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how to do it TM

Mind & Body

First Aid & CPR


published by Barnes & Noble

In case of emergency, be prepared.


You never know when you’ll be confronted by an accident or emergency: they can
happen in the home, at work, or even out in public. To make sure you remain cool
under pressure, learn the fundamentals of first aid, including:

• When and how to intervene in a crisis

• How to perform CPR, rescue breathing, and the Heimlich maneuver

• How to respond to more than 30 different health emergencies

• You’re responsible for the victim: If you’re in a • Adhesive tape: To hold gauze
First Aid Basics position of responsibility for other people, such as a bandages or splints in place.
First aid skills are techniques that a first responder to teacher or a Boy Scout leader, you must provide care Usually sold in rolls, like Scotch
the scene of an injury or illness can use to help an injured for those in your charge if they’re injured or ill. tape.
or sick person until medical professionals arrive. First aid • Adhesive bandages: To cover
may involve assisting with something as simple as a minor A few states have laws that require any bystander to help cuts or wounds without the
cut or as complex as performing CPR (cardiopulmonary the victim of an emergency to the best of their ability, as need for adhesive tape. You
resuscitation). long as doing so doesn’t endanger the first aid provider. should have large and small
Check your state’s laws to confirm your responsibilities. bandages, and they should be
First Aid and the Law sterile if possible. Latex-free
People are sometimes hesitant to provide help during an First Aid Courses bandages are best, since
emergency for fear of being sued if they do something The best way to learn, and the only way to get certified in some people are allergic to
wrong. Most states have passed Good Samaritan laws that first aid and CPR, is to take a first aid course. latex.
protect volunteers who provide first aid from lawsuits, pro- • Elastic bandages: To bind and
vided the volunteer follows three general guidelines: • What’s covered: Courses provide extensive training immobilize fractures and
about what to do in a variety of emergency situations. sprains temporarily, or to
• Obtain consent before giving first aid: A person has • Who offers courses: Your local chapter of the hold splints in place.
the right to refuse first aid. Before acting at the scene American Red Cross or the American Heart • Bandage scissors: To cut
of an emergency, identify yourself and tell the victim Association (AHA) offer first aid and CPR courses. bandages to the
that you know first aid. Then ask for permission to help. Many fire departments and medical centers do as well. appropriate size and to
• Expressed consent: If the victim gives permission, • Length and cost: First aid and CPR courses vary in snip adhesive tape.
you may begin first aid. length and cost. Contact your local Red Cross or AHA • Instant cold pack: To provide an
• Implied consent: If the victim is unconscious or chapter for further information. immediate source of cold
unresponsive and the situation is life-threatening, • Certification: You’ll have to pass a test in both first aid without the need for
you may assume that if the person were able to and CPR to get certified. To remain certified, you’ll need refrigeration.
respond, he or she would likely have accepted help. to update your knowledge and skills periodically. • Waterless hand wash or
You may then begin first aid. moist towelettes: To sanitize
• Don’t abandon the victim: Once you’ve begun first This guide serves as a handy quick-reference for some of hands and skin after providing
aid, don’t stop until medical assistance arrives or until the most important first aid and CPR procedures, but it first aid.
you’re so exhausted that you can’t continue giving care. should not serve as a replacement for the hands-on training
• Give first aid according to your training: Follow the provided by a course. Protecting Yourself
practices that you’ve been taught. Don’t try to perform Blood, or body fluids contaminated with blood, may carry
first aid procedures beyond your skill level. infectious diseases such as hepatitis or human immuno-
The First Aid Kit deficiency virus (HIV). First aid kits should contain medical
Good Samaritan laws can’t guarantee that you won’t be Though you can give basic first aid and CPR without tools, exam gloves, CPR mouth shields, and/or other equipment
sued for something you did or didn’t do at the scene of an a few supplies can make it safer, easier, and more effective. to limit this risk.
emergency. But very few Good Samaritans are sued, and It’s a good idea to assemble a simple first aid kit for your
even fewer lose in court. home, car, boat, workplace, or anywhere else you spend • Medical exam gloves:
lots of time. You can find first aid supplies at pharmacies and To protect your hands and
Duty to Act medical supply stores. skin from contact with
If you’ve been trained in first aid, you have a moral duty to blood and bodily fluids.
provide first aid to the victim of an emergency. But in most • Sterile gauze bandages: Latex-free gloves are best,
states, you are legally compelled to provide care only if: For covering cuts and but any rubber gloves are
wounds. They come in better than nothing at all.
• It’s your job: If you’re trained to perform first aid as various sizes and forms. • Mouth shield: To let you perform CPR without any
a part of your job, then you must provide first aid in You should have 2"× 2" actual mouth-to-mouth contact. There are two main
an emergency while you’re on duty. Nurses, doctors, pads, 4"× 4" pads, a types: Pocket Masks™ (generally used by medical
policemen, firefighters, and lifeguards all must provide large absorbent pad, as professionals) and Microshields® (more common
first aid when on duty. well as roller-type gauze. among Good Samaritan responders).
www.quamut.com First Aid & CPR

1. Straighten the victim’s legs and place the arm closest B. If you’re alone and the victim is an adult: Call for
to you at a right angle to the body. Remove any bulky help yourself and then continue your assessment.
items from the victim’s pockets. C. If you’re alone and the victim is a child or
infant: Deliver five cycles of CPR before calling 911.
3. Try to open the
airway: A foreign object
or the victim’s tongue
may be obstructing the
If you’re exposed to body fluids in any way, call your health- airway. With the victim
care provider as soon as possible for guidance. on his back, open the
airway by tilting the
head back with one
What to Do During an Emergency hand while tilting the
No two emergencies are exactly the same. But there is a 2. With one hand, lift the arm farthest from you and bring chin upward with the other.
general plan of response that you should follow in every it across the victim’s chest. Hold the arm so the back 4. Take ten seconds—and no longer—to check for
emergency situation. of the victim’s hand is against the cheek closest to you. normal breathing: Watch to see whether the victim’s
With your other hand, lift the knee farthest from you so chest is rising. Put your ear close to the victim’s mouth
1. Survey the Scene that the victim’s far foot rests flat against the ground. and nose and listen and feel with your cheek for
You can’t help a victim if you get hurt yourself. Before breathing. Don’t mistake gasping for breathing.
providing first aid, always check the scene for dangers A. If the victim is breathing: Put him in the recovery
such as: position and wait for medical help.
B. If there’s no sign of breathing: Perform CPR.
• Fire
• Downed power lines Assessing Illness or Injury
• Hazardous chemicals If the victim is breathing, assess for illness or injury. Ques-
• Unsafe structures tion the victim, question other people at the scene, and
• Traffic observe the victim. If you observe (or the victim reports) any
3. Roll the victim gently toward you, without ever allowing of the signs listed below, call 911:
Never attempt to enter a dangerous scene. Instead, call 911 the victim’s hand to lose contact with his cheek. The
and explain the situation. The 911 operator will dispatch the hip and knee of the victim’s top leg should both be bent • Sudden dizziness or fainting
appropriate public safety workers. at right angles. Tilt the head back slightly to keep the • Decreased level of responsiveness
airway open. • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
2. Decide Whether to Move the Victim • Sudden, severe vomiting
In the vast majority of emergencies, you should not move • Weakness in or loss of use of an extremity
the victim. Movement can worsen injuries the victim may • Change in vision
already have sustained. However, there are a few scenarios • Chest or abdominal pain or pressure
in which you may need to move a victim: • Sudden or severe pain in any body part

• If the victim is in immediate physical danger You should also palpate (feel) the victim’s body from head
• If the victim’s injury or illness is life-threatening and the to toe to check for:
victim is positioned in a way that prevents you from
providing first aid • Severe bleeding
3. Assess the Victim • Unusual skin color or temperature
How to Move a Victim Assessing an ill or injured person will give you the informa- • Abnormal breathing
If you do have to move a victim, follow these guidelines: tion you need to begin providing first aid. • Deformities, such as extremities in abnormal positions
• Verbal complaint of pain when a body part is touched
• Keep the spine and neck straight: Always keep the Assessing Airway and Breathing • Swelling or tenderness in any area
neck and spine in a straight line. Never move a victim 1. Assess consciousness: Approach the victim and ask, • Cuts or scrapes
sideways—only in the direction of the head or feet. “Are you okay?”
• Drag by the collar: If possible, try to pull the victim by A. If the victim is able to talk or cough: This means 4. Calling for Help
the collar, using your forearms to support the head. he has an open airway and is breathing. Skip to The most important aspect of first aid is knowing when and
• Pull from shoulders or feet: If you can’t move the “Assessing Illness or Injury” below. how to summon medical assistance. You should always call
victim using only his clothes, pull the body from both B. If the victim does not speak: Check for for help when:
feet or both shoulders. responsiveness by tapping or gently shaking his
arm. If the victim responds by talking or coughing, • The victim is unconscious or unresponsive
The Recovery Position skip to “Assessing Illness or Injury” below. • You believe that the victim’s condition is, or could
The recovery position is a body position that keeps the vic- 2. If the victim still doesn’t respond: Call 911. become, life-threatening
tim’s airway unobstructed. It should be used when a person A. If someone else is with you: Have that person call • There has been a car accident, fire, or explosion
is injured or ill but breathing normally. It should not be used for help while you stay with the victim. • There are downed electrical wires or a hazardous
if breathing is unstable or if you suspect a spinal injury. substance is present

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its readers and should not be used as a basis for making medical, investment, legal or other important
decisions. Though Quamut makes efforts to create accurate guides, editorial and research mistakes can
occur. Quamut cannot, therefore, guarantee the accuracy of its guides. We disclaim all warranties, including
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warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, and must advise you to use our guides at Copyright © 2007 Quamut
your own risk. Quamut and its employees are not liable for loss of any nature resulting from the use of or
All rights reserved.
reliance upon our charts and the information found therein.
Quamut is a registered trademark of
This chart and the information contained in this chart are for general educational and informational uses Barnes & Noble, Inc.
only. Nothing contained on this chart should be construed or intended to be used for medical diagnosis 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
or treatment. Users are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources and
review the information carefully with their physicians or qualified healthcare providers. The information
Printed in the United States
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is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or healthcare providers. Should you have
(photo 4), Royalty-Free/Corbis (photo 5), Tom Davison/Shutterstock (photo 6), any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider Writer: Linda Hepler
Vincent & Jennifer Keane/Lucence Photographic (photo 7), Vincent & Jennifer Keane/ promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a
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If you believe that the condition is or may be life threatening, Chest Compressions Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
or if you are uncertain what to do, you should always call for Chest compressions circulate blood through the victim’s An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a machine
help—even if the victim refuses first aid. body until the heart begins to beat on its own. Chest com- that can deliver an electric charge, or defibrillation, that for
pressions for adults and children are performed differently certain types of cardiac arrest can “shock” the heart back
How to Summon Help from those for infants. into normal rhythm. Used in combination with CPR, AEDs
Calling 911 is the most common way to access the emer- greatly increase survival rates.
gency response system, though some phone systems have Chest Compressions for Adults and Children AEDs can be dangerous to you and to the victim if used
different contact methods. In some locations, dialing 911 1. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim’s incorrectly. They should be used only by people who have
doesn’t work, so make sure you know the specific numbers chest, on the sternum (breastbone). Place the heel of received the proper training. Most Red Cross and American
to call for emergency help from home, work, and anywhere your other hand on top of the first hand. Interlock your Heart Association chapters offer AED training.
else you spend considerable time. When you call your lo- fingers and lift them up, but keep the heel of the hand
cal emergency number, be ready to share the following against the victim’s chest. Make sure the heel of your
information: hand is on the middle of the victim’s sternum, not on Respiratory Problems
the bottom end, which is fragile and may break off. Respiratory problems can be caused by many different inju-
• Your name, location, and the telephone number from ries and illnesses. The most common are choking, asthma,
which you’re calling and hyperventilation.
• Type of emergency (car accident, animal bite, heart
attack, etc.) Choking
• Number of persons injured Choking is the partial or total obstruction of the airway by a
• Condition of victims and treatment received so far. piece of food or other object. First aid for a choking adult is
different from first aid for a choking infant.
Don’t hang up until the emergency response operator tells
you to do so. You may need to answer further questions or First Aid for a Choking Adult
follow instructions vital to the victim’s survival. Ask the victim, “Are you choking?” If the victim can talk or
cough, the airway is not completely blocked. Encourage
the victim to try to
CPR cough out the object.
Signs of Choking

CPR, short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a tech- 2. With your body If the victim can’t talk • Coughing or wheezing
nique that keeps blood and oxygen flowing through the directly over the or cough, then the air- • Difficulty breathing
body of a person who isn’t breathing and whose heart has victim and elbows way is blocked. Ask • Grasping at the throat
stopped. Immediate CPR applied until medical help arrives straight, push down the victim’s permis- • Bluish color around mouth
doubles a victim’s chances of survival. firmly. Compress the sion to administer the
chest about 1 1/2–2". Heimlich maneuver.
Rescue Breathing Allow the chest to
If the victim is not breathing, it’s crucial to get air into his return to the normal 1. Stand behind the
body by giving rescue breaths. Rescue breaths can be given position between victim. Wrap your
through a face shield or mask, or directly mouth-to-mouth. compressions but arms around the
The steps for delivering rescue breaths are: always keep your victim’s abdomen
hands in contact (or chest, if the
1. Head tilt: Use a head tilt to make sure the victim’s with the victim’s victim is heavyset or
airway is open (see Assess the Victim). chest. pregnant).
2. Form a seal: If using a face shield or mask, place it 2. Make a fist and
over the victim’s face, holding the edges of the shield Give compressions at a rate of about 100 per minute— place it between the
snugly against the face with the fingers of both hands about one and a half compressions per second. victim’s sternum and
to make a tight seal. If providing direct mouth-to- navel, with the thumb
mouth, place your mouth over the victim’s mouth to Chest Compressions for Infants side facing the victim.
make a seal. Pinch closed the nose, using the hand To give chest compressions to an infant, place your middle 3. With your other hand, grasp the hand that’s formed into
that’s tilting the victim’s head back. and index fingers slightly below the nipple line at the center a fist. Thrust your hands quickly inward and upward to
of the chest. Push the chest in about 1/2–3/4". expel the object.

If the victim loses consciousness, check his airway and


breathing. If necessary, begin CPR.

First Aid for a Choking Infant


1. Lay infant face down on
your forearm, with your
hand beneath the chest and
fingers supporting the head.
3. Give two rescue breaths: Take a normal breath, then 2. Give 3–5 quick, sharp blows
give a one-second-long rescue breath. Repeat. Watch with the heel of your hand
for the victim’s chest to rise with each rescue breath. to the baby’s back, between
4. If the chest does not rise: The breath may not be Cycles of CPR the shoulder blades.
getting through the airway. Re-tilt the head and give After the two initial rescue breaths, CPR should be given 3. If the object is not expelled, back blows
two more rescue breaths. If the breaths still aren’t in cycles—30 chest compressions followed by two rescue turn the infant face up
going in, give care for choking. breaths. Two full cycles of CPR would be: on your other forearm,
5. If the victim begins breathing: Put him in the keeping the infant’s head
recovery position and wait for medical help. • First cycle: 30 compressions, 2 breaths supported.
6. If the victim does not begin breathing: Begin chest • Second cycle: 30 compressions, 2 breaths 4. Give 3–5 chest thrusts with
compressions (see below). two fingers placed in the
Continue giving cycles of breathing and compression until center of the chest, a finger
Rescue Breaths on Infants the victim has started to breathe on his own or until medical width below the nipple line.
Rescue breathing for infants is identical to that for adults, help has arrived. If the victim starts breathing at any time, 5. Alternate back blows and
except that you should form a seal over both nose and put him in the recovery position and wait for medical help. chest thrusts until the chest thrusts
mouth with your mouth. object is expelled. If the infant loses consciousness,
check his airway and breathing. If needed, call 911 and
begin CPR.
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Asthma Attacks External Bleeding


Asthma is a condition Most external bleeding can be stopped by applying direct Heat and Cold Ailments
Signs of an Asthma Attack
in which the airways pressure to the wound. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause medical
in the lungs narrow, • Wheezing problems, especially if the victim is exposed to such condi-
making it difficult to • Coughing 1. Apply direct pressure to the wound using your fingers tion for a long period of time. Temperature-related injuries
breathe. Dust, smoke, • Chest tightness or palm. If available, use a sterile gauze dressing folded often have a gradual onset but then progress rapidly to an
and exercise are com- in half or fourths. If you don’t have a clean dressing, a emergency-level situation.
mon triggers for asthma attacks, though attacks may also handkerchief, scarf, T-shirt, or other clean cloth will do.
occur without an obvious trigger. 2. Unless you believe there has been a fracture, lift the Cold-Related Ailments
injured limb above the level of the heart to limit blood The two most common cold injuries are frostbite and hy-
1. Assist the victim into a comfortable position. loss (see Skeletal Injuries for more on fractures). pothermia.
2. Ask the victim to try to breathe slowly and deeply. 3. If blood soaks through the dressing, put another
3. Most people with asthma have blue-capped reliever dressing on top of the first and apply increased Frostbite
inhalers that help lessen attacks. If the victim has an pressure. Frostbite is the freezing
Signs of Frostbite
inhaler, help him find and use it. 4. If the bleeding slows, clean the wound and surrounding of skin tissues. It occurs
area with running water or alcohol-free wipes. Pat dry when skin is exposed to • White or gray waxy skin
Most asthma attacks ease after three or four minutes. If the and cover with gauze or an adhesive bandage. freezing temperatures (or • Numb or tingling skin
attack continues past five minutes or the inhaler seems to 5. If the bleeding does not slow, call 911. Continue to near-freezing with a wind • Severe frostbite: less
pain and hard skin
have no effect, call 911. If the victim becomes unconscious, apply pressure to the wound until medical help arrives. chill) for an extended pe-
check his airway and breathing. If necessary, begin CPR. 6. If the victim has lost a lot of blood and is dizzy or riod of time. Severe frost-
confused, or if he has clammy skin and is breathing bite can result in tissue death, called gangrene.
Hyperventilation rapidly, treat him for shock. Frostbite victims should receive immediate medical at-
Hyperventilation is over- tention as soon as possible. Meanwhile, provide the follow-
Signs of Hyperventilation
ly fast and deep breath- Nosebleeds ing first aid:
ing, often brought about • Fast or deep breathing 1. Place the victim in a seated position with his head
by anxiety or panic. • Lightheadedness tilted slightly forward and ask him to breathe through 1. Move the victim to a warm area.
• Tingling in the hands his mouth. This will prevent blood from obstructing the 2. Remove any wet clothing.
1. Reassure the victim. airway or running down the back of the throat. 3. Remove any clothing or jewelry around the frostbite.
2. Lead the victim to a quiet place, if possible. 2. Using a gloved hand, pinch the nostrils together. If the 4. Don’t warm the frostbitten area unless medical
3. Ask the victim to concentrate on breathing with his victim is able to do this himself, allow him to do so. facilities are inaccessible.
abdominal muscles and to breathe in through the nose 3. Check to see whether the bleeding has stopped after 5. Elevate the frostbitten area to reduce swelling.
and slowly out through the mouth. Breathe along with ten minutes. If not, continue pinching for ten minutes,
the victim to help slow his breathing down. and then, if necessary, ten minutes more. If you must re-warm the frostbitten area, immerse the body
4. If the bleeding stops, advise the victim to rest for a few part in lukewarm water. If immersion is impossible, cover
Do not have the victim breathe into a paper bag. hours and to avoid blowing his nose, spitting, coughing, with lukewarm towels. Pat dry and cover in light gauze to
or sniffing during this time. protect against rubbing.
5. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, transport the victim to a
Anaphylactic Shock medical center. Hypothermia
Anaphylactic shock Hypothermia is a drop
Signs of Anaphylactic Shock Signs of Hypothermia
is a severe, life-threat- Internal Bleeding Signs of Internal Bleeding
in a person’s body tem-
ening allergic reaction. • Itching skin, eyes, or nose Internal bleeding can be perature after long expo- • Lowered responsiveness
Common triggers may • Congestion and sneezing minor (mild bruises) or • Bruising sure to cold air or water. • Unnatuarlly cool skin
include insect stings, • Hives (red skin rash) severe (bleeding organs). • Pain If the victim is elderly or • Violent shivering
medications, and cer- • Difficulty breathing If you believe that the in- • Swollen or tender area an infant, call 911 imme-
tain foods, such as • Swollen face and tongue ternal bleeding is severe, diately. If victim is young and fit and the symptoms are not
shellfish or peanuts. call 911 immediately. If you suspect that the internal bleed- extreme, provide first aid and wait a few minutes to deter-
If you suspect anaphylactic shock, call 911 immediately. ing is due to a bone injury, treat the bone injury (see Skeletal mine whether medical attention is required.
Assist the victim into the position of greatest comfort and Injuries) and summon medical assistance.
try to determine what caused the allergic reaction. If the 1. Move the victim quickly to a warm place.
victim loses consciousness, monitor his airway and breath- Shock 2. Remove any wet clothing. Cover the victim with dry
ing and be ready to perform CPR. Shock is a life-threat- clothing, a blanket, or even newspapers.
Signs of Shock
ening condition that oc- 3. If the victim can swallow, give warm liquids to drink.
Auto-Injectors curs when a person’s • Confusion or dizziness 4. If you’re at all unsure of the victim’s condition,
Some people who know they have severe allergies carry an circulatory system is • Change in responsiveness transport him to a medical care facility or call 911.
auto-injector, a device that injects a substance called epi- unable to supply the • Cool, clammy, pale skin
nephrine, which relieves allergic reactions. Auto-injectors body with oxygen. The • Nausea, vomiting, or thirst Heat-Related Ailments
are often referred to by the brand name EpiPen ®. most common cause of shock is blood loss, though it can The most common heat-related illnesses are sunburn, heat
If the victim has an auto-injector, you may have to help also be caused by a heart attack, burns, or fluid loss from exhaustion, and heat stroke.
him use it. The injection is given in the side of the thigh. Fol- vomiting or diarrhea.
low the instructions on the wrapper. Symptoms of shock may appear suddenly or slowly, which Sunburn
makes it difficult to spot. Any time a victim has severe fluid Sunburn is caused by excessive
Signs of Sunburn
loss, burns, or heart trouble, look out for signs of shock. exposure to sunlight or to the rays
Bleeding from a sunlamp in a tanning salon. • Red skin
Bleeding occurs when blood vessels, which circulate blood 1. If a victim appears to be in shock, call 911. Certain medicines make people • Pain
throughout the body, are ruptured in an injury. If the injury 2. Search for and treat the cause of the shock, if you are more susceptible to sunburn. If • Blistering
breaks the skin, external bleeding occurs. If the skin isn’t not already aware of it. you’re on medication, check
broken, internal bleeding occurs, in which blood from 3. Help the victim to lie on his back. whether it has any side effects related to sun exposure.
broken blood vessels pools within the body. Both types of 4. Elevate the legs about 12 inches from the floor. Be very
bleeding can result in shock. careful doing this if there are possible fractures. 1. Move the sunburned person into the shade or indoors.
When providing first aid for a bleeding person, wear 5. Cover the victim with a coat or blanket to help maintain Provide cool water to drink.
gloves if possible. body temperature. Loosen any tight clothing that might 2. Sponge the affected skin with cold water or soak the
restrict blood flow. affected areas in cold water for 10–15 minutes.
6. If the victim vomits, make sure he can still breathe and 3. If no blistering develops, soothe the skin with calamine
put him in the recovery position. lotion. If blistering develops, get medical assistance.
7. If the victim becomes unconscious, check for airway
and breathing. If there is no breathing, begin CPR.
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Heat Exhaustion Serious Head Wounds First Aid for Open (Compound) Fractures
Heat exhaustion results The most common serious head wounds are skull fractures • Cover the open wound with a loose, sterile dressing.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
when a person loses too and cerebral compressions, in which internal bleeding puts • Check for signs of shock.
much water and salt as a • Sweating, clammy skin pressure on the brain. • Build up pads around and over the wound and bone.
result of excessive sweat- • Headache Never put direct pressure on a protruding bone.
ing. It can be caused by • Dizziness and confusion Skull Fracture Cerebral Compression • Keep the victim still until medical help arrives. If the
• Nausea or cramps
overexertion, hot weath- victim has to be transported to the emergency room,
Symptoms
er, or illness. bandage as you would a closed fracture.
• Falling responsiveness • Falling responsiveness
1. Move the victim to a cool place, and have him lie down • Head wound or bruising • Drowsiness Dislocations
and elevate his legs. • Soft scalp depression • Intense headache A dislocation occurs
• Bruising around eyes • Fever or flushed skin Signs of Dislocation
2. Provide plenty of cool water to drink. If possible, add when a bone pops out
salt to the water at a ratio of one teaspoon per quart. • Blood from nose or ear • Unequal pupil size of its normal position • Searing pain
3. Transport the victim to a medical center, even if he • Asymmetry of head • Paralysis on one side of at a joint. Dislocations • Inability to move the area
seems to have recovered. or face the body occur most often in • Swelling and discoloration
4. If the victim’s condition deteriorates, put him in the the shoulder, jaw, and • Awkward bending
Treatment
recovery position and monitor breathing. Be ready to fingers, though they
Call 911. If the victim is Call 911. If the victim is
provide CPR if necessary. can occur at any joint. As a first responder, your goal is
conscious, lay him down conscious, keep him com-
to immobilize the injury and get the victim to the hospital.
with his head and neck fortable but keep his head
Heat Stroke Never attempt to “snap” a dislocation back into place.
stabilized. If there is bleed- and neck motionless. If
Heat stroke occurs when
Signs of Heat Stroke ing, control with pressure the victim is unconscious,
the body can no longer 1. Call for medical help. Watch for signs of shock.
around (not directly on) monitor breathing until
cool itself. It can stem • Dry, red, hot skin 2. Keep the injured area immobilized.
the wound. If the victim medical help arrives.
from prolonged heat ex- • Absence of sweating 3. Support the injured area with a sling secured with a
is unconscious, monitor
haustion, fever, or heat • High fever bandage wrapped around an uninjured body part.
breathing until medical
exposure. The goal of • Vomiting 4. Check bandages every ten minutes to make sure they
help arrives.
• Rapid, shallow breathing
heat stroke first aid is to aren’t cutting off circulation.
• Seizures
lower the victim’s body Spinal Injuries
• Unresponsiveness
temperature. If you suspect a neck
Signs of Spinal Injury
Strains, Sprains, and Tears
or spinal injury, don’t Other injuries that can occur to the ligaments, muscles,
move the victim un- • Injury to head, neck, or back and tendons include strains, sprains, and tears. They have
1. Call 911. less absolutely nec- • Lack of feeling in extremities symptoms much like those for closed fractures.
2. Move the victim to a cool place. essary. • Paralysis
3. Wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet, or sponge with 1. If the pain is severe, call for medical help.
cool water and/or place ice packs against his neck. If 1. Lay the victim flat and advise him not to move. 2. If not, immobilize the area with elastic bandaging. Try
no water or ice is available, fan the victim. 2. Call 911. to reduce pain and swelling with ice and elevation.
4. If possible, monitor the victim’s body temperature with 3. Kneel behind the victim’s head. Grasp both sides of the 3. If pain persists, call for medical help or transport the
the goal of reducing it to at least 100.4°F (38°C). head to stabilize it in line with the neck and spine. victim to the hospital.
5. If the victim’s body temperature falls to target level,
replace the wet blanket with a dry one and put the If you must turn the victim to keep the airway open, roll him
victim into the recovery position. while supporting the head, neck, and trunk. Moving a victim Burns
6. Monitor body temperature and breathing. If the victim’s with a spinal injury is an absolute last resort and should be Heat, chemicals, and electricity can all cause burns.
body temperature rises, return to cooling the body. If done only if the need is dire. Though minor burns may only need first aid care, major
the victim loses consciousness, check his breathing burns need professional medical attention.
and, if necessary, begin CPR.
Skeletal Injuries Major and Minor Burns
Skeletal injuries can involve bones, joints, or muscles. Bones The classification of a burn as minor or major depends on
Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries can be fractured or dislocated from their correct position in the burn’s depth and the area it covers.
Head, neck, and spinal injuries are most often caused by a joint, while soft tissue such as muscles and ligaments may
falls, car crashes, diving accidents, or blows to the head, suffer strains, sprains, or tears. • Minor burns include:
neck, or chest. • All superficial burns, which cause red skin and pain.
Bone Fractures • Any partial thickness burns that cover an area
Head Injuries Bone fractures can be smaller than your palm and don’t affect the head,
Signs of Fracture
Head injuries range from concussions that cause brief closed, meaning that the neck, hands, feet, genitals, or respiratory system.
impairment of consciousness to grave, life-threatening in- skin is left intact, or open, • Loss of function Partial thickness burns cause blistering, swelling,
juries. Any serious head injury should be treated also as an meaning that the broken • Pain, swelling, bruising and blotchiness.
injury to the spine or neck. bone has punctured the • Major burns include:
skin. Open fractures are also called compound fractures. • Any partial thickness burns larger than your palm
Concussion Signs of Concussion
or that affect the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals,
Concussion occurs when the First Aid for Closed Fractures or respiratory system.
brain is “shaken” by an im- • Brief impairment of 1. Ask the victim to keep still. • All full thickness burns, which leave a charred or
pact. To provide first aid for a consciousness 2. If there is significant bruising, or the fracture is of a white appearance and usually are painless (because
concussion: • Nausea or dizziness large bone, call 911. Check for signs of shock. they cause nerve damage).
• Memory loss
3. Bandage the broken bone to an uninjured part of the
1. Monitor the victim’s vital body. If an arm is broken, bandage against the torso; Thermal Burn First Aid
signs and responsiveness. if a leg is broken, bandage to the uninjured leg. The ties Thermal burns are caused by fire or other heat sources.
2. Do not leave the victim to his own care, even if on the bandage should be on the uninjured side.
he seems to have recovered. Make sure a person 4. If bandaging the broken bone causes pain, stop 1. If the victim’s clothing is on fire, help him drop to the
responsible for the victim remains near him at all times. immediately and call 911. If the victim feels coldness or ground and roll around in order to smother any flames.
3. Advise the victim to go to the hospital if a headache, tingling in his extremities, the bandages are too tight. You can also smother the fire by covering it with a
nausea, or drowsiness develops. 5. If possible, place a cold pack or bag of ice on the blanket or coat.
injured area. Keep a cloth between the ice and skin. 2. Once the fire is out, remove the burned clothing unless
6. If movement causes the victim pain, call 911. If the it is stuck to the skin. Remove jewelry over any burn
victim can move without pain, transport him to the before swelling occurs.
closest hospital emergency room.
www.quamut.com First Aid & CPR

3. If the burn is major, or if victim’s clothes were on fire, Heart Attack


call 911 and treat him for shock. If the victim loses Bites and Stings A heart attack is a sud- Signs of Heart Attack
consciousness, check his airway and breathing. If there Insect and spider bites and stings can be a painful nuisance, den loss of or drop in • Intense chest pain
is no breathing, begin CPR. or, if the victim is allergic, the source of a life-threatening blood supply to the heart, • Viselike pressure around
4. If the burn is minor, immerse the burned area in a sink emergency. Animal and snake bites can also cause life- usually caused by a block- the chest
or bucket of cool (not cold) water, or cover it with a wet threatening situations. age of one of the heart’s • Gasping for air
cloth for ten minutes. If possible, cover the burn loosely coronary arteries. • Sweating
with a dry sterile dressing, but don’t tape the dressing. Insect Stings and Bites • Faintness
The first step when dealing with an insect sting or bite is 1. If you suspect a heart • Sudden collapse
Chemical Burn First Aid to ask whether the victim has an allergy to insect stings. If attack, call 911. • Ashen skin; blue lips
Chemical burns are caused by contact with harmful chemi- yes, call 911 immediately and prepare to provide first aid for 2. Sit the victim in a Women, diabetics, and
cals. If there are fumes or spilled chemicals on the scene, anaphylactic shock. If the victim is not allergic: comfortable position. the elderly may experi-
call 911 rather than provide first aid yourself. If the scene 3. If possible, have the ence different heart attack
is safe: 1. Remove the stinger by gently scraping it away. Clean victim slowly chew a symptoms: a feeling similar
the area with soap and water if possible. tablet of aspirin. to heartburn or indigestion,
1. Summon medical assistance for any chemical burn. 2. Apply a cold pack or ice to the sting site, keeping a 4. Monitor breathing and or discomfort in the jaw,
2. If the victim has been burned with a dry chemical, cloth between the skin and the ice. be prepared to give shoulder, abdomen, back
brush any remaining chemical off of the skin. Be very 3. Observe the victim for 30 minutes for signs of an CPR if necessary. or neck.
careful not to let the chemical touch your own skin. allergic reaction. At any sign of an allergic reaction, call
3. Run water over the burned area for 30–60 minutes. 911 and treat for anaphylactic shock. Hypoglycemia
4. Remove jewelry and clothing from the burned area. Hypoglycemia is a lack
Signs of Hypoglycemia
5. Put a dry sterile dressing over the burn, if available. Medical personnel should see any spider bite that causes of glucose (sugar) in the
symptoms such as sweating, nausea, or stomach cramps. blood. It tends to strike • Faintness or confusion
Electrical Burn First Aid people who are diabetic. • Clammy, sweaty skin
Electrical burns are caused by direct exposure to electric- Animal Bites
ity. For any electrical burn, make sure the source of electric- Animal bites can cause blood loss, spread disease, and 1. Provide a quick source of sugar, such as juice, non-diet
ity is no longer present or active before entering the scene, lead to infection. Notify police about any animal bite. soda, or a sugar packet. Many diabetics carry special
and call 911. Care for an electrical burn just as you would for glucose tablets for just this purpose.
a thermal burn (see above). 1. If there are large or multiple wounds, call 911. 2. If the victim does not improve within 15 minutes, give
2. Stop bleeding with direct pressure to the wound ( see more sugar and call for help. Be prepared to provide
External Bleeding). CPR if necessary.
Poisoning 3. If necessary, treat the victim for shock ( see Shock). 3. If the victim has a seizure, take actions to protect him
Poisons are substances that have a toxic effect on body 4. Wash the wound with soap (if available) and water. (see below).
tissues. They can range from overdoses of medicine to 5. If medical assistance is not on its way, transport the
household chemicals, industrial gases, or natural plant victim to an emergency room as soon as possible. Seizure
substances. The treatment depends on the specific poison. A seizure involves a loss
Signs of Seizure
Poisons are most commonly ingested or inhaled. Snake Bites or impairment of con-
Though few snakes in the United States are poisonous, it’s sciousness and loss of • Loss of consciousness
Ingested Poisons always best to be cautious when dealing with a snake bite. muscle control. Many • Convulsive movements
Call 911 and then follow these guidelines while awaiting the seizures are caused by a • Arching of the back
An ingested poison can arrival of medical personnel. medical condition called
Signs of Ingested Poison
damage the digestive epilepsy, but they can also result from head injuries, hypo-
tract and, if absorbed • Burns or redness around 1. Wash the bite with soap (if available) and water. glycemia, heat stroke, or poisoning.
into the bloodstream, mouth or lips 2. Immobilize the bitten body part and gently compress
can cause additional • Breath smells like chemicals the part of the limb above the bite with bandages. 1. Protect the victim by moving objects out of his way.
damage to the body. • Empty pill bottles 3. If the victim loses consciousness, check his airway and If possible, put a towel or blanket beneath his head to
Never induce vomiting • Nausea or vomiting breathing and provide CPR if needed. protect it against impact with the floor.
in a case of ingested 2. Call for medical help.
poison. Do not slash a snakebite with a knife, try to suck the poison 3. After the seizure is over, check his airway and
from the wound, or do anything that prevents blood from breathing.
1. Try to determine what caused the poisoning. Look for a reaching or leaving the site of the wound. If necessary, begin CPR.
bottle and ask the victim or his family. 4. If the victim is breathing, help him into the recovery
2. If victim is responsive, call the national Poison Control position. Stay with him until help arrives.
Center (800.222.1222) and follow directions for care. Emergency Medical Issues
3. If victim is unresponsive, call for help, check his airway A number of medical conditions can appear very suddenly, Never try to restrain a seizure victim by force or try to pry
and breathing, and provide CPR if needed. Make sure demanding first aid care. The most common are fainting, open or put anything inside a seizure victim’s mouth.
there are no chemicals on the mouth before performing hypoglycemia, seizure, heart attack, and stroke.
CPR. Stroke
Fainting A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is stopped
Inhaled Poisons Fainting is a brief period of
Signs of Fainting
or impaired by a blood clot or rupture of a blood vessel.
Signs of Inhaled Poison
Gases or fumes that may unconsciousness after which Strokes tend to affect older people or people suffering from
cause poisoning include • Headache the victim recovers fully. It can • Lightheadedness high blood pressure. Speedy medical care is the priority for
everything from carbon • Confusion or falling result from pain, hunger, ex- • Brief loss of any stroke victim.
monoxide (produced by responsiveness haustion, stress, surprise, or consciousness
auto engines and other • Dizziness sudden action after inactivity. • Slow pulse 1. Call 911.
machines) to the fumes • Seizures 2. If the victim is conscious, lay him down with his head
from household cleaners. 1. If the victim feels faint, advise him to lie down. If the and shoulders slightly elevated, and rest his head
Do not enter a scene where there may be gases or fumes victim faints while standing up, try to ease his fall. slightly to the side. The victim may dribble from the
until you’re absolutely sure it’s safe. 2. Once the victim is lying down, elevate his feet about 12 mouth.
inches above the ground. 3. If the victim becomes unconscious, check his airway
1. Move the victim to an area free of fumes. 3. Treat injuries that may have occurred during a fall. and breathing. If necessary, begin CPR.
2. Once away from the fumes, call for medical help. 4. When the victim regains consciousness, advise him
3. If the victim vomits, put him in the recovery position. to rest. As dizziness subsides, help him to a sitting
4. If the victim becomes unresponsive, check his airway position and then gradually to a standing position.
and breathing. If necessary, begin CPR. 5. If dizziness persists after 15 minutes, transport the
victim to a hospital or medical care facility.

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