First Aid is the initial care provided to a person suffering from a sudden illness or injury, with the primary goal of preserving life, preventing the condition from worsening, and promoting recovery. First Aid is typically administered by a layperson until professional medical assistance becomes available. The principles of First Aid include remaining calm, assessing the situation, protecting oneself and the victim from further harm, and providing appropriate care for injuries or conditions. Knowledge of First Aid is invaluable, as it equips individuals with the skills to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of an emergency situation.
Working With Stress
In an emergency, stress is an inevitable reaction, often accompanied by fear and panic. These intense emotions can cloud judgment, impair decision-making, and interfere with the ability to perform necessary tasks effectively. Recognizing and managing these reactions is crucial for effective emergency response.
During a crisis, the body’s natural “fight or flight” response kicks in, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones that prepare you to act quickly. However, this heightened state of alert can also lead to panic, which might result in freezing, rushing, or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences. It’s important to understand that these reactions are normal physiological responses to high-pressure situations.
Strategies to Overcome Fear and Panic
Stay Trained and Prepared: Regular training and drills can make the steps you need to take during an emergency a matter of routine. Familiarity with emergency procedures reduces uncertainty—one of the primary triggers of panic.
Breathing Techniques: Simple breathing exercises can help manage panic and stress on the spot. Taking slow, deep breaths helps regulate the nervous system and promotes a calmer state of mind, allowing for clearer thinking.
Focus on the Task at Hand: Concentrate on one task at a time instead of getting overwhelmed by the overall situation. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps can make them seem less daunting and more achievable.
Use Positive Self-Talk: Encourage yourself with reminders that you are trained and capable of handling the situation. Positive self-talk can counteract the negative thoughts that often accompany panic.
Visualize Success: Before and during an emergency, visualize yourself handling the situation competently. Visualization is a powerful tool used by professionals, including first responders and athletes, to improve performance under pressure.
Teamwork and Communication: Rely on your team members and communicate effectively. Knowing you are not alone in handling the situation can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Aftercare: Post-emergency debriefings and talking through what happened can help process the event, reduce ongoing stress, and prepare better for future situations. Consider professional support if you find your stress reactions persist.
Prevention
Prevention is the best strategy in first aid, aimed at mitigating risks before they escalate into emergencies. By adopting preventative measures, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of accidents. It’s better to prevent an accident than respond to one.
Safety Equipment: Ensuring you are using safety equipment properly when appropriate.
Workplace Safety Protocols: Follow all workplace safety protocols, and ask questions without guessing a possible incorrect answer.
Environmental Adjustments: Making environmental adjustments, such as securing loose rugs, installing railing, and ensuring adequate lighting are all examples of tasks you can perform to make your environment adapt to minimizing hazardous conditions.
Calling 911
Calling 911 is a critical step in any emergency situation, as it connects you with professional medical responders who can provide life-saving assistance. When you dial 911, stay calm and speak clearly. Provide the dispatcher with your exact location, including any landmarks or cross streets that can help emergency services find you quickly. Describe the nature of the emergency and any specific conditions of the patient, such as unconsciousness, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Consider the need for respiratory protection for example in a confined space or an otherwise toxic environment. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully, as they can offer vital guidance while help is on the way. Remember, timely communication with 911 can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome in an emergency.
Prioritizing Care
In situations with multiple casualties, effective triage is critical to efficiently allocate resources and deliver necessary care. The primary objective is to maximize the overall benefit for the largest number of people. This process begins with a swift and decisive assessment to identify and prioritize those in the most critical condition. Initially, you should direct anyone who can walk to gather in a designated safe area away from the immediate scene. This action helps to focus your attention on those who are immobile. Next, instruct the injured who are unable to move but can still respond, to signal by raising an arm or making a visible gesture. Start by assisting those who do not respond to your commands, indicating the most severe conditions. Proceed to help those who are immobile yet responsive, and finally, attend to those who were able to walk to the safe area. Each step should be approached with calm and methodical care to ensure effective treatment is given where it is most needed.
Assessment
A structured approach to patient assessment is critical for identifying, managing, and communicating all injuries and immediate life threats. The key assessment areas include:
Responsiveness: Check if the victim is awake, alert, and able to respond to verbal commands or physical stimuli. This helps in identifying those who are unconscious or in a potentially life-threatening state. A victim that does not respond is in critical condition and requires immediate help.
Airway Patency: Ensure that the airway is clear. If the victim is unconscious or has difficulty breathing, quickly check for obstructions and be prepared to clear the airway if necessary.
Breathing: Observe the victim’s breathing status. Is the victim breathing normally, gasping, or not breathing at all? This will dictate immediate actions, such as administering rescue breathing or continuing to check for other injuries.
Circulation: Look for signs of circulation such as movement, breathing, and abnormal skin color. Check for a pulse if able. Immediate CPR may be required if there are no signs of life.
Medical Alert Jewelry: Check for any medical alert tags or bracelets that can provide critical information about pre-existing medical conditions, which can influence the priority and type of care administered.
A Head-to-Toe Injury Check: Conduct a thorough assessment from head to toe to identify any injuries such as bleeding, fractures, or burns. This comprehensive check helps in prioritizing medical intervention and ensuring that no significant injuries are overlooked Make sure to touch the victim as you perform a head to toe assessment as some injuries may only be felt such as broken bones.
Pregnancy: It’s important to recognize that additional caution and care should be provided for a pregnant victim. Any abnormalities or complains should not be dismissed especially in the presence of pregnancy.
Staying With the Victim
It’s important to remain with the victim as long as it’s safe to do so, which allows you to render continuous aid, closely monitor any changes in their condition, and provide vital emotional support. Staying by the victim’s side enables you to quickly detect and respond to potential complications such as shock, respiratory issues, or uncontrolled bleeding, which can be crucial for their survival. Moreover, your presence can significantly alleviate the victim’s anxiety and panic, offering reassurance during a traumatic time. Always prioritize safety; if the environment becomes unsafe, immediately seek a safer location for both yourself and the victim.
Moving Victims
You may find it necessary to reposition the ill or injured to prevent further injury - you should do so if safe. If they are able to walk provide assistance in walking the person to a new safer location. If they are unable to walk you need to consider the urgency of the relocation and the resources available to you. It may be critical to move the victim in which case you may need to grab under their arms and drag them to safety. If you have additional time it may be appropriate to wait for first responders to utilize their lifting and moving equipment. When considering moving a victim you need to balance the urgency, with your resources, and the riskiness of the move. You should become familiar with the moving equipment available to you (if applicable).
Medical Emergencies
A medical emergency is a sudden and unforeseen situation that poses an immediate threat to an individual’s health, well-being, or life. These emergencies require urgent intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Examples of medical emergencies include cardiac arrest, strokes, choking incidents, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The hallmark of a medical emergency is its acute nature, demanding quick and decisive action to stabilize the patient, provide essential care, and ensure they receive appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible. Prompt recognition and response are crucial in mitigating the potential long-term consequences and improving the chances of survival and recovery.
Altered Mental Status (AMS)
Altered mental status is any change from a persons normal baseline such as confusion, drowsiness, or unresponsiveness. The causes of AMS are numerous but may involve diabetic emergencies, shock, or hazardous environment. If a person presents with AMS you should:
Call 911
Stay with the person
Investigate possible causes
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is the body’s immune system response to a substance that it perceives as harmful, even though it may not be harmful to others. When an individual with allergies comes into contact with an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, pollen, or animal dander, their immune system reacts by releasing chemicals such as histamine. These chemicals trigger allergic symptoms, which can range from mild to severe and may affect the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, or cardiovascular system.
Recognizing Allergic Reactions
Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
The reaction may be triggered by foods, medications, insect stings, or other allergens.
Check if the victim has any known allergies
Check if the victim has an epinephrine auto-injector
Check if the victim may have been exposed to an allergen
First Aid Steps
If the person has an epinephrine auto-injector and two or more signs of an allergic reaction, help them use it immediately according to the instructions provided.
Call 911 to start first responders.
Stay with them and provide reassurance until help arrives.
Diabetic Emergencies
Recognizing Diabetic Emergencies
Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may include weakness, confusion, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, or loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weakness, nausea, or confusion.
Check if the victim has a history of diabetes
First Aid Steps
If the person is conscious and experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, suggest they check their blood sugar levels.
If their blood sugar is low and they are able to swallow, give them a fast-acting carbohydrate such as fruit juice, candy, or glucose tablets.
If the person is unconscious or unable to swallow, do not give them anything by mouth.
Call 911 and stay with the victim
Difficulty Breathing
Recognizing Difficulty Breathing
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or bluish discoloration of the lips or fingernails.
Difficulty breathing may be caused by asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, or other medical conditions.
First Aid Steps
Help the person sit upright and lean forward to assist with breathing.
If the person has a prescribed inhaler or respiratory medication, assist them in using it according to the instructions provided.
If the person’s condition worsens or they show signs of severe respiratory distress (e.g., inability to speak, gasping for air), call emergency services immediately.
Fainting
Recognizing Fainting
Fainting, also known as syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness typically caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, or pale skin.
First Aid Steps
If a person feels faint, encourage them to lie down.
Loosen tight clothing.
If the person faints, check for responsiveness and breathing.
If they are not breathing, start CPR and call 911 immediately.
Heart Attacks
Recognizing Heart Attacks/Chest Pain
Symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain), pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body (such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach), shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness. Women and older adults may experience atypical symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or indigestion.
First Aid Steps
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
Help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
If the patient is not allergic, encourage them to take 324 mg of Aspirin by chewing it.
If the person is prescribed nitroglycerin and their symptoms persist, suggest they consider taking it as prescribed.
Seizures
Recognizing Seizures
Seizures can manifest as convulsions, muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, staring spells, or involuntary movements. Seizures may be caused by epilepsy, fever, head injury, stroke, or other medical conditions.
First Aid Steps
Keep the person safe from injury by moving objects out of their way and cushioning their head with a soft object.
Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.
After the seizure ends, help the person into a safe position and provide reassurance.
Call 911.
Stroke
Recognizing Stroke
Remember the acronym FAST:
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and close their eyes. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
First Aid Steps
Stay with the person and keep them calm.
If the person is conscious, help them sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
Poisoning
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), poisoning is an illness that can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals, fumes, debris, or particles in the atmosphere. These poisons may be ingested, inhaled, or injected into the victim. Common poisons are: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, opioids, and smoke. If you suspect a person has been poisoned immediately call 911, stay with the person, and contact poison control at (800-222-1222).
While not technically poisoning a victim may suffocate (asphyxiation) from a limited supply of oxygen within a confined space without appropriate respiratory protection. Additional training is required if first-aid personnel will assist in the rescue from the confined space.
Remember, these first aid steps are intended to provide immediate assistance until professional medical help arrives. Always prioritize safety and seek medical attention when necessary.
Traumatic Emergencies
A traumatic emergency is a type of crisis that results from sudden, severe physical injury or impact to the body. These emergencies can arise from various incidents such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violent acts. Traumatic emergencies often involve damage to bones, organs, tissues, and may result in conditions like fractures, spinal injuries, head trauma, or severe bleeding. The nature of these injuries often requires immediate and specialized medical attention to prevent complications, reduce pain, and promote healing. Prompt and appropriate first aid response, such as controlling bleeding, stabilizing fractures, and preventing shock, is essential in managing traumatic emergencies and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the affected individuals.
Shock
Shock is a term used to describe a person with inadequate flow of oxygenated blood to the cells. As such anytime oxygen isn’t making it to the blood (i.e. breathing difficulty, anaphylaxis, asthma), or a person isn’t adequately able to circulate blood (i.e. hemorrhage, low blood pressure, loss of vascular tone). It’s important to identify anytime a person isn’t circulating oxygenated blood and to take the following approach:
Identify Shock
Call For Help
Fix the Problem
Keep Them Warm (if from trauma)
Bleeding / Wounds
Bleeding also called hemorrhage typically originates from wounds are any damage to the skin such as abrasions, cuts, lacerations, punctures, avulsions, amputations, and crush injuries.
Recognizing Bleeding
Bleeding can occur externally from a wound or internally from damaged blood vessels.
Signs of external bleeding may include blood flowing from a wound, soaking through clothing or bandages, or pooling on the ground.
Signs of internal bleeding may include swelling, bruising, pain, or tenderness in the affected area, along with signs of shock (pale skin, rapid pulse, rapid breathing).
First Aid Steps
Protect yourself with the appropriate level of PPE such as gloves and eye protection
Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean sterile dressing or a gloved hand.
If bleeding persists, apply a tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound.
Call 911.
Bites and Stings
Bites and stings can cause a range of symptoms from minor irritation to severe allergic reactions. Prompt and appropriate first aid is crucial to manage these injuries effectively.
Insect Stings
For insect stings, such as those from bees or wasps, the first step is to safely remove the stinger if it’s visible. Use a flat object, like a credit card, to scrape it off. Avoid using tweezers or pinching the stinger directly, as this can release more venom. After removal, cleanse the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Applying ice or a cold pack can help minimize swelling and relieve pain. Monitor the individual closely for signs of an allergic reaction, which may include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips or throat, dizziness, or a rapid pulse. If any of these symptoms develop, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Animal Bites
Animal bites, particularly from unknown or wild animals, need careful handling to prevent infection and assess the risk of rabies. First, if the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control the bleeding. Rinse the bite thoroughly under running water with mild soap for several minutes to cleanse the wound. Avoid sealing the wound immediately with ointments or bandages, as this can trap bacteria. After cleaning, apply an antibiotic cream and cover with a sterile bandage. It’s important to seek medical advice for all animal bites to evaluate the need for tetanus shots, rabies vaccination, or further medical treatment. In the case of severe bites, or if the bite is from a high-risk animal like bats, raccoons, or stray dogs, seek immediate medical attention.
For both insect stings and animal bites, keeping a first aid kit accessible and maintaining calm can help manage the situation effectively until medical help is available or the incident is resolved.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries are any damage to muscles, tendons, or bones. They typically present after a traumatic event and present as pain, swelling, and deformities to the affected part of the body.
Don’t forget to wear appropriate PPE
Recognizing Musculoskeletal Injuries
Symptoms of a broken bone (fracture) may include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, difficulty moving the affected limb, or a grating sensation at the injury site.
Open fractures occur when the broken bone protrudes through the skin, while closed fractures do not break through the skin.
Any pain/tenderness after a traumatic event indicate a musculoskeletal injury
First Aid Steps
Immobilize the injured limb to prevent further movement and minimize pain.
Apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and treatment of the fracture.
Burns
Recognizing Burns
Burns can result from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Consider identifying the source.
Burns are classified into three categories: first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), and third-degree (full thickness).
Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, blistering, charred skin, or difficulty breathing (in the case of inhalation burns).
First Aid Steps
Remove the person from the source of the burn and cool the affected area with cool running water to stop thermal burning.
Remove any clothing or jewelry from the burned area unless it is stuck to the skin.
Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing or sterile gauze to protect it from infection.
Seek medical attention for severe burns, burns involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or burns larger than the size of the palm.
You should review corrosive chemicals and other burn sources at your specific workplace.
Impaled Objects
Impaled objects should never be removed, unless they are causing an airway obstruction and you can see the complete object. Impaled objects are to be stabilized with supportive material such as gauze as to minimize movement. Don’t forget to control any bleeding with direct pressure.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can be serious and require immediate attention to prevent lasting damage. Here are some common types of eye injuries and how to respond:
Foreign Objects: Small particles like dust or sand can irritate the eye. If the object is on the surface, you can try to flush it out with clean water or saline solution. Instruct the person to blink several times or pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid to stimulate tears, which can help remove the particle. If the object is embedded, do not attempt to remove it. Cover both eyes to prevent movement and seek professional medical help immediately.
Chemical Burns: Immediate action is crucial. Flush the eye with clean water or a saline solution for at least 15-20 minutes. Make sure to hold the eyelids open while flushing, and do not neutralize the chemical with other substances. After flushing, cover both eyes with a sterile dressing or clean cloth and seek emergency medical treatment.
Blows to the Eye: Blunt trauma can cause bruising, bleeding, or more severe damage like a ruptured globe (breakage of the outer membrane of the eye). Apply a cold compress to control swelling, but do not put pressure on the eye. Seek medical attention to ensure there is no internal damage.
Cuts and Punctures: Do not wash out the eye with water or try to remove any objects stuck in the eye. Avoid rubbing the eye. Cover the eye with a rigid shield without putting pressure on the eye itself (e.g., the bottom half of a paper cup taped in place). Seek immediate medical attention.
Impaled Objects: If an object is impaled in the eye, do not attempt to remove it. Stabilize the object by placing a protective cover around it, like a cup, to prevent any movement. Cover the unaffected eye as well to minimize eye movement that could cause further injury. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Burns from Light Sources: Exposure to bright light sources, like lasers or welding torches, can cause burns on the retina. In such cases, do not rub the eyes. Seek medical attention to assess the extent of the damage.
In all cases of eye injuries, it’s crucial to seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen without proper treatment or lead to complications such as infection or vision loss.
Environmental/Temperature Emergencies
Exposure to extreme temperatures or environments can lead to significant emergencies.
Exposure to excessive heat can deplete the body’s ability to self-regulate temperature, leading to hyperthermia, which can be fatal. If a person is still sweating and complains of heat exhaustion, remove them from the heat, loosen their clothing, allow them to cool down, and consider calling emergency medical services. If you notice they have stopped sweating, follow the previous steps with an emphasis on urgently calling emergency medical services, as ceased sweat production is a serious indicator of heat stroke.
Exposure to excessive cold can lead to hypothermia, which is also life-threatening. Remove the person from the cold environment, call 911, but do not actively rewarm them as this can cause complications. Instead, provide dry clothing and blankets to help stabilize their temperature while waiting for medical assistance.
Maxillofacial Injuries
Maxillofacial injuries, involving trauma to the face and jaw, require prompt and careful handling to prevent further complications. If someone has sustained a maxillofacial injury, first ensure their airway is clear and they are breathing. If the person is conscious and there is no neck injury, gently assist them to a seated position to help reduce swelling and control bleeding. Apply clean, damp cloths to manage bleeding and use ice packs to reduce swelling, but avoid direct pressure on the injury site if fractures are suspected. If there is any sign of broken bones, avoid moving the person’s head or jaw. For severe bleeding, oral injuries, or if the person is unconscious, call emergency services immediately. Always handle the person with care to avoid aggravating potential spinal injuries.
Remember, these first aid steps are intended to provide immediate assistance until professional medical help arrives. Always prioritize safety and seek medical attention when necessary.