15.1 Providing First 15.1 Providing First AidAid

Pages 379-382

Key Words: First Aid, Triage, EMT, and First Responder

LEQ: How does remaining calm influence the outcome of first aid?

What is What is First AidFirst Aid??Immediate care that is given

to the victim of an injury or illness to minimize the effect of the injury or illness until experts can take over

Proper First AidProper First Aid

Can mean the difference between life and death

Recovery versus permanent disability

In the time of need knowing how to help yourself and others

Remain Calm!!!Remain Calm!!! In order to make the

right decisions and provide proper care, you must remain calm and in control of the situation

You must be able to choose what care is appropriate for the injury

Step One in Any Step One in Any EmergencyEmergency

You must recognize that an emergency exists!!

Use all of your senses during an emergency and trust your “gut feeling”

Use Your SensesUse Your Senses Listen for Unusual Sounds

( glass breaking, screaming, changes in equipment, calls for help etc..)

Look for Unusual Sights

( empty medicine bottles, damaged wires, stalled car, blood, or chemicals )

Note any Unusual, Unfamiliar, or Strange Odors

( chemicals, natural gas, smoke, or pungent fumes) Watch for Unusual Appearances or Behaviors

( dyspnea, clutching the chest or throat, abnormal skin color, confusion, diaphoresis, or pain )

Learn to Assess the SituationLearn to Assess the SituationWhat Do You See?What Do You See?

What do you See?What do you See?

Look CloselyLook Closely

White Dots or Black Dots?White Dots or Black Dots?

Safe?Safe?

Once You Know there is an Once You Know there is an Emergency, Take Appropriate Emergency, Take Appropriate

ActionsActionsCheck the Scene ( Danger? Victims and

Where?)If the Scene is NOT SAFE, Call for EMS

and waitDo not endanger yourself or the lives of

others

Assess the VictimAssess the VictimDetermine if they

are ConsciousNever Move an

injured person unless the victim is in immediate danger

Moving an injured victim may cause more damage

EMS ( Emergency Medical EMS ( Emergency Medical Services ) is EssentialServices ) is Essential

Time is Critical so contact EMS ASAP911 = Describe the situation, actions taken,

exact location, telephone number from which you are calling, assistance required, number of victims, and their condition

DO NOT HANG UP with 911 until told to do so

You may have to give others direction

LEGAL ISSUESLEGAL ISSUES If possible, obtain the patients

permission to treat them Introduce yourself If the victim is a child, obtain

parents permission if they are present

If the victim does not give consent, DO NOT treat the victim; contact 911 and alert them of the situation *witness

“Good Samaritan Act” Provide ONLY the treatment you are qualified to provide

What is What is TRIAGETRIAGETriage is a method of prioritizing treatmentWhen there are two or more victims, Triage

helps determine who is treated firstAlways start with Life-Threatening and

work your way down in priority

Life-ThreateningLife-ThreateningNot Breathing or

Difficulty BreathingNo PulseSevere BleedingChest PainSevere Abdominal

PainVomiting Blood

PoisoningHead, Neck, or

Spinal InjuriesOpen Chest or

Abdominal Wounds

ShockSevere 2nd or 3rd

Degree Burns

Secondary Secondary Fractures1st Degree BurnsVital SignsTemperature,

Color, and Moistness of the Skin

Compare the Pupils

Look for Fluid or Blood coming from the Mouth, Nose, or Ears

Gently examine the body for Bruises, Swelling, or Painful areas

** Always inform EMS of Your Findings

Sources of InformationSources of InformationYour AssessmentThe VictimWitnessesMedical ID

BraceletsMedical NecklaceMedical CardWallet

Empty Medicine Bottles

Cell PhoneBottles of

ChemicalsBottles of SolutionInsectsSurroundings

General PrinciplesGeneral PrinciplesObtain Qualified Assistance ASAPAvoid Unnecessary MovementIf the Victim is Unconscious or Vomiting,

do not give them POReassure the VictimProtect them from Extreme WeatherWork Quickly, but in an organized mannerDo not make a diagnosis or discuss the

victims condition with observers only individuals that are assisting and EMS

EMT (Emergency Medical EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)Technician)

They provide emergency pre-hospital care to victims of accidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses

There are various levels of training for the different groups

First RespondersFirst RespondersCFR (Certified First Responder)CFR (Certified First Responder)

A First Responder is the first person to arrive at the scene of an illness or injury

Common Examples are Volunteers, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, or Immediate Family members trained in CPR and First Aid

Trained in Airway management, Oxygen Administration, Bleeding Control, and CPR

EMT-B ( Basic )EMT-B ( Basic )Mainly the Ambulance DriverTrained in providing care for a wide range

of illnesses and injuriesFracturesEmergency ChildbirthRescuing Trapped victimsTransporting Victims110 Hours of Direct Training NeededEMT-D can use the Defibrillator

EMT-I (Intermediate)EMT-I (Intermediate)

Everything and EMT-B and EMT-D can doAssess PatientManage ShockUse IV equipmentInsert Airways (Intubate)145 Hours of Direct Training

EMT-P ( Paramedic)EMT-P ( Paramedic)Can do everything EMT-B, D, and I can doProvide ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life

Support)ECG InterpretationET Tube IntubationDrug AdministrationOperation of Complex Equipment and

Situations2 Years of Education Required