Introduction to first-aid Flashcards
Define first aid.
the temporary and immediate treatment given to a person who is suddenly injured or becomes ill using facilities/materials available at the time before regular medical help is given
What are the 6 principles of first aid?
- Contol bleeding
- Restoration of respiration
- Treatment of shock
- Assessment of Associated Injuries
- Care for unconscious patient
- Transportation
Define shock.
failure of body to transport blood to major organs
Name the five types of shock and how each is treated.
- Cardiogenic shock - dose of norepinephrine or dopamine, defibrillator
- Anaphilactic shock - adrenaline-based vasoconstrictor drugs
- Septic shock - antiobiotics, vasoconstrictor drugs
- Hypovolemic shock - oxygen delivery, IV fluid resuscitation, and control of blood loss
- Hemorrhage shock - control of blood loss, fluid resuscitation (0.9% NaCl / Lactated Ringer’s)
What are the objectives of First Aid?
- Preserve life
- Prevent further injury and deterioration of condition
- Keep victim comfortable
- Place person under professional medical care as soon as possible
State 6 qualities of a good First-Aider?
- Observant (ex: odors, sounds etc)
- Quick to act
- Do not panic
- Lead and control crowds; able to obtain help from onlookers
- Prioritize handling of injuries
- Assure apprehensive victims
What is the primary survey taken during assessment of casualties?
It’s the initial rapid assessment of a casualty to treat/manage life-threatening conditions
Explain the steps taken in a primary survey during assessment of casualties.
DR. ABCD
DANGER - ensure you are safe; asses potential risks to protect you and patient and avert danger
RESPONSE - assess level of consciousness; use Glasgow Coma Scale; use verbal and pain stimulation; AVPU scale (alert, response to verbal stimulation, response to pain, unresponsive)
AIRWAY - check and clear airway; Head tilt-chin lift technique (hand on forehead, other hand’s two fingers tilt jaw upward); jaw thrust technique for patients with cervical spine injury
BREATHING - check respiration by placing ear near nose and mouth and facing their chest to see if it rises and falls for no longer than 10 secs; if not breathing or breathing abnormal, call for AED (automated external defribrillator) and give CPR
CIRCULATION - ensure no bleeding or control bleeding; check carotid pulse for adults; check brachial pulse for children below 1 year; give CPR (chest compressions) if no pulse; thumb-encircling technique for young chlidren
DIFIBRILLATION - move away from patient to avoid getting shocked
What is the rate of breaths and compressions given to an adult during CPR?
30 chest compressions; 2 breaths while performing head tilt chin lift to keep airway open; in one cycle
What is the landmark for giving CPR?
lower 1/3rd of sternum
How deep should the chest compressions be in children versus in adults?
In children you should press the chest around 4cm while in adults around 5 cm
What do you do during a secondary survey?
History; question patient or people around patient about the events leading to injury; AMPLE (allergies, medicine, past medical history, last meal, and events)
Symptoms; symptoms patient tells you they are having
Signs; what signs do you see on their body? check body symmetry, response of eyes to light
Monitor vital signs
When should you stop resuscitation?
When you are too exhausted
When scene becomes unsafe
When another personnel arrives
When you see obvious signs of life like breathing
when an AED is available
Signs of obvious death (rigor mortis, excessive bleeding)
No more than 3 hours
What is the first-aid for someone who is chocking?
Abdominal thrusts / Heimlich maneuver
Back blows with the heel of your palm
Chest thrusts
What are complications of CPR?
Aspiration
Rib fracture
Laceration to liver and lungs
Cross infection
