On the job, at home, and in the community

What am I supposed to do? I’m just a kid! You could find yourself facing an emergency situation at any time. What would you do? Would you panic and run, yelling and screaming down the hallway like a ‘girl’? Would you throw on your superman cape and ‘get er’ done’ Would you be able to save someone’s life and live to tell about it? There are many dangers in the worksite, home, and on the roads. Don’t be scared, be prepared. With a little knowledge you can be the difference between life and death Remember- Accidents Happen!

“I need a hero!”

First responder A first responder is the first person to provide help or first aid in an emergency medical situation. This could be you! First aid is-(def) n.- emergency care given immediately to an injured or seriously ill person The goals of the first responder are to Preserve life Prevent further injury Promote recovery Decrease long-term disability A First Responder should never risk their own life Always yell for help Call 911 ASAP if you believe someone’s life is in danger

Examples Heart attackSevere allergic reaction-food, bees StrokePoisoning MVA or pedestrian/MVAInhalation of toxic fumes Fall from height Drowning Drug overdosesBlunt or penetrating trauma Head traumaSevere bleeding Neck injurySerious broken bones Spinal injury??? Any others A Medical emergency is- Any illness or injury that is immediately life-threatening

Introduction to CPR Cardio=cardiac-heart and blood vessels Pulmonary=respiratory system-airways and lungs Resuscitation=to bring a person back to full consciousness Full consciousness requires unobstructed flow of oxygen and glucose to the brain, this requires both the cardiac and pulmonary systems to be functioning normally. If a serious injury or illness slows or stops these normal functions then the person becomes unconscious and can quickly die without support.

CPR is a method to keep the heart pumping and to keep the lungs delivering oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. Medical professionals are required to be certified to perform CPR techniques There are classes in CPR available to the community. It is helpful to have CPR certified individuals in the workplace in case of an accident or illness CPR techniques can be done by one person or two- people CPR is only a temporary measure until emergency medical services arrive and provide further support

Steps in CPR “Survey the scene” If you come upon a person that is apparently injured or unconscious or if you witness an accident Survey the scene Take a good look around- see if you can determine what caused the problem and make sure it is safe for you to help without becoming injured yourself If it is not safe-don’t try to help! Go call 911 and give them all the information they ask and tell them what you think is going on. For example-You see that a person is fallen in a parking lot, they look unconscious and a power line is draped over their body and they are lying in a big puddle ???

Yell HELP to see if there is anyone else around that can come and assist you. Other people can help you call 911 or help with two person CPR They may be better trained in emergencies and can assume a leadership role if no one comes- take a deep breath and don’t panic! Steps in CPR “Call out loud for help” HELP!

Steps in CPR “ check for responsiveness” If the area is safe, approach and firmly shake the person to see if they are responsive. Ask out loud “are you OK, are you OK.” If you can not wake them it is best to assume that there is a serious and life-threatening problem.

Steps in CPR “ Call 911 to activate EMS” The person has a much better chance of surviving if emergency medical services come ASAP Be calm on the phone and answer all questions to the best of your ability.

Steps in CPR “Open the airway” Position the person on their back and tilt the head slightly back and bring the chin forward. This is the best position to deliver air through the mouth and into the lungs

Steps in CPR “Check for Breathing” If you feel comfortable and are certified in CPR check the person for any signs of breathing. Put your ear and cheek down close to their mouth and listen and feel for a breath. If there is no breathing you can begin rescue breathing and give 2 breaths.

Steps in CPR “Begin Rescue Breathing” Using the mouth to mouth method- give 2 breaths Watch to make sure the chest rises. If the air does not go in, reposition the head and chin and give two more breaths. If air still will not go in, open the mouth to check for an obstruction and reposition the head. If an obstruction is found, clear the airway using a finger sweep, reposition the head and chin and give two more breaths.

Steps in CPR “Check for pulse” Check to see if you can feel a pulse. Feel on the neck for a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat after several seconds, then the person will need chest compressions to help circulate the blood and do the job of the non-functioning heart.

Steps in CPR “ Begin chest compressions” Using the proper technique, begin pushing on the chest over the heart to push the blood out and help deliver it to the brain and other vital organs Give chest compressions Count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and…count up to 30. Push down on the count and raise up on each “and” After the compressions give two breaths and continue cycles of breathing and compressions until help arrives Recheck for breathing, pulse, and any signs of consciousness between every few cycles

Steps in CPR “Place person in recovery position” When breathing and pulse is restored, roll the person onto their left side with their upper knee bent and their arm out to the front. Stay with and recheck the person frequently Await EMS and give any information that is needed

“Steps in CPR” New Recommendations Recent American Heart Guidelines recommend compression only CPR as a good alternative to the traditional rescue breathing/ compression method. Regular, fast and forceful compressions can prolong survival as well as the gold standard method in many cases. So…don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand, you could be someone’s hero! Ah shucks!...It was nothing.

Review CPR steps Survey the scene Call out loud for help Check for responsiveness Call 911 Check for breathing Give 2 breaths Check for circulation at neck Give 15 chest compressions Await EMS