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.
R L
L
R L
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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
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