First Aid

Bleeding And Wounds:

Wounds are classified as either or open or closed wounds. With open wounds there are
6 other major classifications such as
abrasion-skin is scraped off; bleeding is usually limited--infection must be
prevented because dirt often enters the wound
incision-a cut caused by a very sharp object such as a knife or scissors; if the cut is
deep the bleeding can be heavy--damage to muscles, nerves, and other tissues
laceration- this wound is where the tissues tear; jagged edges and heavy bleeding-contamination may lead to infection
puncture- caused by sharp object such as a pin or nail; external bleeding limited, mostly
internal bleeding-- chance for tetanus
avulsion-occurs when tissue is separated from the body; bleeding is very heavy-important to preserve the body part that fell off
amputation- occurs when a body part is detached from the body; excessive bleeding-need to preserve the body part
The most important part is controlling the body part.

Shock:

Shock is "a clinical set of signs and symptoms associated with and inadequate supply of
blood to body organs, especially the brain and heart" Symptoms include pale skin,
diaphoresis, weak pulse, low blood pressure, thirst, nausea or vomiting, etc. Shock is
caused by stroke, infection, excessive pain, heart attack, drugs, trauma, etc. 1. Check
scene and victim for conciseness and breathing. 2. Call Emergency Medical Services
(EMS). 3. Observe victim for any signs of shock (listed above). 4. Try and reduce or
eliminate the cause of shock: provide oxygen, control bleeding, ease pain through
position changes, and give emotional support. 5. Position the victim correctly: If injury is
to the head, neck, or spine do not move the victim. 6. If the victim is bleeding from the
jaw or mouth or vomiting position them on either side to help fluids drain and to not let
the victim choke. 7. If victim is having trouble breathing place them on their back and
raise the head and shoulders slightly. 8. If none of these conditions exist lay patient on
back and raise their feet and legs 12 inches above the ground to help improve
circulation. 9. Place blankets over the victim to prevent chilling. 10. Make sure victim is
not too hot. 11. If victim complains of thirst get a wet towel and apply it to the victims
lips, tongue, and the inside of their mouth.

Poisoning:

Causes of poisoning can happen by swallowing substances, inhaling poisonous gases,

or injecting substances or contacting the skin with poison. Signs of poisoning can
include odor, burns on the lips or mouth, and an open or spilled container of poison. If
you swallow poison remove substance from the mouth and read label for instructions
about poison control. If poison is on the skin remove the contamination with gloves and
rinse the skin for 15-20 minutes. I poison is in the eye rinse out for 20 minutes. If the
poison is inhaled get the person into fresh air asap, if the person is vomiting turn the
head on its side, begin CPR if the patient shows no signs of life.

Burns:

Burns are classified by 1st-3rd degree. First degree involves the outer layer of the skin.
Second degree involves more than one layer of skin. Third degree involves all layers of
the skin. For major burns call EMS, check for signs of circulation, do not emerge in cold
water, elevate the burn, and cover the affected area.

Heat and Cold Injuries:

Exposure to intense heat can lead to emergencies. Heat cramps are muscle pains and
spasms caused from the loss of salt through perspiration. Apply pressure and get in a
cooler area. Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of fluids through sweating.
Symptoms include clammy skin, fatigue, weakness, nausea, etc. Move to a cooler area
and apply cool rags. Heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to heat. Symptoms
include loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, red skin. Emerge in cold water and call 911.
Exposure to the cold for a long time is hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering,
weakness, numbness, etc. Remove wet clothing and move to a warmer area, give hot
liquids, and call 911 if severe enough. Frostbite is the freezing of tissue. Symptoms
include numbness, tingling, glossy color of the skin, confusion, fatigue, etc. Call 911 and
emerge into very hot water.

Bone and joint injuries:

The most common bone and joint injures are fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains.
A fracture is a break in a bone. Treatment for a fracture includes a splint or a cast/sling.
A dislocation when the end of a bone is knocked out of place. Obtain medical help
because the bone needs to be popped back into place. A sprain is injury to the tissues
surrounding a joint. Treatment includes ice and rest. A strain is the overstretching of a
muscle. Treatment includes rest and heat/ice.