First Aid for Common Injuries

WoundsSprainsBroken bonesInsect and animal bitesBurnsPoisoningObjects in the eyeNosebleedFaintingHeat related illnesses

What is first aid?

• Immediate temporary care given to an injured or ill person until her or she can get professional help.

Why is it important to know basic first aid?

• Can prevent further injury• Can speed recovery• Knowing how to correctly give first

aid can be the difference between life and death

First-Aid Supplies

• The following supplies are typically found in a first-aid kit…– Tweezers– Scissors– Thermometer – Cotton swabs– Cold pack– Antiseptic ointment

• More first-aid kit supplies…– Guaze pads– Adhesive tape– Adhesive bandages– Tissues– Hand cleaner– Disposable gloves– Plastic bags

Types of Wounds

• Closed Wound– Bruise– Develops when the body is bumped or

hit– Damages soft tissue layers beneath the

skin, causing internal bleeding.– Blood and fluids seep into tissues,

causing swelling and changing color

Types of Wounds

Open Wound–Break in the skin–Amount of bleeding depends on location and severity of injury

Types of Open Wounds

• Four types of open wounds– Abrasions

• most common• Do not bleed much• hurts because it scrapes away

outer skin layers• Also known as a cut, scrape, rug

burn

– Lacerations• Cut in skin commonly caused by

a sharp object• Can bleed heavily or not at all

depending on severity of damage• Deep lacerations can cut layers

of fat and muscle and damage nerves and blood vessels

Types of Open Wounds• Avulsion

– Portion of the skin and sometimes other tissue is partially or completely torn away

– Body part could be completely torn away (amputation)

– Damages deeper tissues– Lots of bleeding

• Puncture– Caused by a pointed object

(nail)– Gunshot wound is considered a

puncture wound– Do not bleed much unless

blood vessel is damaged – Can carry germs into the body

and cause infections

Care for Closed Wounds

• Apply ice• Elevate injury to help decrease swelling

– DO NOT elevate if it causes more pain

• If serious – person can’t move without pain…call 9-1-1

Care for Open Wounds

• Cover with dressing (bandages) to control bleeding

• Dressing/bandages will absorb blood and help prevent infection by protecting injury from dirt

• Wash area with soap and water to kill bacteria

FUN FACTS • There are over 600 muscles in the

human body!• Most muscles are attached to bones

by tendons!• There are 206 bones in the human

body!• Ligaments hold the bones at a joint

together!

SPRAINS

Condition in which the ligaments that hold the joints in position are

stretched or torn Ankles, knees, fingers, wrist

Swelling and bruising R.I.C.E.

rest, ice, compress, elevate

FRACTUREBREAK IN THE BONE

OPEN FRACTURE – A COMPLETE BREAK WITH ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE BONE PIERCING THE SKINCLOSED FRACTURE – BONE DOES NOT

BREAK THE SKIN (MORE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE)

SYMPTOMSPAIN< SWELLING<MISSHAPPEN APPERANCE

DIAGNOSISX-RAY TREATMENTHard or soft cast

Broken Bones

OPEN CLOSED

Broken Bones

• http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/broken_bones_sheet.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle

Insect and Animal Bites

SERIOUS – for people with certain allergiesCall 911 with symptoms:

difficulty breathing, nausea, confusion

Treatment Insect Treatment AnimalRemove stinger by scraping *Wash with soap and water

it off with a firm/straight *Apply pressure to stop anyedged object bleeding

Wash with soap and water *Apply antibiotic ointmentApply ice – 10 on 10 off – and a sterile bandage

To reduce swelling

BURNS

1st degree

Affects outer layer of skinRed

Swelling and pain

2nd degreeAffects first layer of skin

and second layer of skin

BlistersSwelling

Severe pain

3rd degree

Involves all layers of the skinAffects fat, muscle and bone

Skin is charred black or Appears dry and white

Little or no pain

4th degree: a burn that extends deeply into the soft tissue, completely destroying the skin, fat, and underlying tendons, and sometimes

involving muscle, fascia, or bone

Poisoning Poison is a substance that causes harm when:

Swallowed

Inhaled

Absorbed by the skin

Injected into the body

½ of all poisonings are caused medications and household products

TREATMENT of ALL POISONING or SUSPSECTED POISONING

Call nearest poison control center

Call 24 hour poison hot line - 1-800-222-1222Provides medical treatment for victim

Poisonous Chemical Skin Contact

Remove clothing that has come in contact with poison

Rinse skin with water for 15 minutes

Wash gently with soap and water

Call poison control center

Foreign Object in the

DON’T RUB THE EYE

Call 911 if the objectcannot be removed

Nosebleed

Causes:1. injury2. illness3. dry air

Treatment:1. pinch nostrils shut with thumb and forefinger2. breathe though the mouth3. duration: 5-10 minutes

heavy bleeding for 15 minutes call 911

FAINTING – brief loss of consciousness when blood supply to the brain is cut off for a short period of time

Treatment for someone else who FAINTS:

1. check for breathing2. raise legs above the

head3. loosen tight clothing4. call 911 if victim

remains unconscious for a few minutes

5. seek medical attention after victim has regained consciousness

6. ** BEGIN ADVANCED CARE

If you feel FAINT sit or lie down place your head

between you knees

HEAT RELATED ILLNESSHeat Cramps

Symptoms• painful muscle spasms that happen

during exercise in hot weatherTreatment

1. rest2. cool down3. drink water 4. gentle stretching exercise or massage to muscles

Heat ExhaustionSymptoms

1. faintness, nausea, rapid heartbeat3. hot, red, dry, or sweaty skin

Treatment 1. lie victim down in a cool area2.elevate feet3. loosen tight clothing4. drink water5. Fan victim and spray with water *Watch victim for symptoms of heatstroke.

HEAT- RELATED ILLNESS

Heatstroke (life threatening)Symptoms

1. body stops sweating 2. body temperature increases to 1040

3. rapid heart beat4. shallow breathing.

Treatment1. CALL 9112. treat the same as heat exhaustion

HEAT- RELATED ILLNESS