SFA Flashcards
1
Q
What are the mental symptoms of a concussion
A
- Drowsiness
- clouded or foggy mindset
- seeming stunned or dazed
- temporary memory loss
- slow reaction times
2
Q
What are the physical symptoms of a concussion
A
- neck pain or headache
- loss or responsiveness
- dizziness or loss of balance
- changes to vision
- sleeping more or less than usual
- nausea or vomiting
- sensitivity to light and/or noise
- seizure
3
Q
What are the emotional symptoms of a concussion
A
- irritability
- heightened emotions
- personality changes
4
Q
What are the symptoms of a concussion that a child might exhibit
A
- changes in sleeping, playing, and eating habits
- excessive crying
- lack of interest in activities or toys
5
Q
When should you call 911 for a concussion
A
- repeated or projectile vomiting
- loss or responsiveness for any duration
- lack of physical coordination
- confusion, disorientation, and memory loss
- changes to normal speech
- seizures
- vision and ocular changes
- persistent dizziness or loss or balance
- weakness or tingling in arms or legs
- severe or increasing headache
6
Q
How do you care for a concussion
A
Remove from activity and advise to consult a health care profession as soon as possible
7
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of Shock
A
- Anxiety or confusion
- Cool, clammy skin that may be paler than normal
- Weakness
- Excessive thirst
- Rapid breathing
- Drowsiness of loss of responsiveness
- Nausea and vomiting
8
Q
How do you care for shock
A
Call 911
Treat for suspected cause of shock
Provide continual treatment and care using WARTS (Warmth, Airway, Rest and Reassurance, Treatment, and sitting/semiprone)
9
Q
When should you treat for shock
A
When symptoms develop or after any severe medical emergency or trauma
10
Q
How do you care for Choking
A
Begin care and call 911 once you or a bystander is able to do so
Alternate between 2 of these three methods, Back Blows, Abdominal Thrusts, and Chest thrusts
continue until object dislodges or breathing returns
if they become unresponsive begin CPR with chest compressions
11
Q
How do you do Back Blows
A
Place your arm across the person’s chest
Bend the person forwards and deliver 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades
12
Q
How do you do Abdominal Thrusts
A
Place your fist just above the belly button with the other hand curled around it
Give up to 5 quick, inwards and upwards thrusts
13
Q
How do you do Chest Thrusts
A
Place fist in the middle of the person’s chest with your thumb facing inwards and other hand over fist
Give up to 5 chest thrusts by pulling straight back
14
Q
What do you do if you are choking by yourself
A
Dial 911 and move to a place you might be noticed
Attempt to dislodge the object by performing abdominal thrusts against a safe object
15
Q
How do you perform Choking care on a baby
A
Place baby along forearm face down holding jaw with mouth ajar
deliver 5 firm back blows
flip baby over supporting head
place 2 fingers on the middle of the chest and deliver 5 firm chest compressions
continue until object comes out or they begin to cry or breath normally
If they become unresponsive begin CPR with chest compressions
16
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack
A
Pain, pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest, pain radiating from the chest out. Shortness of breath, Dizziness, Nausea or vomiting, unresponsiveness, Cool, pale, sweaty skin
17
Q
How do you care for a heart attack
A
Call 911 get AED
1. Have the person rest quietly
2. Have the person chew either 1 regular-strength or 2 low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets
They may also take Nitroglycerin but no other painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
18
Q
What do you look for to identify a stroke
A
- A sudden, severe headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Unresponsiveness or temporary loss or responsiveness
- Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
- FAST
19
Q
What is FAST
A
Face - facial numbness or weakness, especially on one side
Arm - arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side
Speech - abnormal speech, difficulty speaking or understanding others, or a loss of speech
Time - time is important; call EMS/9-1-1 immediately
20
Q
How do you care for a stroke
A
Call 911 get AED
1. Have the person rest in a comfortable position
2. Note when the signs and symptoms first started ( or the last time they were known to be well )
21
Q
What is Life-Threatening External Bleeding
A
Bleeding that is difficult to control or stop. Can be thought of as if you cupped your hands and could fill them with blood, it is deadly
22
Q
How do you care for Life-threatening external bleeding
A
call 911
1. Apply firm, direct pressure to wound
2. While maintaining direct pressure, apply a dressing and bandage it in place
3. If blood soaks through the bandage, apply another bandage on top
4. If direct pressure does not control, consider a tourniquet
23
Q
What situations may require a tourniquet
A
- The bleeding cannot be controlled using direct pressure
- You are unable to access the wound
- You must move the person and are unable to maintain direct pressure
24
Q
How do you apply a tourniquet
A
- Apply a tourniquet one hands width above the wound, and 2 fingers’ width above joint
- Tighten tourniquet until bleeding stops
- Secure the tourniquet in place
- Document the time the tourniquet was tightened
25
What are the signs of Life-Threatening Internal Bleeding
- Bruising and pain in the injured area
- Soft tissues that are tender, swollen or hard
- Blood in saliva or vomit
- Severe thirst, nausea, or vomiting
- Anxiety
26
How do you care for Life-Threatening Internal Bleeding
call 911, get AED
1. Have the person rest until EMS arrives
do not give liquids
27
When should you call 911 and get an AED when CPR is needed
If there is a bystander present or other people get someone to call 911 and get an AED
If you are alone and an adult needs CPR call 911 and get an AED yourself
If you are alone and a child needs CPR do 5 cycles or 2 minutes of CPR then take the child with you to call 911 and get an AED
28
What is compression only CPR
CPR using only chest compressions, not the breaths
You can use it if you are unable or unwilling to do the rescue breaths
Full CPR is better, especially for children
29
How do you perform CPR on an Adult
1. do 30 chest compressions:
- Put 2 hands in the center of the person's chest
- Push deeply and steadily, allowing the chest to recoil between compressions (100-120 BPM)
2. Give two breaths:
- Open the airway
- Place the barrier device over the person's mouth and nose, and if using a flat plastic shield, pinch the person's nostrils
- If both breaths go in, repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths
30
How do you perform CPR on a baby
1. do 30 chest compressions:
- Put 2 fingers in the center of the baby's chest, just below the nipple line.
- Push deeply and steadily, allowing the chest to recoil between compressions
2. Give 2 breaths:
- Open the airway
- Place your barrier device over the baby's mouth and nose.
- Give just enough air to make the chest start to rise.
3. If both breaths go in, re[eat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths
31
How deep should CPR compressions go
for adults. at least 5 cm deep
for children, at least 1/3 of the chest's depth
for baby, at least 1/3 of the chest's depth
32
Once you begin CPR, how long should you continue
until:
- EMS personnel or another person takes over
- You are too tired to continue
- The scene becomes unsafe
- You notice an obvious sign of life, such as movement
33
What do you do if the rescue breaths don't go on
If the chest does not rise after the first breath, try repositioning the head. If that doesn't work, look in the person's mouth for an object. Continue to look into the person's mouth after each set of compressions until the airway is clear. Once they go in, continue CPR as normal
34
How do you use an AED
1. Remove person from water
2. Open and turn on AED
3. Apply propre sized AED pads:
- remove any clothing, jewellery, and medical patches that could interfere with pad placement
- if the chest is wet, dry the skin
- Place the pads at least 2.5 cm away from a pacemaker
4. Follow the AED's automated prompts
5. If the AED prompts you to do so, ensure that no one is touching the person and deliver a shock
6. Continue CPR, starting with compressions
35
What is asthma
a condition that can make breathing difficult. Asthma is normally triggered by something, such as dust, stress, or exercise
36
What are the signs and symptoms of Asthma
Trouble breathing (gasping for air, wheezing or coughing, or rapid, shallow breathing)
Inability to say more than a few words without pausing to breathe
Tightness in the chest
37
When should you call 911 and get an AED for Asthma
if they are struggling to breathe or does not improve after taking his or her medication
38
How do you care for Asthma attacks
1. If you think that something in the environment is triggering the attack, move the person away from the trigger
2. Help the person to take his or her quick-relief asthma medication.
39
How do you use an inhaler
1. Shake the inhaler and remove the cap
2. Breathe out, and then close your mouth around the mouthpiece.
3. Press the top of the inhaler while taking one slow, full breath.
4. Hold the breath for as long as is comfortable
40
How do you use an inhaler with a spacer
1. Shake the inhaler and remove the cap
2. Put the inhaler into the spacer
3. Bring the inhaler to your mouth, and press the top of the inhaler
4. Take slow, deep breaths, holding each breath for several seconds
41
What is anaphylaxis
A severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening
42
What are the signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis
They should be treated for anaphylaxis if they have symptoms from two or more of the following categories
- Skin: rash, swelling, etc
- Alertness: dizziness
- Breathing: High-pitched noises
- Stomach: vomiting
43
How do you treat anaphylaxis
call 911 and get an AED
Help the person use an Epinephrine Auto-injector:
1. remove the safety cap
2. Firmly push the tip of the epinephrine auto-injector against the outer thigh. A click should be heard. hold in place as direct, usually for 5-10 seconds
3. Rub the injection site for 30 seconds
4. If the person's condition does not improve within 5 minutes, repeat the doss
5. Have the person rest quietly until EMS personnel arrives
44
What are the bandaging guidelines
Use clean, sterile dressings.
• Check circulation below the injury
before and after applying a bandage. If circulation is reduced, loosen the bandage.
• If blood soaks through, leave the !bandage and apply another on top
45
How do you care for cuts and scraps
If there is significant bleeding apply pressure till bleeding stops
Rinse the wound for 5 minutes with clean, running water
Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream and bandage the wound
46
What should you remember for head wounds
Wounds on a person’s head can affect the brain. If you feel a dip or soft area, you should treat the person for a head injury. Apply direct pressure only if there is life-threatening bleeding. Otherwise, try to control the bleeding by putting pressure on the area around the wound.
47
When do you call 911 for burns
Call EMS/9-1-1 and get an AED immediately if:
• The burns make it difficult for the person
to breathe.
• The burns were caused by chemicals,
explosions, or electricity.
• The burns are full thickness or involve a
large amount of blistered or broken skin.
• The burns cover the face, neck, hands,
genitals, or a larger surface area.
48
How do you treat burns
1. Cool the area with water or a clean cool (but not freezing) compress for at least 10 minutes
2. Remove clothing and Jewelry from burn site but leave anything stuck to skin
3. Cover the burn loosely with a dry, sterile dressing
49
How do you treat chemical burns
1. Put on protective equipment.
2. Remove any clothes that might have the chemical on them, and brush any
dry chemical powder off the person’s skin.
3. Flush with large amounts of cool running water for at least 15 minutes.
50
Why should you be wary of dry caustic chemicals
Use caution with dry caustic chemicals, as they may spread or react if they become wet. Refer to the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for additional first aid measures.
51
How do you treat electrical burns
1. Ensure that the electrical current has been turned off.
2. Keep the person still.
3. Look for and treat two burns (the
entry and exit points).
Monitor ABC’s closely
52
When should you call 912 for bruises
If the person is in severe pain or cannot move a body part without pain, or you suspect life-threatening internal bleeding, call EMS/9-1-1.
53
How should you treat a bruise
Apply a cold pack, wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes, and then remove it for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat until the pain is reduced.
54
How should you treat splinters
Gently grab the exposed end of the splinter with tweezers and carefully pull it out. Treat the wound as a cut.
55
How do you treat a nosebleed
Have the person sit with the head slightly forward.
2. Pinch the person’s nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes.
Call 911 if the bleeding continues past 15 minutes
56
When do you call 911 for knocked out teeth
Call EMS/9-1-1 if the tooth was knocked out by a forceful blow or if you suspect more serious injuries.
57
How should you treat a knocked out tooth
1. Have the person bite down on a clean dressing
2. Carefully pick the tooth up by the crown and protect by putting it in egg white, coconut water, or whole milk, or wrapping the tooth in gauze or a clean cloth with some of the person’s saliva.
3. Get the person and tooth to dentist and soon as possible
58
When do you call 911 for eye injuries
Call EMS/9-1-1 if there is an impaled object in or near the eye, the eye
is out of the socket, or the eye has been exposed to a chemical.
59
How do you treat an eye injury when there is something in the eye but not impaled
Avoid touching the eye or putting pressure on or around it.
1. Have the person blink several
times.
2. Gently flush the eye with
running water.
3. If these steps do not remove the
object, the person should seek medical attention.
60
How do you treat chemicals in the eye
Avoid touching the eye or putting pressure on or around it.
Gently flush the eye with
running water (away from the unaffected eye) for at least 15 minutes or until EMS personnel arrive.
61
How do you treat flash burnt eyes
Avoid touching the eye or putting pressure on or around it.
1. Cover the eyes with a cool, wet
cloth.
2. Make sure the person gets
medical attention.
62
How do you treat impaled objects
Call 911 get AED
1. Leave object In place
2. Stabilize object without putting direct pressure on it using dressings
3. Secure the dressing in place
63
What are the signs and symptoms of chest injuries
• Deformity or swelling
• Guarded, shallow breathing • Bruising
• Coughing up blood
If chest is penetrated:
• Gasping or difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from an open chest wound
that may bubble
• A sucking sound coming from the
wound with each breath
64
How do you treat chest injuries
Call 911 get AED
1. Have the person rest in a comfortable position, keeping the person as still as possible.
2. If the wound is bleeding profusely, apply direct pressure. If bleeding is minor, do not apply pressure or a dressing.
3. If there is no penetrating injury, give the person something bulky (such as a towel) to hold against the chest.
65
What should you do if you need to apply a dressing for a chest injury
If you must apply a dressing, ensure that it does not become saturated with blood, as saturation will prevent air from escaping and create pressure in the chest. If the dressing becomes saturated it must be changed.
66
When should you suspect a head neck or spinal injury
- a fall from any height greater than that of the person
- a diving injury
- a person found unresponsive for unknown reason
- a strong blow to the lower jaw, head, or torso
- a person has been struck by lightning or electrocuted
67
Why should we be aware of the pelvis for head, neck, or spin injuries
a person who has a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury may also have a pelvic injury. do not put pressure on the pelvis and treat as a head, neck, or spin injuries
68
What are the physical signs of a head, neck, or spinal injury
- severe pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
- blood or other fluids draining from the ears or nose
- unusual bumps or depressions
- bruises, especially around the eyes and behind the ears
- seizures
- impaired breathing or vision
- nausea or vomiting
- unequal pupil size
- partial or complete loss of movement of any body part
- loss of bladder or bowel control
69
What are the mental signs of a head, neck, or spinal injury
- change in level of responsiveness, awareness, and behaviour
- weakness, tingling, or loss of sensation
- dizziness and/or loss of balance
70
how do you care for head, neck, or spinal injuries
call EMS/911 get AED
1. have the person keep as still as possible until EMS personnel arrive: if they are unresponsive unable to support his or her own head, manually support it in the position found
71
What is a strain
The stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons
72
What is a sprain
The stretching or tearing of ligaments at a joint
73
What is dislocation
The movement of a bone outside of its normal position at a joint
74
What is a fracture
A chip, crack, or break in a bone
75
What are the signs and symptoms of bone injuries
• Deformity, swelling, or bruising
• Limited or no use of the injured body part
• Bone fragments sticking out of the skin
76
When should you call 911 for a bone, muscle or joint injury
You should always call EMS/9-1-1 if:
• There are injuries to the thigh bone or pelvis.
• The area below the injury is numb, pale, blue, or cold.
• A broken bone is protruding through the skin.
• You cannot safely move the person.
77
How do you treat bone, muscle, and joint injuries
Treat the injury using the RICE method:
R est: Have the person rest comfortably.
I mmobilize: Keep the injured area as still as possible.
C ool: Cool the injured area for 20 minutes of every hour.
E levate: Raise the injury, as long as this does not increase the pain.
78
What should you do when using splints or slings
• Check for normal temperature and skin colour below the injured area before and after immobilizing the limb:
n If the area is cold before immobilizing, call EMS/9-1-1.
n If the area is cold after immobilizing, loosen the splint gently.
• Remove jewellery below the site of the injury.
• Immobilize the injured part in the position in which it was found.
• Make sure a splint is long enough to extend above and below the injury.
• Pad slings and splints.
79
How do you apply a regular sling
1. Have the person hold the injured arm across the body.
2. Slide a triangular bandage under the injured arm.
3. Bring the bottom end of the bandage over the shoulder of the injured side and tie the ends together behind the neck.
4. Secure the elbow by twisting, tying, or pinning the corner of the bandage.
5. Secure the arm to the body with a broad bandage.
80
How do you apply a tube sling
1. Have the person support the arm of the injured side.
2. Place a triangular bandage over the forearm and hand.
3. Tuck the lower edge under the arm and twist the end to secure the elbow.
4. Tie the bandage’s ends together.
5. Secure the arm to the body with a broad bandage.
81
What are the signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency
• Changes in the level of responsiveness
• Changes in behaviour, such as confusion or
aggression
• Rapid breathing
• Cool, pale, sweaty skin
• Appearance of intoxication
• Seizures
82
When should you cal 911 for diabetic emergencies
Call EMS/9-1-1 if:
• • •
The person is not fully awake.
The person has a seizure.
The person’s condition does not improve within 10 minutes of having sugar.
83
How should you treat a diabetic emergency
If the person is able to swallow safely, have the person ingest sugar.
If the person’s condition does not improve within 10 minutes, call EMS/9-1-1 and administer more sugar if it is still safe to do so.
Do not give the person insulin.
The preferred sugar sources (in order of preference) are oral glucose tablets, chewable candy, fruit juice, fruit strips, and milk. If none of these are available, other forms of sugar can also be effective.
84
What are the signs and symptoms of seizures
• Uncontrollable muscle movement
• Drool or foaming at the mouth
• Uncontrolled repetitive motions
• An altered level of responsiveness
85
When should you call 911 for a seizure
Call EMS/9-1-1 if:
1.
2. 3.
• • • •
You do not know the person’s medical history.
The seizure lasts more than a few minutes.
The person has several seizures in a row.
The person is unresponsive for an extended period.
86
How should you card for a seizure
Protect the person from injury by:
• Moving objects that could cause
injury.
• Protecting the person’s head with
a soft object.
Do not try to hold the person down. Roll the person into the recovery position. The person may be drowsy and disoriented for up to 20 minutes.
87
What are febrile seizures
Babies and young children may have seizures if their body temperatures suddenly rise. These are called “febrile seizures” and are most commonly associated with sudden high fevers. In most cases, these seizures are not life-threatening and do not last long, but you should always call EMS/9-1-1.
88
What is mental health first aid
Mental health first aid is the first aid given to a person in a mental health crisis. Like all first aid, it involves recognizing the emergency, calling for help if necessary, and providing care until trained personnel take over or the crisis is resolved.
89
What should we remember for mental health first aid
In a mental health crisis, the most immediate threat to the person is suicide. Responding to suicide or a suicide attempt can be traumatic. Talk to a professional if you experience lingering feelings of guilt or distress.
90
What are the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis
Inability to think clearly, concentrate, or focus on a task
Hallucinations or delusions
Depression or sudden mood swings
Obvious lack of motivation
91
Who/when should you call for mental health crisis’s
If possible, contact support systems for the person. If you suspect that the person could hurt someone (including him- or herself), or if the person has attempted suicide, call EMS/9-1-1 immediately.
92
How should you care for a mental health crisis
1. Provide reassurance and support:
• Reduce distractions and encourage
the person to sit down.
• Keep the person as calm as possible.
• Listen empathetically.
• Acknowledge the person’s feelings
and emotions without judgment.
• If the person is delusional, do not
dismiss his or her beliefs. Accept that
they are real to him or her.
• Speak quietly and firmly.
2. Offer self-help strategies such as breathing exercises.
93
What are some signs of suicidal intentions
Potential signs of suicide include a person:
• Expressing negative (especially suicidal) thoughts and comments about
him- or herself.
• Expressing an intent to die, especially if he or she has a plan. • Expressing final wishes to someone close by.
94
What are the signs of imminent child birth
• Contractions are 2 minutes apart or less.
• The woman says that the baby is coming.
• The woman feels the urge to push.
• The woman feels as though she needs to have a bowel movement. • The baby is crowning.
95
How do you care for child birth
Have someone call 911
1. Create a birthing area by placing clean blankets and/or towels under the mother.
2. As the baby is being birthed, support the head.
3. Wipe any fluids or mucus away from the baby’s mouth and nose.
4. Actively dry the baby with a clean cloth to stimulate crying and breathing.
5. Place the baby directly onto the mother’s chest and cover with a blanket or
towel.
6. Let the placenta and cord drop onto a clean towel. Do not clamp, tie, or cut
the cord.
7. Record the time of birth.
8. If the mother has any bleeding tears, apply gentle pressure to them.
96
What are the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion
Skin: moist, warm
Physical: headache, weakness, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, fainting
Mental: anxiety, dizziness
Breathing: normal
97
What are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke
Skin: dry, hot
Physical: seizures, coma, severe headache
Mental: altered behaviour, irritable, aggressive, bizarre
Breathing: rapid, shallow
98
What symptoms should you call 911 for, in regards to heat related emergencies
Nausea, vomiting, fainting, anxiety, dizziness, dry or hot skin, seizures, coma, severe headache, altered behaviour, rapid or shallow breathing
99
How should you care for heat exhaustion
Remove from heat
Loosen tight clothing, remove padding from torso
Do not dry skin
Pour water on torso
Fan skin
Give water or other cool drink
100
How should you care for heat stroke
Remove from heat
Loosen tight clothing, remove padding from torso
Do not dry skin
Immerse body in cool water
Immerse forearms in cool water
Pour water on torso
Fan skin
Give water or other hydrating beverage
101
What are the signs and symptoms of superficial frost bite
• Hardened skin
• Skin that looks paler than the area
around it
• Pain or stinging in the area, followed
by numbness
102
What are the signs and symptoms of deep frost bite
• Skin and underlying tissues that are hard and solid to the touch
Skin that is white, blue, black, or mottled Complete loss of feeling in the affected area
103
How do you treat frost bite
Remove anything that may restrict blood flow to the affected area. Thaw the area only if you are sure it will not freeze again. Use warm (not hot) water or body heat.
Protect skin with loose, dry dressings. Place gauze between the fingers or toes if they are affected. Leave any blisters intact. If possible, elevate any thawed extremities above the level of
the heart.
Rehydrate the person by providing plenty of fluids. Encourage the person to seek medical attention.
104
What are the signs of cold stress
Fully responsive
Movement normal
Shivering
Fully alert
105
What are the signs of mild hypothermia
Fully responsive
Impaired movement
Shivering
Alert
106
What are the signs of moderate hypothermia
Fully responsive
Impaired movement
Stops shivering
Not alert
107
What are the signs of severe hypothermia
Unresponsive
Movement impaired
Not shivering
Not alert
Assume severe if unresponsive
108
How should you treat cold stress
1. Reduce heat loss: remove from environment, add dry clothing, etc
2. Provide high calorie food or drink
3. Increase heat production: exercise
109
How should you treat mild hypothermia
1. Handle gently
2. Keep horizontal
3. No standing or walking for 30 minutes
4. Insulate/vapour barrier
5. Apply heat to upper trunk
6. Provide high calorie food or drink
7. Monitor until improvement (30+ minutes)
8. Call 911 if no improvement
110
How should you treat moderate hypothermia
1. Handle gently
2. Keep horizontal
3. No standing/walking
4. No drink or food
5. Insulate/vapour barrier
6. Apply heat to upper trunk
7. Cal 911
111
How should you treat severe hypothermia
Same as moderate
If no obvious vital signs do 60 second breathing check
Start CPR if no breathing
112
Who should you call for poisonings
If the person has an altered level of responsiveness or has difficulty breathing, call EMS/9-1-1 and get an AED. Otherwise, call the Poison Control Centre.
113
What are indications of swallowed poisons
• An open container of poison nearby
• Burns around the mouth
• Increased production of
saliva and/or saliva that is
an abnormal colour
• Abdominal cramps,
vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• A burning sensation in the mouth, throat, or stomach
114
How should you care for swallowed poisons
1. Check the packaging of the poison.
2. Induce vomiting only if told to do so by the EMS dispatcher or the Poison Control Centre.
3. If the person needs to go to the hospital, bring a sample of the poison (or its original container).
115
What are indications of inhaled poison
• Breathing difficulties
• Irritated eyes, nose, or
throat
• Bluish colour around the
mouth
• An unusual smell in the air
116
How should you care for inhaled poison
1. Move the person into fresh air, but do not enter a hazardous atmosphere yourself to do so.
117
What are some indications of absorbed poisons
• Rash or hives
• Burning or itching skin • Blisters
• Burns
118
How should you care for absorbed poisons
1. If the poison is a dry powder, brush it off the person’s skin, being careful to avoid touching it.
2. Remove any clothing covered in the poison.
3. Flush the skin with running water for
at least 15 minutes. Make sure the water flushes away from any unaffected areas of the body.
119
What are some indications of injected poisons
• One or more puncture wounds
• Problems breathing
• Redness and swelling at
the entry point
• A needle found nearby
120
How should you care for injected poisons
1. Wash the puncture site with clean running water.
2. Keep the person still.
121
What is carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no smell, colour, or taste. It is released when fuel is burned (e.g., in a car engine, fireplace, or furnace) without proper ventilation. Concentrated CO is poisonous and life-threatening to those who inhale it. It is treated as any other inhaled poison
122
What are the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning
• • • • • • •
Headache
Dizziness or light-headedness
Confusion or altered level of responsiveness Weakness or fatigue
Muscle cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Chest pain
123
What are the symptoms of poison ivy, sumac, or oak contact
Itchy skin
Reddening of the skin
Bumps or blisters
124
How should you care for poison ivy, sumac, or oak poisoning
Encourage the person to apply a cream or ointment designed to reduce itching and blistering (e.g., calamine).
Suggest that the person take an oral antihistamine to help relieve itching.
If the rash is severe or on a sensitive part of the body (such as the face or groin), the person should see a healthcare provider.
125
What are signs of giant hogweed and wild parsnip poisoning
The sap of these plants causes the following signs and symptoms when skin is exposed to sunlight:
• Swelling and reddening of the skin • Painful blistering
• Purplish scarring
126
When should you call 912 for giant hogweed or wild parsnip poisoning
Call EMS/9-1-1 if the person is having trouble breathing or if the sap is on the eyes, face, or groin.
127
How should you card for giant hogweed or wild parsnip poisoning
1. Protect the area from sunlight.
2. If sap gets into the eyes, rinse them thoroughly
with water for at least 15 minutes or until EMS
personnel arrive.
3. Encourage the person to seek medical attention.
128
What should you do for poisonings caused by alcohol or drugs
Provide care based on the method the person used to take the drug (e.g., swallowed or injected).
Look for clues as to what drug was taken and give this information to EMS personnel when they arrive. Because drugs can significantly alter a person’s perception and/or behaviour, you must be careful to protect yourself. If the
!person is aggressive, call EMS/9-1-1.
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What is different for opioid drugs
Opioid drugs such as heroine or fentanyl, are a common cause of drug overdose. Opioid overdoses can cause respiratory failure and death. Naloxone is a drug used to quickly reverse the effects of an opioid drug overdose.
130
How do you card for insect stings
Call 911 and get AED if there are signs of severe allergic reactions
If the stinger is still imbedded, scrape it away Tick
2. Wrap a cold pack in a thin towel and place it on the affected area.
3. Continue to watch for signs of anaphylaxis.
131
How should you care for animal bites
Call your local animal control department if the animal is wild or a stray.
1. Try to get the person safely away from the animal. Do not try to capture it.
2. Treat any wounds.
3. Seek medical attention if the animal is stray or unknown to you or if you
suspect it might have rabies.
4. Watch for signs and symptoms of infection.
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What are the signs of a black widow bite
• A raised, round, red mark
• Cramping pain in the thighs, shoulders, back, and abdominal
muscles
• Excessive sweating
• Weakness
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What are the signs of a brown recluse bite
• A slight stinging sensation
• A blood-filled blister that appears within 2 to 8 hours • A bull’s-eye pattern around the bite
Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction occur within 72 hours of the bite and include nausea, vomiting, and joint pain.
134
How do you treat spider bites form black widows or brown recluse
Call EMS/9-1-1 if you know or suspect that the person was bitten by a venomous spider.
To care for a spider bite from a black widow spider or a brown recluse spider:
1. Have the person rest quietly and keep the bite elevated.
2. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin, dry towel.
135
How should you care for tick bites
If the tick hasn’t started to dig into the flesh, brush it off the skin.
If the tick has begun to bite:
1. Use tweezers to grasp the tick by the
head as close to the person’s skin as
possible.
2. Pull upward without twisting until
the tick releases its hold. If you cannot
remove the tick or if its mouthparts stay in the skin, the person should seek medical attention.
3. If the tick is removed, wash the area with clean water.
4. If the area becomes infected or the person develops a fever or rash, the
person should seek medical attention.
Save any tick you remove in a sealable bag or empty pill bottle, and bring it to the medical appointment. Ticks can be tested for diseases such as Lyme disease and so can help to diagnose your condition.
136
How do you treat snake bites
Call 911 if you know or suspect the bite was caused by a venomous snake
1. Ensure that the snake is no longer present. If you see the snake, describe it to EMS personnel when they arrive.
2. Keep the person still, with the bite level with the heart.
3. If the bite is on a limb, remove any jewellery or tight clothing from the limb.
4. Wash the wound with water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
137
What are signs of stings from marine animals
• Pain
• Rash and redness
• Swelling
• Puncture wounds or lacerations
138
When should you call 911 for marine animal stings
Call EMS/9-1-1 and get an AED if the person is having airway or breathing problems, the person was stung on the face or neck, or you do not know what caused the sting.
139
How should you care for stings from marine organisms
1. Flush the injured area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. If vinegar is not available, mix baking soda and water into a paste and leave it on the area for 20 minutes.
2. While wearing gloves or using a towel, carefully remove any pieces of the animal.
3. Immerse the affected area in water as hot as the person can tolerate for at least 20 minutes or until the pain is relieved. Hot or cold packs can also be used.
4. Encourage the person to seek medical attention and to watch for signs of infection.
