BASIC FIRST AID TECHNIQUES RAPID ASSESSMENT FOR FIRST AID CARE: DIFFICULTY , , BASIC CPR – WRAP METHOD: These four areas of the body should be surveyed to rapidly assess an injured person. CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION • The pressure wrap in the kit is designed to apply pressure HEAD AND NECK: It is recommended that the untrained person using this manual receive professional instruction in basic cardiac life FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS to a serious to stop . • If person is unconscious a head or neck may be present. Use your hands to support by an official course recognized by the local chapter of the American Heart Association. William W. Forgey, M.D. • Place a sterile gauze pad over the wound and apply check for obvious to scalp, head and neck. DO NOT MOVE NECK IN pressure wrap over gauze pad. UNCONSCIOUS PERSON . If person is unconscious, secure the neck. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES. • Recognized by the victim grasping his throat, panicked appearance, and inability to talk. Caused by a foreign object such • Wrap should be tight enough to stop bleeding, yet allow • Check the pupils in the victim’s eyes: normally, they should be reactive to light and as food lodged against the vocal cords obstructing the flow of air into the lungs. Phone Numbers you to still feel a in the extremity. equal in size. An unequal, large pupil that does not react to light may mean a severe • Usually occurs during eating and can result in unconsciousness, and cardiopulmonary arrest if not relieved. DIAL 911 or: • No need for tape; wrap is self-adherent. life-threatening head injury. PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION Paramedics/ • Do not leave pressure wrap on for more than 10 minutes • If a conscious person complains of neck pain after an accident or trauma, then his neck should be secured. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES. Recognition: Victim may be able to talk and get some air past the object. There may be wheezes Fire ______without loosening. between coughs. Victim is coughing in an attempt to remove the object. ______• Remove dentures, gum or any food from the mouth of an injured person to prevent airway obstruction. Treatment: If the victim has good air exchange, DO NOT attempt to remove the object. SECURING THE HEAD AND NECK Encourage coughing. Call for medical help immediately. Center ______• In an unconscious person, or in a person with head or neck injury, keep the neck • Check carotid pulse on ONE SIDE OF THE NECK ONLY. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES. Personal (Name) ______from moving to prevent damage to the spinal cord; this could cause paralysis. • In a neck injury check person for the presence of normal sensation and the ability to COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION Recognition: Unconsciousness can occur in a few minutes followed by cardiopulmonary arrest. Doctor ______• The neck can be made immobile by the following: move fingers and toes. Do not allow victim to move neck. Victim cannot speak or nods yes when asked, “Are you choking?” Victim appears Pharmacist/ 1. Hold the victim’s head steady with your hands. dusky in color and panicky because no air is getting to the lungs. Allergist ______WOUNDS OF THE HEAD AND NECK: 2. Secure the victim’s body before securing the neck. Treatment: Relative/ The scalp, face and neck will bleed profusely when cut. Scalp are best controlled 3. Place a hard surface under the victim’s back and secure DON’TS • Don’t stick your finger or other object into the victim’s mouth. Friend ______head with pressure wrap. with direct pressure. Lacerations of the face are also controllable with direct pressure. • Don’t give victim anything to drink until you are sure the object is swallowed or CAUTION: A pressure wrap must not obstruct breathing Neck wounds too should be controlled with direct pressure. DO NOT wrap pressure removed. or be around neck. around neck! • Don’t interfere if victim is moving air into lungs. ©2005 Sawyer Products 4. In the field, place large rocks or small logs beside victim’s P.O. Box 188, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 An object that is impaled in the head or neck should never be pulled out. Any penetrating DO’s • Call for medical help. neck and secure the head with pressure wrap to prevent object should be left in. Trauma in the face, mouth and nose can result in blood being • If the victim is speaking and moving some air, encourage continued coughing the neck from moving. swallowed or breathed into the airway. A victim with these injuries should be rolled onto and breathing through nose. his side to prevent blood and vomitus from being inhaled into the airway and causing • Ask, “Are you choking?” If the victim cannot answer, then full obstruction exists. CHECKING aspiration. Rolling the victim on his side should be done only when the neck is secured. BASIC FIRST AID • Apply the abdominal thrust technique: • Wrist Pulse (Radial Artery) Read and familiarize yourself with these aids Head and Neck Injuries to the eye can involve penetration of the eyeball itself or 1. Get behind victim and place your arms around his abdomen. for any emergency. Located on the thumb side of the hand, it can be easily felt using two fingers. superficial wounds. If a chemical injury occurs (SEE REVERSE 2. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side of your fist against victim’s The hand is supplied by another large artery, therefore SIDE) then immediate flushing with water is critical or sight may abdomen above the navel and below the ribs. EMERGENCY FIRST AID: injuries to the radial artery do not result in complete loss of be jeopardized. Eye wounds and injuries from foreign objects 3. Grasp your fist with your other hand. blood supply. should be seen by expert medical help. Lightly apply a patch to DO’s AND DON’TS Radial Artery 4. Make quick upward and inward forceful thrusts until the foreign body is the eye and seek medical help. expelled or the patient becomes unconscious. DO’S: FOR VICTIM WHO BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS: • Neck Pulse (Carotid Artery) • 1. Call 911. • 3. Attempt rescue breathing. If unsuccessful, reposition the 1. Remain calm. delays effective Located on each side of the neck just underneath the angle • 2. Open mouth and head and try again. medical care. Carotid Artery of the jaw. sweep deeply with a • 4. If air will not go in, kneel astride the victim’s thighs, place the heel of Can be felt using two fingers. hooked finger in an one hand on the victim’s, abdomen in the midline slightly above the 2. Check airway, breathing, and CHEST AND BACK: Never attempt to feel both sides of the neck arteries at the same • Look for obvious wounds and bruises. attempt to remove navel and well below the ribs, and perform up to five . circulation (See CPR). time since this could reduce blood to the brain and cause foreign body. • 5. Repeat steps 2 and 4 until foreign body is removed. fainting. • Watch the pattern of breathing. The chest wall should rise and fall evenly on both sides 3. Check for serious bleeding and of the lungs. NOTE: Children are treated the same as adults. (See Shock section on reverse side). Femoral Artery • Feel the chest wall for deformities and pain. AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN INFANTS • DON’T attempt to remove obstructing object with fingers • Hold infant head slightly down and give five back blows • Groin Pulse (Femoral Arteries) • Check for back injuries but do not move the victim who is unconscious or who has 4. Maintain body core (See Heat since this may push object further back against airway. between the shoulder blades. and Cold Injuries). Located just below the abdomen next to the genital region. back pain. • Turn infant face up and give five chest thrusts with two The femoral arteries are easily felt in the midline. 5. Check for other injuries as directed by this fingers on the lower half of the sternum (breastbone). guide. WOUNDS OF THE CHEST AND BACK Do not give infant abdominal thrusts. Lacerations or penetrating wounds to the chest or back can penetrate into the lungs and • Repeat if necessary. 6. Check for medical information (usually cause the lung to collapse (). Lung collapse can also be caused by blunt • Foot Pulse (Pedal Artery) found in wallet, on bracelet or neck non-penetrating trauma that fractures a rib. chain) that describes a medical problem Located on the top (dorsum) of the foot, in the center, in Pedal Pulse A chest or back wound that has air alternately escaping and BASIC CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION – CPR or allergy. line with the middle two toes. being sucked into the wound must be closed by use of an WHEN TO PERFORM CPR – FOR UNCONSCIOUS PERSON ONLY airtight seal (See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES). A sucking 1. Determine if victim is responsive by loud voice. DO NOT SHAKE VICTIM. 7. Seek medical attention immediately, if wound of this sort can be sealed with plastic wrap. Leave any #5a. 2. Call for help. Dial 911. needed. Chest and Back penetrating object in the secure (See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES). 3. If there is injury above the collarbone, secure the neck (First Aid Techniques). BUILDING A SPLINT If a victim has been impaled by a penetrating object, then 4. If no injury is suspected, then lay person on back and clear the airway. Use a single attempt to cut object off at base but do not remove object. finger in a hook-like fashion to sweep the mouth and back of throat. Avoid pushing any The following can be used to splint an injured extremity. Removal of penetrating object can result in massive, object in the mouth further back. uncontrollable bleeding. • Rolled up newspaper • Board or stick #5b. 5. For a suspected injury above collarbone, perform a chin lift without moving head or DON’TS: • Cardboard • Pillow or rolled up sheets neck. This is done by one of two methods; (a) place thumb behind lower front teeth and index finger under jaw, lift jaw forward to help open airway. (b) place both hands 1. Don’t move an unconscious victim unless For a splint to be useful it must bridge the injury or involved in the injury. The behind jaw bone at angle of jaw and lift jaws forward to open airway. the situation is life-threatening. pressure wrap can he used to secure the splint. Do not wrap too tightly. ABDOMEN AND PELVIS: 6. For a non-injured person push down on the forehead while lifting the chin (the head • Feel the abdomen with your hands; any pain elicited could indicate potential organ #6 tilt-chin lift method). DO NOT EXAGGERATE THIS MANEUVER IN INFANTS OR CHILDREN 2. Don’t move victim until the neck is injury. SINCE HYPEREXTENSION MAY FURTHER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION. secured; always protect the neck of an Ankle Apply wrap in a figure “8” Start on foot first, • Check for obvious wounds or bruises. A bruise could indicate serious organ injury. 7. LOOK at the victim’s chest for any breathing movements. FEEL for breath on your face. unconscious person. around ankle joint and then wrap ankle. foot Wrap secures itself. • Rock the hips slightly; the presence of pain could mean a hip fracture. LISTEN for breath. • Feel for the presence of femoral (groin) pulses. 8. CHECK for presence of (carotid) NECK pulse. 3. Don’t give an injured or unconscious Wrist 9. If pulse is present but breathing absent, perform mouth to mouth ventilation by victim food or water. Use board or cardboard. Board should be placed under palm of hand to WOUNDS OF THE ABDOMEN AND PELVIS adequately support wrist. pinching the person’s nose and blowing air into mouth maintaining the head and neck Wounds may be superficial or penetrating. A penetrating wound can enter the position as above. Blow one strong breath every five seconds. THE VICTIM’S CHEST WILL 4. Don’t attempt first aid measures beyond If no board is available, splint wrist with wrap alone as shown in figure. abdominal cavity and cause further damage. Even a very small RISE IF TECHNIQUE IS CORRECT. For infants and children try to blow breath every three your level of skill. Caution: Check for presence of pulse after applying pressure wrap. wound such as from a knife can be very serious and result in life- #9 seconds. For very small infants or newborns, place your entire mouth over their nose and mouth and do not pinch their nose. threatening internal bleeding. Cover any abdominal wound; seek 10. If neck pulse is not present start CPR. medical attention. Knee Apply wrap around knee making sure wrap goes above and below knee joint for adequate support. (Never attempt to straighten injured joint.) ONE RESCUER CPR • Give TWO FULL BREATHS immediately. MOVING THE Abdomen and Pelvis • Note that chest rises with breaths, signifying clear victim airway. Another splint can be made using a board, rolled-up bed sheet or cardboard • Begin chest compressions over lower half of sternum using the heel of your hand with other INJURED PERSON with the wrap above and below the knee joint. hand on top or fingers interlocked. Keep elbows locked so that arms are straight. Shoulders should be directly over victim’s sternum. 1. Securing the neck of an unconscious Leg or Arm • Always pad splints. EXTREMITIES: • Sternum should be depressed 1 1/2-2 inches at a rate of 80 to 100 compressions per minute. victim with a head injury is vital. • Check for deformities, wounds, and fractures. • Every 15 compressions should be followed by two full breaths. • Splint a joint injury by wrapping above • Feel the skin for indications of shock or fever. • Interrupt CPR only to check neck pulses or for signs of . 2. An unconscious or seriously injured victim and below. should not be moved without help unless • Check for radial (wrist) pulse and pedal (top of the foot) pulse. See FIRST AID he is in danger of death, , or • Splint a long bone injury by securing TECHNIQUES. INFANT CPR further injury. the joint above and below. • Always check for presence of a pulse in an injured extremity. Use the tips of the first two fingers for compressing chest. Depress chest wall approximately 1/2-3/4 inch over sternum. Compression rate should be approximately 100 per minute. Place • In a neck or back injury, check person for the presence of normal sensation and the infant on firm surface so a breath can be delivered every five compressions. In delivering 3. To turn an injured person from a face ability to move fingers and toes. Do not allow victim to move neck. down position onto his back requires a SECURING A PENETRATING OBJECT breath, cover infants mouth and nose with your entire mouth. DO NOT PINCH NOSE as with adults. technique of “log rolling” with a person 1. Do not remove object from body. WOUNDS OF EXTREMITIES protecting the head and neck, a person in Wounds of the extremities can involve blood vessels, nerves, or tendons. The wound can 2. Secure the object so that it cannot move. Pack sterile pads or clean clothes around the the middle protecting the spine and a be cleaned or irrigated with clean water to remove contaminating object at point of entry. Use the roll of self-adherent wrap to hold pads and object in place. CHILD CPR person at the hips and upper leg area. dirt. If bleeding involves a blood vessel or appears heavy, apply Use the heel of one hand only and compress sternum 1 1/2 inches per compression. 3. Make sure that wrapping is not so tight as to restrict breathing, or to cause loss of pulse. direct pressure using pressure wrap. Check for a pulse in injured Compression rate is 80-100 per minute. Deliver breath every five compressions and pinch nose Redo wrapping if necessary. extremity. during each breath. 4. Continually monitor breathing, pulse and symptoms of shock. In the amputation of an extremity, finger or toe, apply pressure 5. Seek medical help immediately. dressing to help stop bleeding. Place amputated part in plastic bag and keep cold but not on ice. Seek immediate medical help. PITFALLS IN PERFORMING CPR 1. Do not interrupt CPR for more than 10 seconds. 6. Do lock elbows. AIR TIGHT SEAL BANDAGE FOR CHEST WOUNDS 2. Do not move victim until he is stable. 7. Rib fractures may occur even with proper technique. 1. Cover wound with sterile pads. 3. Do not compress sternum at extreme lower tip since 8. Do make sure that the chest wall RISES with each breath. 2. Over the pads place plastic or aluminum foil so as to completely this may cause a fracture and internal organ 9. CPR can be terminated ONLY when (a) a physician assumes stop air leakage while victim exhales forcefully. Seizures are common and usually safely terminate by themselves in less than a minute. damage. responsibility and issues an order to stop (b) a qualified 3. Secure the plastic or foil using the roll of self-adherent wrap. Hold seal in place until The victim may jerk upper and lower extremities in a tonic fashion and turn blue in the 4. Do not bounce up and down on chest wall during rescuer takes over (c) effective circulation and breathing are 4. A blanket or large, flat object, such as a wrap is secure. face. However, in most instances the will terminate in seconds. After the seizure compressions. Hands should always maintain contact restored (d) the rescuer becomes exhausted (e) the victim is door, can be used to help transport a 4. Loosen wrapping as necessary (one side only) to relieve air pressure build-up or victim terminates the victim usually remains unconscious or very lethargic and is confused. This with chest wall. transferred to properly trained and designated medical or victim. discomfort. phase clears slowly. Make sure the victim does not aspirate vomitus or mouth contents paramedical professionals. 5. Continually monitor breathing, seek medical help immediately. into their lungs during the seizure. DO NOT attempt to any object between their 5. Do keep shoulders square and directly over sternum. 5. If the victim’s neck cannot be protected, do teeth during the seizure. Seek medical attention. If the seizure is prolonged it can interfere 10. Do not interrupt CPR for more than 10 seconds. not move him. with respiration. SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY. BLEEDING AND WOUNDS HEAT RELATED INJURIES POISONINGS AND OVERDOSES 1. Lay victim down or have victim sit. Heat Recognition: Burns can he caused by hot liquids; flame; electricity; chemicals in 2. Remain calm. Panic delays effective care. Common symptoms of heat stroke include dry hot skin; no contact with skin, such as gasoline or paint stripper; compressed DO’S AND DON’TS Poison Ingested — without prescription. Use only (continued) under the direction of your 3. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound perspiration; internal body temperature of greater than 105° F; gases that are very cold, such as ammonia or propane. Burns are 1. DO call 911. itself with a clean cloth or sterile bulk dressing. rapid and difficult to detect pulse; shock. Victim is usually classified as minor, partial thickness, or full thickness. physician or 911. 4. Hold pressure for a minimum of five (5) minutes before unconscious. Heat stroke is LIFE-THREATENING! It can progress to DO’S AND DON’TS OF TREATMENT: 2. DO make note of the product swallowed or inhaled The usual adult dose of syrup removing pad. When bleeding has stopped, apply gauze seizures, cardiac arrest, and death if not treated immediately. (or the nature of an exposure), the time of ingestion, of Ipecac is one ounce; dressing with the pressure wrap in . This pressure DO apply cold compress to burn caused by hot substance or Heat stroke can occur in any hot climate, but occurs more the amount ingested, the location of the victim, and children’s dose is 1/2 ounce. wrap will maintain pressure on the wound. If bleeding is not flame immediately. frequently in hot and humid climates. whether or not the victim is taking any other CALL 911 FIRST. Follow Ipecac controlled, then apply MORE pressure. Use large bulk DO irrigate a chemical burn with water immediately. medications. dressing and pressure wrap. Seek immediate medical help. Heat Stroke Treatment: with water to help induce vomiting. Vomiting usually You can use the roll of pressure wrap as a compress. 1. Call for immediate medical help and move victim out of hot DO apply sterile pad loosely over burn site. 3. DO call 911 before administering anything by occurs in 15-20 minutes. 5. Check pulse in injured extremity. No pulse indicates that wrap environment. DO seek medical help. mouth to the victim. If you cannot call 911 is too tight, cutting off circulation. Re-apply wrap. 2. Immediately begin lowering body temperature by spraying DON’T scrub burn area. immediately and the victim has ingested a caustic Activated charcoal may also be 6. Check for signs of shock. (See Shock) with water and using fans and ventilation. substance, lye, or acid, give him water to drink to kept at home as a poison DON’T break blisters. dilute the substance. 7. An injured person who is out of doors is much more 3. Give nothing by mouth. antidote. Only use charcoal on susceptible to hypothermia (dangerously low body DON’T remove clothing adhering to burn. advice of your physician. 4. Do not lower body temperature below 101° F. 4. DO NOT give anything by mouth to a victim who is temperature). Keep the victim warm and protected from wind DON’T apply ointment, grease, or medication to burn. sleepy or who is unconscious. and cold. Eating Poisonous — Call 911 if a plant eaten is DON’T pack in ice. Plants suspected of being poisonous. 8. If the victim is alone, he should lie down and use pressure Prevention of Heat Stroke: 5. DO NOT give anything by mouth to a person who wrap with gauze dressing to control bleeding. Avoid excessive exercise or work outdoors in a hot, humid has had a seizure. SEE SEIZURE TREATMENT. 9. SEE FIRST AID TECHNIQUES FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON GAUZE environment. Acclimatize slowly to these adverse conditions if MINOR BURN (First Degree Burn) Recognition and 6. DO NOT induce vomiting unless told to do so by FOOD POISONING DRESSING AND PRESSURE WRAPPING. you have to be exposed. Heat stroke may be precipitated by Treatment: the poison center specialist. Caused by certain bacteria and microbes ingested from cardiac , blood pressure medication, and other medication 1. Skin area is red, minor swelling, pain at site, no blisters. food or in water. Botulism is life-threatening; the other that interferes with the normal heat control mechanism. 2. Apply cold compress (NOT ICE) or immerse in cool water for 7. DO NOT induce vomiting in the following food poisonings generally are not. FRACTURES (BROKEN BONES) Heat Exhaustion Recognition: pain relief. circumstances: TYPE CAUSE SYMPTOMS TREATMENT A broken bone results in pain in the area. The bone may or Headache, nausea, abdominal and leg , increased thirst, 3. Medical treatment is usually not necessary unless burn is may not protrude through the skin and may cause a • If victim swallows a caustic substance or acid. Staphylococcus Exposed food Abdominal pain Prevent deformity of the involved extremity. and dizziness are associated with heat exhaustion. Internal caused by chemical, electricity, or cold exposure. such as chicken, and vomiting dehydration temperature is usually elevated, but not above 103 degrees F. • If victim swallows a petroleum product. potato or tuna within 6-8 with clear 1. Keep victim still and seek medical help immediately. salad and hours. fluids. Usually Skin is sweaty to touch. Victim has usually been exposed to a hot 2. Do not move victim until splint has been applied. See FIRST PARTIAL THICKNESS BURN (Second Degree Burn) • If the victim is unconscious or sleepy. desserts limited to 24 humid environment. Pulse may be rapid. hours. AID TECHNIQUES. Recognition and First Aid: • If the victim has a seizure. Salmonella Contaminated Fever, Disease is self- 3. A broken bone of the lower extremities or pelvis can cause Treatment of Heat Exhaustion 1. Skin is red and blisters are present; pain and swelling are and Shigella food or water abdominal pain, limiting and in shock due to profuse bleeding around the bone. diarrhea which most cases 1. Move victim out of hot environment. present. 8. SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR ANY POISON OR may be bloody, goes away in a 4. Check for the presence of a pulse in the fractured extremity. 2. Apply cool compress or immerse in cool water for pain relief. OVERDOSE. dehydration and few days. 5. In a fracture that does not penetrate the skin, place the 2. Have victim sit or lie down. shock may Prevent occur. dehydration extremity in a comfortable position, check for a pulse, and 3. Offer cool drinks of water or sweetened but have 3. Medical treatment is necessary especially if face, hands, feet, or Symptoms with clear splint. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES. victim drink slowly to prevent vomiting. buttocks is involved or if a large portion of body or extremity is within 8-48 fluids. TREATMENT OF POISONING hours of eating 6. For a fracture that penetrates the skin, check for a pulse. If 4. Have victim continue to sip water until he feels better and can involved. contaminated present, do not attempt to straighten the extremity , but splint food. sit up without being dizzy. Poison Inhaled — Get victim to fresh air. Avoid and cover wound with a sterile dressing. If a circulation is breathing fumes. Start decreased compared to the patient’s other side, improve by 5. Seek medical help. FULL THICKNESS BURN (Third Degree Burn) Giardia Contaminated Abdominal pain, Prevent resuscitation if victim is not water diarrhea which dehydration using gentle traction in line followed by slow straightening. Recognition and First Aid: may be bloody. with clear breathing. Within 10-30 days. fluids. Do not increase pain. Do not use force. Prevention of Heat Exhaustion: 1. This very deep burn through the skin involves other tissue 7. Pain on gently rocking the hips may denote a hip or pelvis Avoid excessive hot and humid environments. If you must be beneath the skin. Skin may be charred, white, or mottled. Poison on Skin — Remove any contaminated Camphylobacter Contaminated Diarrhea which Self-limiting, fracture. food or water may last for may last a few outdoors, drink plenty of water or other comparable liquid to 2. Wrap site in sterile covering; lay victim down. clothes. Flush skin with water days. Large fluid days to a 8. If the victim must be moved, splint the extremity as directed maintain adequate hydration. for ten minutes. losses possible week. Fluids and check for the presence of a pulse in the extremity. 3. Victim may be in shock. which may must be 9. Follow the instruction for transporting an injured victim, as 4. Seek immediate medical help. Poison in Eye — Flood eye with lukewarm cause shock. replaced. directed in this manual. COLD RELATED INJURIES water, away from non-involved Botulism Contaminated Nausea, Duration may food vomiting, be weeks to HYPOTHERMIA eye for 15 minutes. weakness, months. Most Electrical Burns: dizziness, blurred serious of food INFECTIONS This is the number one killer of all outdoor injuries. Hypothermia 1. Get victim safely away from electrical source without Poison Ingested — DO NOT give anything by vision, drooping poisonings, is a lowering of the internal body temperature due to exposure eyelids, difficulty may be life- PREVENTION OF INFECTIONS endangering yourself. mouth unless told to do so by swallowing and threatening. to cold, wind, rain, or immersion in cold water. The outdoor 1. Wash hands before touching any wound. 2. Apply CPR if victim is not breathing or has no pulse. medical professional. talking, weakness Consult your temperature does not have to be very cold for hypothermia to of neck and physician 2. Clean wounds and abrasions with clean water and cover with upper body immediately if occur. Hypothermia is more common in moderate climates than 3. Electrical burns are much deeper than they appear. Keep syrup of Ipecac available clean or sterile dressing. muscles, then suspected. in cold climates. Any outdoor injury increases the risk of 4. Always seek medical help immediately. at home. Syrup of Ipecac is later lower body 3. Try to remove any dirt or gravel from wounds by irrigating muscles. hypothermia. used to safely induce vomiting. Symptoms begin with clean water. It is available at 12-36 hours after 4. Apply your first aid ointment and cover with dressing. Recognition of Hypothermia: Chemical Burns: ingestion. 5. Keep up to date with tetanus immunizations every ten years. The victim first begins shivering; the victim then stops shivering 1. Chemical burns result from prolonged skin contact with and becomes disoriented and confused; the victim may appear common chemicals such as gasoline, other hydrocarbons, wet RECOGNITION OF INFECTION apathetic and moody; as hypothermia becomes more severe, the cement, ammonia, acids, and caustics. POISONOUS BITES Redness occurs naturally around the edges of a healing wound or victim may lapse into . 2. Burns may be deeper than they appear and pain may be SNAKE BITES 6. Do not give alcohol or any drugs. . The following first aid tips help you recognize abnormal Two types of poisonous snakes are found in the U.S., pit redness and infection (cellulitis). Treatment of Hypothermia: delayed. 7. Do not apply a constricting band or tourniquet 1. Move victim into a sheltered area immediately. Get victim out 3. Flush exposed area with water immediately, and continue vipers and coral snakes. Most common is the pit viper. unless you are experienced in how to apply them Cellulitis is manifested by redness and pain that do not improve Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins are the with time and that extend beyond the wound site. The area may of wind, rain, or cold. flushing for 5-10 minutes. properly and safely. three types of pit vipers found in the U.S. Recognition of be swollen, tender and warm to touch. Fever may be present. 2. Remove any wet clothes and replace with dry clothes or 4. If eyes are involved, immediately flush with water and seek 8. Seek medical help quickly. Medical treatment is required. a pit viper bite would include: two distinctive fang marks warm blankets. medical help. Do not allow fluids from the injured eye to or puncture wounds, swelling at bite site, pain at bite Abscess is a collection of pus in a wound site surrounded by contact the non-involved eye. Flush for 20 minutes. redness and swelling. These are painful and usually require 3. If victim is alert and awake, give warm drinks. site, or beginning of typical reactions. DO NOT pursue a BEE OR WASP STINGS, SPIDER BITES, draining for improvement. DO NOT attempt to drain; seek 4. Seek medical attention immediately. 5. Remove contaminated clothing. snake for identification. Snakes do not travel far and if OTHER INSECT BITES medical help. If the abscess opens spontaneously and drains, pursued will definitely strike again. While first bite might 5. Warming the body temperature may take a long time in 6. Call 911. The actual amount of poison from any one bite or cleanse the area and cover with clean, sterile dressing. be “dry” (no venom) or limited venom, a second bite severe hypothermia. Death can occur during rewarming of might be venomous. Treatment does not require sting is usually not in itself life-threatening. Generally TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS extreme hypothermia. Handle the victim gently. Burns from Compressed Gas: identification. people will experience pain and swelling at the bite site, redness and itching which last for hours. People 1. For most minor cuts and abrasions, simple cleaning with soap Prevention of Hypothermia: 1. Compressed gases such as propane and ammonia are Coral snakes are small, less than 2 ft. and small in who experience allergic reactions have much greater and water is sufficient to prevent and treat minor infections. Wear proper clothing, seek shelter in adverse weather extremely cold. Contact with the skin can cause deep burns diameter. They carry a very potent venom. Look for risk, perhaps life-threatening, and should seek 2. Ointments and creams are of no more benefit than a good conditions, KNOW the early recognition signs of hypothermia. through freezing of skin and deeper tissue. symptoms or remember the phrase which distinguishes medical advice quickly. daily cleansing of the wound. 2. Pain may be delayed and the involved area is more injured Frostbite Recognition: their skin’s color ring patterns from a similar looking non- BITE OR SIGNS OF SEVERE than it appears. The involved areas are usually hands, feet, and face. A first poisonous snake: “red on yellow, kill a fellow (poisonous) STING ALLERGIC REACTION SHOCK 3. Flush area with water and seek medical help immediately. – red on black, venom lack.” symptom is pain from the cold, followed by numbness. The Bee, Wasp • Lumpy welts over body CAUSES OF SHOCK frozen area appears waxy white, yellow-white or mottled blue. ALL POISONOUS SNAKEBITES ARE Hornets, • Itching palms and feet DANGEROUS Yellow Jackets • Headache, nausea, vomiting Shock is a condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the organs The area is hard and insensitive. • Breathing difficulties in the body. This lack of blood flow may occur when blood is They can result in disfigurations and/or deformities, and Treatment of Frostbite: Spiders • Cramping being lost from a serious wound or when a person is bleeding some people die each year as a result of poisonous (Black Widow) • Rigidity at shoulder, back, chest or internally. Shock can also be caused by a heart attack when the Frostbite injuries should be thawed as soon as possible with a bites. Children are especially threatened. abdomen rapid rewarming technique, but taking care not to burn the • Nausea, vomiting, headache, , heart cannot effectively pump blood. SMOKE CARBON hypertension victim. SYMPTOMS: RECOGNIZING SHOCK INHALATION MONOXIDE Pit Vipers: Significant local swelling within 10 minutes. Scorpions • Weakness of bitten arm or leg 1. Rapid thawing is best accomplished with warm water, NOT (Rattlesnakes, Nausea, weakness, black and blue • Pain at site The victim feels dizzy when he is standing or sitting; the skin is • “Roving eye” or hyperactivity in children HOTTER than 110 degrees F. At this temperature, the water is POISONING Copperhead, Water discoloration, pain at bite site, fang marks. clammy, cool and sweaty to touch; the pulse is rapid and may be Smoke is toxic and exposure Moccasins) • Abdominal cramps very warm to the touch, but not hot enough to burn. difficult to feel. The victim may be nauseated and vomit; the should be avoided. The major Coral Snakes: Minimal pain and swelling, symptoms often Can also occur from space FIRST AID: victim may become unconscious due to lack of blood flow to the 2. Do not open any blisters that appear. toxin in smoke is carbon delayed, complaints of drowsiness, heaters and faulty furnaces. apprehension, nausea, vomiting, or The most effective method currently available is to brain. Another form of shock is allergic reaction to drugs or bee 3. Do not rub injured area with snow, ice, or any other object. monoxide, a gas that is lighter salivation can appear 1-7 hours after bite. Symptoms are headaches, apply the Extractor™ pump from Sawyer Products as and wasp venoms. than air and results in 4. Thawing requires 30-40 minutes and is complete when nausea, vomiting, shortness FIRST AID: soon as possible. The pump’s suction draws poison asphyxiation. Other toxins in TREATMENT OF SHOCK: SHOCK IS involved part is pliable and sensation and color have returned. of breath. Treatment is fresh 1. Remain calm and reassure victim. back out of the body thus reducing or eliminating the smoke can cause burns of the LIFE-THREATENING Pain and blisters may appear after thawing. air immediately. Seek medical pain and allergic reaction. Antihistamines may be upper airway, choking, and 2. Remove victim from risk of a second bite. 1. Lay victim down and keep him warm. 5. If hypothermia is present along with frostbite, treat help. Call local gas company helpful for minor reactions. If Extractor™ pump is not difficulty breathing. A victim of 3. Decrease movement of affected limb. 2. DO NOT give anything by mouth. hypothermia first. to investigate problem. available, remove bee or wasp stingers by scraping smoke inhalation should seek 4. If available, apply Extractor™ Pump from Sawyer 6. After thawing, cover area with clean or sterile dressing. the stinger off the skin surface with knife blade. This 3. Render care for bleeding or wounds. medical attention immediately; Products as soon after bite as possible. The pump Frostbite is a severe burn. Splint and elevate involved will reduce the amount of poison in the body – do not 4. Check medical alert tags for possible allergies. airway obstruction and carbon has been proven to remove venom from the bite extremity. pull stinger out with fingers. For serious allergic 5. Seek medical help immediately. monoxide poisoning can occur. cavity and is the most effective method of first aid 7. Protect from re-freezing. reactions call 911 or medical help as soon as 6. Render basic life support CPR if necessary. currently available. possible. 8. Seek medical attention. 5. Do not use ice, cold packs or sprays.