First Aid for Minimizing Shock

During the primary survey, the first step is to check for breathing.

If a casualty is unconscious, you should check for breathing for at least 15 seconds.

Assessing hazards and making the area safe is a step included in the primary survey.

The primary survey should begin immediately after checking for history of the emergency and number of casualties.

A first aider should identify themselves and offer help to a casualty before getting consent.

If you suspect a head or spinal injury, you should use a head-tilt-chin-lift to open the airway of an unresponsive casualty.

To assess the pulse, always use three fingers and apply firm pressure on the wrist or neck.

The normal pulse range for an adult is 40-90 beats per minute.

When assessing skin condition, if the skin is pale, cold, and wet, it could be an indication of dehydration.

During the head-to-toe exam, it is important to thoroughly examine for unlikely injuries.

Infants have a normal pulse range of 120-150 beats per minute.

When assessing a casualty's pulse, you should count the number of beats over 1 minute and then multiply by two.

In multiple casualty management, unresponsive non-breathing casualties should receive first aid before those who are still breathing.

The primary survey should be done after determining the number of casualties in the scene survey.

Casualties with life-threatening injuries should be given first aid only after categorizing them into priority levels.

Transportation arrangements for casualties are made before categorizing them into different priority levels.

In the event of a lightning strike, the principles of multiple casualty management are followed as usual.

The secondary survey begins with the lowest priority casualties.

Minimizing pain by handling the casualty roughly will help prevent shock from getting worse.

It's recommended to overheat the casualty in order to keep them warm and prevent shock.

If medical help is delayed, it's advised to give nothing to eat or drink to the casualty.

Placing a casualty in the recovery position is important when there is a suspected head/spinal injury.

Positioning a casualty on their back is recommended when there is a suspected head/spinal injury.

Covering the casualty to preserve body heat is recommended only if they are suspected of having a head/spinal injury.

When moving a casualty, it is recommended to bring the blanketed and padded stretcher to the casualty.

As the first aider in charge, one should position themselves at the feet of the casualty to control the most sensitive area of the body.

It's a good idea to practice with a simulated casualty if the move is easy and there is enough time.

Improvised stretchers cannot be used for casualties with suspected head or spinal injuries.

Commercial stretchers have hinged bracing bars at right angles between the rigid poles at either end that must be locked in the retracted position before use.

To improvise a blanket stretcher, one should place a pole halfway from one end of the blanket and fold half of the blanket over the pole.

During the rapid body survey, it is important to wear gloves and check them for blood every few seconds.

The rapid body survey is performed by visually examining the casualty's body for any hidden injuries.

It is recommended to cause further injuries intentionally during the rapid body survey to identify hidden conditions.

During the primary survey, checking for shock involves assessing skin condition and temperature of the casualty.

Placing a casualty in the recovery position is crucial if there is a suspected head or spinal injury.

The secondary survey has five steps: History, Vital signs, Head-to-toe exam, First aid for any injury or illness found, and Family medical history

In a SAMPLE history, 'P' stands for present medications the casualty is currently taking.

During the primary survey, the first step is to assess the casualty's level of consciousness.

Using hinged bracing bars at right angles between the rigid poles of a stretcher is recommended for casualties with head or spinal injuries.

In multiple casualty management, those who are still breathing should receive first aid before unresponsive non-breathing casualties.

It's recommended to practice with a simulated casualty only if the move is difficult and there is limited time.

After giving first aid for non-life threatening injuries, the first aider should always transport the casualty to medical help.

A first aider should always maintain manual support of the head and neck in case of suspected head/spinal injuries, even after handing over control of the scene.

Positioning a casualty in the recovery position increases the risk of bending and twisting of the spine.

If you must leave a casualty in the recovery position, it's important to position the closest arm at 90 degrees in front of them.

During ongoing casualty care, the first aider is responsible for giving detailed reports to medical investigators.

When assessing a casualty's skin condition, pale, cold, and wet skin could indicate severe dehydration.

During a drag carry, the casualty's head and neck are not protected, so it should only be used as a last resort.

The human crutch technique involves supporting the injured side of the casualty by placing their arm around the first aider's neck.

In multiple casualty management, unresponsive non-breathing casualties should not be given first aid before those who are still breathing.

If time permits during a drag carry, it is recommended to tie the casualty's ankles together for extra stability.

The human crutch technique should only be used when the casualty has an injured leg or foot.

During a drag carry, it is important to stand at the casualty's feet facing their head to ensure proper support.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by physical injury, illness, pain, anxiety, and fear.

Medical shock can be confused with electrical shock or being shocked and surprised.

Reassuring a casualty and making them comfortable are not important when dealing with medical shock.

Severe shock can never result from medical emergencies like diabetes, epilepsy, infection, poisoning, or drug overdose.

For casualties with dark skin color, color changes may be observed in areas like the lips, gums, and tongue but not nail beds.

Medical shock primarily affects the brain and prevents other organs from functioning correctly.