Today we will be covering three different aspects of first aid. However all three of them can be treated similarly, using bandages. The first area we will look at bleeds.

Arterial Bleeding – from arteries and blood is bright red in colour. The blood is high in oxygen as it has just come from the lungs. Bleeding from arteries spurts out with high pressure after each heart beat. Venous Bleeding – from the veins and is dark red in colour as low in oxygen. Bleeding from the veins oozes as there is less pressure forcing the blood.

Signs & Symptoms -Blood -Altered conscious state -Weak, rapid pulse -Rapid and gasping breathing -Faint/Dizzy -Anxiety/Restlessness -Thirst -Nausea -Sweaty

Management of a bleeding casualty 1.DRABC (Wear gloves) 2.Inspect wound for foreign bodies/objects, remove superficial bodies 3.Have patient apply pressure over bleeding site with own hand 4.Apply pad and continue applying direct pressure 5.Secure pad using a roller bandage

Eg, bleeding wrist… 1.Apply cloth/bandage over wound and have patient apply pressure 2.Begin bandaging from above the injury, have patient continue applying pressure 3.Wrap bandage around arm covering half of the last layer each time. 4.If the wound bleeds through, add another pad and bandage, do NOT replace

Applying a Bandage to an Amputation Eg, amputated hand… 1.Have patient apply pressure 2.Put a cloth over end and continue pressure 3.Elevate 4.Anchor bandage around wrist 5.Go over the top and apply pressure here rather than around wrist 6.Once this is done…deal with amputation 7.Put in airtight container or bag 8.Put container in ice and water

Try for yourself… In small groups have a turn at bandaging a wound and an amputation…show me once you have finished. Remember…apply very firm pressure!

In this section we will be discussing stings and bites. In many cases these can be fatal if they are not treated quickly.

Snake Bite All snakebites should managed the same as it can be hard to identify the type of snake. The way that they should be treated is as though the snake was venomous.

Snake Bite continued… Signs and Symptoms -F-Fang marks/scratch -H-Headache -A-Abdominal pain -B-Blurred or double vision -D-Drooping eyelids -D-Difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing -L-Limb weakness or paralysis -R-Respiratory weakness or arrest

Managing a Snake Bite 1.DRABC – Ensure snake is not still present 2.Look for bite site 3.Do NOT wash bite site 4.Apply non-adherent dressing over bite site…to mark the site 5.Manage using pressure immobolization technique 6.Call 000

Pressure Immobilization Technique This is used for management of venomous bites or severe allergic reactions to stings. 1.Immobilize limb by using a roller bandage. 2.Regardless of where bite is, on arm or leg, start at fingers or toes 3.Wind the bandage as far up the limb as possible 4.Splint the limb at the joints on either side of bite 5.Check fingers or toes for adequate circulation 6.Do NOT move patient and keep them totally still 7.Do NOT remove splint of bandages until medical assistance arrives

Red Back Spider Bite When bitten by a red back spider pain occurs rapidly at the site of the bite but the venom acts slowly so a serious illness is unlikely in under 3 hours. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS - Immediate intense pain a site that spreads - Hot, red and swelling at site -Nausea and vomiting - Abdominal pain - Sweating - Tremors - Increased heart rate - Headache - Pins and needles in hands and feet.

Managing a Red Back Spider Bite 1.DRABC 2.Apply ice compress to the bite site 3.Continually monitor the patients condition 4.Call Ambulance 000

Funnel Web Spider Bite The funnel web spider is the only spider in Australia that is an immediate threat to life. Dangerous effects can show within 10 minutes. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS - Pain at bite site - Tingling around mouth - Sweating - Huge secretion of saliva - Abdominal pain - Confusion, leading to coma - Muscular twitching - Breathing difficulty

Managing a Funnel Web Spider Bite 1.DRABC – ensure spider is not present 2.Look for bite 3.Apply non-adherent dressing over bite site 4.Manage using pressure immobilization technique 5.Call Ambulance 000

Bee & Wasp Sting Although a bee or wasp sting can be quite painful, it is only serious if the patient has an allergic reaction. A bee stings only once and leaves a barb and poison sac in the skin…once it has stung once the bee will die. A wasp can sting multiple times without leaving barb in the skin.

Signs and Symptoms Immediate, intense localised pain Local redness and swelling Barb or sting left in skin

Managing a Bee or Wasp Sting 1.DRABC 2.Scrape a bee sting off sideways with a fingernail or sharp edge. The sac must not be ruptured or squeezed. 3.Apply an ice compress for up to 15 minutes. 4.If there are signs of an allergic reaction, call Ambulance. 5.If allergic reaction, apply pressure immobilization technique.

Today’s Tasks Complete accompanying “Bleeds, Bites & Stings” worksheet from your workbook. Practice the pressure immobilization technique. Go over bandaging a wound or amputation.