Buffy Ryan, RN Marion County ATC

Chain of Survival In order for a person to survive Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions Rapid defibrillation with an AED Effective advanced life support

Basic First Aid What Is First Aid? The immediate care given to an injured or suddenly ill person. DOES NOT take the place of proper medical treatment. Legal Considerations Implied Consent involves an unresponsive victim in a life-threatening condition. It is assumed or “implied” that an unresponsive victim would consent to lifesaving help. Only perform First Aid assistance for which you have been trained.

Scene Survey When confronted with an accident or illness on duty it is important to assess the situation to determine what kind of emergency situation you are dealing with, for your safety, the victim’s safety and that of others. Do a quick survey of the scene that includes looking for three elements: Hazards that could be dangerous to you, the victim, or bystanders. The cause (mechanism) of the injury or illness. The number of victims. Note: This survey should only take a few seconds. Speaker’s Notes: Tell the EMS personnel about your findings, so that they can fully recognize the extent of the problem.

Initial Assessment Goal of the initial assessment: Visually determine whether there are life-threatening or other serious problems that require quick care. Breathing Bleeding Shock Burn Choking Heart Attack Fractures

Victim Assessment Sequence Assessment Sequence Components: If victim is responsive Ask them what injuries or difficulties they are experiencing. Check and provide first aid for these complaints as well as others that may be involved. If victim is not responsive (Unconscious or incoherent). Observe for obvious signs of injury or illness: Check from head to toe Provide first aid/CPR for injuries or illness observed.

Breathing Emergencies

What is a FBAO? An obstruction in the airway. Mild Airway Obstruction Good air exchange Can cough forcefully May wheeze between coughs Severe Airway Obstruction Clutching the throat with the thumb and fingers, making the universal choking sign Unable to speak or cry Weak, ineffective cough or no cough High-pitched noise while inhaling or no noise at all Increased respiratory difficulty Possible cyanosis (turning blue)

Choking Choking relief in a Responsive Adult or Child Stand or kneel behind the victim and wrap your arms around the victim’s waist Make a fist with one hand Place the thumb side of your fist against the victim’s abdomen, in the midline, slightly above the navel and well below the breastbone Grasp your fist with your other hand and press your fist into the victim’s abdomen with a quick, forceful upward thrust Repeat thrusts until the object is expelled form the airway or the victim becomes unresponsive Give each new thrust with a separate, distinct movement to relive the obstruction Choking

Choking Choking relief in an Unresponsive Adult or Child Shout for help. If someone else is available, send that person to activate the emergency response system. Gently lower the victim to the ground if you see that he is becoming unresponsive Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. Do not check for a pulse Each time you open the airway to give breaths, open the victim’s mouth wide. Look for the object. If you see an object that can be easily removed, remove it with your fingers. If you do not see an object continue CPR. After about 5 cycles or 2 minutes of CPR, activate the emergency response system if someone has not already done so. Choking