Chapter 35 lesson 4 More common Emergencies

Fractures In applying first aid to fractures your main objective is to keep the bone end from moving NEVER ATEMPT TO SET THE BONE Keep the body part in the position it is in and immobilize it by securing a splint to the body part with lean lengths of clothes You can form a splint form rolled newspaper and heavy cardboard

Sprains Stretching or tearing of the soft tissue band or ligaments that hold bones together at a joint Wrists knees and ankles are among the area most frequently sprained USE R.I.C.E – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Fainting Temporary loss of consciousness brought on by a reduced supply of blood to the brain Usually recover within a few minutes

First aid for Fainting 1.Do not prop the person up. Leave them lying down on their back. If possible elevate the legs 8 to 12 inches 2.Loosen any tight or binding clothing 3.Sponge the person’s face 4.If the person fails to revive promptly, seek medical help

Bee Stings In most cases bee stings are minor emergencies and easily treated People with allergies to bee stings can be very serious First aid 1.Take piece of cardboard or credit card or other flat sharp edged object to scrap the stinger away form the skin until you pull out the venom sac 2.Wash the area with soap and water 3.Administer adrenaline kit is needed

Objects in the Eye Gently flush the eye out with water Start at the edge nearest the nose and work outward If this does not work cover both eyes and seek medical attention DO NOT RUB, THIS CAN SCRATCH CORNEA

Minor Burns 1.Stop the burning by removing the victim fro the source of the burn 2.Cool the burn by soaking the burned area in cool water or using wet towel 3.Cover the burn wit dry, sterile dressing. This action helps prevent infection and reduces - Chemical burns should be flushed with large quantities of cool running water - Remove any clothing with chemical on it

Nosebleeds 1.Keep the person quite. Walking, talking, and blowing the nose may cause an increase in bleeding 2.Place the person in a sitting position and have them lean forward. You do not want to tilt the head back, this may cause person to choke as blood runs down the throat

Nose bleeds 3.Apply direct pressure (use protective barrier) 4.Apply a cold towel to person’s nose and face 5. Place cotton or gauze between upper lip and teeth to stop the bleeding

Weather related Emergencies

Frostbite In extremely cold conditions, the body tries to conserve heat for its ore vital internal organs Less blood is sent to the extremities If temperature in body cells gets low enough, frostbite may occur Frostbite is when ice crystals form in the spaces between the cells This ice expands and kills tissue and in the process, causes the skin to loses color an become numb

Frostbite Skin is Yellowish or gray and feels clammy or doughy.

Treating Frostbite 1.Never rub the affected area. Rewarm the frozen body part by soaking it in lukewarm water 2.Bandage the injured part, placing sheets of gauze between the warmed fingers and toes 3.Seek professional medical attention as soon as possible - If frostbitten area goes untreated, gangrene may set in

Heat Cramps When the person is exposed to high temperatures over a prolonged period to time, the body loses essential water and salt The result is heat cramps – muscle cramps, heavy sweating, headache and dizziness

Treating Heat Cramps 1.Move the victim, or help the victim move, out of the heat 2.Using your hands, apply firm pressure to the cramped muscle. Gently massage the muscle to relieve the spasm 3.Give sips of water plain water or a commercial sports drink 4.Give about 4 ounces every 15 minutes 5.Do not give too much water too quickly

Symptoms of heatstroke No Sweating Vomiting Confusion Irregular pulse Unconsciousness

Treating Heatstroke