First Aid

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Good Samaritan Act?

To protect first-aid providers from liability in emergency care situations (correct)

To ensure that correctional officers are held liable for patient abandonment

To prosecute individuals who provide inadequate care

To require law enforcement officers to receive advanced medical training

What is considered abandonment in the context of emergency care?

Providing care beyond your level of training

Providing care that is below the standard of care

Stopping care without ensuring continued or better care (correct)

Refusing to provide care due to lack of training

What is the standard for a first-aid provider to avoid liability under the Good Samaritan Act?

Providing care that is below the standard of care

Providing care that is above the standard of care

Providing care that is expected of another first-aid provider with equal training (correct)

Providing care that is at the same level as a medical professional

What should a first-aid provider do when they are unable to continue providing care?

Continue providing care until another medical professional replaces them Signup and view all the answers

What is the scope of care that a criminal justice officer should adhere to?

Performing care within their level of training and certification Signup and view all the answers

What is a duty to act according to Black's Law Dictionary?

A duty to take some action to prevent harm to another Signup and view all the answers

Who has a duty to act 24/7 within their jurisdictional boundaries?

Law enforcement officers Signup and view all the answers

When is a law enforcement officer required to render first aid?

Following a use of force incident when the person detained or in custody sustained injuries or requires medical attention Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of failing to act or acting inappropriately?

A breach of duty Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard of care as defined by Black's Law Dictionary?

The degree of care that a reasonable person should exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of a criminal justice first aid provider?

To provide the same level of care as any other provider with the same training Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a higher level of care arrives?

The first responder assists as needed while maintaining security and control of the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criterion for determining negligence?

The standard of care exercised by a reasonably prudent person Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the legal standard for negligence?

Protecting others against unreasonable risk of harm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing a duty to act?

To establish a legal obligation to provide care to a patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the key factor in determining whether a breach of standard of care has occurred?

The actions of a reasonable person in a similar situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing causation in a negligence case?

To prove that the care provider's actions directly resulted in the patient's injury Signup and view all the answers

What are the four essential conditions that must be present to establish negligence?

Duty to act, breach of standard of care, causation, and damages Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the Harm or injury suffered by the patient as a result of the provider's actions?

Damages Signup and view all the answers

What type of consent is assumed when a patient rolls up their sleeve for a blood sample?

Implied consent Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a patient to refuse medical care?

The patient must be competent Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of disclosing risks, benefits, and alternatives to a patient?

To obtain informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What is implied consent based on?

A person's actions, rather than explicit agreement Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can an adult be considered incompetent to give consent?

If they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs with an altered mental status and impaired judgement, have serious illness, have an injury that affects judgment, are mentally ill, or have a developmental disability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not obtaining consent from a patient?

A criminal charge of battery Signup and view all the answers

What should a first-aid provider do if a patient refuses treatment and is involved in a traumatic incident?

Keep the patient under observation until EMS arrives Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a patient loses consciousness and a life-threatening situation exists?

The first-aid provider should immediately begin first aid without consent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between informed consent and expressed consent?

Informed consent involves a greater information exchange between the provider and patient Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a patient to give informed consent?

Full knowledge of the facts, benefits, risks, and alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What type of consent is given when a patient agrees to a procedure with full knowledge of the risks and benefits?

Informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What is required for expressed consent to be considered valid?

Positive confirmation, either verbally or physically Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of expressed consent?

It is clear and unmistakable permission Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a physical gesture that can support expressed consent?

A nod in agreement Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition for providing emergency first aid to a minor without a parent or legal guardian's permission?

The parent or legal guardian is not available in life-threatening emergencies or emergencies that could result in disability Signup and view all the answers

Who can give consent for treatment in the case of an emancipated minor?

The emancipated minor themselves Signup and view all the answers

What should a first-aid provider do if a parent refuses to consent to treatment for their child in a life-threatening emergency?

Refer to the agency's policies and procedures for guidance Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of notifying the Department of Children and Families in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect?

To report the incident to the authorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition for considering a minor as emancipated?

The minor is financially independent, does not live with a parent or caregiver, is married, or is an active member of the military Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind providing emergency first aid to a minor without a parent or legal guardian's permission in life threatening emergencies?

Implied consent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of determining the patient type?

To determine the type of first aid or equipment needed Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there are multiple patients in a situation like a rollover car crash?

Question other patients, witnesses, or bystanders to find out how many patients there are Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you need to triage patients?

Prioritize care and triage patients depending on several factors Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you assess the need for more resources?

Relay the information to the communications center or responding units Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of verbally transmitting information during a size-up?

To give the responding units an idea of what to expect when they arrive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of scene size-up?

To ensure the scene is safe to enter Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the scene is unsafe and you have no means to make it safe?

Do not enter the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of assessing the mechanism of injury or nature of illness?

To judge the extent of injury or illness Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a trauma patient and a medical patient?

A trauma patient is injured, while a medical patient is ill Signup and view all the answers

What should you do while performing scene size-up?

Take an overall view of what is happening and maintain situational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor to consider during scene size-up?

Your own safety and situational awareness Signup and view all the answers

What are the four components of scene size-up?

Scene safety, mechanism of injury, number of victims, and need for special equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of scene size-up during emergency response?

To rapidly assess the situation and prioritize patient care Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the scene is unsafe and you have no means to make it safe?

Evacuate the area and do not approach the patient Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assess the mechanism of injury or nature of illness during scene size-up?

To identify potential life threats and prioritize patient care Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you assess the need for more resources during scene size-up?

Call for additional resources and wait Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing a primary assessment?

To identify and address any immediate life-threatening conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a primary assessment and a secondary assessment?

The primary assessment identifies and addresses immediate life-threatening conditions, while the secondary assessment is a thorough, full head-to-toe assessment Signup and view all the answers

When should a secondary assessment be performed?

After the patient has been stabilized and is no longer in a life-threatening condition Signup and view all the answers

What does the AVPU scale primarily measure in a patient?

Level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of an 'alert' patient according to the AVPU scale?

Eyes open spontaneously and reacts to their environment Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you determine that a patient is unresponsive?

Check for a pulse and start CPR if necessary Signup and view all the answers

When determining the level of consciousness in an infant or child, what is your most valuable tool?

Visual assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a patient who is responsive to pain?

They make a sound or move when stimulated Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider if an infant or child appears drowsy or is in obvious respiratory distress?

It is a serious condition that may indicate head trauma or severe infection Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a patient is responsive to verbal commands but not fully awake?

Check their response to painful stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking a patient's level of consciousness?

To assess the patient's awareness of their surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'P' in AVPU stand for?

Pain Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a patient is unresponsive?

Follow the steps for CPR Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to disarm a criminal justice officer who drops below the level of alert?

To prevent them from causing harm to others Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an alert and verbal patient?

An alert patient is fully awake, while a verbal patient responds to verbal cues Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential indication of head trauma or severe infection in an infant or child?

Drowsiness or obvious respiratory distress Signup and view all the answers

What does 'M' in MARCH stand for?

Massive hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

What is assessed in the 'R' step of MARCH?

Respirations Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the MARCH assessment?

Hypothermia/Head injury Signup and view all the answers

Why is the MARCH assessment used?

To prioritize patient assessment in a life-threatening situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical aspect to focus on when treating a trauma patient?

Stopping life-threatening bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of inadequate breathing?

Labored or painful breathing Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before assessing respirations?

Establish and maintain an open airway Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a patient stops breathing?

They may experience cardiac arrest Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying direct pressure to a wound?

To stop life-threatening bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of severe bleeding?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a patient is not breathing?

Provide rescue breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of assessing for blood circulation during a medical emergency?

To confirm the existence of a pulse and note skin color and skin temperature Signup and view all the answers

Where should you check for a pulse on an unconscious adult or child?

Carotid pulse on the neck Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing a capillary refill time test?

To assess for adequate blood flow in the arms and legs Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of possible circulation problems?

Blue skin coloring Signup and view all the answers

What should you check for in a head injury patient?

Unequal pupil size and fluids coming out of their ears Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep the patient warm and dry in a trauma situation?

To prevent hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a patient is suffering from a head injury and has decreasing level of consciousness?

Assess for unequal pupil size and fluids coming out of their ears Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of comparing an injured body area to a similar, uninjured area?

To identify deformities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of tenderness in an unresponsive patient?

A grimace on the face Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of carefully removing or cutting open wet clothing?

To locate the source of bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of assessing for swelling in a patient?

It may indicate soft-tissue injury and fractures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of assessing for sensation in a patient?

To assess for sensory function before movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using the DOTS acronym when examining a patient?

To identify deformities and other signs of injury in a specific body part Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of tenderness in a patient during a secondary assessment?

It may indicate a fracture or other underlying injury Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'S' in PMS stand for?

Sensory Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you encounter an open injury during a secondary assessment?

Cut or remove the clothing to find the source of the bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Duty to Act

A duty to act is a responsibility to take action to prevent harm to another, and for the failure of which one may be liable, depending on the relationship of the parties and the circumstances.
Duty to act refers to the contractual or legal obligation to provide care.

Correctional Officers and Correctional Probation Officers

Have a duty to act to provide care to a patient who needs and consents to care only when they are on duty.

Law Enforcement Officers

Have a duty to act 24/7 within their jurisdictional boundaries.
Have a duty to render first aid following a use of force incident when it is evident that the person detained or in custody sustained injuries or requires medical attention.
Must provide first aid or seek additional medical assistance when it is reasonable, based on the totality of the circumstances, and without jeopardizing their health or safety.

Responsibilities

Responsible for a suspect's welfare and security, which does not end once they are restrained.
Must not ignore a suspect's need for first aid while maintaining security and control of the suspect before EMS arrives.
Must assist higher-level care providers, such as paramedics or EMTs, as needed while maintaining security and control of the suspect.

Breach of Duty

Occurs when one fails to act or acts inappropriately.

Duty to Act

Duty to act refers to a contractual or legal obligation to provide care, depending on the relationship of the parties and circumstances.
Correctional officers and correctional probation officers have a duty to act when on duty, while law enforcement officers have a duty to act 24/7 within their jurisdictional boundaries.

Rendering First Aid

Law enforcement officers have a duty to render first aid following a use of force incident when it is evident that the person detained or in custody sustained injuries or requires medical attention.
First aid or additional medical assistance should be provided when reasonable, without jeopardizing one's health or safety.
Officers should continue to provide care until a higher level of care arrives, such as a paramedic or EMT.

Breach of Duty

Breach of duty occurs when an officer either fails to act or acts inappropriately.
Failure to provide care or abandonment of a patient can lead to liability.

Standard of Care

Standard of care is the degree of care that a reasonable person should exercise in a given situation.
It involves giving attention to possible dangers, mistakes, and pitfalls, and ways of minimizing those risks.
Standard of care is the care that a criminal justice first aid-provider would provide under the same conditions.

Good Samaritan Act

The Good Samaritan Act protects a first-aid provider from liability for emergency care or treatment performed in good faith.
The Act provides a defense if an officer performed according to the standard of care for a first-aid provider.
The Act may provide protection for law enforcement officers when they are acting outside their jurisdictions and for correctional officers and correctional probation officers when providing care during off-duty hours.

Abandonment

Abandonment is giving up a right or interest with the intention of never again claiming it.
Abandoning a patient occurs when an officer stops providing care without ensuring the patient continues or begins to receive the same or better care.
Officers should continue providing emergency first aid until another medical professional with the same or higher-level training replaces them or they are unable to continue.

Definition of Negligence

Negligence is the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in a similar situation.
It involves any conduct that falls below the legal standard established to protect others against unreasonable risk of harm.

Elements of Negligence

Conditions for Negligence

Duty to act: having a legal duty to the patient (e.g., administering care).
Breach of standard of care: failing to act or acting in a way that a reasonable person with the same level of training would not act.
Causation: the action or inaction directly resulting in the patient's injury.
Damages: the patient was harmed as a result of the actions, and the court can compensate them (usually monetarily) for their injuries.

Definition of Negligence

Negligence is the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in a similar situation.
It involves conduct that falls below the legal standard established to protect others against unreasonable risk of harm.
Negligence excludes conduct that is intentionally, wantonly, or willfully disregardful of other's rights.

Elements of Negligence

Having a legal duty to act, meaning you had a responsibility to provide care to the patient
Breach of standard of care, where you failed to act or acted in a way that a reasonably prudent person with similar training would not have, given the circumstances

Causation and Damages

Causation: your actions or inactions directly resulted in the patient's injury, showing a direct link between your behavior and the harm caused
Damages: the patient suffered harm as a result of your actions, and the court can award monetary compensation for the injuries sustained

Elements of Negligence

Having a legal duty to act, meaning you had a responsibility to provide care to the patient
Breach of standard of care, where you failed to act or acted in a way that a reasonably prudent person with similar training would not have, given the circumstances

Causation and Damages

Causation: your actions or inactions directly resulted in the patient's injury, showing a direct link between your behavior and the harm caused
Damages: the patient suffered harm as a result of your actions, and the court can award monetary compensation for the injuries sustained

Before providing first aid, gain the patient's consent or permission
Fully explain the care planned and its possible related risks

Expressed Consent: clearly and unmistakably stated or written by the patient or legal guardian
- Examples: verbal "yes, I consent" or a physical gesture like a nod in agreement
Implied Consent: assumption of permission based on the patient's actions
- Examples: rolling up their sleeve for a blood sample or extending their arm for a blood pressure reading
Informed Consent: agreement made with full knowledge of the facts, benefits, risks, and alternatives
- Requires full understanding of the information by the patient or their legal guardian

Refusing Medical Care

A patient must be competent to refuse medical care
A competent adult is one who can make an informed decision about medical care
- Consider an adult incompetent if they are under the influence, seriously ill, injured, mentally ill, or have a developmental disability

Failure to obtain consent can result in a criminal charge of battery (unlawful touch or strike without consent)

Patient Rights

Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment verbally or non-verbally
Patients have the right to withdraw from treatment after it begins
- Applies to patients who consent and then change their minds, or those who regain consciousness and mental competence

Gain the patient's consent or permission before providing first aid care
Fully explain the planned care and its possible related risks to the patient

Expressed Consent: Clearly and unmistakably stated or written permission from the patient or legal guardian
- Can be verbal (e.g., "yes, I consent") or physical (e.g., a nod in agreement)
Implied Consent: Assumed permission based on the patient's actions
- Examples: patient rolls up their sleeve for a blood sample or extends their arm for a blood pressure reading
- Applies to unresponsive patients at risk of death, disability, or deterioration of their condition
- Also applies to conscious patients who do not stop the provider from giving treatment
Informed Consent: Agreement to allow treatment or procedure with full knowledge of the facts, benefits, risks, and alternatives
- Patient or legal guardian must fully understand the information provided
- Involves more information exchange between the medical provider and patient than expressed consent

Before Providing First Aid

Gain patient's consent or permission before providing first aid
Fully explain the care you plan to provide and its possible related risks to the patient

Expressed Consent: Clearly and unmistakably stated or written permission given by the patient or legal guardian
Expressed consent can be supported by verbal communication (e.g., "yes, I consent") or physical gesture (e.g., a nod in agreement)

A person's agreement to allow something to happen, made with full knowledge of the facts, benefits, risks, and alternatives
The patient or legal guardian must fully understand the information given
Informed consent involves additional information exchange between the medical provider and the patient
Patient chooses a treatment or procedure after a physician or healthcare provider discloses risks involved

Expressed consent is permission given for an action that is clearly and unmistakably stated or written by the patient or legal guardian.
It is a positive confirmation of permission, which can be demonstrated through verbal communication.
Examples of verbal communication that can demonstrate expressed consent include saying "yes, I consent".
Physical gestures, such as a nod in agreement, can also be used to demonstrate expressed consent in a medical care setting.

Minors in Florida

In Florida, children under 18 years old are considered minors.
To provide care to minors, you must have a parent or legal guardian's permission.

Emergency Situations

If a parent or legal guardian is unavailable in life-threatening emergencies or potential disability situations, provide emergency first aid based on implied consent.

Emancipated Minors

Emancipated minors are those who are financially independent, do not live with a parent or caregiver, are married, or are an active member of the military.
To treat an emancipated minor, you do not need a parent or legal guardian's permission; their consent is sufficient.

Refusing Treatment for Minors

Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment for their children.

Life-Threatening Emergencies and Child Abuse

In situations involving minors in life-threatening emergencies that need medical care, but the parents refuse to consent, refer to your agency's policies and procedures for guidance.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, notify the Department of Children and Families by calling the Florida abuse hotline (1-800-962-2873).

Respiratory System Function

Delivers oxygen to the blood
Removes carbon dioxide from the blood

Upper Airway

Composed of the nose, mouth, and throat
Brings oxygen to the lungs (lower airway)

Connection between Upper and Lower Airways

Includes the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea)

Key Structures

Epiglottis: a small, leaf-shaped flap that prevents food and foreign objects from entering the windpipe
Diaphragm: a large muscle below the lungs at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps move air in and out of the lungs

Scene Size-Up Components

The scene size-up has four essential components: scene safety, mechanism of injury or nature of illness, the number of victims, and the need for more rescuers and special equipment.
Scene size-up begins as soon as you receive notice from dispatch or arrive at the scene.

Importance of Scene Safety

Always maintain situational awareness to ensure your own safety and ability to help others.
If the scene is unsafe and you cannot make it safe, do not enter.
Pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, and feel to determine the scene's safety.

Determining Mechanism of Injury or Nature of Illness

Try to determine what happened to the patient to understand the extent of injury or illness.
Identify the patient's chief complaint to judge the type of first aid or equipment needed.
Distinguish between trauma patients (injured) and medical patients (ill), and provide treatment accordingly.

Determining the Number of Patients

Identify the number of patients and their locations, even if it requires questioning others.
In situations with multiple patients, prioritize care and triage patients based on several factors.

Requesting Additional Resources

Assess the need for more resources based on local protocol and department policy.
Relay a request for additional resources, including special units, in a clear and concise manner.
Provide accurate and timely information about scene safety, injuries, number of patients, and resource needs to better prepare responding units.

Before providing first aid, gain the patient's consent or permission
Explain the care you plan to provide and its possible related risks
There are three types of consent:
- Expressed consent: clearly and unmistakably stated or written by the patient or legal guardian
- Implied consent: assumed permission based on the patient's actions, e.g., rolling up their sleeve for a blood sample
- Informed consent: patient's agreement with full knowledge of the facts, benefits, risks, and alternatives

Competent Adults

A competent adult has the right to refuse medical care verbally or non-verbally
Can withdraw from treatment after it begins
If a patient loses consciousness and regains mental competence, they can ask to stop treatment

Minors and Emancipated Minors

Children under 18 require a parent or legal guardian's permission for care
Emancipated minors (financially independent, married, or in the military) can consent to care themselves
In life-threatening emergencies, provide care based on implied consent

Duty to Act

A contractual or legal obligation to provide care
Applies to correctional officers, correctional probation officers, and law enforcement officers in certain situations
Breach of duty occurs when failing to act or acting inappropriately

Standard of Care

The care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in a similar situation
Defined by Black's Law Dictionary as "the degree of care that a reasonable person should exercise"
Negligence occurs when failing to exercise the standard of care

Abandonment

Giving up a right or interest with the intention of never again claiming it
Abandoning a patient occurs when stopping care without ensuring the patient receives the same or better care

Scene Size-Up

Has four components: scene safety, mechanism of injury or nature of illness, number of victims, and need for more rescuers and special equipment
Assess scene safety before entering the scene
Determine the number of patients and prioritize care and triage accordingly

Respiratory System

Delivers oxygen to and removes carbon dioxide from the blood
The body can only go without oxygen for a few minutes
The nose, mouth, and throat make up the upper airway, which brings oxygen to the lungs

Good Samaritan Act

Protects first-aid providers from liability for emergency care or treatment performed in good faith
Does not stop someone from filing a lawsuit, but provides a defense if care was provided according to the standard of care

Patient Assessment Types

There are two main types of patient assessments: primary and secondary
Primary assessment is used to identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions
Secondary assessment is a thorough, full head-to-toe assessment of the patient
Primary assessment is performed first to stabilize the patient's condition before proceeding to the secondary assessment

Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Level of consciousness indicates how awake, alert, and aware someone is of their surroundings

AVPU Scale

AVPU stands for Alert, Verbal, Pain, and Unresponsive
Used to measure a patient's level of consciousness

Alert

Patient is fully awake and aware of their surroundings
Eyes usually open spontaneously
Reacts to their environment

Verbal

Patient responds when spoken to
May not seem alert or awake but responds with sounds (e.g. grunting) or slight movements

Pain

Patient responds to pain with voluntary or involuntary movement
May respond only to painful stimulation
Check for response when applying gentle pressure to hand or shoulder
May moan, make sounds, or attempt to withdraw

Unresponsive

Patient does not respond to any stimuli or make movements/sounds
If unresponsive, follow steps for CPR

Determining LOC in Infants and Children

Visual assessment is the most valuable tool
Consider drowsiness or respiratory distress as serious symptoms, potentially indicating head trauma or severe infection

Level of Consciousness (LOC)

Level of consciousness indicates how awake, alert, and aware someone is of their surroundings
The AVPU scale is used to measure a patient's level of consciousness

AVPU Scale

A: Alert - patient is fully awake, aware of surroundings, and can react to their environment
- Eyes usually open spontaneously
V: Verbal - patient responds when spoken to
- May respond with grunting, moving, or other non-verbal cues
P: Pain - patient responds to pain with voluntary or involuntary movement
- May respond with moaning, sound, or attempting to withdraw
U: Unresponsive - patient does not respond to any stimuli or make any movements or sounds
- Follow CPR steps if patient is unresponsive

Special Considerations

Infants and children: visual assessment is most valuable in determining LOC
- Drowsiness or obvious respiratory distress in infants/children is serious and may indicate head trauma or severe infection
Criminal justice officers: disarm them if they drop below alert level to avoid safety concerns

Primary Assessment using MARCH Mnemonic

Massive Hemorrhage: Check for life-threatening bleeding that can cause death
Airway: Assess if the patient's airway is obstructed or closed, which can lead to respiratory failure

Respiratory Status

Respirations: Verify if the patient's chest is rising and falling to ensure proper breathing

Cardiovascular Status

Circulation: Check if the patient has a pulse and adequate blood flow to vital organs

Other Vital Signs

Hypothermia/Head Injury: Monitor for low body temperature and decreasing level of consciousness (LOC)

Massive Hemorrhage

Massive hemorrhage is the number one preventable cause of trauma-related deaths.
Severe bleeding can be accompanied by very low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness, paleness, and weak pulse.
Signs of severe bleeding include: low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness, paleness, and weak pulse.
Helpful bleeding control techniques include:
- Applying direct pressure to the wound with a sterile dressing
- Packing the wound
- Applying a tourniquet, if possible

Airway Management

An obstructed airway can restrict or completely impede a patient's ability to breathe.
Safely clear objects in the airway and establish open airway management techniques, such as:
- Head tilt/chin lift
- Jaw thrust
Do not move forward to the respirations assessment until you establish and maintain an open airway.

Respirations Assessment

Assess for respirations or breathing by looking for:
- Rise and fall of the chest or abdomen
- Equal rise and fall on both sides
- Breathing adequately
- Signs of movement around the mouth and lips
Signs of inadequate breathing include:
- Labored or painful breathing
- Wheezing
- Snoring
- Blue or purplish color inside of the lips or fingernails
- Skin color changing to a pale or gray color
No visible rise and fall of the chest or abdomen indicates the patient has stopped breathing.

Blood Circulation

Assess for blood circulation by confirming the existence of a pulse and noting:
- Skin color
- Skin temperature
Find a pulse by placing your fingers on a pulse point, such as:
- Brachial pulse on the upper arm for an infant
- Carotid pulse on the neck for an unconscious adult or child
- Radial pulse on the inside of the wrist for a conscious adult or child
Determine the force or strength of the pulse.
A patient with no pulse or an absent pulse may be in cardiac arrest and require immediate intervention through effective CPR and an AED.

Capillary Refill Time Test

This test is used to rapidly assess changes in blood flow in the arms and legs.
Apply pressure by squeezing the patient's finger or toe nail bed for two seconds.
After releasing pressure, if the squeezed nail bed returns to a pink color within two seconds, blood flow is adequate.
Blue skin coloring can indicate possible circulation problems.

Additional Concerns

Rapidly decreasing body temperature can be a main concern when treating trauma patients, as it can make bleeding symptoms worse.
Minimize the patient's exposure to the elements and protect them from wind and water.
Keep the patient warm and dry and remove any wet clothing.
Consider moving them to an insulated surface such as a rescue blanket or a climate-controlled vehicle or structure.
For head injury, a possible concern is permanent brain damage from lack of oxygen or proper blood flow to the brain.
Assess the patient for:
- Unequal pupil size
- Any fluids coming out of their ears
- Impaled object or deformity to their skull
- Decreasing level of consciousness (LOC)

Secondary Assessment

Use DOTS and PMS acronyms as guides when performing secondary assessment
DOTS is used for examining each body part, while PMS is used for examining extremities

Body Part Examination

Deformities: abnormal shape of a body part, possibly indicating fractures
Compare injured area to uninjured area for identification

Open Injuries

Wet clothing may indicate external bleeding
Carefully remove or cut open clothing to locate and control bleeding immediately

Assessing Pain and Sensation

Tenderness: conscious patients may complain of pain when touched
In unresponsive patients, observe facial expressions for pain response (e.g., grimace)

Assessing for Soft-Tissue Injury and Fractures

Swelling: raised skin, possibly indicating soft-tissue injury and fractures

PMS (Pulse, Motor, Sensory) Assessment

Pulse: assess for presence or absence of pulse
Motor: assess for motor function (movement)
Sensory: assess for sensation before movement, ask patient if they have feeling in the touched area

Secondary Assessment

Use DOTS and PMS acronyms as guides when performing secondary assessment
DOTS is used for examining each body part, while PMS is used for examining extremities

Body Part Examination

Deformities: abnormal shape of a body part, possibly indicating fractures
Compare injured area to uninjured area for identification

Open Injuries

Wet clothing may indicate external bleeding
Carefully remove or cut open clothing to locate and control bleeding immediately

Assessing Pain and Sensation

Tenderness: conscious patients may complain of pain when touched
In unresponsive patients, observe facial expressions for pain response (e.g., grimace)

Assessing for Soft-Tissue Injury and Fractures

Swelling: raised skin, possibly indicating soft-tissue injury and fractures

PMS (Pulse, Motor, Sensory) Assessment

Pulse: assess for presence or absence of pulse
Motor: assess for motor function (movement)
Sensory: assess for sensation before movement, ask patient if they have feeling in the touched area

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Description

This quiz covers the concept of duty to act in law enforcement, specifically in correctional settings. It explores the legal obligation to provide care to individuals in need, and the circumstances under which this duty arises.

First Aid

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Good Samaritan Act?

What is considered abandonment in the context of emergency care?

What is the standard for a first-aid provider to avoid liability under the Good Samaritan Act?

What should a first-aid provider do when they are unable to continue providing care?

What is the scope of care that a criminal justice officer should adhere to?

What is a duty to act according to Black's Law Dictionary?

Who has a duty to act 24/7 within their jurisdictional boundaries?

When is a law enforcement officer required to render first aid?

What is the consequence of failing to act or acting inappropriately?

What is the standard of care as defined by Black's Law Dictionary?

What is expected of a criminal justice first aid provider?

What happens when a higher level of care arrives?

What is the main criterion for determining negligence?

What is the primary focus of the legal standard for negligence?

What is the primary purpose of establishing a duty to act?

What is the key factor in determining whether a breach of standard of care has occurred?

What is the primary purpose of establishing causation in a negligence case?

What are the four essential conditions that must be present to establish negligence?

What is the term for the Harm or injury suffered by the patient as a result of the provider's actions?

What type of consent is assumed when a patient rolls up their sleeve for a blood sample?

What is required for a patient to refuse medical care?

What is the purpose of disclosing risks, benefits, and alternatives to a patient?

What is implied consent based on?

Under what circumstances can an adult be considered incompetent to give consent?

What is the consequence of not obtaining consent from a patient?

What should a first-aid provider do if a patient refuses treatment and is involved in a traumatic incident?

What happens if a patient loses consciousness and a life-threatening situation exists?

What is the primary difference between informed consent and expressed consent?

What is required for a patient to give informed consent?

What type of consent is given when a patient agrees to a procedure with full knowledge of the risks and benefits?

What is required for expressed consent to be considered valid?

What is a key characteristic of expressed consent?

What is an example of a physical gesture that can support expressed consent?

What is the condition for providing emergency first aid to a minor without a parent or legal guardian's permission?

Who can give consent for treatment in the case of an emancipated minor?

What should a first-aid provider do if a parent refuses to consent to treatment for their child in a life-threatening emergency?

What is the purpose of notifying the Department of Children and Families in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect?

What is the condition for considering a minor as emancipated?

What is the principle behind providing emergency first aid to a minor without a parent or legal guardian's permission in life threatening emergencies?

What is the primary purpose of determining the patient type?

What should you do if there are multiple patients in a situation like a rollover car crash?

What should you do when you need to triage patients?

What should you do when you assess the need for more resources?

What is the purpose of verbally transmitting information during a size-up?

What is the primary goal of scene size-up?

What should you do if the scene is unsafe and you have no means to make it safe?

What is the main purpose of assessing the mechanism of injury or nature of illness?

What is the difference between a trauma patient and a medical patient?

What should you do while performing scene size-up?

What is a key factor to consider during scene size-up?

What are the four components of scene size-up?

What is the primary goal of scene size-up during emergency response?

What should you do if the scene is unsafe and you have no means to make it safe?

Why is it important to assess the mechanism of injury or nature of illness during scene size-up?

What should you do when you assess the need for more resources during scene size-up?

What is the primary purpose of performing a primary assessment?

What is the main difference between a primary assessment and a secondary assessment?

When should a secondary assessment be performed?

What does the AVPU scale primarily measure in a patient?

What is the primary indicator of an 'alert' patient according to the AVPU scale?

What should you do if you determine that a patient is unresponsive?

When determining the level of consciousness in an infant or child, what is your most valuable tool?

What is a key characteristic of a patient who is responsive to pain?

What should you consider if an infant or child appears drowsy or is in obvious respiratory distress?

What should you do if a patient is responsive to verbal commands but not fully awake?

What is the primary purpose of checking a patient's level of consciousness?

What does the 'P' in AVPU stand for?

What should you do if a patient is unresponsive?

Why is it important to disarm a criminal justice officer who drops below the level of alert?

What is the difference between an alert and verbal patient?

What is a potential indication of head trauma or severe infection in an infant or child?

What does 'M' in MARCH stand for?

What is assessed in the 'R' step of MARCH?

What is the final step in the MARCH assessment?

Why is the MARCH assessment used?

What is the most critical aspect to focus on when treating a trauma patient?