Section 6.5 - IC Assessment & Management Flashcards
What is Hypoxia?
A state where cells within the body are not receiving an adequate oxygen supply
It can lead to permanent organ damage and death
What can Hypoxia be caused by?
Airway obstruction - internal or external blockage
Chest injury or lung disease
Head and spinal injury, stroke or intoxication which can damage nerves that control breathing
Low oxygen content in air - smoke filled environment or aircraft depressurisation
What are the signs and symptoms of Hypoxia?
Confusion, disorientation, agitation and aggression
Tachycardia
Cyanosis of skin and lips
Dilated pupils
Death
What is capillary refill and how would you assess it?
The time taken for the capillary beds to fill with blood after being blanched.
To assess, press on the finger nail bed for 5 seconds and release. Count the time it takes for colour to return.
Less than 2 seconds is normal, greater than 2 seconds is abnormal
What is a Radial pulse?
The force of
How do we assess Capillary refill in a casualty?
Press on the heel of the hand or nail bed for 5 seconds then release the pressure, count the time it takes for normal colour to return
Less than 2 seconds is normal
Greater than 2 seconds is abnormal
Where are the Carotid and Radial pulses found?
Carotid - neck, between trachea and Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Radial - wrist, base of thumb
How do you find the pulse of an infant?
Placing two fingers on the inner side of infants upper arm (Brachial pulse)
What is Shock and how can it be caused?
The body’s inability to perfuse the vital organs
Blood loss (Haemodynamic Shock)
Burns
Toxic (Anaphylactic Shock)
Heart Failure (Cardiogenic Shock)
How would you treat a casualty with a major bleed?
Apply direct pressure and elevate, if this fails place further dressing over the top, if this fails replace with fresh dressing
If direct pressure does not stop bleeding apply indirect pressure to distal artery
Consider tourniquet
How would you treat a casualty with a wound caused by an embedded foreign object?
Do not press directly on would
Apply pressure to sides of wound and place padding around until you can dress over the top without pressing on object
Consider indirect pressure and tourniquet
How would you treat a nose bleed?
Sit casualty upright with head tilted forward
Pinch soft part of nose for at least 10 mins and ensure casualty breathes through mouth
Remind casualty not to sniff or blow their nose
What acronym do we use to assess a casualty’s level of consciousness or alertness?
A - Alert
V - Responds to Voice
P - Responds yo Pain
U - Unresponsive
What acronym do we use to assess a casualty’s previous medical history?
A - Allergies M - Medication P - Past Medical History L - Last food/fluid intake E - Extras
What acronym do we use to handover a casualty?
M - Mechanism
I - Injuries
S - Signs and Symptoms
T - Treatment
