SHOCK SHOCK is a depressed condition of many body functions due to the failure of enough blood to circulate throughout the body following serious injury.
Causes of Shock Severe bleeding Crushing injury Infection Heart Attack Perforation Anaphylaxis Shell bomb and bullet wound Rupture of tubal pregnancies Starvation and disease may also cause shock
Factors which contribute to shock Pain Rough handling Improper transfer Continuous bleeding Exposure to extreme cold or excessive heat Fatigue
Dangers of Shock Lead to death Predisposes body to infection Lead to loss of body part
Signs and Symptoms of Shock: Early stage Face–pale or cyanotic in color Skin–cold and clammy Breathing – irregular Pulse – rapid and weak Nausea and vomiting Weakness Thirsty
Signs and Symptoms of Shock: Late stage If the condition deteriorates, victim may become apathetic or relatively unresponsive Eyes will be sunken with vacant expression Pupils are dilated Blood vessels may be congested producing mottled appearances. Blood pressure has very low level. Unconsciousness may occur, body temperature falls
Objectives of First Aid -Shock To improve circulation of the blood. To ensure an adequate supply of oxygen. To maintain normal body temperature
First Aid and Preventive Management of Shock Proper Position Keep the victim lying down flat Elevate the lower part of the body a foot or so if injury is severe, from eight to twelve inches high Place the victim who is having difficulty in breathing on his back, with his head and shoulder raised Head injury – apply pressure on the injury and keep the victim lying flat. Do not elevate head or lower extremities. When the color of the face return to normal, elevate head and shoulder and continue giving care to the injury. In chest injury, raise the head and shoulder slightly. When there are symptoms of nausea and vomiting or unconsciousness keep the victim lying on one side preferably opposite from his injury except for sucking wound and stroke. The position is known as recovery, coma or lateral position.
First Aid and Preventive Management of Shock 2.Proper body heat Maintain body temperature and victim must not be neither perspiring nor chilling. If the weather is warm, the victim need not be covered. If the victim is cold, in spite of the weather, a blanket may be placed underneath him and cover the body.
First Aid and Preventive Management of Shock 3. Proper Transfer Proper handling of patient would prevent further injury to the patient. Refer proper techniques on transfer method on Patient Handling
WOUNDS Wounds is a break in the continuity of a tissue of the body either internal or external. A wound is an injury that breaks the skin or other body tissue. Wounds can be open, with broken skin and exposed body tissue, or closed when there is damage to tissue under intact skin.
WOUNDS Open Wound - a break in the skin or mucus membrane or the protective skin layer is damage. Nearly everyone will experience an open wound at some point in their lives, but the level of severity will range significantly depending on the type: 1.Penetrating wounds Puncture wounds Surgical wounds and incisions Thermal, chemical or electric burns Bites and stings Gunshot wounds, or other high velocity projectiles that can penetrate the body
WOUNDS 2. Blunt force trauma Abrasions Lacerations Skin tears
Open wound First Aid Management (Serious Bleeding) Control Bleeding Cover the wound with dressing and secure with a bandage Care for shock Consult or refer to physician.
WOUNDS Closed wounds are often caused by blunt trauma, and though the injured tissue is not exposed, there can be bleeding and damage to underlying muscle, internal organs and bones. Major types of closed wounds include: Contusions – blunt trauma causing pressure damage to the skin and/or underlying tissues Blisters Seroma – a fluid-filled area that develops under the skin or tissue Hematoma – a blood-filled area that develops under the skin or tissue (occurring when there is internal blood vessel damage to an artery or vein) Crush injuries
Close wound First Aid Management In closed wounds, the main goal of treatment is to control the pain, and keep the bleeding and inflammation to a minimum. This is done by using ice packs, compression, elevation and immobilization of the affected limb or area. Cold Application Splinting
BURN A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals. Burns are primarily divided into 3 categories: Superficial (First-degree) burns Partial-thickness (Second-degree) burn Full-thickness (Third-degree) burns
Types of Burn Injuries 1. Thermal burns - Not all-thermal burns are caused by flames. Contact with hot objects, flammable vapor that ignites and causes a flash or an explosion, and steam or hot liquids are other common causes of burns. Care for Thermal burns Care of First-Degree and Second-Degree Burns Relieve pain by immersing the burned area in cold water or by applying a wet, cold cloth. Apply cold until the part is pain free both in and out of the water (usually in 10 minutes, but it may take up to 45 minutes). Cold also stops the burn’s progression into deeper tissue. If cold water is unavailable, use any cold liquid you drink to reduce the burned skin’s temperature. Cover the burn with a dry, non-sticking, sterile dressing or a clean cloth. Covering the burn reduces the amount of pain by keeping air from the exposed nerve endings. The main purpose of a dressing over a burn is to keep the burn clean, prevent evaporative loss, and reduce the pain.
Types of Burn Injuries Care for Third-Degree Burns It usually is not necessary to apply cold to third-degree burns since pain is absent. Any pain felt with a third-degree burn comes from accompanying first-and second-degree burns, for which cold applications can be helpful. Cover the burn with a dry, non-sticking, sterile dressing or a clean cloth. reat the victim for shock by elevating the legs and keeping the victim warm with a clean sheet or blanket.
Types of Burn Injuries Care for Scald Burn Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. A burn is caused by dry heat, for example, by an iron or fire. A scald is caused by very hot liquid, such as hot water or steam. Cover scald burns with a cool, moist, sterile dressing, and transport the patients to a hospital. Do not apply ointment, grease, or butter to the scalded area
Types of Burn Injuries 2. Chemical burns - A wide range of chemical agents is capable of causing tissue damage and death on contact with the skin. As with thermal burns, the amount of tissue damage depends on the duration of contact, the skin thickness in the area of exposure, and the strength of the chemical agent. Chemicals will continue to cause tissue destruction until the chemical agent is removed. Three types of chemicals-acids, alkalis, and organic compounds-are responsible for most chemical burns.
Types of Burn Injuries Care for Chemical burns: Immediately remove the chemical by flushing with water. If available, use a hose or a shower. Brush dry powder chemicals from the skin before flushing, unless large amounts of water are immediately available. Water may activate a dry chemical and cause more damage to the skin. Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to the chemical. Remove the victim’s contaminated clothing while flushing with water. Clothing can hold chemicals, allowing them to continue to burn as long as they are in contact with the skin. Flush for 20 minutes or longer. Let the victim wash with a mild soap before a final rinse. Dilution with large amounts of water decreases the chemical concentration and washes it away. Cover the burned area with a dry dressing or, for large areas, a clean pillowcase. If the chemical is in eye, flood it for at least 20 minutes, using low pressure. Seek medical attention immediately for all chemical burns.
Types of Burn Injuries 3. Electrical burns. The injury severity from exposure to electrical current depends on the type of current (direct or altering), the voltage, the area of the body exposed, and the duration of contact. Care for Electrical burns Make sure the area is safe. Unplug, disconnect, or turn off the power. If that is impossible, call the Power Company or ask for help. Check the ABCs. (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) Provide R.B. or C.P.R. if necessary. - If the victim fell, check for spine injury. Treat the victim for shock by elevating the legs 8-12 inches and prevent heat loss by covering the victim with a coat or blanket. Seek medical attention immediately. Electrical injuries are treated in burn center
POISONING POISON is any substance: solid, liquid or gas that tends to impair health or causes death when introduced into the body or onto the skin surface. A poisoning emergency can be life threatening. Causes of Poisoning: Common in suicide attempts Occasional accidental poisoning.
POISONING Ways in Which Poisoning May Occur: Ingestion - by mouth Inhalation - by breathing Injection - by animal bites, stings, syringes Absorption - by skin contact
POISONING Common Household Poisons: Sleeping pills Pain relievers Insect and rodent poisons Kerosene Denature alcohol Lye and acids including boric Poisonous plants Contaminated water Fume
POISONING Ingested Poisons is one that is introduced into the digestive tract by way of the mouth. One form of ingestion poisoning is food poisoning, a general form that covers a variety of conditions. Suspect food poisoning if: Signs and Symptoms: Altered mental status Burns around the mouth Odd breath odors Nausea, vomiting Abdominal pain Diarrhea
POISONING First Aid Try to Identify the poison by seeking information from the victim or bystanders and look for clues. Place the victim on his or her left side to position the end of the stomach where it enters the small intestine (pylorus) straight up. Gravity will delay (by as much as two hours) advancement of the poison into the small intestine, where absorption into the victim’s circulatory system is faster. The side position also helps prevent aspiration (inhalation) into the lungs if vomiting begins. Save any empty container, spoiled food for analysis Save any vomitus and keep it with the victim if he or she is taken to an emergency facility.
POISONING Inhaled Poisons. A poison breathed into the lungs. Signs and Symptoms: Breathing difficulty Chest pain Cough, hoarseness, burning sensation in the throat. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes). Dizziness, headache. - Seizures, unresponsiveness (advance stages).
POISONING First Aid: Remove the victim from the toxic environment and into fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention. All suspected CO victims needs 100% oxygen and should obtain a blood test to determine the level of CO.
POISONING Absorbed Poisons a poison that enters the body through the skin. Signs and Symptoms: Liquid or powder on the skin. Burns Itching, irritation Redness, rash, blisters
POISONING First Aid: Remove the clothing that came in contact with the poison. Then with a dry cloth blot the poison from the skin. If the poison is a dry powder, brush it off. Flood the area with copious amounts of water. A shower or garden hose are ideal for this purpose. Continue until medical personnel arrived. Continually monitor the patient’s vital signs. Be alert for sudden changes. Seizures and shock are not uncommon.
POISONING Injected Poisons a poison that enters the body through a bite, stings, or syringe. a. Insect Bites Signs and Symptoms: Stinger may be present Pain Swelling Possible allergic reaction
POISONING First Aid: Removes stinger scrape it away or use tweezers Wash wound Cover the wound Apply a cold pack Watch for signals of allergic reaction
POISONING b. Spider Bite / Scorpion Sting Signs and Symptoms: Bite mark Swelling Pain Nausea and vomiting Difficulty breathing or swallowing First Aid: Wash wound Apply a cold pack Get medical care to receive antivenin Call local emergency number, if necessary.
POISONING c. Marine Life Stings Signs and Symptoms: Possible marks Pain Swelling Possible allergic reaction First Aid: If jellyfish - soak area in vinegar If sting rays - soak in non- scalding hot water until pain goes away. Clean and bandage wound Call local emergency number if necessary.
POISONING d. Snake Bites Signs and Symptoms Bite mark Pain First Aid: Wash wound Keep bitten part still, and lower than the heart. Call local emergency number.
POISONING Human and Animal Bites Signs and Symptoms Bite mark Bleeding First Aid: If bleeding is minor - wash wound Control bleeding Apply antibiotic ointment Cover the wound Get medical attention if wound bleeds severely or if you suspect animal has rabies. Call local emergency number or contact animal control personnel.
General Care for Poisoning Survey the scene to make sure it is safe to approach and gather clues about what happen. Remove the victim from the source of the poison Do a primary survey to assess the victim’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Care for any life-threatening condition. If the victim is conscious, do a secondary survey to gather additional information. Look for containers or pills. Contact Hospital with/or without Poison Control Center and/ or summon more advanced medical personnel. Do not give the victim anything by mouth unless advised by medical professionals. If poison is unknown and the victim vomits, save some of the vomitus, which may be analyzed later to identify the poison.
BONE, JOINT, AND MUSCLE INJURIES Common Causes Vehicular accidents Motorbike accidents Mishandling of tools & equipment Falls Sports
Signs and Symptoms Pain Bruising; discoloration (gravity, sometimes make bruises show up some distance from the original injury). Swelling Misshapen appearance and obvious deformity. (A limb may appear bent or shortened) Exposed bone Pale, bluish skin; loss of pulse in an injured limb. (A serious bone or joint injury keeps blood from flowing properly to points further down the arm or leg). Numbness furthers down the arm or leg.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries Muscle cramp (or spasm) is the sudden, painful tightening of a muscle. First Aid: Have the victim stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cramp. Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently Apply cold application to relieve pain Get medical help if cramps persist.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries Muscle strain or pulled muscle is the sudden, painful tearing of muscle fiber during exertion. Signs and symptom include pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of efficient movement. First Aid: Apply cold compresses at once. Reapply them for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours. (Do not apply ice directly to the skin.) If the strained muscle is in an arm or leg, elevate the limb to reduce swelling and bleeding with in the muscle. Rest the pulled muscle for 24 hours. Get medical help if the victim is in great pain or if a body part is not working properly.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries Sprain occurs when a joint loosens, this is caused by torn fibers in a ligament. Sprains are painful and can cause swelling and bruising, but the joint may still function and usually does not appear misshapen unless all the fibers of a ligament are torn. First Aid: Remove any clothing or jewelry from around the joint. Apply cold compresses at once. The victim’s physician may recommend an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication appropriates for the victim’s general health.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries Dislocation and Broken Bones (Fractures) Joint dislocation can happen when bones come out of alignment. Signs and symptoms include pain, misshapen appearance, swelling and loss of function. Broken bones (split or snap) fractures can be closed (the skin is not broken) or open (one or both bone ends pierce the skin).
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries Broken bones: Signs and symptoms can include pain, swelling, and misshapen or even very painful, and it is a myth that you cannot use a broken bone. If you have any suspicion that a bone is broken, assume that it is. Do not move a victim with an injured hip, pelvis or upper leg unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must move the victim immediately, use the clothes drag technique. Do not attempt to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or to change its position. - Do not test a misshapen bone or joint for loss of function. Do not give the victim anything by mouth.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries First Aid: Check the victim’s ABC. Open the airway; check breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control. Keep the victim still. If the skin is pierced by broken bone, or if you suspect there may be a broken bone beneath and open wound, take steps to prevent infection. Do not breath on the wound and do not wash or probe it. Cover it with sterile dressing before immobilizing the injury. Splint or sling the injury in the position, which you found it. It is important to immobilize the area both above and below the injured joint and to check the circulation of the affected area after immobilization. Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat, elevate his/her feet 8 to 12 inches and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. Do not place the victim in the shock position if you suspect any head, neck, or leg injury or if the position causes the victim discomfort. Get medical help
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES The human body is equipped to withstand extremes of temperature. Usually, its mechanisms for regulating body temperature work very well. However, when the body is overwhelmed by extremes of heat and cold, illness occurs. Hypothermia - Exposure to extreme cold for a short time or moderate cold for a long time can cause hypothermia. Mild Hypothermia. The patient will present with cold skin and shivering and will still be alert and oriented. Signs and Symptoms Increased breathing rate Increased pulse rate and blood pressure Slow, thick speech Staggering walk Apathy, drowsiness, incoherence Sluggish pupils Uncontrollable shivering
Mild Hypothermia First Aid: Check responsiveness, if patient is alert and able, allow him/her to drink warm fluids. Never give a confused or lethargic patient anything to drink. Cover the patient with a warm blanket. Apply hot compress Check vital signs Refer to a physician
Severe Hypothermia Severe Hypothermia . Patients may become unresponsive. This is a true medical emergency that can lead to death. Signs and Symptoms Extremely slow breathing rate Extremely slow pulse rate Unresponsiveness Fixed and dilated pupils Rigid extremities Absence of shivering First Aid: Check responsiveness Check ABC, perform CPR if needed. Care for shock Refer to a physician
HEAT EMERGENCIES Mechanism of Heat Loss Convection – Body heat is lost to surrounding air, which becomes warmer, rises, and is replaced with cooler air. Respiration – This occurs when a person breathes in cold air and breathes out air that was warmed inside the body. Radiation – Body heat is lost to nearby objects without physically touching them. Conduction – Body heat is lost to nearby objects through direct physical touch. Evaporation – Body heat causes perspiration, which is lost from the body surface when changed from liquid to vapor.
Three general types of heat emergencies Heat Cramps . A muscular pain and spasm due largely to loss of salt from the body in sweating or too inadequate intake of salt. Signs and Symptoms Muscle cramps, often in the abdomen or legs Heavy perspiration Lightheadedness; weakness First Aid: Have the victim rest with his/her feet elevated 8 to 12 inches Cool the victim. Do not use an alcohol rub Give the victim electrolyte beverages to sip (for example, Gatorade or Pedialyte) or make salted drink by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of water. Try to give a half-cup every 15 minutes. (If electrolyte beverage or salts are not immediately available, give the victim cool water.) To relive muscle cramps, massage the affected muscles gently but firmly until they relax.
Three general types of heat emergencies Heat Exhaustion. A response to heat characterized by fatigue, weakness, and collapse due to inadequate intake of water to compensate for loss of fluids through sweating. Signs and Symptoms Cool, pale or red, moist skin (Even if the victim’s internal temperature is rising, his or her skin may still be cool). Dilated pupils Headache Extreme thirst Nausea; vomiting Irrational behavior Weakness; dizziness Unconsciousness
Three general types of heat emergencies First Aid: Have the victim rest with his or her feet elevated 8-12 inches Cool the victim. Do not use an alcohol rub. Give the victim electrolyte beverages to sip (for example. Gatorade or Pedialyte) or make a salted drink by adding 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of water. Try to give a half-cup every 15 minutes. (If electrolyte beverages or salt are not immediately available, give the victim cool water.) Monitor the victim for signs of shock, including bluish lips and fingernails and decreasing alertness. If the victim starts having seizures, protect him/her from injury and give first aid for convulsions. If the victim loses consciousness, give first aid for unconsciousness.
Three general types of heat emergencies Heat Stroke or Sunstroke. A response to heat characterized by extremely high body temperature and disturbance of sweating mechanism Signs and Symptoms Raised body temperature (above 102 degrees Fahrenheit) Dry, hot, red skin. Dark urine Small pupils Rapid, shallow breathing Extreme confusion Weakness Seizures Unconsciousness
Three general types of heat emergencies First Aid Cool the victim. Do not use an alcohol rub Give First Aid for shock. Lay the victim flat and elevate his/her legs 8 – 12 inches. Do not suspect any head, neck, back or leg injury; if he or she is having breathing problems; or if the position makes the victim uncomfortable. If the victim starts having seizures, give first aid for seizures. Keep the victim cool as you await medical help
Prevention of heat emergencies Avoid exposure to direct rays of sun. Keep head covered. Wear proper clothing. Light colored clothing reflects rather than absorbs sunlight. Sweating cools only as sweat evaporates, so wear loose clothing. Intake of much water, 12-15 glasses a day, together with extra salt. Exposure to air currents from fans or open windows aids evaporation and cooling.
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
BLS Basic Life Support is designed to ensure that if a life-threatening situation were to emerge, any healthcare (or other) professional nearby will be able to help support the individual that is suffering. Broadly, BLS courses will focus on tasks such as administering CPR, addressing cardiovascular emergencies (such as a heart attack), and effectively communicating with first responders and other essential parties. How to effectively use an AED, how to administer effective ventilations using a barrier device, and how to clear airways in the event they are obstructed. BLS skills can typically be divided into three different groups: infant, child, and adult. Because the recommended actions for these groupings are notably different from one another, you will need to be familiar with how to address all three age groups in order to pass a BLS certification exam.
BLS and FIRST AID: Are they the same? The term “ First Aid” is relatively broad. Essentially, the term can be used to describe the primary (first) aid given to individuals suffering from both minor and life-threatening conditions. Thus, while CPR and BLS skills both broadly fall into the category of first aid, BLS and first aid should not be considered synonymous. BLS certification classes will not cover things such as giving stitches, addressing minor injuries (or even broken bones), or many other topics.
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT An emergency procedure that consists of recognizing respiratory or cardiac arrest or both and the proper application of CPR to maintain life until a victim recovers or advanced life support is available.
Risk factor of cardio vascular disease: Cannot be change (non – modifiable) Heredity Age Gender Can be change (modifiable) Smoking Elevated cholesterol Lack of exercise Hypertension Stress Obesity Diabetes mellitus
Heart attack - It occurs when the oxygen supply to the heart muscle (myocardium) is cut-off for a prolonged period of time. This cut-off results from a reduced blood supply due to severe narrowing or complete blockage of the diseased artery. The result is death (infarction) of the affected part of the heart. Sign and symptoms Chest discomfort Sweating Nausea Difficulty of breathing
First aid Management Recognized the signals of heart attack and take action Have patient stop what he or she is doing and sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Do not let the patient move around. Have someone call the physician or ambulance for help. If patient is under medical care, assist, him/her in taking his/her prescribe medicine/s
Cardiac Arrest - Is the condition in which circulation ceases and vital organs are deprived of oxygen.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - This is a combination of chest compression and ventilation. Criteria for not starting CPR The patient has a valid “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” (DNAR) order. The patient has signs of irreversible death When to stop CPR Spontaneous circulation restored Turn over to medical services or properly trained and authorized personnel. Operator become exhausted and cannot continue CPR. Physician assumes responsibility and take over
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION TABLE OF COMPARISON FOR ADULT, CHILD AND INFANT
Steps in performing CPR Survey the Scene. Check Responsiveness Open Airway (Head-Tilt-Chin Lift) Check Signs of Life (Look, Listen & Feel) For no more than 10 seconds Start CPR if still no signs of life Give 30 compressions and 2 ventilations (5 cycles for 2 minutes) Place in Recovery Position if Victim has signs of life