First Aid 2020

First Aid Training Online

OSHA Compliant Certification

Introduction

The First Aid Training Sections are listed below. The final section you will complete is a multiple choice test. After completing the test, you will receive your course completion certificate.

 

Section 1: Preparing to Respond
Section 2: Assessing the Scene and Victims
Section 3: Responding to Life-Threatening Emergencies
Section 4: Medical Emergencies
Section 5: Non-Life Threatening Emergencies
Section 6: First Aid Principles
Section 7: Poisoning




Section 1: Preparing to Respond

Prevention is a strategy in reducing fatalities, illnesses and injuries.

  • Each day, 12 workers are killed on the job and over 9,000 workers suffer serious job related injuries. That’s over 3 million serious injuries and 4,000 deaths per year. These injuries are preventable. Implementing Injury awareness programs can prevent injuries and saves lives. It is estimated by the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index that the direct cost from these serious injuries and fatalities amounts to over 1 billion dollars per week. 

Interacting with the local EMS system.

  • When encountering an injured person, call 911 and assist the victim until either EMS arrives or the scene is no longer safe to remain.

Maintaining a current list of emergency telephone numbers (police, fire, ambulance, poison control) accessible by all employees.

  • A list of emergency phone numbers should be made available and kept updated.

Understanding the legal aspects of providing first-aid care, including Good Samaritan legislation, consent, abandonment, negligence, assault and battery, State laws and regulations.







  • There is no legal requirement in the majority of the United States to provide help to a person in need. Under the Good Samaritan Law, should you provide help, you would not be held liable if you are acting in good faith, are reasonably careful and remain with the victim until either someone with equal or more experience takes over, or the scene becomes too dangerous.
  • A responsive adult must give you their permission to receive first aid. You must first identify yourself including your level of training prior to asking for permission to provide care. Consent to provide first aid on an unconscious victim is assumed. For the elderly and children, consent must be obtained by a legal guardian.

 

Understanding the effects of stress, fear of infection, panic; how they interfere with performance; and what to do to overcome these barriers to action.

  • Emergencies involving serious injuries or death are known as a critical incident. Critical incident stress occurs when a person becomes unable to cope with the situation. This can especially occur if the victims are family members or friends. If untreated, this type of stress can become a much more serious condition known as post traumatic stress syndrome.
  • Signs of stress include unusual behavior, increased anger, denial, guilt, confusion, poor concentration, or a change in appetite. Professional help may be required. To avoid increased levels of stress, you should talk with your peers, avoid drugs and alcohol, eat a balanced diet, practice relaxation techniques and get enough rest.




A component of Basic First Aid knowledge includes learning the importance of universal precautions and body substance isolation to provide protection from Bloodborne Pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.

This includes awareness of OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard, specifically, learning about personal protective equipment — gloves, eye protection, masks, and respiratory barrier devices, and the appropriate management and disposal of blood-contaminated sharps and surfaces.



Section 2: Assessing the Scene and Victims





There are three C’s that should be followed when in a situation requiring first aid treatment:

1.     Check

2.     Call

3.     Care

This is also known as the three A’s:

1.     Assess

2.     Alert

3.     Attend

Check/Assess

  • Assess the scene for safety, number of injured, and nature of the event.
  • Assess the toxic potential of the environment and the need for respiratory protection.

Where work environments with harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays exist or where there is insufficient oxygen, employees must use respirators. Health hazards such as these can cause cancer, in addition to other diseases, and in some cases, death.
Respirators are necessary when toxic substances exist in the workplace and where engineering controls are unable to reduce or eliminate the toxins. Some, but not all, atmosphere-supplying respirators can be used to protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres. In an oxygen-deficient or other hazardous atmosphere, impaired thinking and/or coordination, an accelerated heartbeat and increased breathing rates will occur more rapidly. Even a momentary loss of coordination can be devastating if it occurs while a worker is performing a potentially dangerous activity such as using dangerous machinery.

Establish the presence of a confined space and the need for respiratory protection and specialized training to perform a rescue.





"Confined spaces" are defined as areas within many workplaces that can be defined as not necessarily designed for people but large enough for workers to enter and perform work. Additionally, confined spaces have limited or restricted access for entry or exit and are not intended for continuous occupancy. Some confined spaces are tunnels, tanks, storage bins, pits, silos, vaults, pipelines, hoppers, equipment housings and manholes.

The term "permit-required confined space", or “permit space” is used by OSHA to define specialized training involving a confined space that has one or more of these characteristics: contains a known safety or health hazard, such as unsupervised machinery, heat stress, or exposed live wires; contains a material that has the possibility of engulfing an entrant; has walls that come together inward or floors that angle downward and narrow into a smaller region that could trap or smother a person who enters; or contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous environment.

  • Prioritize care when there are several injured.
    • In a situation where several people are injured, the prioritization of care is 1, those that are not breathing, 2, those who are bleeding, 3, victims with broken bones and 4, victims with burns.
  • Assess each victim for responsiveness, airway patency (blockage), breathing, circulation, and medical alert tags.
  • Take the victim’s history at the scene, including determining the mechanism of injury.
  • Perform a logical head-to-toe check for injuries.
  • Continuously monitor the victim.

Call/Alert





  • Emphasize early activation of EMS, including calling 911 and activating the emergency response plan.

 

Care/Attend

  • Determine the safest methods for moving and rescuing victims.

An injured victim should only be moved when you are faced with immediate danger, another victim that may have a more serious injury must be attended to, or if it is the only way to provide proper care.

Here are safe methods to move a victim

 

Techniques used for 1-RESCUER

Assist the victim to a safe and secure place by carrying them in one of the following way if they cannot stand or walk but there are no signs of extreme injuries such as damage to the spine



Blanket drag

This method is to be used to move one person with a severe enough injury to where they should not be carried or lifted by 1 person. Lay the victim on a blanket and carefully pull the victim head first across the ground, making sure to not bump the victim’s head. If no blanket is available the victim can be pulled by their upper body clothing.



Fireman carry


1 person arm carry


Pack-strap carry


Tied-hands crawl




Section 3: Responding to Life-Threatening Emergencies

Establishing responsiveness.

Establishing and maintaining an open and clear airway.




Performing rescue breathing.



Treating airway obstruction in a conscious victim.



Performing CPR.



Using an AED.



Recognizing the signs and symptoms of shock and providing first aid for shock due to illness or injury.

Assessing and treating a victim who has an unexplained change in level of consciousness or sudden illness.

Controlling bleeding with direct pressure.




Section 4: Medical Emergencies and Responding

 Chest Pain


 

Chest pain in general is considered a medical emergency and can be a symptom of several serious conditions. There are over 400 causes of chest pain ranging from non serious to life threatening. According to the (site study…), 12% of emergency room visits are due to chest pain and accounts for approximately 5% of deaths in the United States each year.

How to respond to someone experiencing chest pain: It can be extremely useful to understand the patient’s risk factors in order to identify a serious cause of chest pain. As an example, heart attacks are more common for individuals who smoke or with a family history of risk factors.

 

Chest pain causes can vary from minor to major problems. Minor problems consist of heartburn or stress. Major problems are medical emergencies. A heart attack, for example, is a medical emergency. Chest pain causes can be difficult to determine, even for medical personnel. Understanding the medical history of the victim is extremely helpful.

Let’s review some information to aid in determining if the victim’s chest pain is a medical emergency.

 

  • Heart attack

A heart attack is the blockage of an artery that supplies oxygen to the heart muscle. Symptoms vary and can last several minutes to much longer. They can also produce no symptoms.

Victims of heart attacks can experience warning signs well in advance. Chest pain, which can be non heart attack related, can be caused from physical activity and relieved by rest. While it is possible for a victim suffering from a heart attack to have no symptoms at all, they may experience nausea, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, pain across the arms, jaw, shoulders and neck, a continuous squeezing painful sensation or uncomfortable pressure in the chest.

If a victim is experiencing a heart attack, Call 911. Drive the victim to the nearest hospital is medical services are not available.

Provide the victim aspirin, if available and they are not allergic, as it reduces blood clotting to help blood circulate through the narrowing of an artery, a condition that a heart attack causes.

If the victim is unconscious, start CPR. If an Automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, retrieve and attach it, then follow the AEDs audio prompts.

 

  • Angina

Angina is both stable and unstable chest pain caused from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This term is often referenced when a victim has been diagnosed with heart disease related to atherosclerosis.

Stable angina is defined as recurring chest pain occurring and fairly predictable. Unstable angina can be defined as new chest pain that is different from stable angina. Unstable angina can be a symptom of a heart attack.

Angina can be difficult to differentiate from other chest pain discomfort, like indigestion and can vary in severity.

 

  • Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism can be defined as taking place when a clot lodges in a pulmonary artery of the lung, creating a lack of blood flow and causing tissue death. This process creates difficultly for the lungs to deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Signs and symptoms: A rapid heartbeat, inexplicable shortness of breath or sweating with or without pain, sharp and sudden chest pain in conjunction with shortness of breath, coughing up blood, extreme anxiety and fainting.

Call 911 if a victim is suffering from these symptoms. They could be experiencing a heart attack.

 

  • Aortic dissection

The aorta is a large blood vessel stemming from the heart. Aortic dissection is a tear within the inner layer of the aorta that causes blood to gush through the tear to the middle layer of the aorta, separating, or dissecting, the inner and middle layers. This can become fatal if the blood-filled canal ruptures the outside aortic wall.

A victim suffering an aortic dissection will experience a sudden severe ripping or tearing pain in the upper back and chest, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, loss of vision, weakness, or paralysis of one side of your body such as a stroke, sweating or a weak pulse in one arm compared with the other

This is a serious, life-threatening condition. 911 should be immediately called.

 

  • Pneumonia with pleurisy

A victim suffering from pneumonia with experience the following symptoms: bloody cough with fever, chest pain with chills, or painful coughing or breathing, a condition called pleurisy. Pain from pleurisy can temporarily relieved placing pressure on the victim’s painful area of their chest or by having them hold their breath.

Chest wall pain is a common yet harmless pain in the chest area. Costochondritis, for example, can be identified by pressing along the edge of the victim’s sternum causing them tenderness.

Other causes of chest pain include: chest muscle bruising caused by a minor injury, digestive tract pain, a peptic ulcer, gallbladder pain, sudden but short term anxiety and rapid breathing and/or strained chest muscles from excess usage or too much coughing.

 

If someone is having difficulty breathing, talking, seeing or moving one side of their face or body, they could be having a stroke. Call 911 and seek emergency medical help right away.

 

Breathing problems.

Shortness of breath, also known as Dyspnea, is defined as breathing discomfort.

How to respond: Call 911. Assist the victim with oxygen or an inhaler, if available and necessary. Check for sign of response such as normal breathing, circulation and coughing. Perform CPR is the victim stops breathing. Continue to attend to the victim until help arrives.

 

  • Anaphylactic reaction.

An anaphylactic reaction is a serious allergic reaction that occurs quickly and can cause death. Symptoms can include throat swelling, low blood pressure and itchy rash. The most common causes are medications, foods and insect stings and bites. Injection of epinephrine is the primary treatment.

 

  • Hypoglycemia is defined as an abnormally diminished content of glucose in the blood, or, low blood sugar. It can be treated by self-diagnosing and self-medicating orally along with balanced meals.

What to do if something is having trouble/complications: Symptoms can vary from person to person. Signs of low blood sugar include: Anger, Appetite, Blurred vision, Cold sweats, Confusion, Difficulty speaking, Dizziness, Fatigue, Headache, Irritability, Nervousness, Numb or tingling skin, Rapid heartbeat, Shaking, or Unclear thinking. Fast treatment is required. Delays increase the possibility of the episode escalating to life-threatening.

                First, make sure you and the victim are safe. Since a condition of hypoglycemia can include loss of consciousness, have the victim stop doing any activities such as walking or driving. The victim’s blood glucose levels should be tested using their blood glucose meter. A reading of 70 mg/dl or lower requires immediate action.

A diabetic experiencing hypoglycemia needs to eat approximately 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates to increase sugar levels. Examples include candy, fruit juice, milk, orange juice, raisins, saltine crackers, or soda.

Continue to test the victim’s blood glucose, and have them eat more carbohydrates 15 grams at a time until their blood sugar levels reach at least 70 mg/dl.

 

Seizures

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. A seizure usually affects how a person appears or acts for a short time. Many different things can occur during a seizure. Whatever the brain and body can do normally can also occur during a seizure.

There are more than 30 different types of seizures that have been identified. The most known type of seizure where a patient loses muscle control, twitches and may become unconscious. This seizure type is referred to as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.

Responding to a victim suffering a seizure: To avoid any additional damage to a victim suffering a seizure, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recommends the following:

  • Roll the person on his or her side to prevent choking on any fluids or vomit.
  • Cushion the person’s head.
  • Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.
  • Don’t restrict the person from moving or wandering unless he or she is in danger.
  • Do NOT put anything into the person’s mouth, not even medicine or liquid.  These can cause choking or damage to the person’s jaw, tongue, or teeth. Remember, people cannot swallow their tongues during a seizure or any other time.
  • Remove any dangerous objects the person might hit or walk into during the seizure.
  • Note how long the seizure lasts and what symptoms occurred so you can tell a doctor or emergency personnel if necessary.
  • Stay with the person until the seizure ends.

When to call 911

  • The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
  • The seizure happened in water.
  • The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
  • The person does not begin breathing normally or does not regain consciousness after the seizure stops.
  • Another seizure starts before the person regains consciousness.
  • The person injures himself or herself during the seizure.
  • This is a first seizure or you think it might be. If in doubt, check to see if the person has a medical identification card or jewelry stating that they have epilepsy or a seizure disorder.

After the seizure ends, the person will probably be groggy and tired. He or she also may have a headache and be confused or embarrassed. Try to help the person find a place to rest. If necessary, offer to call a taxi, a friend, or a relative to help the person get home safely.

Don't try to stop the victim from wandering unless they are in danger. Don't shake the victim or shout and stay with them until they are completely alert.


Pregnancy complications





If someone is pregnant and experiencing complications, immediately dial 911.

Several issues can take place during child birth. For example, a miscarriage can occur, where a mother loses her baby before the 28th week of pregnancy, and can be a serious medical emergency due to sudden blood loss. Symptoms may include lower abdomen severe cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding that may include clotting.

You can help by calling 911 and keeping the mother calm and in a comfortable position laying down until EMS arrives.

 

Abdominal injury







The abdominal region exists above the pelvic area and below the ribcage. Since no bones protect the abdomen, serious injury can occur to the liver, spleen and stomach abdominal organs.

Symptoms include nausea, muscle spasms to the abdomen, skin bruising, abdominal area history of injury, excessive abdominal pain, signs of an injury to the abdomen, vomiting, bleeding from a wound, visible intestines or holding their hand over area of abdominal pain,

Assist the victim with lying down in a situation where they will have the least amount of discomfort. Provide pillows and blankets for additional comfort. This can be accomplished by resting the victim on their injured side, situating the knees drawn upwards, or positioning them on their back. Loosen any tight clothing, especially at waist and neck. Stay with the victim and call 911. Bleeding should be controlled if present by holding the wound together ot re-situating the victim. Visible intestine should be covered with sterile dressing soaked in warm water. The victim should not drink, eat or smoke and should be watched and supported closely. 

 

Responding to and treating victim’s with a Reduced level of consciousness

Reduced levels of consciousness (LOC) include confusion, delirium, drowsiness and comatose. A decreased level of consciousness can be caused by drugs, dehydration, insufficient blood or oxygen to the brain, a concussion, heat stroke, toxins, a change in the brain's chemistry and diabetes.

Because treatment varies based on the level of lost consciousness, call 911 if you encounter a victim with a decreased LOC that does not quickly improve.

 

Impaled objects are soft tissue punctures that remain embedded. Depending on the size of the impaled object, emergency medical response might be needed. If EMS is needed, call 911. Protect yourself around the victim’s blood and sharp objects by practicing universal precautions and wearing personal protective equipment.

Secure the object to prevent movement. The object may need to be shortened if it protrudes far enough out of the body to pose more risk if the victim must be moved and no help is available or on the way. In most situations, the impaled object should not be removed. Put pressure on the wound to control bleeding. Impaled objects should only be removed if the object is in the way of the airway or preventing the performance of CPR. Continue to practice basic first aid in tending to the victim until help arrives.

 

 

Section 5: Non-Life Threatening Emergencies

 

Wounds

  • Assessment and first aid for wounds including abrasions, cuts, lacerations, punctures, avulsions, amputations and crush injuries.

 

For minor cuts, scrapes and lacerations, clean the wound by rinsing it with cold water and cleaning with soap to remove debris. To reduce chance of infection, use an antibiotic ointment. Stop using the ointment if it causes a rash. To stop bleeding, if the wound does not stop on its own, apply direct pressure using a clean cloth or gauze and continue to firmly apply pressure for several minutes. Avoid the urge to check the wound by lifting the cloth or gauze, as this may cause bleeding to start up again. If bleeding continues, place more gauze over the wound.

Call 911 immediately for deep wounds, puncture wounds where blood gushes with an object(s) deeply embedded that cannot be easily removed, wounds that bleed heavily, or if the wound is from animal or human bite. Keep the victim calm while help is on the way.

Emergency symptoms include breathing fast or breathing difficulty, dizziness, severe pain, unconsciousness, vomiting, or if the object is in the throat or eye.

 

  • Avulsions can be categorized anywhere in between a basic laceration and amputation and include at least 3 layers of skin being removed. They are horrible looking injuries and include a high risk for infection.

 

When attending to a victim, use universal precautions and if available, wear personal protective equipment.

Control bleeding with direct pressure and elevation. Rinse the wound with saline solution or water in an effort to keep the wound as clean as possible. Use a clean cloth and absorbing dressing if available, and apply direct pressure to raw muscle or fat tissue.

 

  • Amputations occur when a body part or part of a body part is removed, either by a surgical procedure or from an accident. It may be possible to reattach an amputated body part but this is reliant on the time since the amputation occurred, condition of the amputated part, the health of the victim and specific body part that was amputated.

When witnessing an accidental amputation, call 911. The first priority is to stop the bleeding, while avoiding any further injury. Clean your hands with soap and water and put of latex gloves. If these resources are not available, use the cleanest material available such as clean cloth or plastic bags to protect from your hands making contacting with the victim’s blood. Lay the victim down and elevate the area that is bleeding. Remove clothing from around the wound and then remove any objects within the wound that easily remove. Put pressure around an object that cannot easily be removed. Put pressure on the wounded area for at least 15 minutes and continue to apply cloth without removing the current cloth in the event that blood soaks through the current cloth. Moderate bleeding should stop almost completely after approximately 15 minutes, though some bleeding may exist for approximately 45 minutes.

The amputated part should be cared for and taken to the hospital with the victim. It should be placed in a dry clean cloth or sterile gauze and then placed inside of a plastic bag or waterproof container with ice to keep it cool.

Physiologic Shock can be caused by trauma from an accident or from excessive blood loss and can result in dizziness, less alert, difficulty standing up, sudden inability to respond, confused or a loss of consciousness.

Emotional shock can stem from stress from the event and lead to fainting

 

  • The principles of wound care, including infection precautions include avoiding direct contact with blood and other body fluids of the person. Excessive blood loss from uncontrolled bleeding and infections can lead to major health problems.
  • Expose the wound by gently lifting up or cutting any clothing that cover the wound. Attempting to remove clothing the regular way risks irritation to the injury.
  • Clear noticeable objects from the surface of the wound by using sterile dressing to carefully sweep them away.
  • To control bleeding, put pressure directly over the wound and then elevate it. Use sterile dressing or or any available clean cloth to cover the wound, followed by applying pressure to it.
  • Prevent infection with the use of sterile dressing or other available resources that are clean.
  • Place a bandage over the injury after bleeding has been controlled. Continue to check the bandage make sure it’s not too tight or that the wound has not started bleeding again.
  • Keep victim lying down and still to decrease blood circulation to aid in the stoppage of bleeding.
  • Reassure the victim to help calm them down, which will also help in the decrease of bleeding.

 

 

  • Principles of body substance isolation, universal precautions and use of personal protective equipment.
    • What are the principles of body substance isolation?

Body substance isolation or BSI goes into more detail than Universal Precautions regarding isolating worker from pathogens. It is a practice of isolating body substances such as blood to reduce risk of transmitting an illness.

 

  • What are the principles of universal precautions?

Universal precautions is the of avoiding contact with a victim’s bodily fluid such as blood, by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye glasses and face shields.

 

  • What are the principles of personal protective equipment?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective clothing and equipment like gloves, goggles and helmets that prevent worker injury and protect against infection. Some hazards include biohazards, bloodborne pathogens, heat, electrical, and chemicals. The purpose of PPE is to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective to reduce these risks to acceptable levels. While wearing PPE does not completely eliminate exposure, it is needed when hazards are present and can greatly reduce risk.

 

Burns

  • Assessing the severity of a burn.
    • Levels of severity:

Burns, a very common household injury, have 4 types that are based on the severity of damage caused to the skin:

  • first-degree burns: The most minor skin damage affecting the outermost layer of skin is caused resulting in red, non-blistered or swelled skin.
  • second-degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin
  • third-degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance
  • fourth-degree burns: The most severe where damage of 3rd degree burns extend beyond the skin into bones and tendons.

 

 The importance of preventing aspiration (aka inhaling) of blood and/or teeth.  

    • What is aspiration of blood?
    • How to prevent?
    • What is aspiration of teeth?
    • How to prevent?

 

What is aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection that develops after the inhaling of blood, food, liquid or vomit into the lungs. Bacteria can grow in the victim’s lungs, causing an infection, if they are unable to cough up the aspirated substance.

 

How can aspiration pneumonia be prevented?

Dietitians and occupational or physical therapists can show a person what to foods to eat and how to swallow safely, including exercises to strengthen muscles used to swallow.

To help prevent aspiration pneumonia, a person should sit up while they eat or at the very least, keep the head of their bed slightly up at a 30 degree angle while eating. They should eat slowly, take small bites and swallow with their chin down. They should also eat thickened foods and drinks: Liquids should be taken through a straw or sipped from a spoon as opposed to drinking from a cup.

Mouth and teeth care is an integral piece to preventing aspiration pneumonia. Brushing teeth and tongue or dentures for two minutes daily after breakfast and dinner kills mouths bacteria. Dentures should also be soaked overnight in a cleaning solution. The dentist should be visited every 6 months teeth and gums cleaning.

The use of sedatives or antihistamine medicines dry out the mouth and increase risk of aspiration. Smoking should be avoided, as it increases risk for aspiration pneumonia.

 

Bites and Stings

  • Human and animal bites
    • First aid techniques for human bites

A bite of any kind can turn into an infection. There may be damage to tendons or nerves if the victim has a lack of mobility, stiffness or numbness in the bitten area. Wounds that are deeper can require stitches. A tetanus shot may be required as well and antibiotics may need to be prescribed.

Use direct, firm pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Clean and protect the wound by carefully washing with soap and water and rinsing for several minutes under running water. Apply antibiotic ointment, if available, to prevent an infection from developing.

Signs of infection include pain, pus, redness and/or swelling to the injured area. If the wound is serious, will not stop bleeding or spurts blood, call 911.

 

First aid techniques for animal bites




In addition to applying the same information as above for human bites, animal bites may require a rabies shot, antibiotics to be prescribed, and anti-rabies treatment.

Find out if the animals rabies shots are up to date if the owner can be located. Contact the local health department or animal control right away if the animal is a stray or wild animal.

 

 Bites and stings from insects; instruction in first-aid treatment of anaphylactic shock.






What Is Anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency consisting of a severe allergic reaction that comes on suddenly.

Shortly after being exposed to the trigger of the allergy, the victim’s blood pressure will decrease from blood vessels beginning to widen. This may cause the victim to lose consciousness. Swelling may ensue around the face and/or throat and difficulty swallowing and breathing may occur.

What Causes Anaphylaxis? Common causes of anaphylaxis include: ant, bees or wasp insect bites or stings, latex, fish or shellfish like shrimp or lobster, dairy products, medications, or peanuts and tree nuts like walnut, brazil, cashew nuts, hazel and almond.

Injection of the drug epinephrine can prolong symptoms. They are delivered via an injection and while they do not provide a cure, they provide time for proper treatment once EMS arrives.

What Are Epinephrine Sting Kits? Epinephrine sting kits are self administered or can be administered to the victim and are to be immediately utilized upon a victim who has experienced a sting from an insect prior to being treated by a medical professional. Epi-Pen is a commonly used Epinephrine Sting Kit. Prescriptions are required in order to purchase a sting kits.

Allergic reactions to insect stings can be prevented with allergy shots, which have an approximate 97% effectiveness in preventing reactions in the future. These shots include gradual injections with venom dosage increases that stimulate the immune system to create allergic reaction resistance.

 

 

Section 6: First Aid Principles

 

Head and Neck Injury first aid principles







Call 911 in the event blood is coming out of the victim’s ears or nose, their speech is slurred, vision is blurry, or if they are confused, dizzy or unconscious. Check the victim for a spinal cord injury but do not move them unless they are not breathing. Hands-Only CPR chest compressions is required if the victim is not breathing. Apply clean dressings to the wound to control bleeding. Place ice for approximately 25 minutes every 2-4 hrs to manage swelling. Acetaminophen should be taken for headaches as opposed to anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen that can increase risk of bleeding. Do not leave the victim alone for the first 24 hours and check on them every 2 hours.

 

Eye Injury first aid principles




Call 911 in the event that an object is protruding from the victim’s skin. For chemical exposure to the eyes, do not allow the victim to rub their eyes. They should continuously wash they eyes with water immediately after exposure. For eye impact, an ice bag should be applied without placing pressure on the injury. Ibuprofen or equivalent should be taken for pain management. For bruising, bleeding, eye movement pain or pain when moving the eyes, seek emergency medical services. If there is an object or particle in the Eye, do rub it. Instead, pull the upper lid down and blink repeatedly followed by rinsing with eyewash. Close the eye and bandage it if the object cannot be removed and then seek emergency medical services.

 

Nose Injury first aid principles





To stop a nosebleed, sit the person up straight and tip their head forward slightly. Have them pinch the soft part of their nose shut for 10 minutes by using their thumb and forefinger, while breathing through their mouth. Repeat the sequence if it is still bleeding after 10 minutes. Place an ice pack to the nose and cheeks to help start the bleeding. Apply Vaseline or antiseptic nasal cream inside the nose and do not let the person blow their nose or put anything inside it for approximately 12 hours.

Do not try to put a crooked nose back in place if it appears broken, as it could increase bleeding or injury.

Use ice immediately after the injury occurs for approximately 15 minutes at least 3 times each day to reduce pain, swelling and bruising. Keep the victim’s head elevated.

To relieve nasal stuffiness, drink a lot of fluid to help keep mucus thin and draining. This will help to unblock the sinuses. Sudafed or nasal sprays also relieve nasal stuffiness. A small humidifier can be used at night to help to keep the air moist. Inhaling steam from a vaporizer, or lengthy steamy showers can also help. Another technique is to place a towel over your head and a bowl a hot water to trap and inhale the steam.

In the days that follow the injury, the victim should monitor for and contact a medical professional if symptoms worsen including changes to eyes or vision or the development of a sinus problem or skin infection occur.

 

 Mouth and Teeth Injuries





  • First aid principles

The victim should be inspected for facial fractures, missing or loose teeth and for problems swallowing or breathing. Stitches may be needed if lacerations bleed longer than 15 minutes of placing pressure on the wound. Continue to monitor the victim until more help arrives.

 

Chest Injuries

  • First aid principles

911 should be called for any serious wound to the chest. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR. Cover open wounds using what is available including clothing or cloth. 2 inches beyond the edge of the wounds should be covered. If objects have penetrated the chest, they should not be removed.

Control, and try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure over the dressing. Apply additional dressing on top of the current dressing if blood soaks through the dressing.

Position the victim in order to allow them to breathe better. Continue to monitor the victim’s breathing and perform CPR, if required, until medical assistance arrives.

 

Abdomen Injuries

  • First aid principles

A victim suffering from a penetrating or blunt trauma can experience internal bleeding and damage to major organs.

Look for symptoms of shock in the victim, pale clammy skin, abdominal stiffness, evidence of a wound, a weak pulse, breathing irregularities, inability to control bladder or bowels, holding abdomen, or a guarding it or laying in the fetal position.

911 should be called immediately. Attempt to stop the any bleeding present. Lay the victim on their back and elevate their legs while bending them at the knees if the victim is able and conscious. Help the victim remain calm while help arrives.

 

Evisceration is a serious injury to the abdomen where the organs are visible. If you encounter a victim suffering an evisceration, call 911 right away.

Symptoms include organ visibility, evidence of shock, a continuous weaken pulse, nausea, anxiety and clammy or pale skin.

Non-stick dressing or plastic wrap should be used to cover the protruding organ.

 

Hand Injuries



  • First aid principles

Call 911 if the victim is seriously injured including inability to stop the bleeding, blood is gushing from the wound, if the bone is sticking out through the skin, or if the injury includes amputation.

If a victim is cut, apply pressure on the cut until the bleeding stops. Remove any jewelry to prevent blockage of blood flow and clean the wound with warm soap and water. Use antibiotic medicine along with a sterile bandage and put ice on the hand while elevating it to keep swelling down.

Victims with a fracture, finger dislocation or sprain, see a doctor as soon as possible. Do not attempt to straighten a bent or broken finger. Use ice to keep swelling down and elevate the finger above the heart.

Victim with signs of an infection including swelling, puss or redness should see a doctor.

 

Finger Injuries



  • First aid principles

Call 911 if Blood is gushing from the injury or if the bleeding will not stop after approximately 5 to 10 minutes of applying firm pressure to the wound.

                The first order is to stop the bleeding by firmly applying enough pressure for the bleeding to stop. If any piece of the finger is severed, place it in a clean plastic bag packed in ice, and be sure it goes with the victim to the hospital.

Then, the wound will need to be cleaned by washing it with fresh water and using antibacterial cream to decrease infection, followed by applying a sterile bandage. Place ice on the bruise if swelling occurs.

The victim should be taken to a doctor if they experience numbness, the wound looks infected with pus, swelling and redness, they cannot move their finger, experience numbness, the wound cannot be cleaned and may require antibiotics or is too deep or large to treat, severe persistent swelling and pain exist, the victim has not had a tetanus shot within 10 years, a human or animal bite created the wound, or the bone is protruding.

 

Foot Injuries




  • First aid principles

Injuries to feet and ankles can be frequent, from twisting an ankle to stubbing a toe. Providing basic first aid will reduce risk of injuries getting worse. RICE is an acronym to remember when a foot or ankle injuries occur. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest is needed to recover. Apply ice to the victim’s injury and elevate their feet right away. Compression should be applied to minimize bleeding and swelling to the damaged area. Heat should not be applied to injuries for approximately 36 hours.

Broken bones should be immobilized to prevent additional damage. Cuts to the foot should be treated by carefully cleaning with antibacterial soap followed by an antiseptic like Merthiolate or Betadine. Use sterile gauze to dress the wound until a scab forms. This can take several days. Elevate the victim’s leg while putting pressure on the bandage for approximately 15 minutes if an excess of bleeding is present. If bleeding does not stop, seek professional medical attention.

An infected sore or cut will be red, swollen or have drainage leaking. Use 2 tablespoons of salt to each gallon of warm water 4 to 6 times daily and soak the infected area for approximately 15 minutes, keeping the infected area covered with sterile gauze in between. Seek professional medical attention of there are no signs of improvement, so that the infection does not turn life threatening.

 

 

Section 7: Poisoning



  • Ingested poisons: alkali, acid, and systemic poisons. If someone has been poisoned, call a poison control center or 911. The American Association of Poison Control Centers can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. They can also help you locate a local Poison Control Center.
  • Inhaled poisons: carbon monoxide; hydrogen sulfide; smoke; and other chemical fumes, vapors, and gases. Assessing the toxic potential of the environment and the need for respirators.
  • It is important to have knowledge of the chemicals, if any, existing at the worksite and of first aid and treatment for inhalation or ingestion.
  • Effects of alcohol and illicit drugs so that the first-aid provider can recognize the physiologic and behavioral effects of these substances.

Recognizing asphyxiation and the danger of entering a confined space without appropriate respiratory protection. Additional training is required if first-aid personnel will assist in the rescue from the confined space.






This concludes First Aid Training. You may proceed to Testing.

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