Dust-Ball.
04-08-2005, 05:41 PM
Here is my Guide to Basic First Aid Tips. Please Read It You May Need It One Day. :)
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The Primary Survey
Danger
Are you or the casualty in any danger? If you have not already done so, make the situation safe and then *****s the casualty.
Response
If the casualty appears unconscious check this by shouting
‘Can you hear me?’, ‘Open your eyes’
and gently shaking their shoulders.
If there is no response, shout for help then follow the ABC Procedure below:
Airway
Open the airway by placing one hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilting the head back.
Check the mouth for obstructions and then lift the chin using 2 fingers only.
Breathing
Spend 10 seconds checking to see if the casualty is breathing:
Look to see if the chest is rising and falling. Listen for breathing.
Feel for breath against your cheek.
If the casualty is breathing, place them in the recovery position.
Check for other life-threatening conditions.
If the casualty is not breathing, and the condition is due to injury, drowning, or choking or they are less than 8 years old, continue with sequence.
For any other casualty who is not breathing, call an ambulance, then return to casualty and begin sequence again.
Give 2 Rescue Breaths.
Circulation
Spend 10 seconds checking for signs of circulation: look, listen and feel for breathing, coughing, movement or any other signs of life.
Decision Making
Conscious and Breathing
Check circulation (including a check for severe bleeding)
Treat any injuries
Get help if necessary
Unconscious but Breathing
Place the casualty in the Recovery Position.
Check circulation (including a check for severe bleeding)
Treat any life-threatening conditions
Call for an ambulance
Unconscious, not breathing but has circulation
Baby or Child (less than 8 years old)
Give 20 rescue breaths.
If the baby or child is small enough, carry them to the telephone and call for an ambulance.
If you have to leave the child to call for an ambulance follow the resuscitation sequence again on your return.
If the baby or child is still unconscious, not breathing but has circulation then continue to give rescue breaths until help arrives.
Check for circulation every 20 breaths.
Adult (8 years or older)
If the condition is due to injury, drowning or choking:
Give 10 rescue breaths.
Call for an ambulance
On return to casualty follow the resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
If the condition is not due to injury, drowning or choking:
Call for an ambulance
On return to casualty follow the resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
Check for circulation every 10 breaths.
Unconscious, not breathing and has no circulation
Baby or Child (less than 8 years old)
Give Chest Compressions together with rescue breaths (CPR) for 1 minute
If the baby or child is small enough, carry them to the telephone and call for an ambulance.
If you have left the baby or child to call an ambulance, follow the resuscitation sequence again on your return.
If the baby or child is still unconscious, not breathing and has no circulation, continue to give Chest Compressions together with Rescue Breaths (CPR) until help arrives.
Adult (8 years or older)
If the condition is due to injury, drowning or choking:
Give chest compressions together with Rescue Breaths (CPR) for 1 minute.
Call an ambulance, then return to casualty and follow resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
If circulation is absent, and the condition is not due to injury, drowning or choking:
Call an ambulance, then return to casualty and follow resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
Continue to give chest compressions together with Rescue Breaths (CPR) until help arrives.
Rescue Breaths
Baby
A baby is considered to be less than 1 year old for the purposes of these instructions.
Ensure the airway is open.
Seal your lips around the baby’s mouth and nose.
Blow gently into the lungs, looking along the chest as you breathe. Fill your cheeks with air and use this amount each time.
As the chest rises, stop blowing and allow it to fall.
Repeat once more then check for circulation.
If the circulation is still present continue Rescue Breaths for 1 minute then dial 999.
If the circulation is absent commence Chest Compressions (CPR).
Check for circulation after every 20 breaths.
If breathing starts, place the baby in the Recovery Position.
Child
A child is considered to be 1 - 7 years (inclusive) for the purposes of these instructions.
Ensure the airway is open.
Seal your lips around the child’s mouth while pinching the nose.
Blow gently into the lungs, looking along the chest as you breathe. Take shallow breaths and do not empty your lungs completely.
As the chest rises, stop blowing and allow it to fall.
Repeat once more then check for circulation.
If the circulation is still present continue Rescue Breaths for 1 minute then dial 999.
If the circulation is absent commence Chest Compressions (CPR).
Check for circulation after every 20 breaths.
If breathing starts, place the child in the recovery position.
Adults
An adult is considered to be anyone aged 8 or over for the purposes of these instructions.
Ensure the airway is open.
Pinch nose firmly closed.
Take a deep breath and seal your lips around the casualty’s mouth.
Blow into the mouth until the chest rises.
Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall.
Repeat once more then check for circulation.
If circulation is absent commence Chest Compressions (CPR).
Check for circulation after every 10 breaths.
If breathing starts, place in Recovery Position.
Chest Compressions
Baby
A baby is considered to be less than 1 year old for the purposes of these instructions.
Note: Chest Compressions must always be combined with Rescue Breaths.
Place the baby on a firm surface.
Locate a position, 1 finger’s width below the nipple line, in the middle of the chest.
Using 2 fingers, press down sharply to a third of the depth of the chest.
Press 5 times, at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
After 5 compressions, give one Rescue Breath.
Continue resuscitation (5 compressions to 1 rescue breath) without stopping until help arrives.
Only check for circulation if the baby’s colour improves.
If circulation is present stop the Chest Compressions but continue Rescue Breaths if necessary.
Child
A child is considered to be 1 - 7 years (inclusive) for the purposes of these instructions.
Note: Chest Compressions must always be combined with Rescue Breaths.
Place one hand 2 fingers’ width above the junction of the rib margin and breastbone.
Use the heel of that hand with arms straight and press down to a third of the depth of the chest.
Press 5 times, at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
After 5 compressions, give one Rescue Breath.
Continue resuscitation (5 compressions to 1 rescue breath) without stopping until help arrives.
Only check for circulation if the child’s colour improves.
If the circulation is present, stop the chest compressions but continue Rescue Breaths if necessary.
Adult
An adult is considered to be anyone aged 8 or over for the purposes of these instructions.
Note: Chest Compressions must always be combined with Rescue Breaths.
Place heel of your hand 2 fingers’ width above the junction of the casualty’s rib margin and breastbone.
Place other hand on top and interlock fingers. Keeping your arms straight and your fingers off the chest, press down by 4-5cms; then release the pressure, keeping your hands in place.
Repeat the compressions 15 times, aiming at a rate of 100 per minute.
Give 2 Rescue Breaths.
Continue resuscitation, 15 compressions to 2 Rescue Breaths.
Only check for circulation if the casualty’s colour improves.
If circulation is present, stop the Chest Compressions but continue Rescue Breaths if necessary.
The Recovery Position
BabyA baby is considered to be less than 1 year old for the purposes of these instructions.
For a baby less than a year old, a modified Recovery Position must be adopted. Cradle the infant in your arms, with his head tilted downwards to prevent him from choking on his tongue or inhaling vomit. Monitor and record vital signs - level of response, pulse and breathing until medical help arrives.
Child/Adult
Anyone over the age of 1 year old for the purpose of these instructions.
An unconscious casualty who is breathing but has no other life- threatening conditions should be placed in the Recovery Position.
Turn casualty onto their side.
Lift chin forward in open airway position and adjust hand under the cheek as necessary.
Check casualty cannot roll forwards or backwards.
Monitor breathing and pulse continuously.
If injuries allow, turn the casualty to the other side after 30 minutes.
NOTE: if you suspect spinal injury, use the jaw thrust technique. Place your hands on either side of their face. With your fingertips gently lift the jaw to open the airway. Take care not to tilt the casualty’s neck.
Shock
Recognition
In the case of a serious accident (and once you have treated any obvious injuries and called an ambulance), watch for signs of shock;
Pale face
Cold, clammy skin
Fast, shallow breathing
Rapid, weak pulse
Yawning
Sighing
In extreme cases, unconsciousness
Treatment
Lay the casualty down, raise and support their legs.
Use a coat or blanket to keep them warm – but not smothered.
Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Check breathing and pulse frequently. If breathing stops, follow the Resuscitation Sequence – DRABC .
Give lots of comfort and reassurance.
Bleeding
Minor cuts, scratches and grazes
Treatment
Wash and dry your own hands.
Cover any cuts on your own hands and put on disposable gloves.
Clean the cut, if dirty, under running water. Pat dry with a sterile dressing or clean lint-free material. If possible, raise affected area above the heart.
Cover the cut temporarily while you clean the surrounding skin with soap and water and pat the surrounding skin dry. Cover the cut completely with a sterile dressing or plaster.
Severe bleeding
Treatment
Put on disposable gloves.
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a pad (e.g. a clean cloth) or fingers until a sterile dressing is available.
Raise and support the injured limb. Take particular care if you suspect a bone has been broken.
Lay the casualty down to treat for shock.
Bandage the pad or dressing firmly to control bleeding, but not so tightly that it stops the circulation to fingers or toes. If bleeding seeps through first bandage, cover with a second bandage. If bleeding continues to seep through bandage, remove it and reapply.
Treat for shock.
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
Remember: Protect yourself from infection by wearing disposable gloves and covering any wounds on your hands.
If blood comes through the dressing DO NOT remove it – bandage another over the original.
If blood seeps through BOTH dressings, remove them both and replace with a fresh dressing, applying pressure over the site of bleeding.
Objects in wounds
Where possible, swab or wash small objects out of the wound with clean water. If there is a large object embedded:
Treatment
Leave it in place.
Apply firm pressure on either side of the object.
Raise and support the wounded limb or part.
Lay the casualty down to treat for shock.
Gently cover the wound and object with a sterile dressing.
Build up padding around the object until the padding is higher than the object, then bandage over the object without pressing on it.
Depending on the severity of the bleeding, dial 999 for an ambulance or take the casualty to hospital.
Burns and scalds
Severe Burns
Treatment
Start cooling the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutes
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
Make the casualty as comfortable as possible, lie them down.
Continue to pour copious amounts of cold water over the burn for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved.
Whilst wearing disposable gloves, remove jewellery, watch or clothing from the affected area - unless it is sticking to the skin.
Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection. Cloth, a clean plastic bag or kitchen film all make good dressings.
Treat for shock.
Minor Burns
Treatment
For minor burns, hold the affected area under cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove jewellery etc. and cover the burn as detailed above.
If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment.
Clothing on fire
Treatment
Stop the casualty panicking or running – any movement or breeze will fan the flames.
Drop the casualty to the ground.
If possible, wrap the casualty tightly in a coat, curtain or blanket (not the nylon or cellular type), rug or other heavy-duty fabric. The best fabric is wool.
Roll the casualty along the ground until the flames have been smothered.
On ALL burns DO NOT
Use lotions, ointments and creams
Use adhesive dressings
Break blisters
Fractures
Treatment
Give lots of comfort and reassurance and persuade them to stay still.
Do not move the casualty unless you have to.
Steady and support the injured limb with your hands to stop any movement.
If there is bleeding, press a clean pad over the wound to control the flow of blood. Then bandage on and around the wound.
If you suspect a broken leg, put padding between the knees and ankles. Form a splint (to immobilise the leg further) by gently, but firmly, bandaging the good leg to the bad one at the knees and ankles, then above and below the injury. If it is an arm that is broken, improvise a sling to support the arm close to the body.
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
If it does not distress the casualty too much, raise and support the injured limb.
Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink in case an operation is necessary.
Watch out for signs of shock.
If the casualty becomes unconscious, follow the Resuscitation Sequence – DRABC .
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The Primary Survey
Danger
Are you or the casualty in any danger? If you have not already done so, make the situation safe and then *****s the casualty.
Response
If the casualty appears unconscious check this by shouting
‘Can you hear me?’, ‘Open your eyes’
and gently shaking their shoulders.
If there is no response, shout for help then follow the ABC Procedure below:
Airway
Open the airway by placing one hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilting the head back.
Check the mouth for obstructions and then lift the chin using 2 fingers only.
Breathing
Spend 10 seconds checking to see if the casualty is breathing:
Look to see if the chest is rising and falling. Listen for breathing.
Feel for breath against your cheek.
If the casualty is breathing, place them in the recovery position.
Check for other life-threatening conditions.
If the casualty is not breathing, and the condition is due to injury, drowning, or choking or they are less than 8 years old, continue with sequence.
For any other casualty who is not breathing, call an ambulance, then return to casualty and begin sequence again.
Give 2 Rescue Breaths.
Circulation
Spend 10 seconds checking for signs of circulation: look, listen and feel for breathing, coughing, movement or any other signs of life.
Decision Making
Conscious and Breathing
Check circulation (including a check for severe bleeding)
Treat any injuries
Get help if necessary
Unconscious but Breathing
Place the casualty in the Recovery Position.
Check circulation (including a check for severe bleeding)
Treat any life-threatening conditions
Call for an ambulance
Unconscious, not breathing but has circulation
Baby or Child (less than 8 years old)
Give 20 rescue breaths.
If the baby or child is small enough, carry them to the telephone and call for an ambulance.
If you have to leave the child to call for an ambulance follow the resuscitation sequence again on your return.
If the baby or child is still unconscious, not breathing but has circulation then continue to give rescue breaths until help arrives.
Check for circulation every 20 breaths.
Adult (8 years or older)
If the condition is due to injury, drowning or choking:
Give 10 rescue breaths.
Call for an ambulance
On return to casualty follow the resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
If the condition is not due to injury, drowning or choking:
Call for an ambulance
On return to casualty follow the resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
Check for circulation every 10 breaths.
Unconscious, not breathing and has no circulation
Baby or Child (less than 8 years old)
Give Chest Compressions together with rescue breaths (CPR) for 1 minute
If the baby or child is small enough, carry them to the telephone and call for an ambulance.
If you have left the baby or child to call an ambulance, follow the resuscitation sequence again on your return.
If the baby or child is still unconscious, not breathing and has no circulation, continue to give Chest Compressions together with Rescue Breaths (CPR) until help arrives.
Adult (8 years or older)
If the condition is due to injury, drowning or choking:
Give chest compressions together with Rescue Breaths (CPR) for 1 minute.
Call an ambulance, then return to casualty and follow resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
If circulation is absent, and the condition is not due to injury, drowning or choking:
Call an ambulance, then return to casualty and follow resuscitation sequence again, acting on your findings.
Continue to give chest compressions together with Rescue Breaths (CPR) until help arrives.
Rescue Breaths
Baby
A baby is considered to be less than 1 year old for the purposes of these instructions.
Ensure the airway is open.
Seal your lips around the baby’s mouth and nose.
Blow gently into the lungs, looking along the chest as you breathe. Fill your cheeks with air and use this amount each time.
As the chest rises, stop blowing and allow it to fall.
Repeat once more then check for circulation.
If the circulation is still present continue Rescue Breaths for 1 minute then dial 999.
If the circulation is absent commence Chest Compressions (CPR).
Check for circulation after every 20 breaths.
If breathing starts, place the baby in the Recovery Position.
Child
A child is considered to be 1 - 7 years (inclusive) for the purposes of these instructions.
Ensure the airway is open.
Seal your lips around the child’s mouth while pinching the nose.
Blow gently into the lungs, looking along the chest as you breathe. Take shallow breaths and do not empty your lungs completely.
As the chest rises, stop blowing and allow it to fall.
Repeat once more then check for circulation.
If the circulation is still present continue Rescue Breaths for 1 minute then dial 999.
If the circulation is absent commence Chest Compressions (CPR).
Check for circulation after every 20 breaths.
If breathing starts, place the child in the recovery position.
Adults
An adult is considered to be anyone aged 8 or over for the purposes of these instructions.
Ensure the airway is open.
Pinch nose firmly closed.
Take a deep breath and seal your lips around the casualty’s mouth.
Blow into the mouth until the chest rises.
Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall.
Repeat once more then check for circulation.
If circulation is absent commence Chest Compressions (CPR).
Check for circulation after every 10 breaths.
If breathing starts, place in Recovery Position.
Chest Compressions
Baby
A baby is considered to be less than 1 year old for the purposes of these instructions.
Note: Chest Compressions must always be combined with Rescue Breaths.
Place the baby on a firm surface.
Locate a position, 1 finger’s width below the nipple line, in the middle of the chest.
Using 2 fingers, press down sharply to a third of the depth of the chest.
Press 5 times, at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
After 5 compressions, give one Rescue Breath.
Continue resuscitation (5 compressions to 1 rescue breath) without stopping until help arrives.
Only check for circulation if the baby’s colour improves.
If circulation is present stop the Chest Compressions but continue Rescue Breaths if necessary.
Child
A child is considered to be 1 - 7 years (inclusive) for the purposes of these instructions.
Note: Chest Compressions must always be combined with Rescue Breaths.
Place one hand 2 fingers’ width above the junction of the rib margin and breastbone.
Use the heel of that hand with arms straight and press down to a third of the depth of the chest.
Press 5 times, at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
After 5 compressions, give one Rescue Breath.
Continue resuscitation (5 compressions to 1 rescue breath) without stopping until help arrives.
Only check for circulation if the child’s colour improves.
If the circulation is present, stop the chest compressions but continue Rescue Breaths if necessary.
Adult
An adult is considered to be anyone aged 8 or over for the purposes of these instructions.
Note: Chest Compressions must always be combined with Rescue Breaths.
Place heel of your hand 2 fingers’ width above the junction of the casualty’s rib margin and breastbone.
Place other hand on top and interlock fingers. Keeping your arms straight and your fingers off the chest, press down by 4-5cms; then release the pressure, keeping your hands in place.
Repeat the compressions 15 times, aiming at a rate of 100 per minute.
Give 2 Rescue Breaths.
Continue resuscitation, 15 compressions to 2 Rescue Breaths.
Only check for circulation if the casualty’s colour improves.
If circulation is present, stop the Chest Compressions but continue Rescue Breaths if necessary.
The Recovery Position
BabyA baby is considered to be less than 1 year old for the purposes of these instructions.
For a baby less than a year old, a modified Recovery Position must be adopted. Cradle the infant in your arms, with his head tilted downwards to prevent him from choking on his tongue or inhaling vomit. Monitor and record vital signs - level of response, pulse and breathing until medical help arrives.
Child/Adult
Anyone over the age of 1 year old for the purpose of these instructions.
An unconscious casualty who is breathing but has no other life- threatening conditions should be placed in the Recovery Position.
Turn casualty onto their side.
Lift chin forward in open airway position and adjust hand under the cheek as necessary.
Check casualty cannot roll forwards or backwards.
Monitor breathing and pulse continuously.
If injuries allow, turn the casualty to the other side after 30 minutes.
NOTE: if you suspect spinal injury, use the jaw thrust technique. Place your hands on either side of their face. With your fingertips gently lift the jaw to open the airway. Take care not to tilt the casualty’s neck.
Shock
Recognition
In the case of a serious accident (and once you have treated any obvious injuries and called an ambulance), watch for signs of shock;
Pale face
Cold, clammy skin
Fast, shallow breathing
Rapid, weak pulse
Yawning
Sighing
In extreme cases, unconsciousness
Treatment
Lay the casualty down, raise and support their legs.
Use a coat or blanket to keep them warm – but not smothered.
Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Check breathing and pulse frequently. If breathing stops, follow the Resuscitation Sequence – DRABC .
Give lots of comfort and reassurance.
Bleeding
Minor cuts, scratches and grazes
Treatment
Wash and dry your own hands.
Cover any cuts on your own hands and put on disposable gloves.
Clean the cut, if dirty, under running water. Pat dry with a sterile dressing or clean lint-free material. If possible, raise affected area above the heart.
Cover the cut temporarily while you clean the surrounding skin with soap and water and pat the surrounding skin dry. Cover the cut completely with a sterile dressing or plaster.
Severe bleeding
Treatment
Put on disposable gloves.
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a pad (e.g. a clean cloth) or fingers until a sterile dressing is available.
Raise and support the injured limb. Take particular care if you suspect a bone has been broken.
Lay the casualty down to treat for shock.
Bandage the pad or dressing firmly to control bleeding, but not so tightly that it stops the circulation to fingers or toes. If bleeding seeps through first bandage, cover with a second bandage. If bleeding continues to seep through bandage, remove it and reapply.
Treat for shock.
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
Remember: Protect yourself from infection by wearing disposable gloves and covering any wounds on your hands.
If blood comes through the dressing DO NOT remove it – bandage another over the original.
If blood seeps through BOTH dressings, remove them both and replace with a fresh dressing, applying pressure over the site of bleeding.
Objects in wounds
Where possible, swab or wash small objects out of the wound with clean water. If there is a large object embedded:
Treatment
Leave it in place.
Apply firm pressure on either side of the object.
Raise and support the wounded limb or part.
Lay the casualty down to treat for shock.
Gently cover the wound and object with a sterile dressing.
Build up padding around the object until the padding is higher than the object, then bandage over the object without pressing on it.
Depending on the severity of the bleeding, dial 999 for an ambulance or take the casualty to hospital.
Burns and scalds
Severe Burns
Treatment
Start cooling the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutes
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
Make the casualty as comfortable as possible, lie them down.
Continue to pour copious amounts of cold water over the burn for at least ten minutes or until the pain is relieved.
Whilst wearing disposable gloves, remove jewellery, watch or clothing from the affected area - unless it is sticking to the skin.
Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection. Cloth, a clean plastic bag or kitchen film all make good dressings.
Treat for shock.
Minor Burns
Treatment
For minor burns, hold the affected area under cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove jewellery etc. and cover the burn as detailed above.
If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment.
Clothing on fire
Treatment
Stop the casualty panicking or running – any movement or breeze will fan the flames.
Drop the casualty to the ground.
If possible, wrap the casualty tightly in a coat, curtain or blanket (not the nylon or cellular type), rug or other heavy-duty fabric. The best fabric is wool.
Roll the casualty along the ground until the flames have been smothered.
On ALL burns DO NOT
Use lotions, ointments and creams
Use adhesive dressings
Break blisters
Fractures
Treatment
Give lots of comfort and reassurance and persuade them to stay still.
Do not move the casualty unless you have to.
Steady and support the injured limb with your hands to stop any movement.
If there is bleeding, press a clean pad over the wound to control the flow of blood. Then bandage on and around the wound.
If you suspect a broken leg, put padding between the knees and ankles. Form a splint (to immobilise the leg further) by gently, but firmly, bandaging the good leg to the bad one at the knees and ankles, then above and below the injury. If it is an arm that is broken, improvise a sling to support the arm close to the body.
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
If it does not distress the casualty too much, raise and support the injured limb.
Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink in case an operation is necessary.
Watch out for signs of shock.
If the casualty becomes unconscious, follow the Resuscitation Sequence – DRABC .