Immediate Care for Common Medical Emergencies

Wound Management and First Aid

Types of Wounds

• Abrasions (Scrapes): Caused by rubbing against a hard surface, affecting the epidermis.
• Incisions (Cuts): Caused by sharp-edged elements.
• Punctures: Caused by sharp, pointed elements.
• Contusions (Blunt Trauma): Caused by blunt objects.
• Lacerations: Caused by objects with jagged edges.

First Aid for Specific Wounds

Abrasions (Scrapes)

• Remain calm.
• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
• Cleanse the area.
• Dry gently.
• Apply an antiseptic (e.g., povidone-iodine).
• If the wound is complex or deep, seek medical attention.

Incisions and Punctures

• Remain calm.
• Assess the wound.
• If possible and safe, carefully remove any foreign bodies.
• Wash the wound thoroughly.
• Cleanse the area.
• Dry gently.
• Apply an antiseptic.
• Cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
• Seek immediate medical transfer.

Chest Injuries

• Remain calm.
• Position the person in a semi-sitting position.
• Do not remove any impaled foreign objects.
• Gather the edges of the wound with a sterile dressing.
• Secure the dressing without applying pressure to the object.
• Arrange for immediate medical transfer.

Abdominal Injuries

• Reassure the person.
• Focus on preventing shock (hypovolemic and septic).
• Position the person in a semi-sitting position with knees flexed.
• Control any external bleeding.
• Do not attempt to reintroduce protruding organs.
• Cover the wound with a clean, moist dressing without applying pressure.
• Secure the dressing gently.
• Arrange for immediate medical transfer.

Hemorrhage (Bleeding) Control

Types of Hemorrhage

• Domestic
• Medical
• Traumatic

Specific Bleeding Situations

Epistaxis (Nosebleed)

• Have the person lean forward slightly.
• Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10-15 minutes.
• Do not pack the nose with cotton or tissue (no tamponade effect).
• If the person is unconscious, place them in a recovery position on their side, with the bleeding nostril facing downwards.

Melena (Rectal Bleeding)

• Ensure the person is on bed rest in a horizontal position.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

Metrorrhagia (Vaginal Bleeding)

• Position the person horizontally with thighs together.
• Avoid any home treatments or interventions.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

Types of Bleeding by Vessel

• Capillary Bleeding: Characterized by slow, oozing droplets of blood. Usually stops on its own with direct pressure.
• Venous Bleeding: Characterized by a continuous flow of dark red blood. Elevate the affected extremity. Apply direct pressure to the wound. If severe, apply a pressure bandage below the bleeding site.
• Arterial Bleeding: Characterized by bright red blood spurting in an intermittent stream (pulsating). Apply direct digital pressure to the wound. If severe and direct pressure is insufficient, apply a tourniquet above the bleeding site as a last resort, and seek immediate medical help.

Internal Bleeding Manifestations

Hematemesis (Vomiting Blood)

• Indicates bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Position the person horizontally with knees flexed.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

Hemoptysis (Coughing Blood)

• Indicates bleeding from the lungs.
• Position the person in a semi-sitting position.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

Fainting (Syncope)

Causes of Fainting

• Strong emotions
• Stress
• Prolonged fasting
• Poorly ventilated place
• Heat
• Pain

Symptoms of Fainting

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Weakness
• Cold sweats
• Gastric discomfort
• Blurred vision
• Pallor (paleness)

Seizures: Recognition and Response

Causes of Seizures

• Epilepsy
• Injury or head trauma
• Fever (in children)
• Brain tumor (rare)
• Stroke
• Electric shock

Signs and Symptoms of Seizures

Before a Seizure (Aura)

• Dizziness
• Sudden fright
• Nausea
• Anxiety

During and After a Seizure

• Shaking of limbs
• Body rigidity
• Loss of consciousness
• Trouble breathing or pauses in breathing
• Sudden fall
• Confusion or dazed state

Seizure Classification

Focal or Partial Seizures (One Side of the Brain)

• Simple partial seizures
• Complex partial seizures
• Partial seizures with secondary generalization

Generalized Seizures (Both Sides of the Brain)

• Absence seizures
• Atonic seizures
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
• Myoclonic seizures

Chest Trauma and First Aid

Common Chest Injuries

• Hemothorax (blood in chest cavity)
• Bruising
• Fractures (e.g., ribs)
• Cardiac injury
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Flail chest (volet costal)

Signs and Symptoms of Chest Trauma

• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
• Visible injuries or deformities
• Signs of shock
• Unexplained respiratory changes

First Aid for Chest Trauma

• Perform Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC) assessment.
• Monitor the airway for obstruction.
• If injuries permit, position the person in a semi-sitting position to aid breathing.
• Encourage the person to breathe deeply.
• Close any open chest wounds (sucking chest wounds) with an airtight dressing.
• Do not remove any impaled foreign objects.
• Continually reassess the person's condition.