SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT OF MY NCTVET

CERTIFICATION

Name: Lisa Ranns

Assignment: Common First Aid Emergencies and Treatments

Date: October 20, 2020

Institution: Distinction College

Teacher: Ms. Foster

Location: Spanish Town

1
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Acknowledgments………………………………………….. Page3

Introduction……………………………………………….... Page4

Breathing Difficulties………………………………………. Page 5

Bleeding……………………………………………………. Page 5

Small cuts…………………………………………………... Pages 5-6

Deeper Cuts…………………………………….................... Page 6-7

Arterial Bleeding …………………………………………... Page 7

Nose Bleed…………………………………………………. Page 8

Choking……………………………………………………. . Pages 8 -9

Shock and Faint…………………………………………….. Pages 9-10

Vomiting and Diarrhea…………………………………….. . Pages 10 - 11

Burns and Scalds……………………………………………. Page 12

Electrocution……………………………………………….. Page 13

Seizures…………………………………………………….. Page 14

Poisoning…………………………………………………… Page 15

Heart Attack………………………………………………... Page 16

Insect Bites and Stings……………………………………… Page 17

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke………………………….. .Page 18

Stroke………………………………………………………... Pages 19

Sprains………………………………………………………. Pages 20

Dislocation…………………………………………………... Page 21

Glossary……………………………………………………… Page 22

Bibliography………………………………………………… Pages 23-25

2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude to my son Giovaunni
for his cordial support, valuable information and guidance which helped me in completing this
project.

Secondly, I would like to extend a special thanks to my teacher Ms. Foster for her profound
knowledge and guidance.

Lastly, I thank my son Duvaunn for his constant encouragement which without the completion
of this project would not be possible.

3
 INTRODUCTION

At any moment, you or someone around you could get an injury or illness. Using basic first
aid, you may be able to stop a minor mishap from worsening.

In the case of a serious medical emergency, you may even save a life. Through reading this
booklet, you will learn common first aid emergencies, what they are and what to do in the case of
an emergency.

4
 BREATHING DIFFICULTIES

Experiencing breathing difficulty describes discomfort when breathing and feeling as if you can’t
draw a complete breath. This can develop gradually or come on suddenly. 

First Aid

Check the person's airway, breathing, and pulse.

Loosen any tight clothing.

Help the person use any prescribed medicine (such as an asthma inhaler or home oxygen).

Continue to monitor the person's breathing and pulse until medical help arrives.

5
 BLEEDING

Bleeding, also known as a hemorrhage, haemorrhage, or simply blood loss, is blood escaping
from the circulatory system from damaged blood vessels.

SMALL CUTS

A cut occurs when the skin is broken. A small cut typically does not need medical treatment; it is
one that is small and sufficiently clean. 

First Aid 

Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. For a lot of
bleeding, press on the wound firmly for 5 to 10 minutes with a clean cloth. Do not stop to look at
the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old cloth.

DEEPER CUTS

6
In technical terms, a deep wound is one that cuts deeper than ¼ of an inch beneath the surface
of the skin. Because they go so far below the surface of the body, these wounds are much more
likely to cause damage to a ligament, major blood vessel or artery, tendon or an organ.

First Aid

Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.

Then, wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water.

Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.

Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.

ARTERIAL BLEEDING

Arterial bleeding: As the name suggests, blood flow originating in an artery. Blood typically

exits the wound in spurts, rather than in a steady flow; the blood spurts out in time with the
heartbeat. The amount of blood loss can be copious, and can occur very rapidly.

First Aid

If severe bleeding does not stop with direct pressure and elevation, apply direct pressure to an
artery. Use direct pressure on an artery along with elevation and direct pressure on the wound. 

7
 NOSE BLEED

A nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most often occurs in one
nostril only.

First Aid

1. Firmly pinch the entire soft part of the nose just above the nostrils.
2. Let the patient sit and lean forward (this will ensure that blood and other secretions do
not go down the patient’s throat).
3. Encourage patient to breathe through the mouth.
4. Hold this position for 5 minutes. If bleeding continues, hold the position for an additional
10 minutes.

CHOKING

8
Choking occurs when breathing is impeded by a constricted or obstructed throat or windpipe. In
some cases the air flow is completely blocked, in other cases some amount of air can pass to the
lungs. Insufficient oxygen being delivered to the body will result in oxygen deprivation.

First Aid

1. Give 5 back blows. Stand to the side and just behind a choking adult. For a child, kneel
down behind. Place one arm across the person's chest for support. Bend the person over at the
waist so that the upper body is parallel with the ground. Deliver five separate back blows
between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

2. Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich
maneuver).

3. Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

SHOCK AND FAINTING

Fainting from an emotional shock is iconic, especially for females. Fear and other stressful
emotional states that provoke a similar shock response in the cardiovascular system that
occurs after traumatic injury will cause fainting. Some people faint at the sight of blood, for
example.

9
First Aid

1. Lay the person on his or her back and make sure they are breathing.

2. If possible, lift the person's legs above heart level to aid blood flow to the brain.

3. Loosen all constrictive clothing such as collars or belts.

4. If the person is not breathing, start CPR.

VOMITTING AND DIARRHOEA

Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (watery bowel movements) are common symptoms of
gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines.
Vomiting and diarrhea can be harmful, because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs
when you lose too much fluid. Young children and the elderly can become dehydrated quickly,
but dehydration can occur at any age

First Aid

Advice patient to:

10
  Get plenty of rest.
 Avoid stress.
 Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, clear sodas, and sports drinks.
 Eat saltine crackers.
 Follow the BRAT diet, which consists of bland foods.
 Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or high in fat and sugar.
 Avoid dairy.
 Avoid caffeine.
BURNS AND SCALDS

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat. Both are treated in the same
way. A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by
something wet, such as hot water or steam.

First Aid

1. Cool the burns with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible after
the injury.

2. Keep yourself or the person warm.

11
3. Use a blanket or layers of clothing, but avoid putting them on the injured area.

ELECTROCUTION

An electrical shock may cause burns, or it may leave no visible mark on the skin. In either case,
an electrical current passing through the body can cause internal damage, cardiac arrest or other
injury. Under certain circumstances, even a small amount of electricity can be fatal.

First Aid

1. Turn off the source of electricity, if possible.

2. If not, move the source away from you and the person, using a dry, nonconducting object
made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
3. Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or
movement.

12
 SEIZURES

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in
your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. If you have two or
more seizures or a tendency to have recurrent seizures, you have epilepsy. There are many types
of seizures, which range in severity.

First Aid

1. Place something soft under their head and loosen any tight clothing.
2. Reassure the person until they recover.
3. Time the seizure, if you can. Gently roll the person onto their side after the jerking stops.

13
 4. POISONING

Poisoning: Taking a substance that is injurious to health or can cause death.

First Aid

 Swallowed poison. Remove anything remaining in the person's mouth. If the suspected

poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container's label and follow
instructions for accidental poisoning.
 Poison on the skin. Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for
15 to 20 minutes in a shower or with a hose.
 Poison in the eye. Gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes or
until help arrives.
 Inhaled poison. Get the person into fresh air as soon as possible.
 If the person vomits, turn his or her head to the side to prevent choking.

14
 HEART ATTACKS

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage is most
often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that
feed the heart (coronary arteries). Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks
blood flow.

First Aid

If you think someone is having a heart attack: Have the person sit down, rest, and try to keep
calm. Loosen any tight clothing. Ask if the person takes any chest pain medicine, such as
nitroglycerin, for a known heart condition, and help them take it.

15
 INSECT BITES AND STING

Insect bites and stings occur when an insect is agitated and seeks to defend itself through its
natural defense mechanisms, or when an insect seeks to feed off the bitten person.
Some insects inject formic acid, which can cause an immediate skin reaction often resulting in
redness and swelling in the injured area.

First Aid

Wash the affected area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth
cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes. Raise or elevate
the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.

16
 HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE

Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that occurs when

your core body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke requires immediate
medical attention to prevent permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs that can
result in death.

First Aid

Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place.

Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.

Remove tight or heavy clothing.

Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine.

Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning.

Monitor the person carefully.

17
 STROKE

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing
brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a
medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and
other complications.

First Aid

If the patient is conscious:

Position the patient with the head and shoulders elevated and supported. You can use some
pillows.

Keep the temperature comfortable.

Loosen any tight clothing.

Ensure the airway is clear and not obstructed.

Do not give anything to eat or drink.

If the person is unconscious:

18
Check for breathing. Tilt the head back and lift the patient’s chin.

Check if the patient’s chest is rising. Listen if you can hear the person breathing.

If the person is not breathing, prepare to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you
haven’t received a CPR training course, consider having one for you to know what to do during
emergency situations.

Let the patient lie down on his or her back.

Kneel beside the person and give 30 compressions. Push hard and fast.

Give two rescue breaths. Do this by tilting the head backward and lifting the chin. Give the
rescue breaths by pinching the nose shut and giving mouth-to-mouth breaths.

Perform sets of compressions and rescue breaths until the patient shows signs of life or medical
personnel have arrived.

SPRAINS

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect
two bones together in your joints. 

19
First Aid

Rest the injured limb. Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area
for 48 to 72 hours, so you may need to use crutches. ...

Ice the area. ...

Compress the area with an elastic wrap or bandage. ...

Elevate the injured limb above your heart whenever possible to help prevent or limit swelling.

DISLOCATION

A dislocation is an injury to a joint — a place where two or more bones come together — in
which the ends of your bones are forced from their normal positions. This painful injury
temporarily deforms and immobilizes your joint.

First Aid

Leave the joint alone. Attempting to move or jam a dislocated bone back in can damage blood
vessels, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

20
Put an ice pack covered in a cloth on the area around the joint. Ice can ease swelling and pain in
and around the joint.

Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

21
 GLOSSARY

Aid-help, typically of a practical nature.

Asthma-a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing
difficulty in breathing. It is usually connected to allergic reaction or other forms of
hypersensitivity.

Bandage-a strip of woven material used to bind up a wound or to protect an injured part
of the body.

Bone- A bone is a rigid organ that constitutes part of the vertebrate skeleton in animals.

Deform- distort the shape or form of; make misshapen.

Heart - The heart is a muscular organ in most animals, which pumps blood through the blood
vessels of the circulatory system. 

Injure- do physical harm or damage to (someone).

Joint-a structure in the human or animal body at which two parts of the skeleton are fitted
together.

Ligament - the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. 

Oxygen- Oxygen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas essential to living organisms.

Rest - cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.

Strain - A strain is defined as an injury to a tendon or muscle. 

Tendon - tissues that connect your muscles and bones.

Wash-to clean something by rubbing or dipping in water.

22
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anonymous Anonymous

Nose Bleed and First Aid Burns and Scalds

Mayo Clinic Wikipedia

November 3, 2007 August 17, 2004

200 First St. SW Unspecified

Rochester, MN 55905

Anonymous Anonymous

Seizures and First Aid Stroke and First Aid

Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic

July 27, 2007 September 20, 2005

200 First St. SW 200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905 Rochester, MN 55905

Anonymous

Heart Attacks and First Aid

Mayo Clinic

October 12, 2009

200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905

23
Anonymous

Poisoning and First Aid

Mayo Clinic

October 23, 2011

200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905

Anonymous

Choking and First Aid

Mayo Clinic

December 15, 2017

200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905

Anonymous

Insect bites/stings and First Aid

Mayo Clinic

January 6, 2003

200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905

24
Anonymous

Sprains and First Aid

Mayo Clinic

October 18, 2009

200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905

Anonymous

Dislocation and First Aid

Mayo Clinic

March 16, 2012

200 First St. SW

Rochester, MN 55905

Anonymous Anonymous

Electrocution and First Aid Shock and Fainting

Mayo Clinic Wikipedia

November 3, 2007 January 12, 2007

200 First St. SW Unspecified

Rochester, MN 55905

25