Basic First Aid and Personal Hygiene Fundamentals Flashcards
Discuss the sequence to examine an injured person
**Common Core*
MARCH PAWS
**Common Core*
Explain the ABCs of basic life support
**Common Core*
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
**Common Core*
Describe the symptoms and treatment of:
A. Heat Cramps
B. Heat Exhaustion
C. Heat Stroke
**Common Core*
A. Heat Cramps
Symptoms:
Muscle spasms or cramps, usually in the abdomen, legs, or arms.
Pain or tightness in the affected muscles.
Heavy sweating.
Treatment:
Move the person to a cooler environment, away from direct sunlight.
Hydrate with water or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration.
Gently stretch and massage the affected muscles to relieve cramps.
Rest: Allow the person to rest and recover before resuming physical activity.
If cramps persist for a long period or the person shows signs of other heat-related illnesses, seek medical help.
B. Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:
Heavy sweating and weakness.
Dizziness, headache, or nausea.
Pale or clammy skin.
Rapid breathing and weak pulse.
Muscle cramps (in some cases).
Fainting or feeling light-headed.
Cool, moist skin.
Treatment:
Move to a cooler place, preferably an air-conditioned environment or a shaded area.
Lie down with legs elevated to help improve circulation.
Hydrate: Drink cool, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks, preferably water or a rehydration solution with electrolytes.
Loosen tight clothing and apply cool compresses to the skin (such as a damp towel or cloth).
Rest: Allow the person to rest until they recover, but monitor for worsening symptoms.
If symptoms persist or worsen (such as confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness), seek medical help immediately, as it could progress to heat stroke.
C. Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
High body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C).
Confusion, delirium, or loss of consciousness.
Hot, dry skin (not sweating despite the heat).
Rapid breathing and heart rate.
Seizures in severe cases.
Headache, nausea, or vomiting.
Hot, red skin due to blood vessel dilation.
Treatment (Immediate Medical Attention Needed):
Call emergency services immediately (911 or local emergency number).
Move to a cooler area (preferably an air-conditioned room or shaded space).
Cool the body rapidly:
Use cold water (if possible, immerse in a cold bath or shower), or apply cold, wet towels to the skin.
Spray with cool water and use fans to increase evaporation.
Ice packs can be applied to areas such as the armpits, groin, neck, and back to cool vital areas quickly.
Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or semi-conscious, as they could choke. Only give fluids if they are fully conscious and able to swallow safely.
Monitor vital signs (breathing, pulse, and responsiveness) and begin CPR if the person stops breathing or loses a pulse.
Heat Stroke is a medical emergency and can cause organ failure and death if not treated immediately.
**Common Core*
Discuss the three types of bleeding and the treatments
A. Capillary
B. Venous
C. Arterial
**Common Core*
A. Capillary Bleeding:
Slow, steady ooze of blood from small vessels.
Treatment: Apply pressure, clean the wound, and elevate if possible.
B. Venous Bleeding:
Steady flow of dark red blood.
Treatment: Apply direct pressure, elevate, and monitor for shock.
C. Arterial Bleeding:
Bright red, spurting blood with each heartbeat.
Treatment: Apply direct pressure, use pressure points, elevate, and if necessary, apply a tourniquet and seek immediate medical care.
**Common Core*
Demonstrate the following and discuss procedures:
A. Adult CPR compression to ventilation ratio
B. Adult rescue breathing ratio
**Common Core*
A. 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
B. Rescue breathing ratio: 1 breath every 5 to 6 seconds (about 10 to 12 breaths per minute).
Open the airway: Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the airway.
Pinch the nose and cover the mouth of the casualty with yours.
Give a breath that lasts about 1 second, making sure the chest rises.
Allow the chest to fall and then give another breath.
Continue rescue breathing: Provide 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (about 10-12 breaths per minute) until:
The person starts to breathe on their own.
Emergency medical personnel arrive.
The person shows signs of life, such as normal breathing or movement.
**Common Core*
Describe the treatment for an open chest wound
**Common Core*
Seal, Needle D
**Common Core*
Describe the signs, symptoms, and treatment of shock
**Common Core*
General Signs and Symptoms:
Altered Mental Status: The casualty may appear confused, anxious, or disoriented.
In severe shock, they may become unconscious or drowsy.
Tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate): The pulse may be weak and rapid (over 100 beats per minute) as the heart compensates for reduced blood volume or oxygenation.
Pale, Cool, Clammy Skin: The skin may feel cool or clammy due to reduced blood flow to the extremities.
Shallow, Rapid Breathing: The casualty may exhibit tachypnea (rapid, shallow breathing) as the body attempts to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Blood pressure will often be low, especially in severe shock, as the heart struggles to pump enough blood.
Weak or Absent Peripheral Pulses: The pulse may be weak or absent in the extremities (hands, feet), indicating poor perfusion to those areas.
Delayed Capillary Refill: A delayed capillary refill (greater than 2 seconds) in the fingernails or other extremities may be an indication of poor circulation.
Nausea, Vomiting, and Thirst: These symptoms may result from poor blood flow to the digestive system.
Cyanosis (in severe cases): Bluish skin around the lips, fingers, or toes may indicate inadequate oxygenation, especially in respiratory or cardiac shock.
Treatment:
Control Bleeding: Use tourniquets, hemostatic agents, or direct pressure to stop bleeding.
Maintain Airway: Ensure the casualty has an open airway using appropriate techniques (e.g., NPA, OPA).
Manage Breathing: Ensure adequate breathing and oxygenation; use a chest seal for chest wounds and needle decompression for tension pneumothorax.
Provide IV Fluids: If possible, initiate IV fluid resuscitation to support circulation and perfusion.
Prevent Hypothermia: Keep the casualty warm.
Positioning: Position the casualty properly (e.g., elevate legs), unless contraindicated by other injuries.
Pain Management: Administer pain relief using Fentanyl or Ketamine as indicated.
Monitor and Reassess: Continuously monitor the casualty’s condition, and be prepared to adjust treatment.
**Common Core*
Explain the importance of personal hygiene and cite examples of how this impacts readiness and the mission
**Common Core*
Prevent illness, infection, dehydration, heat injuries… mental health and morale
**Common Core*
Explain three methods of purifying water in the field
**Common Core*
Chlorination, Iodine, Boiling
**Common Core*
Describe and demonstrate procedures for:
A. Fractures (open and closed)
B. Sprains
C. Joint dislocation
**Common Core*
A. Fractures (Open and Closed): Control bleeding (use tourniquet if necessary).
Immobilize the fracture with a splint.
Manage pain (administer pain medication).
Evacuate for advanced care.
B. Sprains: Rest and immobilize the injured joint.
Apply cold to reduce swelling.
Use compression and elevate the joint.
Administer pain medication.
Evacuate for further evaluation if needed.
C. Joint Dislocations: Do not attempt to reduce the dislocation.
Immobilize the joint.
Apply ice and administer pain management.
Evacuate for advanced care.
**Common Core*
Describe the 4 types of burns and the treatments
A. First Degree
B. Second Degree
C. Third Degree
D. Fourth Degree
**Common Core*
A. Red, painful skin; no blisters. Cool the burn, moisturize, pain relief, and monitor for infection.
B. Redness, swelling, blisters, pain. Cool the burn, cover with a sterile dressing, elevate, apply ointment, pain relief, and seek medical attention for severe cases.
C. Charred, white, or leathery skin; no pain in the burn area.Call for help, cover the burn with a sterile dressing, prevent shock, pain relief, and seek immediate advanced medical care.
D. Charred appearance, tissue destruction (muscle/bone). Immediate emergency care, cover the burn, prevent shock, pain management, and rapid evacuation to medical care.
**Common Core*
Explain the importance of the following:
A. Hand washing and personal hygiene
B. Foot Care
C. Acclimization
**Common Core*
A. Hand Washing and Personal Hygiene: Critical for preventing disease, boosting morale, and maintaining operational readiness. It helps prevent infections and improves overall health in the field.
B. Foot Care: Essential for preventing injuries, ensuring mobility, and maintaining combat readiness. Proper care can prevent conditions such as blisters, fungal infections, and trench foot.
C. Acclimatization: A key factor in ensuring the body adapts to extreme environmental conditions, improving physical performance, and reducing the risk of heat and cold injuries.
By practicing proper hygiene, foot care, and acclimatization, personnel in combat or field settings can improve their health, readiness, and ability to perform under challenging conditions.
**Common Core*
Describe how to apply a compress dressing
**Common Core*
Assess the wound and prepare the sterile dressing (combat gauze or standard gauze).
Place the dressing directly on the wound and apply firm, direct pressure to control bleeding.
Secure the dressing with a bandage, ensuring it remains in place and maintains pressure.
Monitor the wound for ongoing bleeding and add more dressing if necessary.
Evacuate the casualty once bleeding is controlled and further medical attention is needed.
**Common Core*
Discuss the following treatments for Environmental problems:
A. Frostbite
B. Trench Foot
C. Hypothermia
**Common Core*
Frostbite: Treat by rewarming gently, using body heat or warm water (not too hot), and avoiding massaging the affected area. Severe cases require evacuation.
Trench Foot: Remove from the cold, dry the feet, warm them gradually, and avoid tight footwear. Monitor for infection and evacuate for further treatment.
Hypothermia: Move the casualty to a warm environment, remove wet clothing, and rewarm gradually using dry blankets or body heat. Avoid rapid rewarming, and evacuate if severe.
**Common Core*
State the four general rules for using a stretcher:
**Common Core*
- Use standard stretchers when available, but be ready to improvise safe alternatives.
- When possible, bring the stretcher to the casualty.
- Always fasten the victim securely to the stretcher.
- Always move the victim FEET FIRST so the rear bearer can watch for signs of breathing difficulty.
**Common Core*
Discuss and understand the different patient-moving devices and lifting techniques that can be used in patient rescues.
A. Stokes stretcher
B. Army litter
C. Miller board
D. Improvised stretcher
E. Spine boards
F. Emergency rescue lines
G. Rescue and drag technique
**Common Core*
A. Rescue situations in confined spaces. Team lift, rope rescue.
B. Short distance transport, dragging. Two or four person carry.
C. Spinal immobilization. Team lift, secure in vehicle.
D. No formal rescue equipment. Two or four person carry.
E. Ideal for neck, back, or head injuries. Log roll, team lift.
F. Rope system.
G. Dragging the casualty along the ground, using various tools like drag straps or ropes
**Common Core*
Demonstrate calling in a 09-line MEDEVAC request
**Common Core*
- Grid location of pickup site
- Radio frequency, call sign
- Number of patients by precedence
a. Urgent
b. Urgent-Surgical
c. Priority
d. Routine
e. Convenience - Special Equipment
a. None
b. Hoist
c. Extraction Equipment
d. Ventilator - Number of patients by type
L ____# Patients litter
A ____# Patients ambulatory - (Peacetime) Number and type of wound, injury. Specific information regarding casualty(ies).
- Method of marking
a. Panels
b. Pyrotechnic signal
c. Smoke signal
d. None
e. Other - Patient Nationality and status
a. U.S. Military
b. U.S. Civilian
c. Non U. S. Military
d. Non U.S. Civilian
e. EPW - NBC/terrain description (wartime)
N. Nuclear
B. Biological
C. Chemical N/A - (Peacetime) detailed terrain feature description
**Common Core*
Demonstrate the proper use of a field tourniquet
**Common Core*
High and tight
*Common Core
