First Aid

FIRST AIDALBERT L. ASPREC, M.D., M.O.H.

Trauma is the leading cause of death inthe first 40 years of life, and ranksfourth among causes of death overall

FIRST AID

Spells the difference between : Life / death Temporary / permanent disability Rapid recovery / long hospitalization

Treatment priority Asphyxia Hemorrhage Shock Fractures

Airway openBreathing restoredCirculation restored

WOUNDS

A break in the continuity of the tissues ofthe body, either internal or external

Open - break in the skin or mucousmembrane

Closed - injury to underlying tissues,none on skin

Common Causes of Wounds

External physical forces Motor vehicle accident Falls Mishandling of sharp objects Tools Machinery Weapons

Types of Open Wounds

Abrasion Incision Laceration Puncture Avulsion

Abrasions

Skin is scraped against a hardsurface

Bleeding limitedDanger of contamination

Incisions

Tissue is cut against a smooth sharpsurface (knife)

Bleeding is profuseInfection is minimalDamage to tendons, muscles, nerves

Lacerations

Tearing of tissue (jagged, irregular orrough edges)

Bleeding is profuseContamination rate is highMassive tissue destruction

Punctures

Pointed object piercing the skin layersMinimal bleedingInfection rate is high

Punctured foot

Avulsion

Tissue is forcibly separated from the bodyRapid and profuse bleedingHigh contamination

First Aid for Open Wounds

Stop the bleeding immediately Protect the wound from contamination Provide care against shock Seek medical attention

Techniques to Stop Bleeding

Direct pressure Elevation Pressure on supplying artery Tourniquet

Direct pressure

Elevate

Pressure on supplying artery

Tourniquet

Preventing Contamination

Dont remove the cloth pad initially placed Dont cleanse the wound Prevent shock before & during transport Immobilize injured area

If you have to clean the wound ...

Wash your hands first with soap & water Wipe the wound inside going out in a

circular motion Dont return to the wound Apply sterile dressing and bandage Seek medical consult

Symptoms of Infection

Swelling Redness Warm sensation Throbbing pain Tenderness Fever Pus formation Lymph node enlargement

CARDIO PULMONARYRESUSCITATION

Thousands of lives are lost each yearas a result of respiratory & cardiacarrest.Many of those lives could have beensaved and we are taking that pro-activeapproach to prepare you in the event ofan accident

The brain relies onoxygen and sugarfor energy. It canonly survive 5minutes ofdeprivation afterwhich some nervecells start to die.

CPR

The bodily functionsgoverned by thesecells either weakenor are lost. CPRcan artificiallyrestore the nutrientsand spell thedifference betweenleading a normal lifeor not.

When a victim goes into C P Arrest Shout Shake Check obstructions in mouth (A) Hyper-extend the head Seal mouth and nose Start Respiratory Resuscitation (B) Locate Xyphoid process Interlace fingers and position Start Chest compression (C)

POISONING

Any substance (solid, liquid or gas)that tends to impair health or causedeath when introduced into the body

Caused by accidental intake ofchemical, medicine overdose,combining drugs and alcohol, etc..

Symptoms of Poisoning

Information from victim or observer Presence of a container with poison Abdominal cramps Difficulty of breathing Burns around lips or mouth Breath odor Pinpoint pupils

Objectives in treatment of poisoningby mouth :

Dilute or neutralize the poison Induce vomiting Maintain respiration Seek medical assistance

When you do not know what poisonwas swallowed ...

Dilute the poison with water or milk Try to find out what poison has been

swallowed (Look for the original container) Seek medical help immediately

If the victim swallowed a strong acid,alkali, or petroleum product, and youdont have the original container ...

Dilute the poison with water or milk DO NOT Induce vomiting Get medical help immediate.

When acids, alkali or petroleum productsis suspected DONT INDUCEVOMITING.

The chemical can go back to the mouththen to the lungs.

Poisoning

Thermal Burns

Cross Section of the SkinCross section of skin

First Degree Burns

Wash or immerse in cold water Apply burn ointment Dress if necessary

Second Degree Burns

Immerse in cold water (not ice water) Apply burn ointment and sterile dressing Do not break blisters or remove tissue Do not use antiseptic Elevate the involved area Seek medical attention

Third Degree Burn

Do not remove adhered particles of burntclothing

Cover area with sterile dressing Elevate involved area Proceed to emergency room

Chemical Burns on the Skin

Wash away chemical with running water Take care not to contaminate yourself Remove the victims clothing Cover with clean towel or blanket Refer to a doctor

Chemical Burns of the Eye

Bring victim to a source of runningwater

Turn his head to one side (affected eyeis lower)

Run the tap gently for 15 minutes Refer to a doctor Do not apply any eye drops, antiseptic

or ointment

Heimlich Maneuver

When a victim appears to choke Go behind him, Wrap your arms around the waist Position one fist inward, cupped by the

other Jerk inward and upward & release Repeat as necessary to dislodge

obstruction

FRACTURES

These are breaks or cracks in the bonebrought about by a tremendous forceexerted on the skeletal system

Open / Close Simple / Compound Comminuted / Segmental

Signs and Symptoms of a Fracture Deformity of the body part Swelling and Tenderness Limited range of motion Abnormal movement Shortening of the limb Hematoma Cold or discolored distal extremity Crepitus Bone protrusion

First Aid for Fractures

Prevent motion of injured part /adjacent joints Apply a splint to restrict movement Immobilize the joint above & the joint below Do not attempt to set the fracture Do not push protruded bone ends back Transport to hospital

Splint

Is a device used to immobilize fractures Decreases pain and shock by

preventing motion Protects against further injury Useful if long enough and padded

Documents

First Aid