First Aid - Medical Emergencies & Treatments (PDF)

Stroke Situation Action Flushed, red appearance Contact STAT-MD. Confusion Administer high-flow Headache oxygen. May complain of numbn...

Stroke Situation Action Flushed, red appearance Contact STAT-MD. Confusion Administer high-flow Headache oxygen. May complain of numbness or Keep at rest with head one-sided paralysis (usually to slightly elevated. extremities or face) Give nothing by mouth Unequal pupils Monitor airway. Difficulty with speech or vision May lose consciousness FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 40 40  Seizures Situation Action Total or partial loss of Contact STAT-MD. consciousness usually a sudden Do not place anything in onset passenger's mouth. Body becomes rigid and may Do not try to restrain be followed by jerking movement. movements Pad the area (especially near May be caused by extreme heat, head). a diabetic condition, injury to Provide oxygen when victim the brain or epilepsy regains consciousness. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 42 42  Diabetic Emergency Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Situation Passenger may complain of hunger Skin may appear pale, cool and sweaty Shakiness, dizziness, weakness Decreased coordination Blurred vision Headache Passenger may appear intoxicated FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 44 44  Diabetic Emergency Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Action Contact STAT-MD. Contact STAT-MD. Conscious Unconscious Treat with sugar or orange Move to floor, provide juice. high-flow oxygen. Offer food when condition Treat using gloved finger improves. to place sugar between Administer high-flow. cheek and gums of victim. Continue to monitor symptoms. Carefully monitor airway. Look for medical alter emblem. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 45 45  Diabetic Emergency High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) Situation Action Excessive Contact STAT-MD urination, thirst, Conscious dry hot skin and Place passenger in reclining position. drowsiness Administer oxygen. General weakness Watch for airway obstruction. May have deep labored breathing Unconscious and fruity odor to Administer high flow oxygen. breath Look for medical alert emblem. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 47 47  Allergic Reaction Situation Action May be caused by something Contact STAT-MD. ingested, inhaled, absorbed or Monitor victim constantly- injected Allergic shock can lead to May complain of itching or hives sudden death. Difficulty breathing, tightness in Look for MEDIC ALERT chest emblem. Wheezing Provide high-flow oxygen, if Swollen face/tongue, swelling in passenger is short of breath; throat keep sitting upright. Weak or rapid pulse Seek medical attention immediately. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 48 48  Poisoning Situation Action Burns or stains around victim’s Contact STAT-MD mouth Conscious: Unusual breath or body odors Maintain open airway. Abnormal breathing/pulse rate Try to determine what was Dilated or constricted pupils taken. Vomiting/diarrhea If becomes unconscious: Abdominal pain Maintain open airway. Place victim on side; provide high flow oxygen. Seek medical attention. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 49 49  Food Poisoning Situation Action Vomiting Contact STAT-MD. Abdominal cramps/pain Loosen clothing/open air Diarrhea vents. Make passenger comfortable. Provide air sick bag. Attempt to determine what passenger came into contact with. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 50 50  Abdominal Pain Situation Action Rigid and/or tender abdomen Contact STAT-MD. Nausea/vomiting Place victim at rest on back, Pain may be constant or with legs flexed. intermittent Provide oxygen. Give nothing by mouth. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 51 51  Air Sickness Situation Action Nausea/vomiting Contact STAT-MD. Skin may appear pale/sweaty Loosen clothing. Provide air sick bag. Recline seat, if possible. Open air vents. Apply cold compress to forehead or back of neck. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 52 52  Animal Bites Situation Action Bitemark or tear to Contact with STAT-MD. skin from a Control bleeding. domesticated Scrub wound with soap and water. animal Cover with 4-inch bandage compress. Check with animal’s owner for current rabies inoculation. Victim should consult doctor as soon as possible. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 53 53  Asthma Attack Situation Action Can be triggered by a reaction Contact STAT-MD. to food, medications, pollen or Ask victim if he/she has an insect stings inhaler with him/her. Maybe brought on by If assisting victim with inhaler, emotional distress or physical ensure rapid shaking of the activity inhaler contents between each Victim may complain of burst or dispersal. tightness in chest area Provide oxygen. Wheezing Continue to maintain open airway. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 54 54  Cardiac Emergencies Situation Action Contact STAT-MD. Chest Pain-usually in the center of Administer high flow oxygen the chest; may come and go Ask passenger if they have Develops when heart needs more medication (Nitroglycerin oxygen Tablets.) Skin may appear pale, cool, and Seek out medical assistance. clammy Loosen clothing. Rarely last more than 10 mins. Offer aspirin if available. Usually relieved with Monitor closely-if condition Nitroglycerin and rest worsens refer to heat attack section. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 55 55  Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Situation Action Victim has persistent pain or Contact STAT-MD. pressure in chest; not relieved by Administer high flow oxygen resting, oxygen or medication Ask victim if they have Pain may radiate to arm, medication. shoulder or jaw Seek out medical assistance. Pulse rate may be slower or Loosen clothing and make faster than normal victim comfortable. Victim may describe pain as If victim becomes pressure, squeezing, tightness, unresponsive, move to floor aching or heaviness in chest and begin ABCs. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 56 56  Nitroglycerin Tablets Nitroglycerin is medication that causes the arteries and veins in the body to dilate. This allows for increased oxygenated blood flow. Administering Nitroglycerin Contact STAT-MD. Keep passenger sitting. Administer (1) tablet w/ gloved finger, under tongue. Provide high-flow oxygen. Monitor passenger for changes. Continue communication with STAT-MD. Side effects may include: headache, dizziness, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 57 57  Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Situation Action Pain tenderness in Contact STAT-MD. one leg Assess and get patient history. Swelling/warmth/ Raise the affected leg. redness or enlarged DO NOT massage the leg or encourage veins just under the passenger to walk. surface of affected area FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 58 58  Drug Overdose-Stimulants Situation Action Confusion, hallucinations Contact STAT-MD. Irritability/paranoia Prevent passenger from Aggressive/hostile behavior causing injury to self or Dilated or pin-point pupils others. Rapid pulse/breathing Provide oxygen. Reassure passenger. Request assistance on the ground from paramedics and/or law enforcement. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 59 59  Drug Overdose-Depressants/Sedatives Situation Action Appears Contact STAT-MD. sleepy/lethargic Prevent from causing harm to self or Slowed pulse others. rate/breathing Provide oxygen. Dilated or pin- May respond to coffee/tea. point pupils If loss of consciousness, move to floor and assess A,B,Cs. Request assistance on the ground from paramedics and/or law enforcement. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 60 60  Ear Distress Situation Action Pain in ear radiating from Contact STAT-MD. neck Encourage passenger to yawn or swallow. Have passenger pinch nose and blow. Offer water to sip. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 61 61  Pregnancy and Labor Situation Action Passenger complains of Contact STAT-MD. contractions or labor pains Move passenger to floor. Contractions in frequent intervals Determine frequency and Bleeding duration of pains. Water has broken Give nothing by mouth. When delivery is imminent Monitor well being of mother and child throughout. Make provision for birth Protect child from cold stress after the birth. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 62 62  Eye Injuries Situation Action Contact STAT-MD for each instance Foreign objects Have passenger blink/flush eye to clear. Have passenger look up/down/side to side. Cut eyeball Dress loosely, do not apply direct pressure. Do not attempt to remove object. Impaled objects Loosely dress both eyes to prevent sympathetic movement of the inured eye. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 63 63  Near Fainting Situation Action Dizziness/weakness Contact STAT-MD. Skin may appear If standing: pale or ashen gray Immediately assist passenger to the floor and feel cool and and elevate lower extremities. clammy Administer high flow oxygen/loosen Distorted vision clothing. Nausea Give nothing by mouth. If sitting: Open air vents and administer oxygen. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 64 64  Fainting Situation Action Brief loss of Contact STAT-MD. consciousness Position passenger on back and elevate feet Skin may appear Open airway (tilt head, lift chin.) pale or ashen gray Administer high flow oxygen. and feel cool and Continue to monitor symptoms. clammy If passenger vomits, turn on side and monitor airway. If passenger does not regain consciousness in 1-2 minutes, pass ammonia inhalant 3-6 inches under nose. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 65 65  Hyperventilation Situation Action Carbon dioxide level of blood is Contact STAT-MD. lowered due to heavy breathing Calm and reassure victim. Often a result of fear or anxiety Slow passenger’s breathing by Numbness or tingling in talking to him/her. fingertips and toes Explain what is happening. Confusion or dizziness Do NOT have victim breath through a paper bag unless directed to do so by STAT-MD. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 66 66  Shock Situation Action Cold, clammy skin Treatment and prevention of shock are the Pale, bluish skin same: color Contact STAT-MD. Weakness Provide high flow oxygen. Restlessness Have victim lie down; legs should be Rapid/shallow slightly elevated to improve blood flow. breathing Seek immediate medical attention. Low blood Maintain body temperature; keep warm pressure/dry mouth with coats or other covering. Do not elevate legs if there is suspected head injury. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 67 67  Respiratory Difficulty Situation Action Shortness of breath Contact STAT-MD. Labored, rapid breathing Maintain open airway. Unusual breathing (wheezing) Provide high flow oxygen. Blue or gray color to lips or skin Have victim stay in sitting Restlessness/confusion position to ensure good air movement. Rapid/slow pulse rate Ensure problem is not cause by airway obstruction. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 68 68  Bleeding Situation Action Minor bleeding Contact STAT-MD. Surface wounds Obtain gloves. Control bleeding with direct pressure. Depending on size of wound, apply either band-aid or bandage compress from First Aid Kit. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 76 76  Severe Bleeding Situation Action Uncontrollable Contact STAT-MD. bleeding Obtain gloves. Venous Bleeding Apply direct pressure/elevation. (dark red blood) If direct pressure fails to stop bleeding, see Arterial Bleeding “Pressure Points” (next slide). (bright red blood) Provide oxygen. Treat for shock. If first bandage become saturated, do not remove, apply additional dressing. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 77 77  Nosebleed Situation Action Blood running Contact STAT-MD. from the nose Sit victim up, leaning forward, with head slightly elevated. Have passenger breathe through mouth Press bleeding nostril against middle part of nose. Seek medical attention if bleeding does not stop. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 79 79  Wounds-Bruise Situation Action Occurs due to damage to soft Contact STAT-MD. tissues and blood vessels that Cold compress. cause bleeding under the skin Elevate area. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 80 80  Wounds-Scrape (Abrasion) Situation Action Skin that has been rubbed or Contact STAT-MD. scraped away Clean affected area. Can easily become infected Apply dry sterile dressing if not kept clean or band-aid, depending on Minimal bleeding the size of the wound. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 81 81  Wounds-Cut (Incisions, Laceration) Situation Action Commonly caused by sharp Contact STAT-MD. objects Clean affected area. Cuts usually bleed freely; Apply direct pressure to deep cuts can bleed severely wound. Can easily become infected if Elevate area. not kept clean Apply dry sterile dressing. If bandage becomes saturated, do not remove and apply additional dressing. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 82 82  Wounds-Avulsion (Skin Tear) Situation Action Portion of skin or soft tissue Contact STAT-MD. is torn partially or Clean affected area. completely away Apply direct pressure to Significant bleeding wound. Can easily become infected Elevate area. if not kept clean Apply dry sterile dressing If bandage becomes. saturated, do not remove and apply additional dressing. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 83 83  Wounds- Puncture Situation Action Caused when a pointed object Contact STAT-MD. pierces the skin Clean affected area. Usually minimal bleeding Apply direct pressure to wound. Bleeding can be severe if object Elevate area. damages major blood vessels or Apply dry sterile dressing. internal organs If bandage becomes saturated, do not remove and apply additional dressing. Advise passenger to consider getting a Tetanus shot. FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 84 84  Sprains and Strains Situation Action Sprains Contact STAT-MD. Tearing of ligament at a joint Immobilize and elevate injured Joints most easily injured are the area. knee, wrists and fingers Apply ice to area; offer Pain and swelling Ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. Strains Tearing of muscles that attach muscle to bone (tendons) FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 86 86  Fractures Situation Area may appear swollen, deformed or bruised Painful to the touch or movement Restricted movement Injured area may be cold/numb Pain-slight to extreme Suspected fracture or sprain Redness or swelling possible Loss of mobility of sensation Bleeding and bone appearing in open wound FAM 25.20 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND TREATMENTS 87 87