10-3 First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Key Concepts
- Assessment
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
- Bleeding Control
- Burns Management
- Fractures and Sprains
- Choking
- Seizures
- Heat and Cold Injuries
- Allergic Reactions
- Emergency Communication
Assessment
Assessment is the first step in any emergency situation. It involves quickly evaluating the scene for safety and the victim's condition. Use the acronym "DRSABCD" to remember the steps: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability. For example, if someone is unconscious, check for responsiveness and breathing before proceeding with further aid.
Think of assessment as the initial scan of a battlefield. Just as a commander assesses the situation before making decisions, you must assess the scene and the victim's condition to provide appropriate first aid.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
CPR is a lifesaving technique used when a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. For example, if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR by performing 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
Consider CPR as the heartbeat of a clock. Just as a clock needs a steady beat to function, the body needs a steady rhythm of compressions and breaths to maintain life.
Bleeding Control
Bleeding control involves stopping or slowing down blood loss from a wound. Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the injured area if possible. For severe bleeding, use a tourniquet if necessary. For example, if someone has a deep cut on their arm, apply pressure directly to the wound and elevate the arm above the heart level.
Think of bleeding control as plugging a leak in a dam. Just as plugging a leak prevents water from flooding, applying pressure to a wound prevents excessive blood loss.
Burns Management
Burns management involves cooling the burn with cool water for at least 10 minutes and covering it with a sterile bandage. Do not use ice or butter. For severe burns, seek immediate medical attention. For example, if someone has a minor burn from touching a hot pan, run cool water over the burn and cover it with a clean cloth.
Consider burns management as soothing a sunburn. Just as cool water relieves the pain of a sunburn, it helps reduce the pain and damage of other burns.
Fractures and Sprains
Fractures and sprains require immobilization to prevent further injury. Use a splint or sling to keep the affected area stable. Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary. For example, if someone has a suspected broken leg, immobilize the leg using a splint and seek medical help immediately.
Think of fractures and sprains as a broken branch. Just as a broken branch needs support to heal, a fractured or sprained limb needs immobilization to prevent further damage.
Choking
Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing breathing. For conscious victims, perform the Heimlich maneuver by applying quick, upward abdominal thrusts. For unconscious victims, perform back blows and chest thrusts. For example, if someone is choking and unable to speak, stand behind them and perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Consider choking as a clogged pipe. Just as a plumber uses force to clear a clog, the Heimlich maneuver uses force to dislodge an obstruction in the airway.
Seizures
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. During a seizure, protect the person from injury by moving objects away and cushioning their head. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. For example, if someone is having a seizure, gently guide them to the ground and protect their head from hard surfaces.
Think of seizures as a short circuit in a machine. Just as you protect a machine from damage during a short circuit, you protect a person from injury during a seizure.
Heat and Cold Injuries
Heat injuries, such as heatstroke, require immediate cooling by moving the person to a cooler place and applying cool, wet cloths. Cold injuries, such as frostbite, require gradual rewarming by moving the person to a warmer place and covering the affected area with warm cloths. For example, if someone is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool place and apply cool cloths to their body.
Consider heat and cold injuries as extreme weather conditions. Just as you seek shelter from extreme heat or cold, you must provide appropriate care to someone suffering from these conditions.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. For mild reactions, administer antihistamines if available. For severe reactions (anaphylaxis), use an epinephrine auto-injector and seek emergency medical help immediately. For example, if someone has a known allergy and shows signs of anaphylaxis, administer their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector and call for emergency assistance.
Think of allergic reactions as a sudden storm. Just as you prepare for a storm with an emergency kit, you prepare for an allergic reaction with an epinephrine auto-injector.
Emergency Communication
Emergency communication involves calling for help by dialing emergency numbers such as 911 in the United States. Provide clear information about the location, nature of the emergency, and any other relevant details. For example, if someone is having a heart attack, call 911 and provide the address and description of the person's condition.
Consider emergency communication as the alarm in a fire drill. Just as an alarm alerts everyone to evacuate, calling for help alerts emergency responders to provide assistance.