Professional Documents
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FIRST AID/trauma and Emergency: BY Miss Karanja
FIRST AID/trauma and Emergency: BY Miss Karanja
emergency
BY
MISS KARANJA
Course Outline
Introduction
o Definition of First Aid
o Aims of First Aid
o Steps of First Aid
o Giving artificial ventilation
o Giving chest compressions
Cardiovascular Emergencies
o Shock
o Fainting
o Angina pectoris
o Heart attack
o Acute heart failure
o Cardiac arrest
Wounds and Bleeding
o Definition
o First aid
o Types of wounds
o Types of bleeding
-severe external bleeding
-bleeding at special sites
-wounds to the palm
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
o Asphyxia
o Chocking
o Drowning
o Hanging and strangulation
o Inhalation of fumes
o Hyperventilation
o Hiccups
MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES
o Strains and sprains
o Dislocations
o Sublaxation
o Fractures
o Injuries of the chest
HEAD AND NECK INJURIES
o Concussion
o Skull fracture
o Cerebral compression
o Convulsions
o Epilepsy
o Unconciousness
o Types of neck injuries
BURNS AND EXTREMES OF
TEMPERATURE
o Classification
o Types
o Management
BITES AND STINGS
o Animal bites
o Insect stings
o Marine stings
o Marine puncture wounds
o Snake bites
BANDAGING
dEFINITION
First Aid is the initial assistance or
treatment given to someone who is
injured or suddenly taken ill
To alleviate suffering
To promote recovery
exercise
stretching
FRACTURES
Definition of a fracture
A fracture is a complete or partial breakage of the bone on
account of stress or high impact forces. People suffering
from certain medical conditions like osteoporosis and bone
cancer are more prone to bone fractures.
Types of fractures:
All fractures can be broadly classified into simple and
compound fractures.
A simple fracture is one where the skin remains intact. A
compound fracture on the other hand, also involves open
wounds. Since open injuries are prone to infection,
compound fractures are more severe and are susceptible
to infection.
Fractures are further classified into
Comminuted fracture
Produces multiple bone fragments.
It’s a simple fracture
Greenstick fracture
A split in a young immature bone.
Common in children
It’s a simple fracture
Impacted fracture
The ends of the broken bone are
pushed into one another and tightly
wedged together.
This can happen in a fracture of the
shaft of the femur or when the head of
the femur is pushed into the acetabulum
Complicated fracture
Not only damage to the bone takes place but
injury to internal organs
Examples of complicated fractures are
Fracture of the skull where the broken bone may
press on the brain
Fracture of the vertebrae where the broken bones
may be pressing on and damaging the spinal
cord.
Fracture of a rib where the broken bone may
pierce the lung
Signs and symptoms of fractures
There is history of some injury except in cases of
pathological fractures
Pain at the site of the fracture. The pain is usually
very severe and is accentuated by movement
The area is tender and swollen
Bruising occurs due to damage and rupture of
superficial blood vessels
Shock. When a bone is broken, there is rupturing
of blood vessels in the bone which leads to
internal hemorrhage and this with the presence of
pain causes shock
Loss of function and power in the affected part
Irregularity in outline at the site of the fracture.
There may be a gap in the bone or a lump may
be seen. In compound fractures a piece of bone
may pierce the skin.
If a limb bone is broken there may be deformity of
the limb due to displacement of the broken ends.
The limb may be shorter due to over-riding or it
may lie at an unnatural angle. Over-riding occurs
due to the pull of strong muscles which pull the
lower part of the bone over the upper part
Management of fractures
Aims
To prevent a simple fracture becoming a
compound fracture
Anxiety
Chest pain
Low blood pressure
Pale, cool and clammy skin
Rapid heart rate
Rapid, shallow breathing
Restlessness
Shortness of breath
Management
Call 911 if you have:
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Dizziness, fever, or a feeling of
heaviness in your chest
Severe chest pain
Severe difficulty breathing
Management
Stop the bleeding
Prevent shock
Arrange patient transfer to hospital
Hydrothorax
Results from serous fluid accumulating
in the pleural cavity. This specific
condition can be related to cirrhosis with
ascites in which ascitic fluid leaks into
the pleural cavity. Hepatic hydrothorax is
often difficult to manage in end-stage
liver failure and often fails to respond to
therapy.
Causes
Cirrhosis. In cirrhosis of the liver, the liver
function is declined by scarring, nodule
formation, and fibrosis, which are all the
outcome of the liver fixing itself after the
damage created by alcoholism, hepatitis B,
and fatty-liver infection and other
determinants. It is unidentified exactly how
cirrhosis of the liver directs to hydrothorax, but
it is accepted that the malfunction of the liver
causes an imbalance in the fluids of the body,
and that excess can display up in the lungs.
Causes
lung cancer
pleural cancer
pulmonary embolism
tuberculosis complications.
Signs and symptoms
anxiety
respiratory failure
restlessness
shortness of breath
tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
varying degrees of chest pain.
Management
Allow the person to adopt the most
comfortable position that does not
hinder breathing
memory loss
confusion
signs and symptoms
There may also be:
Dizziness or nausea on recovery
Loss of memory of events at the time of
or immediately preceding the injury
Mild generalized headache
Aims of treatment
To ensure that the casualty recovers
fully and safely
Aims
To protect the casualty until she is fully
recovered
Help the casualty to sit down in a quiet
place. Remove any possible sources of
harm
Reassure her/him
Do not pester with questions. Stay with
her until you are sure she is herself again
Major epilepsy
There is recurrent, major disturbances of
brain activity resulting in violent
seizures(Tonic-clonic) and severe
impairment of consciousness.
Can be sudden and dramatic but the
casualty may have aura e.g. a special
smell or taste or a strange feeling
Signs and symptoms
Casualty suddenly falls unconsciousness often letting out a
cry
He becomes rigid, arching his back(tonic phase)
Breathing may cease
Convulsive movements begin(clonic phase).The jaw may
be clenched and breathing may be noisy. May be loss of
bladder and bowel control
The muscles relax and breathing become normal. The
casualty recovers within a few minutes. He may feel dazed
or behave strangely in a state of automatism being
unaware of his actions. fit may be followed by deep sleep.
There may be evidence of injury such as burns or scars
from previous fits
Treatment
Aims of treatment
To protect the casualty from injury while the fit
lasts
To provide care when consciousness has been
Regained
If you see the casualty falling try to support
him or ease his falling. Make space around
him and ask bystanders to move away
Loosen clothing around his neck and protect his
head
When convulsions cease place him in the
recovery position. Check breathing and pulse
and be ready to resuscitate if necessary. Stay
with the casualty until he fully recovers
If he is unconscious for more than ten minutes or
convulsing for more than five, is having repeated
fits or is unaware of his condition, call 911.
Note the next time and duration of a fit
Unconsciousness
Causes
Head injury
Stroke,fainting,heart attack, shock
Stroke,infections,tumours
Hypoxia,poisoning,hypoglycemia
Epilepsy, abnormal body temperature
Aims of treatment
To maintain an open airway
To assess and record the level of
response
To treat any associated injuries
To arrange urgent removal to hospital if
necessary
To gather and retain any circumstantial
evidence of the cause of the condition
Management
CAB and resuscitate if necessary
Control bleeding. Note and protect any
suspected fractures
look for less obvious injuries. Smell the
casualty's breath and look for needle marks.
Ask bystanders for information
Place the casualty in the recovery position
If the casualty does not regain full
consciousness within 3 minutes, call for help
Continuation
Monitor and record breathing, pulse and
level of response every ten minutes
using the observation chart
If the casualty regains full
consciousness within 3 minutes as soon
as possible and remains well further ten
minutes, advise her to see her doctor
Types of neck injuries
Crick
A "crick" or "kink" is a term often used to describe
the pain you wake up with after sleeping with your
neck in an awkward position. It may also be due to
working at the computer for long hours, or sudden
movements of the neck. "Crick in the neck" is not a
medical diagnosis. Usually a muscle spasm,
arthritis or a disc problem is the real culprit. At-home
therapies can take care of a crick in the neck most
of the time, but if the pain lasts longer than a week
or disrupts your usual activities, get it checked by a
doctor.
Neck sprain
Sprains are injuries to ligament. Neck sprains are
often caused by falls or sudden twists that overload
or overstretch the joint. Another cause is repeated
stress to the joint. Symptoms include swelling,
reduced flexibility and pain. Sprains can be mild,
moderate or severe.
If you suspect someone in your environment has a
severe neck injury (of any kind), you should
immobilize their spine and call 911 immediately. For
minor and moderate sprains, rest and ice the area,
take an anti-inflammatory, and get it checked by a
doctor.
Neck fracture
Is a break in a cervical bone. It may be caused by
trauma, a fall or degenerative changes in the spine.
The angle of force hitting the neck and the head's
position at impact often determine the type and severity
of the break. Football players who block with their head
are at high risk. Elderly people with osteoporosis are
particularly at risk for neck fractures because their bones
are very fragile. The most serious neck fractures are
generally accompanied by a dislocation. Treatment
depends on a lot of things including your age, other
medical conditions and extent of damage to your spine.
If a fracture destabilizes your neck, you may need to
wear a halo brace.
Management for Neck Injuries
What to Do - Or Not to Do
If someone has suffered a severe neck injury, call 911 for life
support and help.
Do not move the person, especially the head or neck unless
failure to do so presents an immediate threat or urgent
danger.
Exceptions to Immobility
You can move a person with a possible neck injury when:
Not moving them would be an immediate threat to their life.
They are vomiting.
They are choking on blood.
You need to check for breathing and/or pulse so you can
determine if they need CPR.
keep their head and neck immobile and
move their entire body as one unit. Do
the same if you need to roll them over.
To roll a victim over, you will need at
least two people - one at the
victim's head and one at the feet.
After checking breathing and pulse,
determine if CPR is necessary.
DO NOT NOT LIFT VICTIM'S HEAD
BACK WHEN OPENING THEIR
AIRWAY TO ADMINISTER CPR.
Instead open the jaw by placing fingers
on either side.
BURNS AND EXTREMES OF
TEMPERATURE
Types of burns
Dry burn
Scald
Electrical burn
Cold injury
Chemical burn
Radiation burn
Classification of burns
1.According to surface area
Uses a simple formula, the rule of nines
2.Partial-thickness burn
any one percent burn affecting layers of the epidermis
giving rise to rawness and blisters.
Can heal well but if but if they affect very large areas(over
60%),can be fatal
3.Full-thickness burns
All the three layers of the skin are burnt.
Damage to nerves, fat tissue and
muscles present
The skin looks waxy, pale or charred
Urgent medical aid is essential
Management of minor burns and scalds
Aims
To stop the burning
To relieve pain and swelling
To minimize the risk of infection
Flood the injured part with cold water for
at least ten minutes to stop the burning
and relieve pain. If water is not available
any cold harmless liquid such as milk or
canned drinks will do
Remove any jewellery,watches,belts or
constricting clothing from the injured
area before it begins to swell
Cover the area with a sterile dressing, or
any clean, non-fluffy material and
bandage loosely in place. A plastic bag
or some kitchen film make good
temporary covering
Do not break blisters
Do not apply adhesive dressings or
adhesive tape to the skin: the burn may
be more extensive
Do not apply lotions, ointments or fats to
the injury. They further damage the
tissue and increase the risk of infection
Severe burns and scalds
Aims of treatment
To stop the burning and relieve pain
To maintain an open airway
To treat associated injuries
To minimize the risk of infection
To arrange removal to hospital
To gather relevant information for the
emergency services
Management
Lay the casualty down. Protect the burned area
from contact with the ground
Douse the burn with plenty of cold liquid.
Thorough cooling may take at least ten minutes.
While cooling the burn, watch for signs of DIB
and be ready to resuscitate if necessary
Remove any rings,watches,belts,shoes or
shouldering clothing from the injured area
before it begins to swell
Cover the injury with a sterile dressing to
protect it from infection. If the burn is on the
face, don't cover it. Keep cooling a facial
injury with water to relieve pain until help
arrives
Gather and record details of the casualty's
injury, circumstances and potential hazards
such as gas
While waiting for help, reassure the
casualty and treat for shock
Burns to the Airway
Signs and symptoms
Soot around the nose and mouth
Singeing of the nasal hairs
Redness, swelling or actual burning of
the tongue
Damaged skin around the mouth
Hoarseness of the voice
Breathing difficulties
Aims and treatment
To obtain specialist medical aid as
quickly as possible
To maintain an open airway
Call for help
Loosen tight clothing around his neck,
give oxygen if available
Reassure the casualty for him/her to
stay calm
Electrical burns
Causes
Lightning strike
Low or high voltage current
Aims of treatment
To treat the burn and the shock
To arrange removal of the casualty to
hospital
Treatment
Make sure that contact with the electrical source
is broken
If unconcious,resuscitate if necessary
Flood the sites of injury with plenty of cold water
to cool the burns and cut away any burnt clothing
if necessary
Place a sterile dressing, a clean folded triangular
bandage or some clean non-fluffy material over
the burns
Call for help
Reassure the casualty and treat for shock
Chemical burns
If possible note the name or brand name
of the substance
Sign and symptoms
Evidence of chemicals in the vicinity
Intense stinging pain
Later,discolouration,blistering,peeling
and swelling of the affected area
Treatment
Aims
To disperse the harmful chemical
To arrange transport to hospital
To make the area safe and inform relevant
Authority
Make the area safe. Ventilate the area,
seal the chemical container. Remove the
casualty from the area if necessary
Flood the affected area with water to
disperse the chemical and to stop the
burning. Do this for at least 20 minutes
Gently remove contaminated clothing while
flooding the injury
Take or send casualty to hospital. Note and
pass any information about the chemical to
the medical personell.If at work place notify
the local safety officer or emergency
services
Chemical burns to the eye
Chemicals result in scarring and even
blindness
Signs and symptoms
intense pain in the eye
Inability to open the injured eye
Redness and swelling round the eye
Copious watering of the eye
Evidence of chemical substances or
containers in the immediate area
Ask the casualty to hold a sterile eye
pad over the injured eye. If some time
elapse elapses before the casualty
receives medical attention, bandage the
pad loosely in position
Arrange casualty's removal to hospital
Sunburn
Aims
To move the casualty out of the sun
To relieve discomfort and pain
Cover the casualty's skin with light clothing or towel.
Help her into the shade or preferably indoors
Cool her skin by sponging with cold water or by
soaking the affected area in a cold water bath for ten
minutes. If there is extensive blistering or other skin
damage, seek medical advice
Give her frequent sips of cold water. If the burns are
mild, calamine or an after-sun preparation may sooth
them
EFFECTS OF HEAT AND
COLD
First Aid Priorities
Remove or protect the casualty from
excessively hot or cold surroundings
Restore normal body temperature
Obtain appropriate medical attention
Effects of Extreme Cold
Frost bite
Hypothermia
Effects of Extreme Heat
Heat exhaustion
Heatstroke
Bites and Stings
First Aid Priorities
Make sure that you are in no danger, then
remove the casualty from further danger
Treat visible wounds or painful symptoms.
Minimize the risk of further injury and infection
Obtain medical attention if necessary
Note time and nature of injury. Identify the
attacking creature. This facilitates specific
management and anticipation of
complications such as anaphylactic reactions.
Animal Bites
Aims of treatment
To control bleeding
To minimize the risk of infection
To obtain medical attention
For serious wounds
Control bleeding by applying direct
pressure and raising the injured part
Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or
a clean pad bandaged in place
Arrange patient’s removal to hospital
For superficial bites
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap
and warm water
Pat the wound dry with clean gauze
swabs and cover with an adhesive
dressing or a small sterile dressing
Advice the casualty to see a doctor
incase inoculation is needed
Insect Stings
Bee, wasp and hornet stings are painful
rather than dangerous
Aims of treatment
To relieve swelling and pain
To remove to hospital if necessary
For a sting in the skin
If the casualty shows signs of
anaphylactic shock, call 911
If the sting is in the wound, pluck it out
firmly with fine tweezers
Apply a cold compress to relieve pain
and minimize swelling. Advice the
casualty to see a doctor if the pain and
swelling persist
For a sting in the mouth
Give the casualty ice to suck or cold
water to sip to minimize the swelling
Call for help.