First Aid for Common Emergencies

LEQ… How can I help someone who has a sprain,

bruise or broken bone?

Words to Know Fracture – a break in a bone First-degree burn – only the outer layer of skin

is burned and turns red Second-degree burn – serious burn in which

burned area blisters Third-degree burn – very serious burn where

deep layers of the skin and nerve endings are damaged

What are Common Emergencies? Broken bones Sprains Burns Nosebleeds Insect bites & stings

Broken Bones Body contains 206 bones – many protect

organs Breaks commonly result from falls or playing

contact sports If you think someone has a broken bone, do

not move that body part Could cause broken bone to go through skin

First Aid for Broken Bones Tell person not to move injured body part Put a cold pack on the injured area Get medical assistance Keep any injured area immobilized

Sprains and Bruises Sprain results from a joint being suddenly and

violently stretched A bruise comes from a blow to a body part Both are very common and usually not serious Usually painful and become swollen

First Aid for Sprains and Bruises Do not use the sprained or bruised part of the

body Elevate the sprained body part Apply cold packs for the first 24 hours If pain and swelling do not stop, see a doctor

Insect Bites and Stings Can cause pain and possibly swelling If rash develops or person shows signs of

shock, get help right away Could be a sign of an allergic reaction

First Aid for Insect Bites & Stings Wash the bite Apply special lotion/ointment for bites

Scrape against stinger with credit card or fingernail to remove stinger

Apply cold pack to reduce swelling/pain Watch for signs of allergic reaction

Burns Vary widely in extent of damage and

discomfort May be caused by fire, hot objects or liquids,

electricity, the sun or chemical First aid differs depending on the degree of

injury

First Degree Burns Usually heal quickly Common type is sunburn

Second Degree Burns Intense redness, pain and swelling Usually heals without scarring

Third Degree Burns Burned areas may be white or charred and

pay will be intense

First Aid for Burns First Degree

Submerge burned area in cold water 10-30 min Wrap loosely in clean, dry dressing

Second Degree Submerge burned area in cold water Do not pop blisters or remove loose skin Wrap loosely in clean, dry dressing Elevate burned area

Third Degree Call for medical help Cover burned area with clean dressing Elevate victim’s arms and feet If possible, have victim drink small amounts of

fluids

Objects in the Eye

Can cause pain and irritation Do not rub the eye

Can cause more damage If object is under upper lid, pull lid over

cotton swab If object under lower lid, pull lid down If you cannot remove object or pain/irritation

continues, cover eye with loose, dry, clean bandage and get medical help

Nosebleeds Often occur without warning Can be caused by injury or being in a dry

place for too long Usually not serious or hard to stop Sit down, lean head forward and firmly pinch

nose for about 5 minutes If bleeding continues, get medical help

Fainting Occurs when blood supply to brain is cut off

for short amount of time Temporarily loses consciousness DO NOT lift victim Raise victim’s legs Loosen any tight clothing Check ABC’s If victim does not gain consciousness, get help