Basic First Aid Flashcards
What does ABC stand for
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
How would you check for the ABC in a patient
Ask the patient are you okay
If they can answer it suggests
The airway is clear
The breathing rate is okay
The circulation is perfusing the brain
What does the DOTS assessment Stand for
D= Deformities
O= Open wounds
T= Tenderness
S= swelling
What are you looking for when observing for deformities
Deformities are abnormal shapes of body parts
Common causes of deformities are fractures and dislocations
The best way to check is to compare sides of the patient
How do you check for open wounds and why is this important
You may have to do a head to toe search as wounds could be hidden, wear gloves to protect yourself
This is important so you can stop any bleeding
How do you check for tenderness
Pressing on an area
By pressing on an area it may cause pain which can indicate an underlying injury, which gives you an early sign before other visible signs like bruising
If a patient is unresponsive when checking for tenderness check there face for a pain response
When would swelling occur
This mainly occurs with soft tissue injuries and fractures but may not be visible immediately, so make sure swelling is assessed for repeatedly
When is the SAMPLE assessment used
This is used by the emergency services at the site of an accident/incident to help gather information
What does SAMPLE stand for
S= Signs/symptoms
A= Allergies
M= Medications both prescribed and over the counter
P= Past medical history- focus on anything relevant to the situation
L= Last oral intake
E= Events leading up to the illness or injury
What is a seizure/convulsions
Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain which may produce a physical convulsion
When would a patient be classed to have epilepsy
The tendency to have recurrent seizures which have many causes
What are the common causes of seizures/convulsions
Post-head injury
Flashing lights
Alcohol poisoning
After taking certain drugs
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugars)
What are the uncommon causes of seizures/convulsions
Brain tumour
Infection/hyperpyrexia
Lack of oxygen
What are the signs/symptoms of seizures/convulsions
Sudden unresponsiveness
Rigid body
Arched back
Noisy, difficult breathing
Convulsive movements
Saliva/frothing at the mouth
Incontinence
Drowsiness post-seizure
What do you do if someone is having a seizure
Protect the patient from injury
Don not restrain
Reassure the patient
Place patient in recovery position when the seizure has passed
Note how long the seizure lasts
Stay with patient until recovery is complete
Be aware of anxious bystanders
What is the treatment for a seizure
Call 999 if this is there first seizure, the seizure lasts for longer of 5 mins, repeated seizures occur, they are unresponsive for more than 10 mins after the seizure, injury is sustained
What is syncope
Syncope or fainting is the loss of consciousness due to temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. This is more common in teens and elderly. Often comes after feeling light headed and dizzy with some visual disturbance
What could cause syncope
The fainting could be caused by a reaction to pain, exhaustion, hunger, emotional stress, sitting or standing for long periods of time, feeling hot
What are the signs/symptoms of syncope
Yawning
Sudden clammy sweat
Light-headedness
Blurred vision
Spots in front of your eyes
Feeling sick
Slow pulse
Brief loss of consciousness but should not be longer than 20 seconds
What actions would you follow if a person had a session of fainting
Lie the patient down
Raise their legs
Manage there airway if needed
Make space around the patient
Ensure their is fresh air
Give reassurance
If consciousness is not regained after 2 min call 999
If breathing stops be prepared to give CPR
What causes a dry burn
Caused by naked flames, friction, hot water bottles in diabetic neuropathy