Field Medics First Aid - S.Tanner (2013)

Field Medic’s First Aid | How To Treat Injury & Illness In A Disaster Situation

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Table Of Contents

FIRST AID AND TRAUMA KITS ...................................................................................... 5

FIRST AID KITS ............................................................................................................ 6

TRAUMA KITS .............................................................................................................. 7

MEDICINE ........................................................................................................................ 8

PERSONAL HYGEINE ................................................................................................... 12

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ............................................................................................. 14

VITAMINS ....................................................................................................................... 16

FIRST AID ...................................................................................................................... 17

ASSESSING THE SITUATION ................................................................................... 17

Minor First Aid Situations ............................................................................................ 18

BURNS & SCALDS ................................................................................................. 18

CUTS & SCRAPES ................................................................................................. 19

SPLINTERS ............................................................................................................ 19

STINGS ................................................................................................................... 20

EMERGENCY / TRAUMA SITUATIONS .................................................................... 21

BLEEDING .............................................................................................................. 21

BREATHING PROBLEMS ...................................................................................... 21

BROKEN BONE (FRACTURE) ............................................................................... 23

CHEMICAL BURNS ................................................................................................ 24

CHOKING, AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION .................................................................... 24

PENETRATING OBJECTS ..................................................................................... 25

POISONING ............................................................................................................ 26

SEVERED BODY PARTS (AVULSION) ................................................................. 27

SHOCK .................................................................................................................... 27

SPRAINS ................................................................................................................. 28

TRANSPORTING AN INJURED PERSON ............................................................. 28

UNCONSCIOUSNESS ............................................................................................ 29

WOUNDS (SEVERE) .............................................................................................. 29

WEATHER-RELATED SITUATIONS .......................................................................... 30




COLD EXPOSURE ................................................................................................. 30

FROSTBITE ............................................................................................................ 30

HEAT EXHAUSTION .............................................................................................. 31

SUNBURN ............................................................................................................... 31

SUNSTROKE / HEAT STROKE .............................................................................. 32




Important note - this ebook is in no way implying or recommending that medical attention should only be administered at home, or avoided altogether in favor or self or home treatment. Any illness, wound, or unusual symptoms beyond that of simple, commonly known factors should be treated seriously, and professional medical attention should be sought out to whatever extent available. If you are not a trained medical professional, do not make assumptions or decisions as one.

While technically speaking, “safety” is what being prepared is all about. Keeping

ourselves and our families safe from starvation, sickness, extreme weather, thieves,

and other potential enemies is our ultimate goal. This section will focus on the smaller

aspect of safety, medicinal and elemental safety.

FIRST AID AND TRAUMA KITS Touched upon briefly in an earlier

section of this guide, a replenished

selection of medical supplies can stave

off the need to seek outside sources of

medical help for smaller injuries and

sicknesses. Especially valuable if

services are scarce or unavailable

completely, being able to treat your

own wounds or illnesses can be

paramount to preventing a small illness

from becoming a deadly, widespread

pandemic.




FIRST AID KITS A serious first aid kit. Not the Walmart special, but a large kit in a transportable bag or

case that contains items any nurse, doctor, paramedic, or medical professional could

use professionally. There should be items contained that you are clueless of what they

are, or how to use them properly. Learn what these items are and how to use them.

A really good first aid kit will contain at least the following:

Airway

- 1 Disposable Airway Kit

- 1 Bag Valve Mask Resuscitator

Burn

- 1 Sterile Burn Sheet

Bandages

- 16 Adhesive bandages (1" x 3")

- 2 Abdominal Pads (5" x 9")

- 1 Trauma Dressing (12" x 30")

- 20 Sterile Dressings (4" x 4")

- 4 Eye Pads

- 1 Petroleum Gauze (3" x 9")

- 2 Kerlix (4-1/2")


- 2 Blood Stoppers

- 2 Gauze Rolls (4" NS)


- 1 1/2" Waterproof Tape

- 1 1" Waterproof Tape

- 1 Elastic Bandage (4")

- 1 Elastic Bandage (3")

- 2 Triangular Bandages

Instrument Pack

- 1 Shears

- 1 Kelly forceps

- 1 Bandage scissors

- 1 Splinter forceps

- 1 Penlight

Equipment & Supplies - 1 First Aid Booklet

- 10 Alcohol Prep Pads

- 10 Antibiotic Ointment (.5 g)

- 2 Small Cold Packs

- 1 Eye Wash

- 10 PVP Iodine

- 1 Space Blanket

- 10 Antimicrobial Wipes

- 10 Pair Nitrile Gloves

- 1 D Cylinder Oxygen Tank (shipped

empty)


Expanding on this, the reason you want to have a professional “bag” (kit) is because

you are guaranteed to have everything you need to handle any low to medium grade

trauma that the world can throw at you. Even if some of the items included are foreign to

you, it is always possible to find or come across an individual who may be qualified to

use such materials, but no longer has access to them. Imagine the value of an

Emergency Medical Technician becoming available to a hurt member of your family or

group, and then imagine the value of that same technician with the tools he/she needed

to perform the procedure effectively without having to improvise. Get a great first aid kit.

TRAUMA KITS For the same reasons mentioned above, chances are there are very few things in a

trauma kit that you or any non-medically trained person will be able to use effectively,

but that does not limit the importance of having one if there are no hospitals nearby.

Similar in many ways to a professional first aid kit, a trauma kit is designed for the

purpose of stabilizing a person before professional medical attention can arrive or

before that person can get to a hospital.

A good trauma kit will contain: Airway

- 1 Disposable Airway Kit

Burn

- 1 Sterile Burn Sheet

Bandages

- 16 Band Aids (1" x 3")

- 2 Abdominal Pads (5" x 9")

- 1 Trauma Dressing (12" x 30") - 20 Sterile Dressings (4" x 4")


- 2 Blood Stoppers

- 2 Gauze Rolls (3")


- 1 Waterproof Tape (1/2")

- 1 Waterproof Tape (1")

- 1 Elastic Bandage (3") - 1 Elastic Bandage (4")

- 2 Triangular Bandages

- 4 Eye Pads

- 1 Petroleum Gauze (3" x 9")

- 2 Kerlix (4-1/2")



Equipment & Supplies

- 1 Eye Wash

- 10 PVP Iodine

- 10 Antibiotic Ointment (.5 gram)

- 10 Alcohol Prep Pads

- 10 Pair Nitrile Gloves

- 1 First Aid Booklet

- 1 Space Blanket

- 10 Antimicrobial Wipes

- 1 Dyna Flo Brass Regulator

- 1 D Oxygen Cylinder

Now THOSE are true medical kits.

MEDICINE All the medical equipment in the world won’t solve all your medical emergency problems

(“Hey lady, where’d ya want this CT machine?”) unless bolstered by commonly

necessary medications. While no means a comprehensive list of all possible RX needs,

some usual ones are:

1. Antibiotics -

A. Penicillin: Penicillins are the cheapest, safest, and

most effective antibacterial treatments available

(although some have allergic reaction to them).

Penicillin G and V remain the drugs of choice for

treating many bacterial infections. (Penicillin V is not

destroyed by stomach acid, so it is a better drug for

oral prescriptions.) Methicillin was the first penicillin to

have activity against staphylococcus that was

resistant to penicillin G.

Ampicillin and Amoxicillin have a wider application

than earlier penicillins, being effective against Escherichia coli (urinary tract

infections), Haemophilus influenzae (ear infections and meningitis) and

Salmonella typhi (responsible for typhoid fever).




Carbenicillin was the first penicillin synthesized to possess useful activity against

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (surface bacteria causing hospital infections).

B. Cephalosporin:The injectable forms of this drug are generally broad-spectrum,

bactericidal agents that are restricted to hospital use for the treatment of serious

infections.

C. Tetracycline: Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics that have been used

to treat a wide range of infections. They can be taken orally, and prevent

regrowth of bacteria. They are used in the treatment of gonorrhea, and in urinary

tract infections (Escherichia coli). They can cause teeth stains in children, so they

are not usually prescribed for patients less than 12 years of age.

D. Macrolides: Notably Erythromycin, a very safe and effective antibiotic used for

respiratory tract infections caused by streptococci or mycoplama. It is also used

for patients allergic to penicillin. It can penetrate human cells and is used to treat

"Legionnaires' disease", a serious type of pneumonia.

Cipofloxacine, Cephradine, Amoxiciline and Augmentine are more common.

Believe it or not, many common antibiotics that are prescribed to humans today are

also used to keep fish healthy in aquariums. Yes, we’re serious. Most of the

antibiotic medicines used to treat bacteria in aquariums contain just one ingredient -

the active antibiotic, and in most cases this is exactly the same antibiotic used for

human consumption-nothing more or less. Strangely enough, these aquarium

antibiotics come in the same dosages which are used in human prescriptions.

Having checked several sources, some of which were created by medical doctors,

see below for a list of aquarium branded medicines that contain commonly

prescribed human antibiotics:

•Amoxicillin - FISH-MOX, FISH-MOX FORTE




•Keflex - FISH-FLEX, FISH-FLEX FORTE •Metronidazole - FISH-ZOLE •Penicillin - FISH-PEN, FISH-PEN FORTE

Remember that all of the antibiotics above do require a prescription from a doctor,

and usually a doctor will only prescribe a single course of treatment in order to treat

your illness. However, they can all be purchased in large quantities from pet stores

without a prescription. This means you can stockpile these common antibiotics,

something which would have been normally impossible.

The bottom line here is that you should head to the doctor over the pet store when

we are in need of medical treatment, but do keep it in mind that if things go horribly

wrong in the future, we will have to improvise many aspects of our lives--especially

medical care (as outlined above).

2. Pain Killers - Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, and a host of other

products designed for the control of pain. Be frugal in the taking of these drugs and

in dispensing them. As with any pain meds, it is far too easy to become reliant on

taking them for every little bump and bruise, and even the most marginal of

headaches. Stop. Save them for when they are truly needed, because you have no

idea as to how long they might remain commonly available. These types of drugs do

expire, so take care to replenish them regularly, and discard the expired bottles.

3. RX medications - Your prescription medications can be a long term problem. It will

not be easy to hoard very specific treatment prescriptions like blood pressure

medication, diabetes, or any number of pharmaceuticals that you or your loved ones

need on a daily basis. An option to account for this is to look into a cross comparison

with medication that might be available from Canada or overseas. Not the greatest

option, and it can be risky when trying to discern differences between what is

available and what was prescribed, but it’s better than nothing.




4. Cold And Flu Medications - Again, watch out for those expiration dates, but at the

same time, there are so many varieties and are so commonly available (for adults to

buy) that there should be no problem hoarding these meds for your sniffles and

sneezes.

5. Baby Needs - Think a truckload of diapers and a room full of formula is enough to

keep your baby clean and fed? You may have to think again. Cloth diapers might be

the long term solution, provided you have a source of water that can be used for

cleaning that won’t be contaminated by large amounts of fecal matter. It may not be

a lot per diaper, but it does add up day by day. Luckily, most Moms have natural,

built in formula that is just right for baby, or in some cases, multiple babies to help

out Moms who are not so fortunate. If artificial formula must be used, then obtain the

powdered, self mix kind to take advantage of the long term storability of this product.

Luckily, babies do grow up, so the long term problem does have an end.

6. Children's Medications - As with the adult variety, these medications are

commonly available and can be collected in larger quantities, with the expiration

date dictating how long.




PERSONAL HYGEINE Working with the assumption that we are not looking to start a barbarian horde,

personal hygiene will not only help to keep a semblance of societal dignity, but at the

same time, provide better health and wellbeing for all involved or nearby. Hand washing

alone can help prevent some of the deadliest diseases known to man including e-coli,

and influenza. Some things to have at the ready, then:

• Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Floss - Oh, brushing your teeth is the last thing you’ll

be worried about when the feces hits the oscillating fan, is it? Shall we remember

that excessive plaque buildup on our teeth has been linked to heart disease? Not to

mention, how easy do you think it will be to find a dentist while you’re packed out at

your escape location? Pulling a rotten tooth with pliers=not fun. Brush and floss your

damn teeth.

• Soap, Shampoo and Lotion – Let’s hit these in reverse order.

• Lotion is essential, especially in winter, to help avoid dry, cracked skin from

extreme biting cold. Apply to your pet’s foot pads for the same reason. Split skin

leads to bleeding. Bleeding leaves you open to infection.

• Shampoo will not only clean your hair, but your scalp. You are just as prone to

infection through your head as anywhere else on your body. You will also have a

better chance of avoiding, killing, and preventing ticks, fleas, and other burrowing-

type insects from making a home by tunneling through your head and drinking your

blood. Gives me chills just thinking about it. Yuck.

• Soap - Goes without saying, right? Can’t wash your hands with just running water.

Soap is the original anti-bacterial. Do you know how to make your own? You will

want to learn. There are two usual ways of “making” soap.




Melt and Pour - the easiest way to make soap is to hoard all the little bits and

pieces that remain when a bar of soap is almost used up. Rarer these days,

thanks to the prevalence of liquid soaps and dispensers, bars of soap are easier

to keep in storage, last forever (if kept dry) and can be reused. Warming lots of

pieces of soap bars in a double-boiler will slowly melt the soap to the point of

becoming liquid. At this point, you can gently stir the soap with a plastic spoon to

thoroughly combine them and even add your own fragrances if you would like to

(again, survival does not have to be uncivilized). Gently pour the liquid soap into

clean soap bar molds, or whatever molds you happen to have around. Large

candy molds work very well and you can even make your own forms out of wood,

rubbed down on the inside with a little castor oil to help with sticking. Cool 10-12

hours.

Cold Process soap - While this method will give you a true soap, it can be very

dangerous to work with one of the most important ingredients - Lye. Lye is a

caustic substance and burns can occur if handled improperly. The basic

ingredients of cold process soap are combinations of light and heavy oils like

palm, coconut, olive and castor. Animal fats completely rendered from any

foreign material, blood and flesh can also be substituted. The oils are melted

together, and a solution of lye and water is created and cooled (extremely

carefully), mixed into the fats, gently stirred, poured into molds, and allowed to

cool. Once de-molded, the soap is allowed to cure for several weeks before it is

usable. There are many great books and video sources to learn how to make

soap. It is not hard, but as mentioned, can be dangerous when working with lye if

not careful.

• Hand Sanitizer - When washing our hands is not possible, hand sanitizers

(essentially gelled alcohol) are our best friends. Beware of using them in the winter,

as they are excruciatingly drying to your hands, even if they say “moisturizing”, they

will still make a desert of your hands. They will kill the germs on your hands though.




• Deodorant - Who needs stinky pits? Maybe a little low on the survival scale, but if

you are planning on hunting, then you had better have as much unscented

deodorant and anti-perspirant as possible keeping you dry and neutral-scented while

up in that tree stand in that blind. If your wife wrinkles her nose at how you smell, an

animal will smell you for miles off.

• Feminine Hygiene Items - Obvious.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING “Better to be too warm than too cold” is the motto for survival. But while it’s easy for

wool, Gore-Tex and similar natural and synthetic fabrics to keep us toasty when

exposed to the elements, too often do we forget that heat can be just as troublesome as

the cold. Trudging through the foothills of New Mexico during high summer can pose

more short-term dangers that even sub-zero temperatures can when comparing the

times of exposure. Sunstroke, sunburn, extreme dehydration, and the after-effects of

each can ruin your day, not to mention challenge your survival skills. Clothing that

protects against the sun should also be light colored for reflection - white and tan works

best.

• Shirts (first base layer) - There’s only one term you need to remember when looking

for hot-weather clothing - “sweat wicks”. And it’s not only cotton anymore, special

channels formed into polyester and other materials allow most sweat to be quickly

absorbed and drawn away from the skin. Airflow across the skin is increased, allowing

the remaining sweat to evaporate quickly, thereby cooling your skin. This is equally

useful in cold weather as a base layer, which I’m sure you would agree if you ever

started sweating under your coat while shoveling your driveway, then went for a stroll

and froze solid as your sweat-saturated shirt under your coat welcomed all the cold air

possible to drop your core temperature to absolute zero (or so it felt, clenching your

jaw to stop your teeth from chattering). Hot or cold, sweat=bad.




• Shell layer - A light jacket with a hood and lots of vents. What? We’re looking to keep

cool, right? Yes, but when the sun sets in your arid climate and bone-chilling

temperatures set in, your jacket will be your best friend. And what’s with all the

zippers, you ask? During the day, while your shirt is busy wicking your sweat away, all

the zippers in the jacket (especially under your arms) allow all that moisture to

evaporate away instead of collecting on the inner layers, further cooling your body

system. At night, when the sun sets, zip up all the zippers and retain your body heat.

Unnecessary in humid, tropical conditions due to the fact that the moisture in the air

holds onto the heat, which is why it can still be 90 degrees at night in Florida during

the summer. Use the hood day and night-day to keep the sun off your head and at

night for further heat retention.

• Shorts - Cool and comfortable is what we want here, and your shorts should have the

following criteria: sweat wicking (if possible) like your shirt, quick dry nylon, slightly

stretchable so there is no restriction in movement and no chafing on your inner thighs,

legs that fall just above the knee and deep pockets for carrying survival gear, food or

water. At night, a thermal blanket for your legs does the trick, and can be folded up to

the size of a large wallet and stuffed into the pocket during the day.

• Insulation - Loose fitting hoody. A pullover (no front zipper where heat can escape)

with a kangaroo front pocket and no draw strings that can get snagged on anything

will fit perfectly into your post-sunset or pre-dawn ensemble to be worn in between

your base layer and shell layer. The key will be weight. Too heavy and lugging it

around all day becomes a chore and it takes up a lot of room. Too light and it will be

not as effective in keeping you warm, but you are still better off having it too light than

too heavy, provided you have a decent shirt and shell layer to pick up the slack.

• Hat - One of the most essential items to have for heat or cold survival. And we’re not

talking about a ski cap here. Something with a wide brim to keep the sun off your

head, face and neck. Ventilated to release moisture as well as quick-drying if possible.

Your car can literally make the difference between heat stroke and a casual comment;




“Hot enough for ya?” And at night-nothing on your body loses heat like your head

does. Keep your hat on.

VITAMINS While taking multi-vitamins as part of a regular healthy diet is as important as your

doctor always says it is(as you completely ignore him), it is also important to remember

vitamins as part of a survival situation. Your bucket of 100-year food rations may be

enough to keep you alive and your belly somewhat full, but your overall health is not

based upon what survival packs can offer you. On the same note, regular hunting and

fishing for lean protein must also be offset by regular vitamin consumption. What to do

when your vitamins run out? Create your own by drinking them. Now I will warn you, this

drink tastes terrible, but it will do the trick.

Pull from your garden (of edible vegetables-no poison ivy milkshakes, please) one

handful each of a dark leafy green (spinach, kale, parsley, mustard, field lettuce),

something yellow or orange (carrot, parsnip, pumpkin, squash), something white or red

(potato, turnip, tomato) and a non-leafy green (string bean, broccoli, lima bean, snap

pea), and finally any fruit that you might have.

You see where this is going, right?

If you have access to a juicer (and electricity) then do this all through the juicer. If not,

but you have electricity, a blender or food processor will work but you’ll need to add

some liquid like a fruit juice, or water, or broth. If no electricity, then chop it all up as fine

as possible, and then get out the old mortar and pestle. Grind it all up to a paste and

then add a liquid. Mix well and then drink as fast as possible. It's a long way to go to get

vitamins, but it does the job. Drink this twice a week at least (more is better). Hold your

nose if necessary so you don’t taste it.




FIRST AID Serious accidents and injuries in survival situation are rare. However, minor injuries of

one kind or another are encountered in many day-to-day activities. In some cases the

injured need to be evacuated to medical care, but most injuries can be managed

adequately in the field.

REMINDER: The information here is intended as a guide or a reminder for basic first aid. It is highly recommended that you and your family take a first aid course as part of your survival preparations.

ASSESSING THE SITUATION What to Treat First

1. Don’t panic. You will be able to assess

the situation more effectively.

Remember, psychological support is

also important.

2. Remember the ABCs of Life Support:

Airways open – Open and maintain

victim’s airway.

Breathing restored – If victim is not

breathing, begin rescue breathing

techniques immediately.

Circulation maintained – If no pulse is present, get assistance from a person

certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.




REMEMBER, to be able to perform CPR effectively, it is essential to be properly

trained.

3. Check for bleeding. Apply direct pressure and elevate injured limb.

4. Look for signs of shock and broken bones (fractures).

5. Check for emergency medical identification on the victim.

6. Get professional medical help quickly. Know emergency numbers, such as 0 or

911. Telephone appropriate authorities (rescue squad, ambulance, police, poison

control center or fire department) and describe the problem. Be sure to give your

name, location and the number of persons involved.

7. Loosen any clothing that may restrict victim’s breathing or interfere with

circulation.

8. Never give an unconscious person anything by mouth.

9. DO NOT move injured persons unless situation is life-threatening. Keep victim

still, quiet and warm (except heat exhaustion and sunstroke). Victims with broken

bones (fractures) should not be moved until a splint has been properly applied.

Minor First Aid Situations

BURNS & SCALDS

CAUTION: DO NOT clean burns or break blisters. DO NOT remove any clothing that

sticks to burn. DO NOT apply grease, ointment or medication to a severe burn. DO NOT

use cotton or material with loose fibers to cover burns.

TREATMENT




First degree burns – redness or discoloration of skin surface; mild swelling and pain.

1. Apply cool, wet cloths or immerse in water. DO NOT use ice.

2. Blot gently; apply a dry, sterile pad if necessary.

3. Usually medical treatment is not necessary; however, if severe exist, call for

professional medical help. Be alert for signs of shock.

Second degree burns – deep burn with red or mottled appearance; blisters;

considerable pain and swelling; skin surface appears wet. See treatment for first degree

burns. If arms and legs are affected, elevate above heart level. Burns may be deep and

potentially serious, requiring medical treatment depending on extent and location. Be

alert for signs of shock and infection.

Third degree burns – deep tissue destruction with a white or charred appearance; no

pain. Call for professional medical help immediately. Be alert for signs of shock.

CUTS & SCRAPES BEFORE INITIATING ANY FIRST AID TO CONTROL BLEEDING, BE SURE TO

WEAR HEALTH CARE GLOVES TO AVOID CONTACT OF THE VICTIM’S BLOOD

WITH YOUR SKIN.

1. CLEAN... wound and surrounding area gently with mild soap and rinse. Blot dry with

sterile pad or clean dressing.

2. TREAT... to protect against contamination.

3. PROTECT... and cover to absorb fluids and prevent further contamination. (Handle

only the edges of sterile pads or dressings.) Secure with first aid tape to help keep out

dirt and germs.

SPLINTERS Slender Pieces of Wood, Bone, Glass or Metal Objects that Lodge In or Under Skin




SYMPTOMS: May Include: Pain, redness, swelling

TREATMENT

1. First wash your hands thoroughly, then gently wash affected area with mild soap and

water.

2. Sterilize needle or tweezers by boiling for 10 minutes; wipe with a sterile pad before

use.

3. Loosen skin around splinter with needle; use tweezers to remove splinter. If splinter

breaks or is deeply lodged, consult professional medical help.

4. Cover with adhesive bandage or sterile pad, if necessary.

STINGS CAUTION: In highly sensitive persons, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Get

professional medical help immediately. If breathing difficulties occur, start rescue

breathing techniques; if pulse is absent, begin CPR.

SIGNS: Signs of allergic reaction may include: Nausea; severe swelling; breathing

difficulties; bluish face, lips and fingernails; shock or unconsciousness.

TREATMENT 1. For mild or moderate symptoms, wash with soap and cold water. Remove stinger or

venom sac with tweezers or by gently scraping with fingernail (DO NOT squeeze).

2. For multiple stings, soak affected area in cool bath. Add one tablespoon of baking

soda per quart of water.




EMERGENCY / TRAUMA SITUATIONS

BLEEDING

BEFORE INITIATING ANY FIRST AID TO CONTROL BLEEDING, BE SURE TO

WEAR HEALTH CARE GLOVES TO AVOID CONTACT OF THE VICTIM’S BLOOD

WITH YOUR SKIN.

TREATMENT 1. Act quickly. Have victim lie down. Elevate injured limb higher than heart unless you

suspect a broken bone.

2. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound with a sterile pad or clean

cloth.

3. If bleeding is controlled by direct pressure, bandage firmly to protect wound. Check

pulse to be sure bandage is not too tight.

4. If bleeding is not controlled by use of direct pressure, apply a tourniquet only as a last

resort.

5. Call for professional medical help immediately.

6. If you are bleeding and have no one to help you, call for professional medical help.

Lie down, so your body weight applies pressure to the bleeding site.

BREATHING PROBLEMS ESTABLISH NON-RESPONSIVENESS AND ACTIVATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL

SERVICES (EMS) OR CALL FOR HELP.




SYMPTOMS: May include: Shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, rapid pulse,

bluish-purple skin color, dilated pupils, unconsciousness.

TREATMENT For victim who has stopped breathing:

1. Lay victim flat on back. Tilt the head back with one hand to open airway, while placing

two fingers of the other hand under the chin.

2. Clear airway, using your fingers in a hooked fashion to remove any solid or liquid

obstructions.

3. Look, listen, and feel for respiratory movement for 5 seconds. If breathing is absent,

pinch victim’s nostrils closed, take a deep breath, completely cover victim’s mouth, and

give two slow, full breaths.

4. Check for carotid pulse in neck and for signs of breathing.

5. If pulse is present:

For adults – continue rescue breathing at a rate of one strong every five seconds.

Re-check for pulse and breathing every twelve breaths.

For infants and small children – breathe shallow breaths at a rate of one every

three seconds or 20 per minute.

6. If pulse is not present, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

For adults... Exert enough pressure to depress the breastplate 1 1/2 to 2 inches.

Continue compressions at a rate of "one and two and..." Every fifteen

compressions should be followed with a pause by two rescue breaths.

For children... Use the heel of only one hand to depress the breastplate 1 to 1 ½

inches. Continue compressions at a rate of 100 per minute "one, two, three..."

Every five compressions should be followed without a pause by one rescue

breath.

For infants... Use only fingertips. Apply moderate pressure to depress breastplate

1/2 to 3/4 inches. Continue compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute.

Every five compressions (3 seconds) should be followed without a pause by one

rescue breath.




BROKEN BONE (FRACTURE) Break or Crack in a Bone

SYMPTOMS: The victim hearing or feeling the bone break; area tender to touch with

pain in one spot; swelling noted around suspected fracture; limb in an unnatural

position; painful movement; abnormal motion; loss of function; grating sensation;

discoloration of affected area.

TREATMENT 1. Keep victim warm and still, treat for shock if necessary. DO NOT move victim until a

splint has been applied unless there is danger of a life-threatening emergency.

2. If bone is suspected to be broken but does not pierce the skin (closed fracture), splint

the limb before the victim is moved, immobilizing the joint above and below the

suspected fracture site.

3. If broken bone pierces the skin (open or compound fracture), apply pressure to

appropriate pressure point to control bleeding. DO NOT try to straighten limb, return it to

a natural position, or replace bone fragments. DO NOT touch or clean the wound.

Secure a sterile pad or clean cloth firmly in place over the wound and tie with strong

bandages or cloth strips.

4. If victim must be moved, apply a splint to prevent further damage. Use anything that

will keep the broken bones from moving, including broomsticks, boards or rolled




magazines. Pad splints with cotton, clothes or clean cloths tied firmly (but not tightly) in

place. If victim complains of numbness, loosen splint.

5. Get professional medical help immediately.

CHEMICAL BURNS

TREATMENT

1. Remove contaminated clothing.

2. Flush burned area with cool water for at least 5 minutes.

3. Treat as you would any major or minor burn.

4. If eye has been burned:

A. Immediately flood face, inside of eyelid and eye with cool running water for at

least 15 minutes. Turn head so water does not drain into uninjured eye. Lift

eyelid away from eye so the inside of lid can also be washed.

B. If eye has been burned by a dry chemical, lift any loose particles off the eye

with the corner of a sterile pad or clean cloth.

C. Cover both eyes with dry sterile pads, clean cloths, or eye pads; bandage in

place.

5. Consult professional medical help.

CHOKING, AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION Partial Obstruction with Good Air Exchange

SYMPTOMS: May include: Forceful cough with wheezing sounds between coughs.

TREATMENT

Encourage victim to cough as long as good air exchange continues. DO NOT interfere

with attempts to expel object.




Partial or Complete Airway Obstruction in Conscious Victim with Poor Air Exchange

SYMPTOMS: May include: Weak cough; high-pitched crowing noises during inhalation;

inability to breathe, cough or speak; gesture of clutching neck between thumb and index

finger; exaggerated breathing efforts; dusky or bluish skin color.

TREATMENT For Adult Victim

If victim is standing or sitting:

1. Stand slightly behind victim.

2. Place your arms around victim’s waist; place your fist, thumb side in, against victim’s

abdomen, slightly above the navel and below the rib margins.

3. Grasp fist with your other hand and exert a quick upward thrust. Repeat (five times in

a rapid succession) if necessary (Heimlich Maneuver or manual thrust.)

Complete Airway Obstruction in Unconscious Victim

1. Activate EMS system first. Follow breathing problems section

PENETRATING OBJECTS Such as Sticks or Pieces of Metal Protruding from Body

SYMPTOMS May include: Profuse bleeding; swelling and redness of injured tissue.

CAUTION DO NOT remove penetrating object.

TREATMENT 1. Get professional medical help immediately.

2A. If victim is fixed to object (impaled), cut it off at a safe distance from skin. Immobilize

object with thick dressings made from sterile pads or clean cloths secured in place with

first aid tape, a belt or a bandage.




B. If object is protruding from victim, DO NOT move it. Immobilize object with thick

dressings made from sterile pads or clean cloths secured in place with first aid tape, a

belt or a bandage. Do not apply bandage so tightly that breathing is restricted.

3. If object penetrates chest and victim complains of discomfort or pressure, quickly

loosen bandage on one side and reseal. Watch carefully for recurrence. Repeat

procedure if necessary.

4. If breathing problems develop, begin rescue breathing techniques immediately.

5. Treat for shock.

POISONING CALL 911, YOUR LOCAL FIRST AID SQUAD, OR POISON CONTROL CENTER

IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE ADMINISTERING FIRST AID.

TREATMENT 1. DO NOT give any other first aid if victim is unconscious or is having convulsions.

Begin rescue breathing techniques or CPR if necessary. If victim is convulsing, protect

from further injury; loosen tight clothing if possible.

2. If professional medical help cannot be reached immediately:

A. DO NOT induce vomiting if poison is unknown, a corrosive substance (i.e.,

acid, cleaning fluid, lye, drain cleaner), or a petroleum product (i.e., gasoline,

turpentine, paint thinner, lighter fluid). DO NOT use activated charcoal.

B. Induce vomiting if poison is known and is not a corrosive substance or

petroleum product. To induce vomiting: Give adult one ounce of syrup of ipecac

(1/2 ounce for child) followed by four or five glasses of water. If victim has

vomited, follow with one ounce of powdered, activated charcoal in water, if

available.

3. Take poison container (or vomitus if poison is unknown) with victim to the hospital.




SEVERED BODY PARTS (AVULSION) Tissue is Partially or Completely Cut or Torn from Body

CAUTION: Wrap the detached part of the body in something clean, and send it to the

hospital with the victim so that it may be reattached if possible. Ice may be used to keep

the detached part cool; however, prevent it from direct contact with ice and/or from

freezing.

TREATMENT 1. Stop the bleeding immediately.

2. Treat for shock if necessary. If breathing problems are present, begin rescue

breathing techniques.

3. If wound is not deep or is not bleeding severely, gently cleanse with mild soap and

warm water. Cover with a sterile dressing or clean cloth and bandage.


SHOCK Disturbance in the Circulation of the Blood That Can Upset All Body Functions

CAUTION: Shock is a dangerous condition and can be fatal. Expect some degree of

shock in any emergency.

DO NOT give anything by mouth.

SYMPTOMS

May include: Unusual weakness or faintness; cold, pale, clammy skin; rapid, weak

pulse; shallow, irregular breathing; chills; nausea; unconsciousness.

TREATMENT

1. Treat known cause of shock as quickly as possible (i.e., breathing difficulties,

bleeding, severe pain).




2. Maintain an open airway. If victim vomits, gently turn head to side.

3. Keep victim warm and lying flat. (In cases of head or chest injuries, with no chance of

broken neck or back, elevate head and shoulders 10 inches higher than feet if possible.)


5. DO NOT give anything by mouth.

SPRAINS Injury to Soft Tissue Surrounding Joint Due to Wrenching or Laceration of Ligaments,

Muscles, Tendons or Blood Vessels

SYMPTOMS May include: Painful movement, swelling, discoloration and tenderness

around injured joint.

CAUTION: Victim may have a broken bone (fracture) and should be examined by a

medical professional.

TREATMENT 1. If ankle or knee is affected, do not allow victim to walk. Loosen or remove shoe;

elevate leg.

2. Protect skin with thin towel or cloth. Then apply cold, wet compresses or cold packs

to affected area.

Never pack joint in ice or immerse in icy water.

3. Consult professional medical assistance for further treatment if necessary.

TRANSPORTING AN INJURED PERSON If injury involves neck or back, DO NOT move victim unless absolutely necessary. Call

for professional medical help.

If victim must be pulled to safety, move body lengthwise, not sideways. If possible,

slide a coat or blanket under the victim:




A. Carefully turn victim toward you and slip a half-rolled blanket under back.

B. Turn victim on side over blanket, unroll, and return victim onto back.

C. Drag victim head first, keeping back as straight as possible.

If victim must be lifted: Support each part of the body. Position a person at victim’s

head to provide additional stability. Use a board, shutter, table top or other firm surface

to keep body as level as possible.

UNCONSCIOUSNESS Victim Is Not Mentally Aware; Does Not Respond to Sensory Stimuli, Such as Sound or

Light

TREATMENT 1. Call for professional medical help.

2. DO NOT move victim or give anything by mouth.

3. Keep victim warm; loosen any tight clothing.

4. Maintain an open airway. If breathing difficulties develop, begin rescue breathing

techniques immediately.

5. Check for emergency medical identification tag to help determine cause of

unconsciousness.

WOUNDS (SEVERE) Breaks in Skin or Mucus Membrane (Open) or Injuries to Underlying Tissue Breaks in

Skin (Closed)

CAUTION: Some wounds, such as small cuts or minor scrapes, require only simple first

aid measures; others, however, require immediate first aid followed by professional

medical treatment.




Before treating any serious incision, abrasion or laceration with extensive bleeding, act

quickly to control bleeding. Get professional medical help immediately.

Any wound can become contaminated and infected.

WEATHER-RELATED SITUATIONS

COLD EXPOSURE TREATMENT 1. Move victim into warm room as soon as possible.

2. Be alert for breathing difficulties; start rescue breathing techniques if necessary.

3. Remove wet or frozen clothing. Immediately rewarm victim by wrapping in blankets or

placing in tub of warm, not hot, water. Dry victim thoroughly after bath.

4. Give victim hot liquids to drink, only if conscious (not alcohol).

5. Follow treatment for frostbite.

6. Consult professional medical help if indicated.

FROSTBITE

CAUTION: DO NOT break blisters, rub affected area, or apply heat lamps or hot water

bottles.

DO NOT attempt rapid thawing if refreezing is a possibility.

TREATMENT 1. Warm affected areas as quickly as possible by covering with clothing and blankets or

immersing frozen part in warm, not hot, water. If frostbitten area has been thawed and

refrozen, then warm at room temperature.

2. Discontinue warming techniques as soon as affected area becomes flushed. Expect

swelling and pain after thawing. Victim may require an analgesic.




3. Gently exercise affected area after it has been rewarmed.

4. DO NOT apply dressings or clothing unless transportation is required for medical

help. If fingers or toes are affected, separate with sterile pads or clean cloths.

5. Elevate frostbitten areas, but not higher than heart.

6. Get professional medical help.

HEAT EXHAUSTION (Heat Prostration)

SYMPTOMS May include: Fatigue; irritability; headache; faintness; weak, rapid pulse;

shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; profuse perspiration.

TREATMENT 1. Instruct victim to lie down in a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned room. Elevate

feet.

2. Massage legs toward heart.

3. Only if victim is conscious, give cool water or electrolyte solution every 15 minutes

until victim recovers.

4. Use caution when letting victim first sit up, even after feeling recovered.

SUNBURN

TREATMENT 1. Treat for first or second degree burns.

2. Treat for shock if necessary.

3. Cool victim as rapidly as possible by applying cool, damp cloths or immersing in cool,

not cold, water.

4. Give victim fluids to drink.

5. Get professional medical help immediately for severe cases.




SUNSTROKE / HEAT STROKE

SYMPTOMS May include: Extremely high body temperature (106°F or higher); hot, red,

dry skin; absence of sweating; rapid pulse; convulsions; unconsciousness.

CAUTION: Sunstroke is a life-threatening emergency.

TREATMENT 1. Get professional medical help immediately.

2. Lower body temperature quickly by placing victim in partially filled tub of cool, not

cold, water (avoid over-cooling). Briskly sponge victim’s body until temperature is

reduced; then towel dry. If tub is not available, wrap victim in cold, wet sheets in well-

ventilated room or use fans and air conditioners until body temperature is reduced.

3. DO NOT give stimulating beverages, such as coffee, tea, or soda.


Documents

Field Medics First Aid - S.Tanner (2013)