First Aid Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of first aid?
To save lives, prevent further injury, limit infection
These are the fundamental goals of providing first aid in emergency situations.
State the three objectives of first aid.
- Maintain breathing
- Stop bleeding and maintain circulation
- Prevent or treat shock
These objectives guide responders in prioritizing actions during a medical emergency.
What does the acronym MARCH stand for in first aid assessment?
- Massive Hemorrhage
- Airway
- Respiration
- Circulation
- Head Injury
MARCH is a systematic approach for assessing and addressing life-threatening conditions.
What is the first priority in the MARCH assessment?
Massive Hemorrhage
Identifying and controlling bleeding is critical to prevent death from blood loss.
How do you assess the Airway in a casualty?
If a casualty is conscious and can speak normally, the airway is not obstructed; otherwise, assess using ‘look, listen, and feel’.
This technique helps determine if the airway is clear or if intervention is needed.
What are the signs of abnormal respiration?
- Tachypnea: >20 breaths per minute
- Bradypnea: <8 breaths per minute
These conditions indicate respiratory distress and require immediate attention.
What are early signs of shock related to circulation?
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
These signs indicate the body’s effort to maintain oxygen delivery to tissues during shock.
Define compressible hemorrhage.
Bleeding found in accessible sites, such as extremities, that can cease with adequate pressure.
This type of hemorrhage is often manageable with direct pressure.
What is non-compressible hemorrhage?
Hemorrhage that is inaccessible to a tourniquet or pressure dressing.
This type of bleeding is more challenging to control and often requires surgical intervention.
What is junctional hemorrhage?
A compressible external hemorrhage occurring at junctional areas that must be treated without delay.
Junctional hemorrhages can be critical due to larger blood vessels in these areas.
State the three methods of controlling bleeding.
- Pressure applied directly to the wound
- Pressure applied to appropriate pressure point
- Tight constricting band
These methods are essential for effective hemorrhage control in emergencies.
What is a pressure point?
A place where the main artery to the injured part lies near the skin surface and over a bone.
How is pressure applied at a pressure point?
With the fingers (digital pressure) or with the hand.
What is the purpose of applying pressure at a pressure point?
To compress the artery against the bone, shutting off the flow of blood from the heart to the wound.
How many principal pressure points are there on each side of the body?
10.
What are common causes of suicide?
- The breakup of a close relationship
- The death of a loved one
- The loss of social or financial status
- The effects of drugs and/or alcohol
What is the basic position for treating shock?
One in which the head is lower than the feet.
What should you do if there are doubts about the position to use for a victim in shock?
Have the victim lie flat on his/her back.
What should you administer to a victim in shock?
Liquids sparingly, and not at all if medical attention will be available soon.
What is the first step to take in case of electrical shock?
Don’t touch the victim’s body, the wire, or any other object that may be conducting electricity.
What should be done immediately after freeing a person from an electrical shock?
Administer artificial ventilation.
What position should you assume to perform a standing abdominal thrust?
Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around the victim’s waist.
What is the technique for a standing abdominal thrust?
Give four quick upward thrusts to the victim.
What is the technique for a reclining abdominal thrust?
Place hands between the lower end of the sternum and the navel, and give four quick upward thrusts.
