Essential First Aid: Emergency Response & Injury Management

Accident Chain Factors

• Negligence
• Laziness
• Ignorance
• Carelessness

First Aid Priorities

1. Assess the situation
2. Protect yourself
3. Assess the casualty
4. Give treatment
5. Ask for help

Managing Shock: Steps and Types

Shock can lead to unconsciousness and death.

What to Do for Shock:

1. Lay the person down
2. Elevate their feet 12 inches
3. Keep the person comfortable
4. Treat any injuries

Types of Shock:

• Cardiogenic Shock: Heart problems
• Hypovolemic Shock: Low blood volume
• Anaphylactic Shock: Allergic reaction
• Septic Shock: Infections
• Neurogenic Shock: Damage in the nervous system

Anaphylaxis: Recognition and Response

What to Do for Anaphylaxis:

1. Ask if the person is carrying their epinephrine autoinjector
2. Lay them on their back
3. Loosen tight clothing and cover them
4. Do not give them anything to drink
5. Perform CPR if necessary

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:

• Hives
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Chest pain

Stroke: Recognizing Symptoms and Action

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

Stroke Symptoms (FAST):

• F: Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb. Ask the person to smile.
• A: Arm Weakness: One arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S: Speech Problems: Speech is slurred, or the person is unable to speak or is hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• T: Time to Call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately.

What to Do During a Stroke:

1. Observe the casualty's face
2. Ask them to raise both arms
3. Check for speech difficulties
4. Call 911 immediately
5. Keep them comfortable
6. Check vital signs

Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia:

• Drowsiness
• Sweating
• Pale skin

What to Do for Hypoglycemia:

1. Help the person sit down
2. Give them some juice or sugary drink
3. If no response, call 911

Hyperglycemia: High Blood Sugar

Hyperglycemia is characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia:

• Weakness
• Dry mouth

What to Do for Hyperglycemia:

1. Help the person take prescribed medication
2. Encourage them to drink water

Types of Wounds

• Incision: A clean, straight cut made by a sharp edge.
• Laceration: A messy wound caused by a tearing force.
• Abrasion: Caused by a scraping force (e.g., a graze).
• Puncture: Caused by a sharp, stabbing, or pointed object.
• Avulsion: Tissue is torn away from its normal position.

Minor External Bleeding Care

1. Wash the wound with soap and water
2. Flush with clean water
3. Apply antibiotic ointment
4. Cover the wound with a clean dressing

Severe External Bleeding Care

• Wear gloves
• Control the bleeding
• Cover the wound
• Apply direct pressure
• Elevate the injured area (if no fracture)
• Care for shock

Internal Wound Symptoms

The skin is unbroken, and blood is not visible externally.

Minor Internal Bleeding Care

For a bruised arm or leg:

1. Apply ice for 20 minutes (not directly to skin)
2. Apply compressions for 2 hours
3. Elevate the injured area (if no fracture)

Serious Internal Bleeding Care

1. Call emergency services immediately
2. Care for shock
3. If vomiting occurs, roll the person onto their side

Signs of Infection:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pus

Fracture Management

1. Stop the bleeding: Apply pressure with a bandage.
2. Immobilize the injured area: Apply a splint.
3. Apply ice: Do not apply directly to the skin.
4. Treat for shock: If the person feels faint, lay them down and elevate their legs.

Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest:

An electrical problem.

What to Do:

1. Call 911
2. Start CPR
3. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Heart Attack:

A plumbing problem.

What to Do:

1. Call 911
2. Emergency services can begin treatment

Emergency Response: The 3 Cs

• Check the Scene: Ensure safety for yourself and the victim.
• Call 911: Contact emergency services.
• Care for Victim: Provide appropriate first aid.

Anaphylaxis: Quick Action Steps

1. Ask if the person is carrying their epinephrine autoinjector
2. Lay them on their back
3. Loosen tight clothing
4. Do not give them anything to drink
5. Perform CPR if necessary