First Aid Basics: Caring for Unconscious Casualties

Questions and Answers

What should be done if the casualty is unconscious?

Turn the head to one side and place him on his back. (correct)

Raise the head higher than the body.

Keep them sitting upright.

Place the casualty on his back with a pillow.

What is the primary action needed if there is obvious bleeding?

Ensure the casualty is warm.

Apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. (correct)

Immediately give the casualty water.

Put the casualty in a sitting position.

In which situation should a first aider be cautious about giving anything by mouth?

If the casualty appears to be hungry.

When the casualty has a headache.

If the casualty is suspected of needing surgery. (correct)

If the casualty requests water.

How should tight clothing around the casualty's body be managed?

Undo tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bleeding can be seen externally?

Externally visible bleeding. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can cause internal bleeding?

A stomach ulcer. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to provide warmth to a casualty?

Use extra linen and avoid overheating. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential risk associated with internal bleeding?

Shock. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term melaena signify?

Black, tarry stools Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is likely to cause bright red blood in stools?

Colitis Signup and view all the answers

What color does urine appear when small amounts of blood are lost?

Smoky Signup and view all the answers

What is the first aid management step for a patient with melaena?

Put the patient to bed quietly Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is suitable for managing bleeding from a tooth socket?

Suck on ice Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with urine specimens when a patient has hematuria?

Keep them for the doctor’s inspection Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential result of very large amounts of blood loss in urine?

Black color like in blackwater fever Signup and view all the answers

What can cause bleeding from the lower end of the intestinal tract?

Hemorrhoids Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when applying a splint as a first-aid measure?

It should be padded to prevent direct pressure on the injured part. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of concussion?

Twitching of muscles Signup and view all the answers

What should be the initial action taken for a patient with a suspected skull fracture?

Put the casualty flat with the head turned to one side if unconscious. Signup and view all the answers

Which sign indicates possible brain compression?

Dilated and unequal pupils. Signup and view all the answers

When should a casualty with a fracture be moved?

When there is sufficient help to lift and carry them satisfactorily. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended way to transport an injured person?

Using a stretcher or improvised stretcher. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of early stages of brain compression?

Restlessness and headache Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be avoided while managing a fracture of the skull?

Applying pressure to the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in managing an injured part with a burn?

Rinse the injured part with plenty of cold water for at least 10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a casualty's clothing is on fire?

Instruct them to roll on the floor or cover with a blanket Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a fracture at the lower end of the fibula?

Pott's fracture Signup and view all the answers

What initial position should a patient with a fractured patella be put in?

Recumbent position Signup and view all the answers

When treating a scald, what should you do with blisters?

Leave the blisters intact Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be used to keep a patient's leg raised after a knee fracture?

A rolled-up cushion or pillow Signup and view all the answers

What should not be done to a burn area?

Apply lotions to the injury Signup and view all the answers

In cases of chemical burns, what should be added to water if the burn is due to acid?

Sodium bicarbonate Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when transporting a patient with a knee injury to the hospital?

In a sitting position Signup and view all the answers

What are two essential supplies for normal brain function?

Oxygen and glucose Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken for a casualty with a severe burn?

Soak the burnt area with cold water Signup and view all the answers

Which type of unconsciousness may have little obvious effect on brain function?

Short periods of unconsciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an appropriate action for treating shock in a burn casualty?

Reassure and lay them down, elevating their legs if possible Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the contaminated clothing of a casualty with chemical burns?

Remove it if possible and cover the area with clean linen Signup and view all the answers

What can severe blood loss lead to regarding brain function?

Anoxia of the brain Signup and view all the answers

What can cause a sudden alteration in consciousness?

Fainting attacks (syncope) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First Aid Procedures

Elevate the lower body for all casualties except those with head injuries.
Place unconscious casualties on their back without a pillow, turning the head to one side.
Provide warmth using extra linen, but avoid overheating.
Do not administer stimulants to casualties.
Before giving anything by mouth, ensure surgical intervention isn't needed.
Offer sips of water to casualties experiencing bleeding or burns.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist area.
Keep the casualty calm and ensure they are not surrounded by onlookers.
Maintain absolute stillness and provide quiet surroundings.
Control any obvious bleeding as swiftly as possible.
Relieve pain by supporting injured limbs or positioning the casualty comfortably.

Haemorrhage (Bleeding)

Haemorrhage is blood loss due to injury, disease, or physical conditions (internal or external).
External bleeding is visible; internal bleeding occurs within body cavities.
Causes include direct injury to blood vessels, vessel wall diseases, and blood disorders such as haemophilia.
Internal bleeding can cause shock and may result in black, tarry stools (melaena) or bright red blood in stools from the lower intestinal tract.
Management for melaena involves bed rest, stool specimen collection for doctors, and obtaining medical help.

Haematuria

Haematuria is the presence of blood in urine; it may appear smoky with small amounts or bright red with large amounts.
For haematuria, quietly put the patient to bed, collect urine specimens, and seek medical assistance.

Bleeding from Tooth Socket

Causes of bleeding include dental extraction, trauma, or periodontal disease.
First aid includes sucking on ice, placing gauze in the socket and having the patient clench their teeth, and seeking dental help if bleeding continues.

Wounds, Lacerations, and Bruises

A wound is a disruption of skin or mucous membrane continuity due to injury or operation.
When applying splints, ensure strength, length, and padding to avoid pressure on injuries.
Avoid moving fracture patients unless adequately assisted; use stretchers for transport.

Skull Fractures

Risks include concussion (dizziness, headache, vomiting) and brain compression (pressure from bone fragments or hematoma).
Symptoms of brain compression include restlessness, headache, muscle twitching, slow pulse, and possibly bleeding from the nose/ears.

Management of Suspected Skull Fractures

Position casualty flat or semi-prone with head turned if unconscious; keep conscious victims still.
Assess consciousness, reassure, ensure airway clearance, and cover wounds with clean dressings.
Avoid touching depressions in the skull to prevent brain damage.

Management of Fractured Patella/Knee

Place the patient in a recumbent position with splint from the buttock to ankle and firmly bandage.
Keep the leg raised using cushions and transport the patient in a sitting position.

Unconsciousness

Results from the brain's lack of oxygen/glucose due to injury or other factors.
Temporary or prolonged consciousness changes may occur; some effects on memory and motor function.
Severe blood loss can lead to anoxia, and fainting results from low blood pressure.

Burn Management

Rinse burns with cold water for at least 10 minutes, seek medical aid, and monitor for breathing difficulties.
Remove any constrictive clothing before swelling occurs, and cover burns with sterile dressings.
For clothing fires, instruct the casualty to roll on the ground or wrap in a blanket to extinguish flames.

Scald Management

Reassure the casualty, remove clothing, run cold water over the scalded area, and cover with linen while arranging medical help.

Chemical Burn Management

Rinse burn areas with water, adding sodium bicarbonate for acid burns or weak vinegar for corrosive alkalis, if possible.
Remove contaminated clothing and cover with clean linen.

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Description

This quiz covers essential first aid procedures for handling unconscious casualties, including positioning and providing warmth. It emphasizes the precautions to take before administering any substances and the importance of medical assessment. Test your knowledge of first aid protocols to ensure effective and safe assistance in emergencies.