H & A Training Quiz

INFECTION CONTROL

As First Aiders, we are trained to assist casualties who are sick or injured.  The risk of cross infection is very low.  However, every First Aider needs to take precautions with all first aid situations.  The use of gloves, glasses and facemasks will protect both you and the casualty from the risk of infection.

Bodily fluids can penetrate the body through open wounds, sores, cuts, the mouth and the eyes.

How they are passed on

• Blood and body fluids —saliva, sneezing, vomit, pus from infected sores, urine, faeces, vaginal and seminal fluids.
• Hypodermic needles a needle, teaspoon, or being stabbed by an infected needle.
• Blood transfusions with infected blood or plasma.
  
  

Before administering First Aid:

• Wash hands.
• Use latex, vinyl or disposable gloves.
• Use plastic apron.
• Use safety glasses to protect the eyes.
• Use a resuscitation mask if available.
  
  

During First Aid Treatment:

• Wear gloves that are not thin, worn, or torn.
• Wear two pairs of gloves if possible.
• Do not cough or sneeze onto the casualty’s wounds.
• Use clean bandages and dressings.
• Clean wounds and try not to get dirt into them.
• Wash off any body fluids immediately. If you are accidentally cut and there is blood from the casualty near or in your cut, wash the cut immediately with running water, cover the wound and seek medical advice.
  
  

After Administering First Aid Treatment:

• Dispose of gloves, blood-soaked bandages and pads properly.
• Wash facemasks and any contaminated equipment in bleach. Soak them in the bleach solution for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Wash hands thoroughly.
• Wash blood off any clothes or surfaces with bleach.
  
  

Contamination by Body Fluids:

Eyes and mouth: wash thoroughly with cold running water and seek medical advice immediately. Hands: Wash thoroughly with soap and running tap water. Wounds wash with antiseptic, cover and seek medical advice immediately.

Procedure for Needle Stick Injuries:

• Wash the injury immediately with cold running water.
• Promote bleeding.
• Apply antiseptic solution to injury.
• Dress the wound.
• Go to the hospital immediately where they will arrange pathology tests and counselling.
• Try not to panic. The calmer you are the slower your heart will beat.

To further prevent accidents always handle the situation as if the casualty is infected.

INFECTION CONTROL QUIZ

ASSESSING THE CASUALTY

Infection Control

D —Danger —Is the Area Safe?

R —Response —Check for a Response.  Is the casualty conscious?

S —Send for Help —Call for an Ambulance

A —Airway - Is the airway open and clear?

B —Breathing - Look, Feel and Listen for breathing

Examination of the Casualty:

Assessing the Casualty

LOOK, FEEL, OBSERVE, AND LISTEN

Look for visible signs of injuries.

• Does the casualty have a medical alert necklace or bracelet?
• Does the casualty have a tattoo on the inside of their wrist with a medical problem written there?
• Is the casualty pale, sweaty, blue?
• Is the casualty bleeding?
• Are there any wounds, puncture marks, contusions?
  
  

Are they suffering symptoms?

Ask them:

• Do they have a headache?
• Are they in pain?  If so where does it hurt?
• Do they feel sick, dizzy, or unwell?
• What happened?

Complete a Head to Toe Examination

Look and feel the head and neck

Don’t let the casualty move their head or neck.

Run your fingers gently over the head and neck and look and feel for any bleeding, swelling, or lumps.

Look at the face, nose, mouth and ears.  Is there any bleeding or clear fluids running from the ears or nose?

• Are there any loose or knocked out teeth?
• Can the casualty talk and move their mouth?
• Is there any pain or deformities?
• Are their pupils equal in size?
  
  

Look, listen and feel the chest

Watch the rise and fall of the chest.

Notice any increase in breathing or difficulty in breathing.

• Does the rib cage look deformed?
• Can you hear noisy breathing, a sucking noise or gurgling?
• Is there pain on breathing?
  
  

Look, and feel the abdomen

• Is there any visible bleeding?
• Is there any pain in the region?
• Is there any swelling, bruising, trauma?
• Check the pelvis —does it hurt?
  
  

Look and feel the limbs

• Are there any deformities, bruising, swelling, or bleeding?
• Have the limbs a loss of strength, movement or feeling?
• Is there numbness, pins and needles, or pain?
• Is the limb cold to touch and/or blue in colour?
• Are there any puncture wounds?
  
  

Look and feel the spine

If the casualty has no pain or pins and needles, then gently log roll the casualty into the lateral position, supporting the neck and head.

Look at the neck and spine.

Feel for deformities.

Check for bleeding, bruising, swelling or lacerations.

If pain is felt in the back or the casualty complains of pins and needles or numbness in the legs or arms

DO NOT MOVE THE CASUALTY

Signs and Symptoms are missed in First Aid by rushing and not

examining the casualty thoroughly

ASSESSING THE CASUALTY QUIZ

UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY

Signs and symptoms

• Casualty has a pulse.
• Casualty is breathing.
• Casualty seems to be sleeping but cannot be woken up.
• Casualty may moan or groan when stimulated or asked to open their eyes.
  
  

Treatment of an unconscious casualty

• Seek medical aid immediately.
• Give the casualty Nil by Mouth.
• Place the casualty into the lateral position supporting the neck and Head.

It obtains and maintains an open airway.

Although you cannot swallow your tongue, the tongue can fall across the airway and block it. 

When placed in the lateral position tongue falls away from the back of the mouth and fluids and objects will drain away from the mouth.

Even if cervical or spinal injury is suspected, the casualty must still be gently and carefully log rolled into the lateral position.

• One person supports the neck and head.
• One or two people support the back and the body.
• One person supports the legs.
• Roll the body smoothly and gently and in alignment with no twisting or jerking.
• Avoid pressure on the chest.
• Loosen any tight clothing from around the neck, chest, and waist. It makes breathing a lot easier.
• Always talk to and reassure the casualty. Although they look like they are asleep, they can sometimes hear everything you say.
• Do a head to toe examination.
• Treat other injuries.
• Cover the casualty lightly if they are cold.
• Stay with the casualty and monitor their vital signs.
• Place a pregnant woman on her left-hand side and support her stomach to allow proper blood flow to the baby and the lower limbs if injuries permit.
  
  

Remember the unconscious casualty who is not placed on their side is at risk of an obstructed airway.

These casualties often die from suffocation if the airway is not opened, cleared and maintained.

UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY QUIZ

CALLING FOR HELP

Knowing how to call for help in a life threatening or emergency situation can be the difference between life and death.

When calling for an Ambulance in Australia you call 000 from the home phone or a phone box, 112 from your mobile phone and If you are deaf or have a speech or hearing impairment you can call 106 using a textphone (TTY) or a computer with modem access, to request police, fire or ambulance assistance.

There are a few simple steps to take when making an emergency call:

• Stay calm and call from a safe location.
• An operator will answer and ask you if you need Police, Fire or Ambulance. Say the service that you require. If you are calling using a mobile or satellite phone the operator will ask you for other location information.
• You will then be connected to the nominated emergency service operator, who will take details of the situation.
• Stay on the line, speak clearly and answer the operator’s questions.
• Give the nominated emergency service operator the details of where you are, including street number, name, nearest cross street, and locality. In rural areas it is important to give the full address and distances from landmarks and roads, not just the name of the property.
• Don’t hang up until the operator has all the information they need.
• If possible, wait outside at a prearranged meeting point or in a prominent location for emergency services to arrive to assist them to locate the emergency.
• If you make an emergency call whilst travelling on a Motorway or on a rural road, identifying the direction you are travelling and the last exit or town you passed through will assist emergency services to correctly locate the incident.
• If you need medical advice, ask to speak to an Ambulance Officer who will advise you of the treatments you need to perform.
• Do not stop any treatment until the Ambulance Officer tells you to do so, as they have to set up the equipment or prepare medications etc.
  
  

When the Ambulance arrives

The history, signs and symptoms you collected, the casualty’s condition when you found them and the treatment you have given and the effects the treatment had, are important details the Ambulance Officer needs to know.

CALLING FOR HELP CASUALTY QUIZ

CPR

The casualty stands a better chance of survival if CPR is commenced as soon as possible after diagnosis is made and help is called. 

Basic Life Support Flow Chart

D Check for danger

R Response

S Send for Help

A Airway

B Breathing

C CPR

D Defibrillator

Compressions

Compressions are performed on a casualty to pump blood around the body.

Infant from (0-1year)

On an infant we use two fingers in the middle of the sternum between the nipples and compress to 1/3 chest depth (about 1-2cm) with the head placed in the neutral position

Children

On children we use one or two hands in the middle of the chest and compress to 1/3 chest depth with the head tilted back

Adults

On adults we use two hands in the middle of the chest and compress to 1/3 chest depth (about 5cm) with the head tilted back

MOUTH TO MASK RESCUE BREATHING IS THE RECOMMENDED METHOD

CPR breaths and compressions

Follow the Australian Resuscitation Guidelines

30 compressions / 2 breaths

Maintain open airway and 100 chest compressions per minute

CPR QUIZ

CARDIAC ARREST

What is a Cardiac Arrest?

A Cardiac Arrest is when the heart stops beating, or the heart’s rhythm is uncoordinated causing the heart to stop pumping blood, the casualty stops breathing and they are unconscious.

Common causes of a Cardiac Arrest

• Blockage of the arteries.
• This is caused by a build up in the arteries of cholesterol or fatty substances, blocking part or eventually all of the arteries and therefore blood cannot pass through to the heart muscle.
• Due to the blockage of the arteries, oxygenated blood is not reaching the cardiac muscle, causing the muscle to die.
• Electrocution
• Envenomation
• Drowning
• Shock

Signs leading up to a Cardiac Arrest

• Pain or a dull ache in the centre of the chest.
• Pain radiating down the arm, neck or jaw.
• The chest feels like it is being squeezed in a vice.
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Skin is pale, cold, and clammy.
• Casualty looks grey and ill.
• Casualty has an irregular pulse.
• Casualty can collapse into unconsciousness.

Diagnosis of a Cardiac Arrest

UNCONSCIOUS

NO SIGNS OF LIFE

Treatment of a Cardiac Arrest

CPR

CARDIAC ARREST QUIZ

HEART ATTACK

The heart needs oxygen to function.  Acute Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) is caused by a severe constriction or a total blockage of the cardiac vessels.  The death of the cardiac muscle (myocardium) occurs as a result of oxygen deprivation. 

It is essential that an Ambulance be called so that treatment is started immediately to minimise or reverse the damage to the heart muscle.

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Sudden onset of pain with or without exertion.
• Constant, intense, heavy vice like pain in the chest.
• Pain may radiate down the arms, neck, or jaw.
• Breathlessness   
• Pulse may be irregular, fast, slow or normal, strong or weak.
• Skin may be pale, cold and sweaty —shock is occurring.
• Nausea or vomiting may occur.
• Medication does not relieve the pain.
  
  

Treatment:

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Call 000 or (112 mobile) for an Ambulance
• Reassure casualty
• Rest casualty in a semi-sitting position unless they are feeling faint
• Casualty should administer own medication
• Monitor vital signs
  
  

Current medical opinion states that whilst waiting for the ambulance the casualty may elect to chew one aspirin tablet (300mg), if they are not allergic to aspirin. This may help diminish the amount of damage to the heart muscle. The ambulance officers will administer aspirin if the casualty has not taken aspirin prior to their arrival.

If the casualty does not receive urgent medical help, they could die

Angina Pectoris

The narrowing or blockage of the arteries can cause angina.  When a partial blockage occurs, there is a reduction of oxygenated blood reaching the heart muscle called the Myocardium, therefore causing pain in the heart muscle. 

When an Angina attack occurs, there is no major damage to the heart muscle.  Most casualties know and understand their problem and carry their own medication. 

Types of medication:

Tablet:  usually called Anginine, the tablet is placed under the tongue.

Puffer form:  Nitro lingual spray, sprayed under the tongue.  

These medications cause the Coronary arteries to widen, allowing more oxygenated blood to reach the Myocardium (or heart muscle). 

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Pulse may be irregular, fast, slow or normal.
• Pain may radiate to arms, neck or jaw.
• Constant and tense to heavy pain in the chest.
• Casualty may be short of breath.
• Pain occurs on exertion.
• Skin may be clammy, cold and pale (shock).
• Pain is relieved by rest or medication.

Treatment:

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Sit the casualty down.
• Allow casualty to take their own medication.
• Pain is relieved by rest and medication.

Due to a drop in blood pressure, these medications may cause the casualty to faint.

If pain continues call for an Ambulance

HEART ATTACK QUIZ

SHOCK

Shock is a loss of effective circulation resulting in impaired tissue oxygen and nutrients delivery and causes life threatening organ failure. 

Shock is a life-threatening condition

Signs and Symptoms may include

• Pale, cold and clammy skin.
• Pale tongue and inside of the mouth.
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid weak pulse (rule of thumb for rapid pulse concern, adults after trauma with a pulse over 100).
• Nausea and or vomiting.
• Weakness, faintness or dizziness.
• Decrease in consciousness level.

FOUR KEY SIGNS OF SHOCK ARE:

Pale —Sweaty —Agitated - Thirsty

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Control bleeding.
• Reassure casualty.
• Rest the casualty in a position of comfort ideally lying down.
• Loosen tight clothing around neck, chest, and waist.
• Keep casualty warm but do not overheat.
• Provide oxygen if available.
• Treat wounds.
• Monitor vital signs.
• NO EATING OR DRINKING.

Seek medical aid immediately

SHOCK QUIZ

FAINTING

Fainting is a brief or partial loss of consciousness, which occurs suddenly, causing the casualty to fall to the ground.  Recovery is usually rapid. 

Signs and Symptoms leading up to:

• Feeling light headed.
• Pale, cold clammy skin.
• Dizziness
• Anxiousness
• Feeling sick, Nauseous.

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Lay the casualty down.
• Elevate the legs.
• Do not allow the casualty to stand until fully recovered.
• If a pregnant woman faints, place her on her left-hand side and support her stomach.

If casualty does not recover quickly, consider another diagnosis and treatment and call for an Ambulance.

Brain damage or death can occur if the casualty is left, in an upright position, such as standing or sitting in a chair or vehicle.

FAINTING QUIZ

CHOKING

Choking is the obstruction of the airway

Signs may include

• Coughing
• Difficulties in breathing
• Face, neck, lips, ears, fingernails turning blue.
• Clutching the throat.
• Unconscious and not breathing.

Treatment of a partial obstruction

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Encourage the casualty to relax and take deep breaths.
• Encourage the casualty to try and cough up the obstruction.
• Bend the casualty forward at the waist, to assist with dislodging the obstruction.
• Call an Ambulance immediately if the obstruction is not expelled.

DO NOT:

• Attempt to dislodge the obstruction with your fingers as this could push the obstruction further down the airway.
• Use the Heimlich Manoeuvre as this can damage the internal organs.

Treatment of a complete obstruction

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• A complete obstruction is diagnosed by a casualty not being able to breathe, speak or make any sounds.
• This can also be recognised as a hand gripping around the throat.
• Lean the casualty forward and bend them over at the waist.
• Give up to five (5) hard blows between the shoulder blades, pausing between each blow to see if the obstruction has been dislodged.
• If the airway is still blocked, give five (5) chest thrusts to the middle of the chest the same as performing chest compressions to try and expel the obstruction, checking after each thrust. This should be done against a hard surface.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious, perform CPR and call for an Ambulance immediately.

Treatment of an obstruction in an infant or child

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• A child can be positioned over your knee while you are in the sitting position. This will allow gravity to assist in expelling the object.
• With the child on your knees, supporting its neck and head, give up to five (5) slaps between their shoulder blades, checking between each back slap to see if the obstruction has been expelled.
• If the airway is still blocked, give up to five (5) chest thrusts to the middle of the chest the same as performing chest compressions but using two fingers on an infant, to try and expel the obstruction, checking after each thrust.

Do not hold an infant by their legs, as this can pull the infants legs out of the sockets.

CHOKING QUIZ

ASTHMA

Asthma is a reversible breathing problem caused from sudden or progressive narrowing and spasming of the smaller airways and includes mucus production, which interferes with oxygen exchange.  People who suffer from asthma have sensitive airways.  When exposed to certain triggers, their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.

Signs leading up to an asthma attack:

• Asthma sufferers can often show signs, days before an asthma attack can occur. This can provide an opportunity to identify that a person’s asthma is worsening or that they are at risk of suffering a major attack.
• These signs could be:
• Reduced ability to do usual activities.
• Need to use their blue reliever puffer more than 3 times a week to manage asthma symptoms.
• Likely to be tired, lethargic, irritable and/or have lack of concentration.
• Behavior changes

Triggers of an Asthma attack

• Colds and flu
• Animal hair and dander
• Changes in temperature
• Chemicals, perfume scents
• Exercise (can be managed)
• Dust Mites
• Alcohol or some soft drinks
• Some preservatives
• Some foods
• Pollens, mould and grasses
• Cigarette Smoke
• Certain Drugs
• Some Occupational hazards

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person.  Some sufferers may present with all the symptoms, while others may only have the wheeze or the cough.

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Moderate to severe breathing difficulties
• Shortness of breath —fast shallow breathing
• Wheezing —a high pitched sound when exhaling
• Tight chest —the chest wall is not expanding normally
• Coughing —usually occurs at night or in cold conditions
• Paleness, sweaty, blueness of lips, fingertips, or earlobes
• Quiet and subdued
• Possibly unconscious

Asthma severity classifications:

Mild Asthma:

• Soft wheeze
• Minor breathing difficulties
• Cough
• Casualty speaks in sentences

 Moderate Asthma:

• Loud wheeze
• Increasing breathing difficulties
• Persistent cough
• Casualty speaks in phrases

Severe Asthma

• Wheeze may not be heard
• Extreme difficulty in breathing or gasping for breath
• Distressed and anxious —may be hyperventilating
• Casualty speaks in single words only
• Pale and sweaty
• Blue lips and earlobes

Treatment

• Follow the casualty’s own asthma management plan

If the casualty does not have an asthma management plan then follow the 4x4x4 asthma management plan

The four-step asthma management plan

Step 1:

• Sit the person down.  NEVER LAY AN ASTHMATIC DOWN WHO IS HAVING AN ATTACK
• Remain calm
• Provide reassurance. 
• Encourage slow breathing
• Do not leave the casualty alone
  
  

Step 2:

• Give 4 puffs of a blue/grey reliever inhaler
• One puff at a time through a spacer
• Ask the casualty to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff
• Shake puffer after each firing
• If no spacer is available, use a blue reliever inhaler on its own
  
  

Step 3:

• Wait 4 minutes
  
  

Step 4:

• If there is little or no improvement, repeat steps 2 and 3
• If there is still little or no improvement, call for an Ambulance immediately
• For more information on Asthma, and Asthma management please contact:

Asthma NSW on      www.asthmansw.org.au             02 99063233

OR

Asthma Australia on www.asthmaaustralia.org.au        03 96967861

ASTHMA QUIZ

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Anaphylaxis and Severe Allergic Reactions:

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction, and is caused by contact to an allergen such as food, medicines or an insect bite.  Although death is rare, anaphylaxis requires emergency treatment.  Anaphylaxis can be influenced by exercise, heat, and the amount of food eaten and digested.

Allergens causing an anaphylactic reaction:

Foods:  peanuts and nuts, shellfish and fish, milk, yeast and eggs

Insect bites:  bees, wasps, jumping jack ants, red fire ants

Medication:  penicillin, aspirin, codeine, antibiotics, morphine

Latex:  gloves, party balloons, swimming hats, goggles, condoms

Signs and Symptoms may include:

Mild to moderate reaction:    

• Swelling of lips, face, or eyes
• Hives, welts or a rash
• Nausea
• Feeling of being unwell
• Abdominal pain
• Itchiness

Treatment

• If casualty’s action plan is available, follow the plan
• If stung by an insect, remove the stinger (except ticks)
• If casualty has medication prescribed, e.g. antihistamine tablets, cream or eye drops, hand them to the casualty for administration.
• If casualty needs to use an asthma reliever puffer, follow the 4x4x4 asthma management plan
• If airway or lips are swollen, apply a cold compress to help reduce the swelling
• Continue to monitor the casualty’s condition
• A casualty can have a secondary reaction, sometimes worse after the initial reaction has occurred
• If the casualty’s condition deteriorates call for an Ambulance

Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic reaction)

• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling and tightness of the throat
• Tongue may swell
• Unconsciousness
• Noisy breathing —wheeze or cough. The same as Asthma attack
• Pale, cold, clammy skin —shock
• Difficulty in talking

Treatment

• If the casualty’s action management plan is available follow the plan
• If the casualty’s action management plan is unavailable, follow ASCIA’s Management plan
• Administer the EpiPen
• Call for an Ambulance immediately. This condition is life-threatening
• Lay the casualty flat
• If the casualty is having breathing difficulties, allow them to sit up. DO NOT ALLOW THE CASUALTY TO STAND
• If swelling of the neck occurs, apply a cold compress or ice pack to help reduce the swelling
• Monitor the casualty’s condition

When you call for an Ambulance ensure that you tell them that an EpiPen has been administered

The EpiPen does not treat the reaction, it keeps the body’s systems working until Medical treatment is administered

When it is not recommended to use an EpiPen:

• If the auto-injector is out of date
• If the liquid is cloudy or not clear in colour
• You can see sediment floating in the liquid through the viewing window
• If the auto-injector has been fired
• If the auto-injector has been stored in bright light
• If the auto-injector has been stored in the fridge or freezer

Before using an EpiPen, you should

• Check the expiry date on the EpiPen
• Check the EpiPen has not been fired
• Check the colour of the liquid in the viewing window

How to administer an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr:

A casualty who has been diagnosed with suffering from Anaphylaxis, should always carry around their own medication, to be administered if required.

Step 1:

Form a fist around the EpiPen, place the needle end of the EpiPen against the fleshy part of the outer thigh

Step 2:

Pull off the safety cap

Step 3:

Push the EpiPen hard against the leg until you hear a click. Hold the EpiPen in place.

Step 4:

Remove the EpiPen from the thigh, being careful not to touch the needle.  Discard the EpiPen safely in a sharp’s container.

CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY:

Tell the operator that the casualty is having an anaphylactic reaction & that an Epi-pen has been administered.

More information can be found at: www.allergy.org.au

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS QUIZ

FRACTURES

What is a fracture?

A fracture is the breaking of a bone or cartilage, and is usually accompanied by soft tissue injury, pain and swelling in the surrounding area.

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• You may hear the break when a person falls.
• Casualty may feel the bone break.
• Pain at or near the injury site.
• Deformity —the limb could be positioned at the wrong angle.
• One limb seems shorter than the other limb.
• The limb has a loss of power.
• Bruising
• Tenderness and swelling
• Increase in pain as swelling increases.
  
  

Treatment for all fractures:

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Control bleeding —cover wound with a dressing and bandage.
• Prevent movement —support injured limb with pillows or blankets.
• Treat for shock.
• Reassure casualty.
• Check circulation.

If medical aid is delayed or the casualty has to be moved

• Carefully splint the wound.
• Immobilise the fracture using broad bandages.
• Secure above and below the fracture site.

FRACTURES QUIZ

Dislocations

Dislocation is a bone that has been removed from a joint.  This can happen spontaneously or from trauma and may have associated fractures.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain
• Inability to move
• Deformity
• Tenderness over joint.
• Swelling and discolouration around the joint occurs rapidly.
  
  

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Check for circulation in the injured limb.
• DO NOT TRY TO PUT THE DISLOCATION BACK IN PLACE.
• Splint or sling injured part if possible.
• Consider applying bulky padding over the site.
• Apply cold pack to reduce swelling, elevate injured part if possible.
• Seek medical aid.

Dislocations QUIZ

BRUISING, SPRAINS AND STRAINS

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Cannot weight bear.
• Discolouration
• Loss of movement around the injury.

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Rest and support the injured limb.
• Ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and to aid in healing. Up to 20 minutes.
• Compression bandage is applied for support.
• Elevate the limb to reduce any further swelling.
• Refer injury to a doctor.

How to Apply an ice pack

Every alternative 20 minutes for the first 2 hours.

Then

20 minutes every 2 hours for the next 48 hours.

• Do not place ice directly onto the skin. It can damage the skin.
• Wrap it in a wet towel.
• Do not apply heat.

BRUISING, SPRAINS AND STRAINS QUIZ

BURNS

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Reddened skin
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Peeling skin around burnt area.
• Very painful
• Deep tissue burns
• Skin may look white.
• Skin may look black and charred.
• Body fluid loss.
• Shock
• Relatively painless due to nerve damage.
• Pain may occur around the edges of the burn.
• Dehydration

Treatment for Burns:

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Watch for danger.
• Remove casualty from danger.
• Put out any flames - stop - drop & roll.
• Cool the burn by placing the burnt area under gently running cold water for up to 20 minutes.
• Remove constrictive jewellery and clothing if not stuck.
• Cover the burn loosely with a clean sterile non stick dressing, non fluffy sheet or material, plastic wrap.
• If possible, elevate the burnt area.
• If pain persists, continue to cool with cold water.
• Call for assistance immediately.
• Monitor Airway and Breathing.

When to seek medical aid:

• When a partial thickness burn, which may have associated blisters, is larger than a 20-cent piece.
• Full thickness burns.
• Burns involving the face, hands, airway, chest, or genital area.
• Burns affecting a large area of the body, particularly in the elderly, small children and babies.
• Not sure how bad the burn is?

DO NOT

• Place yourself in danger when attempting a rescue. Please apply caution and common sense.
• Remove clothing, footwear, or jewellery which is stuck to the skin.
• Break blisters, this causes the risk of infection.
• Use adhesive plaster.
• Apply fats, oils, butter, lotions or cream.
• Underestimate the extent of the burns especially burns involving the airway.
• Use cotton wool, towels, fluffy material, blankets, or plastic adhesives.
• Over cool the casualty —shivering is a sign.
• Give alcohol or tobacco.

Remember: - Shock can occur quickly!

BURNS QUIZ

BLEEDING

Bleeding is the loss of blood from the blood vessels.  Severe or continued bleeding can lead to death.  You as a first aider must control the bleeding.  Blood consists of red and white cells, platelets that assist with clotting, and plasma, which is the fluid component of blood.  The blood is circulated around the body by our heart, which is under constant pressure.

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

• Always wear gloves
• Reassure the casualty.
• Apply direct pressure to the wound using a gloved hand or try and use the casualty’s own hand.
• Lie casualty flat.
• Apply a dressing to the wound and bandage firmly in place.
• Loosen tight clothing from around the neck, chest and waist.
• Elevate and support bleeding part except if fractured.
• Monitor and record vital signs.
• Check for shock.
• If bleeding persists, apply a second dressing. DO NOT REMOVE THE FIRST DRESSING.
• Protect the casualty from the weather conditions.
• Seek medical

Embedded objects:

Fish hooks, sticks, steel, shards of glass or timber.

Treatment:

• Pad around the object.
• Ensure that the bleeding has stopped.

DO NOT

• Put pressure over the object
• Shorten the object unless it is unmanageable
• Remove any embedded objects

 

Bleeding Nose:

Treatment:

• Sit the casualty with their head slightly forward.
• Apply direct pressure to the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes (longer pressure may be needed in hot weather or after exercise).
• If bleeding continues place an ice pack over the forehead and the back of the neck.
• Seek medical advice if bleeding cannot be controlled.

 

DO NOT LET THE CASUALTY BLOW THEIR NOSE FOR 3 HOURS