First aid Flashcards
Duty of care/consent/documentation
What is duty of care?
- Applies where one person takes responsibility of another person.
- Once you commence first aid, you automatically take on a duty of care
- When providing first aid, always stay within the scope of your training
- Never leave the ill or injured after you have commenced first aid
How does consent apply to providing first aid?
- Obtain consent, if patient is conscious, before applying first aid
- Unconscious casualty: implied consent
- Casualty is under 18 years- where possible, obtain consent of a parent-legal guardian
- Keep a written record
If consent is refused, you may be charged with assault if you proceed to apply first aid.
Why is it important for a first aider to keep a record of the incident? What information should they write?
•Record any details of treatment
•Records may be used as evidence in court
•Ensure details are accurately recorded in ink
•Record facts not opinion
•Sign and date the record
•Confidentiality must be maintained
•Store in a secure locket cabinet
Infection control
Before Providing First Aid
Infection control
Before Providing First Aid
Wash hands
Cover exposed cuts
Wear disposable gloves and if available face mask, eye protection
After Providing First Aid
Disinfect/wash blood splashed clothing, contaminated surfaces, equipment
Dispose of waste carefully
Wash hands
Blood and Needle Stick Accidents
If skin is involved:
Wash the area well with soap and water
If mouth involved:
Spit contaminant out and rinse
If eyes involved:
Irrigate eyes for at least 5 minutes, keeping eyes open Refer to health care provider e.g. GP Chain of survival Early Access Early CPR Early Defibrillation Early Advanced Life Support 3/45
in this set (45)
Chain of survival
Early Access
Early CPR
Early Defibrillation
Early Advanced Life Support
info required by emergency services
what service do you need, give address, state country, how many people involved, is there danger
what does DRSABCD stand for
Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation
What is the initial assessment priority
1) DRSABCD 2)Shock 3)Bleeding, burns, wounds 4)Fractures 5)minor Wounds
three things to ask about the history of the patent
events leading up to incident, signs and symptoms of the patient and any allergies`
Secondary assessment
involves carrying out a head to toe examination of the patient to determine what injuries are present and prioritise the first aid treatment.
Properties of casualty management
1) DRSABCE + initial assessment 2) Phone for medical assistance 3) secondary assessment 4) Ongoing casualty care
Management of chest pain- patient not had it before
- Encourage the patient to immediately stop what they’re doing and rest.
- Help patient to sit or lie down (whichever is most comfortable) and provide reassurance. Ask them to describe their symptoms.
If pain gets worse quickly or is severe, Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Don’t hang up. Wait for medical advice from the 000 operator
Management of chest pain- patient has had it before
- Encourage the patient to immediately stop what they’re doing and rest.
- Help patient to sit or lie down (whichever is most comfortable) and provide reassurance. Ask them to describe their symptoms.
- If rest alone does not bring rapid or effective relief of symptoms, assist the patient either to place his/her prescribed dose of angina tablets under the tongue or inside the cheek as per directions on bottle, or administer Nitrolingual Pumpspray under the tongue.
- If symptoms are not relieved within 5 minutes, assist the patient to take another dose of angina medication.
- If the pain or discomfort is not completely relieved within 10 minutes of onset by rest and medication, if the pain gets worse quickly, or is severe, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Don’t hang up. Wait for medical advice from the 000 operator.
Note: Give patient one tablet of aspirin unless allergic or their doctor has warned them against taking aspirin.
- If pain settles quickly and the patient is familiar with their angina, recommend medical follow up as soon as possible.
Management of a stroke
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Reassure the patient. Inability to communicate can otherwise cause extreme anxiety in the patient. Grasp both hands and ask the patient to squeeze. Usually patient will respond with one or the other hand. Be calm and reassuring.
- If patient is conscious:
- Support head and shoulders on pillows
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Maintain body temp.
- Wipe away secretions from mouth
- Ensure the airway is open - If patient unconscious:
- Place in recovery position. - Ensure call for ambulance has been made.
Management of an asthma attack- unconscious patient
- Follow DRSABCD
Management of asthma attack- conscious patient
- Help the patient into a comfortable position-
• Usually sitting upright and leaning forward
• Be reassuring and ensure adequate fresh air - Help with prompt administration of patients medication (4:4:4)
• Give 4 puffs one at a time of a blue reliever inhaler (use a spacer if available)
• Patient takes 4 breaths after each puff
• Wait 4 minutes
• If no improvement, give another 4 puffs - If little or no improvement within minutes:
• Ensure an ambulance has been called- triple zero (000)
• Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until ambulance arrives
• Children- 4 puffs every 4 minutes
• Adults- up to 6-8 puffs every 5 minutes
Management of anaphylaxis
- Lay patient flat. If breathing is difficult allow patient to sit in a comforable position.
- Assist the patient with the adrenaline auto-injector (if available).
- Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
- Keep patient lying flat or sitting in a comfortable position.
- Monitior the patients breathing and record pulse.
- If no response after 5 minutes, further adrenaline may be given.
Management of bleeding
- Control bleeding.
- Apply pressure to the wound to restrict the flow of blood and allow normal clotting to occur (use pad and dressing).
- Raise the injured part to slow the flow of blood and encourage clotting.
- Maintain pressure on the pad (by hand, or by the use of a triangle or roller bandage).
- Minimise shock- this may result from extensive loss of blood, emotional distress or pain.
- Minimise the risk of infection- cover wound with a sterile bandage (if available)
- Consider the need for medical aid.
Management of burns
- Follow DRSABCD
- Cool the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes. This should occur as soon as possible within three hours.
- Prevent infection by covering the burn wound with loose and light non-stick dressing, preferably clean, dry, lint -free material (e.g. plastic cling film).
- Treat for shock.
Burns- what NOT to do
DO NOT apply lotions, ointments or oily dressings.
DO NOT prick or break blisters.
DO NOT give alcohol.
DO NOT overcool patient (particularly if young or burn is extensive)
DO NOT use towels, cottonwool, blankets or adhesive dressings directly on wound.
DO NOT remove clothing stuck to burnt area.
DO NOT apply ice.