Emergency care A first aid awareness course

What is emergency care? Simple, effective management or care given to a casualty of injury or sudden illness until more advanced care can be provided. © RLSSA

Aims of emergency care Preserve life Protect the unconscious casualty Prevent the condition worsening and relieve pain Promote recovery

Priorities: primary survey Danger Response Send for help Airway Breathing Circulation Defibrilation Check:

Priorities: secondary survey For a conscious casualty: obtain history check for vital signs note casualty symptoms

Factors in controlling bleeding Pressure Elevation Rest and reassurance © RLSSA

Shock Prevent further injury Control bleeding Reassure and rest casualty Maintain normal body temperature Elevate casualty’s legs if possible Do not give anything to eat or drink Call ambulance

Burn Do: cool burns under cold gently running water remove jewellery cover burn with sterile non-stick dressing treat for shock.

Burns Don’t: break blisters apply lotions, ointments or creams apply ice remove clothing that sticks to the burned area.

If the casualty able to breathe: Choking If the casualty able to breathe: allow to cough without interference Effective? allow to recover arrange for medical care.

Choking If casualty is not able to breathe: Effective Ineffective position head low give four back blows reassess breathing © RLSSA Effective Ineffective allow to recover place on side arrange for medical care give four lateral chest thrusts continue previous steps monitor ‘ABC’

Asthma attack 1 Step 1 Sit the casualty upright, remain calm and provide reassurance. Do not leave the casualty alone. Step 2 Give four puffs of a blue reliever puffer (Airomir, Amsol, Bricanyl or Ventolin), one puff at a time, preferably through a spacer device. Ask the casualty to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff. Step 3 Wait four minutes. Step 4 If there is little or no improvement, repeat steps 2 and 3.

Asthma attack 2 If there is still little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately (dial 000). Continue to repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance.

Diabetes If conscious: - give sugar If unconscious: - call for medical assistance - monitor ABC - do not give sugar by mouth

Seizures Call an ambulance if the casualty: is an infant or child remains unconscious is injured is pregnant has diabetes has repeated seizures has no previous history of seizures has seizure in water has the seizure longer than a few minutes. Remember: Clear the area (especially sharp objects) Do not restrain unless to avoid injury If on a hard surface, protect the casualty's head with clothing Do not place anything in the mouth Place on the side as soon as possible after the seizure and maintain an open airway

Poison A poison can enter the body via: ingestion absorption inhalation injection Patient conscious Patient unconscious Contact the Poisons Information Centre (PIC) 131126 for advice first. D R A B C

Envenomation Poison through bites and stings Snakes and funnel web spiders PIT (pressure immobilisation technique)

Envenomation Poison through bites and stings Insect bites and red back spider: apply ice pack apply PIT immediately if an allergic reaction occurs or if casualty is known to be allergic © RLSSA

Envenomation poison through bites and stings marine stingers: hot water for scorpion or stone fish cold packs for jellyfish or bluebottles

Sprains, strains and bruising Rest Ice Compression Elevation Referral

Fractures Prevent further movement Support or immobilise injured part You will not need to use a splint if you are in a metropolitan area

Exposure to heat Rest and reassure Gradually cool body surface Give cool water

Exposure to cold Cover affected area with dressing Gradually warm body surface Give warm fluids