Basic First Aid

1. Basic First AidBasic First Aid

2. What is First Aid?What is First Aid?
Webster’s says: “Emergency treatmentWebster’s says: “Emergency treatment
for injury etc, before regular medicalfor injury etc, before regular medical
care is available”care is available”
– Tends to relate best to injuries rather than illnessTends to relate best to injuries rather than illness
What does this mean for us?What does this mean for us?
Why should people know First Aid?Why should people know First Aid?

3. Basic Life Support / CPRBasic Life Support / CPR
A Critical Partner toA Critical Partner to
First Aid TrainingFirst Aid Training
CPR SkillsCPR Skills
– Adult CPRAdult CPR
– Choking skillsChoking skills
– Child and InfantChild and Infant
– Automated External DefibrillatorAutomated External Defibrillator

4. Words to Live By…Words to Live By…
If you remember NOTHING else:If you remember NOTHING else:
– SAFETYSAFETY
AM I SAFE?AM I SAFE?
IS MY PATIENT SAFE?IS MY PATIENT SAFE?
Are Bystanders/other rescuers safe?!Are Bystanders/other rescuers safe?!
– KNOW WHEN YOU ARE IN OVER YOURKNOW WHEN YOU ARE IN OVER YOUR
HEADHEAD
**

5. Assessment In Action…Assessment In Action…
In a nut shell!In a nut shell!
Recognize the EmergencyRecognize the Emergency
Decide whether to HelpDecide whether to Help
– NOTE! You have not “entered” the sceneNOTE! You have not “entered” the scene
yet!yet!
Scene SafetyScene Safety
Call EMS if neededCall EMS if needed
– Still haven’t touched the victim/patientStill haven’t touched the victim/patient
yet!yet!
Assess the VictimAssess the Victim
– OK now you can touch them!OK now you can touch them!
Provide CareProvide Care
**

6. Recognizing the EmergencyRecognizing the Emergency
One of the largest barriers to lendingOne of the largest barriers to lending
aid…aid…
Some ObviousSome Obvious
– Smashed guardrail, broken glass, tire marksSmashed guardrail, broken glass, tire marks
Some well hiddenSome well hidden
– Sleeping on the beachSleeping on the beach
– Someone ‘Acting Strange’Someone ‘Acting Strange’

7. Why should I help?Why should I help?
Good Samaritan ActGood Samaritan Act
– Protection from law suits for renderingProtection from law suits for rendering
aidaid
Duty to Respond for WorkDuty to Respond for Work
– Office Response TeamOffice Response Team
EthicalEthical
– If not you, then who?If not you, then who?
– What if it was Grandma?What if it was Grandma?
NOTE: No one can FORCE you to render aid when your
safety is at risk!!! There may be circumstances when you
should NOT render aid!

8. When NOT to Help!When NOT to Help!
Unable to access victimsUnable to access victims
Your safety is at riskYour safety is at risk
– Risk of fire, explosionRisk of fire, explosion
You have kids in the car!You have kids in the car!
You are ‘medicated’ or otherwiseYou are ‘medicated’ or otherwise
impairedimpaired
The list goes on…The list goes on…

9. SAFETYSAFETY
RoadwaysRoadways
Power LinesPower Lines
Poisons /ChemicalsPoisons /Chemicals
Fire ExplosionFire Explosion
Other PeopleOther People
““Mechanism”Mechanism”
Number of injuredNumber of injured
HazardsHazards
Remember! You are NO good to anyone if you becomeRemember! You are NO good to anyone if you become
injured while trying to render aid!injured while trying to render aid!

10. Infection ControlInfection Control

12. When to call 911- The Short ListWhen to call 911- The Short List
Unconscious or Less than Fully ConsciousUnconscious or Less than Fully Conscious
Trouble BreathingTrouble Breathing
– Includes asthma, allergic reactionsIncludes asthma, allergic reactions
Chest Pain, Signs of Stroke or otherChest Pain, Signs of Stroke or other
Medical EmergenciesMedical Emergencies
When you cannot safety transport theWhen you cannot safety transport the
injuredinjured
– Able to wear seatbeltAble to wear seatbelt
– Able to stand and get self into a carAble to stand and get self into a car
Bleeding you cannot controlBleeding you cannot control
When you’re in over your head!When you’re in over your head!
– Can always get a second opinion!Can always get a second opinion!

13. How to Call 911How to Call 911
From CampusFrom Campus
From “The Real Word”From “The Real Word”
From a Cell PhoneFrom a Cell Phone
Information Desired By DispatchersInformation Desired By Dispatchers
– Type of emergency and specific locationType of emergency and specific location
– Number of victims/patientsNumber of victims/patients
– Any threats to responders (ie fire, blockedAny threats to responders (ie fire, blocked
roads)roads)
– Any care given, and any trained rescuersAny care given, and any trained rescuers
– Your name and call back numberYour name and call back number

14. Emergency Medical Services:Emergency Medical Services:
The Players…The Players…
First ResponderFirst Responder
– Often Police / Law Enforcement Officers and FireOften Police / Law Enforcement Officers and Fire
FightersFighters
EMTEMT
– Many Firefighters are becoming EMT certifiedMany Firefighters are becoming EMT certified
– Minimal training level to operate an ambulanceMinimal training level to operate an ambulance
– Trained to handle any emergency at a basic levelTrained to handle any emergency at a basic level
ParamedicParamedic
– Advanced Care ProviderAdvanced Care Provider
– Medications, IV’s, Advanced ProceduresMedications, IV’s, Advanced Procedures

15. How long till help arrives?How long till help arrives?
Typical Urban ResponseTypical Urban Response
– First Responder and Advanced Paramedic AmbulanceFirst Responder and Advanced Paramedic Ambulance
arrival on scene in under 6 minutesarrival on scene in under 6 minutes
– Typically a full time response serviceTypically a full time response service
Typical Suburban ResponseTypical Suburban Response
– First Responder arrival within 6-8 minutesFirst Responder arrival within 6-8 minutes
– Ambulance arrival under 12 minutesAmbulance arrival under 12 minutes
Typical “Rural” ResponseTypical “Rural” Response
– Varies greatly by geographyVaries greatly by geography
– Often First Responders within 10-12 minsOften First Responders within 10-12 mins
– Often ambulance is greater than 15-20 minutesOften ambulance is greater than 15-20 minutes
Maybe as long as 60 minutes and up!Maybe as long as 60 minutes and up!

16. To move or not to move…To move or not to move…
Common sense is neededCommon sense is needed
here…here…
Minor injuries, the patient willMinor injuries, the patient will
make this decision for you.make this decision for you.
More serious cases:More serious cases:
There may be cases where anThere may be cases where an
immediate danger exists to theimmediate danger exists to the
victim of serious accident orvictim of serious accident or
injuries.injuries.
Other than these immediate lifeOther than these immediate life
threats, victims should not bethreats, victims should not be
moved except by EMSmoved except by EMS
– (We’ll cover back woods stuff(We’ll cover back woods stuff
later)later)

17. Spinal injurySpinal injury
Special Care:Special Care:
– When spinal cord / neckWhen spinal cord / neck
injury is suspected:injury is suspected:
– Stabilize the neckStabilize the neck
manuallymanually
– This rescuer is nowThis rescuer is now
engaged and must stayengaged and must stay
with this patient.with this patient.
– Consider some form ofConsider some form of
mechanical stabilizationmechanical stabilization
(i.e. shoes, sandbag)(i.e. shoes, sandbag)
– These are the cases weThese are the cases we
do not want to move!do not want to move!

18. Significant Mechanisms of InjurySignificant Mechanisms of Injury
Falls (2-3x victim’s height)Falls (2-3x victim’s height)
Vehicle collisions involving:Vehicle collisions involving:
– ejectionejection
– roll-overroll-over
– high speedhigh speed
– pedestrianpedestrian
– motorcyclemotorcycle
– bicyclebicycle
Unresponsive or altered mental statusUnresponsive or altered mental status
Penetrations (head, chest, abdomen)Penetrations (head, chest, abdomen)

19. When moving is necessary-When moving is necessary-

20. Rescue DragRescue Drag
When dragging patient headfirst, headWhen dragging patient headfirst, head
can tilt and twistcan tilt and twist
Attempt to stabilize as best asAttempt to stabilize as best as
possiblepossible
– Consider a feet first drag in a straightConsider a feet first drag in a straight
line.line.
– If a turn is necessary, make it a gradualIf a turn is necessary, make it a gradual
turnturn

21. The AssessmentThe Assessment
For serious injured victims:For serious injured victims:
– Ensure ABC learned in CPREnsure ABC learned in CPR
– Focus on open airwayFocus on open airway
For Minor to ModerateFor Minor to Moderate
InjuriesInjuries
– Have the victim assist inHave the victim assist in
exposing the injury andexposing the injury and
investigateinvestigate

22. Shock affects areShock affects are
major functions ofmajor functions of
the bodythe body
loss of blood flowloss of blood flow
to the tissues andto the tissues and
organsorgans
Shock must be treated for inShock must be treated for in
all accident casesall accident cases
* SHOCKSHOCK

23. Cuts and BleedingCuts and Bleeding
Common SenseCommon Sense
Most common form of First AidMost common form of First Aid
needed!needed!
1.1. Control BleedingControl Bleeding
2.2. Evaluate for Further careEvaluate for Further care
•MinorMinor
•Clean WoundClean Wound
•AntibioticAntibiotic
Cream/BandageCream/Bandage
•Monitor for infectionMonitor for infection
•MajorMajor
•Control BleedingControl Bleeding
•BandageBandage
•Transport Safely to ERTransport Safely to ER

24. BleedingBleeding
TypesTypes
– ArterialArterial
– VenousVenous
– CapilaryCapilary
Treatment:Treatment:
– Direct PressureDirect Pressure
– ElevationElevation
– Pressure PointPressure Point
– IceIce
– Back Woods:Back Woods:
TourniquetTourniquet

25. Cleaning WoundsCleaning Wounds
Shallow woundsShallow wounds
1. Wash inside with1. Wash inside with
soap & watersoap & water
2. Irrigate with2. Irrigate with
pressurized waterpressurized water
3. Apply antibiotic3. Apply antibiotic
ointmentointment
4. Cover with4. Cover with
sterile dressingsterile dressing
High risk woundsHigh risk wounds
1. Seek medical care1. Seek medical care
for cleaningfor cleaning
2. Remote location -2. Remote location -
cleanclean
as best you canas best you can

26. Physician Care Needed?Physician Care Needed?
CleanClean high risk woundshigh risk wounds
CloseClose open woundsopen wounds
– 1. Cosmetic, wide, gaping,1. Cosmetic, wide, gaping,
underlying structure injuredunderlying structure injured
– 2. Closure times =2. Closure times =
extremities within 6 hoursextremities within 6 hours
head & trunk within 24 hourshead & trunk within 24 hours
TetanusTetanus booster needed?booster needed?

27. Does it need stitches?Does it need stitches?
General Guide for Stitches:General Guide for Stitches:
– Joints or flexing areasJoints or flexing areas
– Cosmetic: Face or areasCosmetic: Face or areas
where patient appearance is ofwhere patient appearance is of
concernconcern
– Wounds larger than 2cm (1/2Wounds larger than 2cm (1/2
inch) and of significant depthinch) and of significant depth

28. To Stitch or not to stitch?To Stitch or not to stitch?
YESYES
– FACEFACE
– Deep jaggedDeep jagged
cutcut
– Near EyeNear Eye

29. To Stitch or not to Stitch…To Stitch or not to Stitch…
Maybe?!Maybe?!
ShallowShallow
– No cosmeticNo cosmetic
concernconcern
– Limited flexLimited flex
– Moderate-MinorModerate-Minor
infection riskinfection risk
Scrape/cut on forearmScrape/cut on forearm

31. BurnsBurns
Time to be concerned:Time to be concerned:
– SizeSize: 1: 1° burns° burns larger than twice the size of the patient’slarger than twice the size of the patient’s
hand or 2hand or 2°° burns (or worse)burns (or worse) ≥≥ the size of the patient’sthe size of the patient’s
handhand
– TypeType: Chemical, Steam Electrical should all be: Chemical, Steam Electrical should all be
evaluated immediately.evaluated immediately.
– LocationLocation: Face/lungs, Chest, Circumferential: Face/lungs, Chest, Circumferential
TreatmentTreatment
– Cool the Burn!Cool the Burn!
– No ointments, goops, butter or lotions!No ointments, goops, butter or lotions!
– Treat small burns like other wounds- antibiotic creamTreat small burns like other wounds- antibiotic cream
after wound has been cooledafter wound has been cooled
– Any burn meeting the above criteria should beAny burn meeting the above criteria should be
evaluated in ERevaluated in ER

32. InfectionInfection
Minor wounds can become majorMinor wounds can become major
problems!problems!
Signs of Infection:Signs of Infection:
– RednessRedness
– SwellingSwelling
– HeatHeat
– Puss or oozingPuss or oozing
– Red StreaksRed Streaks

33. Sprains Strains and Automobiles…Sprains Strains and Automobiles…
22ndnd
Most frequently used First AidMost frequently used First Aid
Skill!Skill!
Can you tell if an injury is a brokenCan you tell if an injury is a broken
bone or a sprain?bone or a sprain?

34. HEARTSAVER FACTS FIRST AID
Fracture: Closed Lower Leg (an easy call!)

35. Sprains Strains and AutomobilesSprains Strains and Automobiles
Often minimal outward signs to tell if aOften minimal outward signs to tell if a
broken bone exists.broken bone exists.
Safest Treatment is to immobilize, andSafest Treatment is to immobilize, and
safely transport to medical facility forsafely transport to medical facility for
further evaluation.further evaluation.

36. Splinting-Splinting-
Any device, manufactured orAny device, manufactured or
improvised that limits (or eliminates!)improvised that limits (or eliminates!)
movement above and below themovement above and below the
injured sight.injured sight.
Two rules to splinting:Two rules to splinting:
– Keep it simpleKeep it simple
– Keep it simpleKeep it simple

38. Serious InjuriesSerious Injuries
Suspected thigh fractureSuspected thigh fracture
SuspectedSuspected
Head injuriesHead injuries
Multiple injuriesMultiple injuries
Loss of ConsciousnessLoss of Consciousness
– Behaving oddlyBehaving oddly
– Sleepy, unable to keep self awakeSleepy, unable to keep self awake

39. Serious CasesSerious Cases
Trouble BreathingTrouble Breathing
DiabetesDiabetes
SeizureSeizure
Allergic ReactionsAllergic Reactions
PoisoningPoisoning

40. Heat IllnessesHeat Illnesses
Heat strokeHeat stroke
Extremely hot skinExtremely hot skin
Altered mental statusAltered mental status
Heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion
Profuse sweatingProfuse sweating
Flu-like symptomsFlu-like symptoms

41. Types of HypothermiaTypes of Hypothermia
MildMild
(above 90° F)(above 90° F)
• shiveringshivering
• cold abdomencold abdomen
SevereSevere
(below 90° F)(below 90° F)
• no shiveringno shivering
• rigid musclesrigid muscles
• altered mental statusaltered mental status

42. Frostbitten Ear

43. Frostbite: 2nd Degree

44. Back Woods First Aid…Back Woods First Aid…
BlistersBlisters
TicksTicks
Poison IvyPoison Ivy
Transporting the InjuredTransporting the Injured

45. BlistersBlisters
Over use / rubbing injuryOver use / rubbing injury
Why NOT to break blister?Why NOT to break blister?

46. Moleskin!Moleskin!
Or other padding…Or other padding…
Treatment can begin prior to full blownTreatment can begin prior to full blown
blisterblister

47. Poison Ivy Blister

48. Poison Oak Dermatitis and Blister

49. Tick

50. HEARTSAVER FACTS FIRST AID
Tick: Engorged and Embedded

51. Delayed EMS ResponseDelayed EMS Response
What happens when you are waayyyWhat happens when you are waayyy
up north?up north?
– To Move or not to move decisionsTo Move or not to move decisions
How the heck are we gonna get this personHow the heck are we gonna get this person
out of here!out of here!
Risk-Benefit EquationRisk-Benefit Equation
– Likelihood of Risk X HarmLikelihood of Risk X Harm

52. After the emergency…After the emergency…
Wash your hands!Wash your hands!
Follow up care or monitor the injuryFollow up care or monitor the injury
Talk about it!Talk about it!
– It’s good to talk about stressfulIt’s good to talk about stressful
experiences!experiences!
– RNs, MDs, EMTs- talk with someone whoRNs, MDs, EMTs- talk with someone who
knows what it’s likeknows what it’s like
– Talk with someone who will listenTalk with someone who will listen

53. The First Aid KitThe First Aid Kit
Keep it Simple!Keep it Simple!
– Few BandaidsFew Bandaids
– Short roll of tapeShort roll of tape
– Gauze padsGauze pads
– Roller bandageRoller bandage
– Ace WrapAce Wrap
– GLOVESGLOVES
– Ice PackIce Pack

54. First Aid KitsFirst Aid Kits
Simple kits available for ~$10Simple kits available for ~$10
– Pro: simple, comes with case, one stopPro: simple, comes with case, one stop
and doneand done
– Con: often get poor quality suppliesCon: often get poor quality supplies
Fancy Day Trip to Month longFancy Day Trip to Month long
excursion kits availableexcursion kits available
– Pro: One stop and donePro: One stop and done
– Con: Definitely comes with TONS of stuffCon: Definitely comes with TONS of stuff
you’ll never needyou’ll never need