Emergency First Aid

I.C.E. your cell phone!

I.C.E. your refrigerator!

Which phone to use?

Taking a Pulse Radial (wrist) Pulse

Use Fingers to check wrist pulse

Blood Vessels in the neck

Taking a Pulse Carotid (neck) pulse

Just enough light pressure to feel the pulsation

Count the number of times you feel the pulsation in a specific amount of time

So what’s normal? People who are very athletic or who are on heart medications may have slower heart rates (less than 60)

Note to self: Any pulse is better than no pulse!

No pulse or unresponsive? Start CPR

What IS a heart attack?

The Heart pumps blood to every organ in the body, including itself!

A heart attack is when there is a blockage of the blood flow to the heart itself This causes damage to the heart and limits its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body

What IS a heart attack?

How can I help? Heart Attack Have the person lie or sit down – avoid exertion If they take nitroglycerin, get it for them and help them place it under their tongue Call 911 If they are awake, have them chew an aspirin (prevents clot forming)

What is a stroke? A stroke is the result of lack of blood flow to a portion of the brain “brain attack”

A stroke is a blockage of blood to the brain (ie. brain attack)

Types of Stroke

Symptoms of stroke Weakness, clumsiness, or numbness on one side of the body Blurry, dimming, or no vision Difficulty swallowing, talking, or comprehending others Dizziness, falling, or loss of balance Severe or unusual headache

Facial droop

Arm drift

How can I help? Stroke Call 911 right away – time is critical Note what time the symptoms first started Do not give them anything to drink

Choking Unable to speak Difficulty breathing Grips throat Skin turns bluish May lose consciousness

Choking

EMERGENCY!! Act quickly Attempt Heimlich Have someone call 911 DO NOT GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO DRINK

Foreign body in “throat” (esophagus)

Esophageal Blockage Drooling or spitting Leaning forward Pain in throat/chest

Esophageal Blockage Not an emergency Can still talk Uncomfortable If they can’t swallow their saliva (drooling), they can’t swallow water!

Head Injury

When do I need to go to the hospital? If I lost consciousness for more than a brief instance If I can’t remember the 15 minutes before or after the injury If I am on a blood thinner (coumadin, plavix) If I have a bad headache or am vomiting If I am sleepy, confused, or having trouble using my arms or legs

If I go to the hospital, what should I bring? (what every ER doctor wants their patients to know!) List of your medications/medical problems/medical records Names of your doctors One friend or family member (preferably a quiet and sober one) A good book!

Bee Stings Epipen right away if allergic Call 911 if allergic Pull stinger out as quickly as possible Cool compresses or ice Benadryl Zantac or tagamet

Stinger Removal

Ankle Sprain

Ankle Sprain Treatment

Cover tobacco with ace wrap or cotton dressing

Ankle support

Burns

First degree burn

Second Degree burn

How can I help? Burns Clean skin with cool water If skin not broken can use topical solarcaine Don’t break blisters Bacitracin to open areas “Fluff” a gauze to absorb fluid and hold in place with a gauze “kling” or ace wrap

Splinting Immobilize Broken Bones

splinting

Wound Care

Soap and water +/-Topical antibiotic (bacitracin) Clean, dry dressing Wash daily, redress

Keep it simple… 1.Wash with soap and water 2. Keep clean and dry 3. Seek help if it becomes red or angry looking (infected)

Major Injuries

Major Injury Issues Bleeding – an immediate life-threatening problem -lie patient down -place clean gauze or towel over site of injury -apply direct, constant pressure -elevate the extremity -call 911 -collect tissue or missing parts, place in plastic bag

Bleeding management

Keep pressure on wound Hold gauze in place with circular dressing

Other risks with major injuries: Infection –If bleeding controlled, clean out wound with saline or water Tetanus - Need tetanus shot within days if not up-to- date Nerve and muscle damage –Avoid additional damage to limb

Amputated Parts Rinse off debris (saline or water) Wrap in dry clean gauze, put in dry plastic bag Put plastic bag inside another plastic bag with ice and water – do not pack in ice Remove any rings Do not eat anything No smoking

Cuts and lacerations

The Art of Bandaids

Winged For large joints like knees and elbows

Fingertip bandaid

Home First Aid Supplies

Protective Gloves

Bandaids

Peroxide Excellent for removing blood from hair, skin, clothing

Irrigation syringe

Wound cleaning

Topical antibiotic

Gauze dressing to apply to wound

Rolled gauze to hold dressing on

Ace bandage or coban to hold everything in place

Anchoring dressings

Tape to secure bandages

X

Medications Pain medication Anti-inflammatory

Aspirin Chest pain Possible heart attack

Allergic Reaction/Bee stings Epipen requires Prescription *check expiration dates

Thermometer Hard to read

Shears or scissors Cuts clothing off, cuts gauze Tweezer

Steri-strips Benzoin

Other possibilities:

Summary Use common sense – follow your instincts! Do not give anyone having a medical emergency something to drink Keep a list of medications, doctors, medical history readily available I.C.E. your cell phone and refrigerator Call 911 for chest pain, stroke symptoms, breathing problems, excessive bleeding

Thank you for coming!!