Preventing Injuries

Unintentional Injuries A fatal home injury happens every 18 minutes in the U.S., and an injury happens every 4 seconds. Preventing an injury resulting from an unexpected event is easy to do Prevent Fires: Never leave candle burning unattended Store matches/lighters out of reach of children Keep stoves/ovens clean Replace frayed electrical cords Check smoke alarms when we change time Have a fire extinguisher

Unintentional Injuries Prevent Falls Keep stairways lit, and free of clutter Keep floors clean Safety rails, grips in bathrooms Don’t run cords across walkways Prevent Electrical Shock Unplug devices not in use Check cords for signs of wear Don’t use around water

Unintentional Injuries Prevent Poisoning Keep mediations in childproof containers Store chemicals in locked cabinets Use products in well-ventilated areas

First Aid Check, Call, Care When you approach an emergency situation remember “check, call, care” Check the scene and the victim Make sure scene is safe (not in traffic flow) Only move victim if life is threatened by scene Call for help Call “911” or assign someone to call “911” If you are the only one there, you may have to leave the victim to get help, return as quickly as possible Care for the victim Get permission to treat if possible

Common Injuries Open Wounds Abrasion – scrapes, clean out wound Laceration – cut, clean out and bandage If deep, may need medical attention Puncture – small but deep hole (nail) Carry very high risk of infection Clean wound, seek out medical attention Avulsion- tissue is partially or completely separated from body (finger severed) Pace part in ice seek immediate medical attention

First Aid for Bleeding Cover wound with gauze, or clean cloth If gauze/cloth fills with blood DO NOT REMIVE! Just add more gauze/cloth to the outside Elevate wound above heart if possible If wound is gushing blood, you nay need to apply pressure to wound, or above wound, to slow blood flow

First Aid for Burns Minor Burn (First Degree) – cool the burn with cold running water, or immerse in cold water for 10 minutes. A clean, cold, wet towel will help relieve pain. Pat dry and cover with sterile bandage More severe (Second Degree) cool burn with cool water, elevate burn area. Wrap loosely with sterile dry dressing. Severe Burns (Third Degree) – cool burn with large amounts of cold water, cover area with dry sterile dressing, seek immediate medical attention.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Use of rescue breaths and chest compressions on a someone who is not breathing and has not heartbeat ABCs of CPR Airway – look in victim’s mouth, remove anything blocking airway If no neck injury is evident, lay person flat on back and tip head back to open airway Breathing – look listen, and feel for breathing If not breathing normally, begin rescue breathing Pinch nostrils shut, place mouth over mouth and give 2 slow breathes of about 2 seconds in length each

CPR Circulation – check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing, movement) If there are no signs of circulation, then trained person should begin with chest compressions If victim responds, stop compressions and monitor breathing, giving breathes as necessary I am Trained in CPR, but I am not a certified trainer I would highly suggest you take a CPR course and receive proper training!

AED Automated External Defibrillator A device that delivers and electronic shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm Whenever present, should be used in place of CPR

First Aid for Shock Shock- Failure of system to properly circulate blood Pale appearance Rapid breathing, pulse Nausea Restlessness Call 911 Control any bleeding Elevate legs, unless injury prevents Do not give victim food/water!

First Aid for Choking Ask person if they can speak? If they cannot respond, the airway is completely blocked If victim is an adult, use abdominal thrusts Place you leg between the legs of the victim Wrap your arms around victims waist, making a fist with one hand Pull inward and upward just under the rib cage If you are choking and alone, do same thing with you own arm, may also use back of chair If victim is younger may use black bows

Other Common Injuries Muscle Cramps – painful, sudden tightening of muscle Stretch area Massage area Apply moist heat to area Strains/Sprains RICE Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation Fracture/Dislocation Immobilize area, and seek medical attention

Other Common Injuries Concussion – blow to head that affect brain function Have victim lie down Use first aid for any bleeding Seek professional help Nose Bleeds Breathe through mouth Sit down, lean forward May apply pressure to bleeding nostril to stop/slow bleeding

Other Common Injuries Object in Eye Do not rub eye Try blinking Wash hands, pull lower eyelid down and have person look up Repeat with upper lid and look down Flush eye with sterile water or tap water