your toes.

[Manfred_Man]

Bruise

A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. Sometimes, there also are tiny red dots or red splotches.

If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage. You can, however, enhance healing with these simple techniques:

• Elevate the injured area.
• Apply ice or a cold pack for 30 to 60 minutes at a time for a day or two after the injury.

See your doctor if:

• You have unusually large or painful bruises — particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.
• You bruise easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice blood in your eyes or your urine.
• You have no history of bruising but suddenly experience bruises.

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.