The document outlines 5 common medical emergencies - airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, soft tissue injuries, and burns - describing their symptoms and recommended treatments. Airway obstruction can be caused by objects, trauma, or reactions and requires back blows, abdominal thrusts, or CPR. Cardiac arrest results in unresponsiveness and no breathing and should be treated immediately with CPR, an AED, and calling emergency services.

1. The 5 Common Emergencies
Airway obstruction,
Cardiac Arrest,
Respiratory Arrest, Soft-
Tissue Injuries, Treatment
of Burns
By Emily Dothager

2. Airway Obstruction
Full or partial blockage on the breathing pathways to the lungs
Anything from an allergic reaction, object in the pathways, or
trauma can be the cause.
Often comes on suddenly in a person with no prior warning!

3. Airway Obstruction
Symptoms
Bluish skin
Fidgeting
Choking
Difficulty Breathing
Panic
Wheezing
Worst case: Unconsciousness

4. Treatment of Airway
Obstruction
Assess the severity of the obstruction.
If coughing...
1) Encourage continued
coughing
2) Be careful to watch and
make sure that the cough is
working.
If coughing is ineffective...
1) 5 back blows and 5
abdominal thrusts (if conscious)
2) Start CPR (if unconscious)
3) Call for medical assistance

5. Cardiac Arrest and Symptoms
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac Arrest occurs shortly after a few
symptoms appear and is characterized as a
sudden loss of heart function.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of responsiveness
No breathing

6. Treatment
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY
If an AED (Automated External
Defibrillator) is available, USE!
Begin CPR immediately and use until
EMS (emergency medical service)
arrives.
If AED was not previously available,
use as soon as EMS arrives.
Usually, Cardiac Arrest can be reversed
if treatment begins immediately. This is
not something to mess around with, get
professional help immediately!

7. Respiratory Arrest and
Symptoms
Respiratory Arrest occurs when an individual stops breathing on their
own.
Symptoms Include: No breathing
Progressive loss of consciousness
Low blood oxygen supply
Airway obstruction (possible cause)

8. Treatment
The only real effective treatment in
respiratory arrest is to use an alternative
ventilation technique to treat the underlying
cause. This could be CPR or AED. As always,
call 911 immediately and continue attempted
ventilation techniques until they arrive.

9. Soft Tissue Injuries and
Symptoms
– A soft tissue injury is any
form of injury to the muscles,
tendons and fascia (tissue that
links all parts of body; carries
nerves and blood).
– These injuries can be very
minor, or very serious. It just
depends on the injury.
Symptoms include: Cuts/scrapes
Bruises/swelling
Sprains
Dislocations
Question: What are some other soft
tissue injuries that were not
mentioned? Any personal
experiences?

10. Treatments
Treatments include...
1) determine severity: 1st degree (mild), 2nd degree (moderate), or
3rd degree (severe)
2) If injury is just superficial (mild) then it can usually be treated
at home with bandages, topical treatments, etc.
3) If injury involves deep cuts or large random bruises/swelling
then head to the doctor for it to be properly assessed and
treated. Apply pressure to open, bleeding wounds in the mean
time
4) For sprains, strains, dislocations seek immediate medical
attention to properly align and support the injury.
5) Always remember, that if it looks serious and you have no idea
what to do then it is always best to seek medical advice or help..

11. Treatment of Burns (a soft
tissue injury)
Initial do's and don'ts for any degree of burns:
Do: Prevent shock, reduce risk of infection, ease pain
Don't: pierce/open blisters, peel off dead skin, or peel away clothing
stuck to burn.
1st Degree Burn Treatment: No blisters from this one. Run burn under
cold water and soothe with aloe vera gel.
No medical attention needed.
2nd Degree Burn Treatment: Potentially require medical treatment
depending on the severity (blisters) and
area covered. Submerge burn in cold
water immediately or pour water over it
depending on the placement.
rd
3 Degree Burn Treatment: Skin will be charred and white. Seek
medical attention immediately!

12. AED
What does AED stands for?
Automated External Defibrillator
What is an AED used for?
It automatically diagnoses the heart
rhythms and treats them through a process
of defibrillation. Defibrilation stops the
current rhythm and allows the heart to restart
at a normal rhythm.
Has anyone had any experience with an
AED?
Must be AED certified to use.