Glen Cove EMS Explorer Post #1072
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5 QuickFirst Aid Tips

  1. Do not move the patient unless the patient's location is an immediate threat to their life ... e.g., patient is in the water, a fire is burning in the building or vehicle, or there is no way to protect the patient from harm in their current location.
  2. Protect the patient from the environment. Keep them covered.
  3. If the patient is bleeding, apply a sterile bandage. If bleeding continues, apply additional dressings over the existing bandage. If possible, elevate the injury and apply direct pressure to the wound.
  4. If the patient is not breathing or does not have a pulse, begin rescue breathing and/or CPR.
  5. Try to keep the patient assured and calm.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Chest pain that can radiate to arms (left or right), jaw, or back
  • Profuse sweating
  • Pallor (pale color to skin)
  • Shallow or deep respirations (breathing)
  • Marked discomfort that continues even with rest
  • Anxiety, feeling of impending doom
  • Irrationality, inability to concentrate

 

 

Congestive Heart Failure

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of ankles or other parts of lower extremities
  • Blue color to skin (cyanosis)
  • Rapid pulse
  • Rales (gurgling, wet sound to respirations)
  • Profuse sweating

 

 

Stroke

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • absent, or slurred speech
  • partial or complete blindness
  • blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • may have unequal pupils
  • sudden severe headache
  • sudden nausea and/or vomiting
  • warm, flushed, clammy skin
  • slow, full puls
  • may have distended neck veins
  • facial droop
  • paralysis, weakness or loss of coordination of limbs, usually on one side of the body
  • loss of balance
  • difficulty swallowing
  • salivary drool
  • urinary incontinence
  • brief loss of consciousness
  • unconscious - snoring respirations
  • may have seizures

CARE AND TREATMENT

  • urgent medical aid - call 911 for an ambulance
  • posture in position of comfort taking care that the airway does not become obstructed by drool or mucus
  • reassurance - talk to the casualty even if unconscious
  • recovery position if unconscious, constantly observe
  • maintain body temperature

 

 

Allergic Reactions (Anaphylactic Shock)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blotchiness or hives on skin
  • Swelling to face, tongue
  • Itchiness
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling of limbs

 

 

Hip Fracture

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Pain in affected side
  • Area sensitive to pressure/touch
  • Area discolored
  • Swelling of area
  • Inability to move affected limb
  • Unable to stand
  • Foot on injured side turn out
    (If foot turned inward, possible dislocation)

 

 

Shock

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • pale,cool, clammy skin
  • thirst
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • rapid, weak pulse
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • evidence of loss of body fluids, or high temperature if sepsis present
  • collapse and unconsciousness
  • progressive shutdown of bodys vital functions
    A good indicator for shock is when a casualty displays two or more of the observations listed in the shocked patient list below.

CARE AND TREATMENT

  • call for an ambulance
  • control any bleeding
  • if conscious, position flat on floore, with legs elevated
  • if unconscious, stable side position with support under the legs to elevate them
  • reassurance
  • maintain body temperature, but do not overheat
  • treat any other injuries

 

 

Laceration

CARE AND TREATMENT

  • quickly check the wound for foreign matter
  • immediately apply pressure to stop any bleeding
  • bring the sides of the wound together and press firmly
  • apply a non-adherent dressing and a firm roller bandage
  • immobilise and elevate the injured limb if injuries permit

     

     

    Choking

    SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

    PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION

    • difficulty in breathing
    •  wheezing
    • persistent cough
    •  cyanosis (blue skin colour)

    CARE AND TREATMENT

    •  encourage to keep coughing
    • place small children and infants face down
    •  if blockage has not been cleared call 000 for an ambulance
    •  reassurance

    SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

    COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION

    • unable to breathe
    • unable to speak or cough
    • agitated and distressed
    • may grip the throat
    • cyanosis (blue skin colour)
    • rapid loss of consciousness

    CARE AND TREATMENT

    • position the casualty
      • adults on their side
      • children head down
    • deliver four firm slaps between the shoulder blades
    • check mouth and clear any obstructions that may have come loose
    • reassess the casualtys attempts to breathe
    • repeat four firm slaps between the shoulder blades
    • if blockage has not been cleared call 911 for an ambulance
    • If this fails to free the object and the casualty has collapsed, quickly roll the casualty onto his or her side, place your hands over the ribs, and deliver quick, firm thrusts. This may expel the object through the forcing of residual air from the lungs.

     

    Bee Stings
     SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS           

  • Redness and swelling around the site of sting
  • Skin around sting is pal and may develop into a red welt
  • Stinger might still be in skin. It looks like a thorn or splinter.
  • The site of the bee sting might sting or cause pain to that area

    CARE AND TREATMENT

  • Wash the area with soap and water
  • If the area is swelling up apply ice
  • Moniter the sting to make sure it doesn't get infected
  • Moniter patient. If symptoms persist or get worse contact your physician

     

     

  • The information presented on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition or illness. Please consult the proper health professional as necessary.