Burns
A burn occurs when the skin comes in contact with anything hot.
Sources of Burns:
Sun
Fire
Matches
Heaters—electric, kerosene, radiators
Curling rods or rollers
Hot plates
Chemicals
Should My Child See A Doctor?
A burn can also occur on the lining of the nose and the air passages of the lungs when the child breathes in hot smoke or fumes. These are called inhalation burns and need immediate attention by a doctor.
What Do I Do?
Skin burns can be cared for at home if the skin is pink or reddened with no blisters (bubbles). For this type of skin burn:
Immediately put the area in cold water to stop further burning.
Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
Watch the area for blistering (bubbling).
Skin burns that form blisters (bubbles) or cause the skin to be open and blackened need to be seen by a doctor immediately.
If the area of the burn is small:
Cover the area with a clean cloth.
Take the child to the emergency department.
If the area of the burn is large:
Immediately call "911" for help.
Cover the child with a clean sheet or cloth.
Do not move the child unless there is further danger.
Give acetaminophen (Infants' or Children's Tylenol®) for pain.
What Shouldn't I Do?
Do not use butter or oil on burns.
Do not break the blisters on the burn.
Do not treat burns with blisters at home.
Could It Be Prevented?
Keep matches in a high, safe place.
Turn pot handles toward the center of the stove.
Keep children away from kerosene heaters, radiators and open fires.
Do not leave young children alone in your home.
Use a cool mist vaporizer rather than a steam vaporizer.
Teach your child the word "hot" and what things are hot.
Important: If your child is setting fires, seek your doctor's help.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
CHEMICAL BURNS FIRST AID
If a chemical burns the skin, follow these steps:
Remove the cause of the burn by flushing the chemicals off the skin surface with cool, running water for 20 minutes or more. If the burning chemical is a powder-like substance, such as lime, brush it off the skin before flushing.
Remove clothing or jewelry that has been contaminated by the chemical.
Apply a cool, wet cloth or towel to relieve pain.
Wrap the burned area loosely with a dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth.
Rewash the burned area for several more minutes if the person experiences increased burning after the initial washing.
Minor chemical burns usually heal without further treatment.
Seek emergency medical assistance if:
The victim has signs of shock, such as fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a notably shallow manner.
The chemical burn penetrated through the first layer of skin, and the resulting second-degree burn covers an area more than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter.
The chemical burn occurred on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint.
The victim has pain that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).
If you're unsure whether a substance is toxic, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222. If you seek emergency assistance, bring the chemical container or a complete description of the substance with you for identification.
Remove the cause of the burn by flushing the chemicals off the skin surface with cool, running water for 20 minutes or more. If the burning chemical is a powder-like substance, such as lime, brush it off the skin before flushing.
Remove clothing or jewelry that has been contaminated by the chemical.
Apply a cool, wet cloth or towel to relieve pain.
Wrap the burned area loosely with a dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth.
Rewash the burned area for several more minutes if the person experiences increased burning after the initial washing.
Minor chemical burns usually heal without further treatment.
Seek emergency medical assistance if:
The victim has signs of shock, such as fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a notably shallow manner.
The chemical burn penetrated through the first layer of skin, and the resulting second-degree burn covers an area more than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter.
The chemical burn occurred on the eye, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint.
The victim has pain that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).
If you're unsure whether a substance is toxic, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222. If you seek emergency assistance, bring the chemical container or a complete description of the substance with you for identification.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
BURNS FIRST AID
To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the degree and the extent of damage to body tissues. The three classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:
First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.
Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter, take the following action:
Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least five minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
Caution
Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.
Don't apply butter or ointments to the burn. This could prevent proper healing.
Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.
Third-degree burn
The most serious burns are painless, involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.
For major burns, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock.
Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.
First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.
Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter, take the following action:
Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least five minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
Caution
Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.
Don't apply butter or ointments to the burn. This could prevent proper healing.
Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.
Third-degree burn
The most serious burns are painless, involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.
For major burns, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock.
Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.
Monday, November 24, 2008
FRACTURE FACTS
A child's fracture heals more quickly than an adult's because kids' bones are surrounded by a thick membrane called the periosteum, which helps to rapidly remodel and restore the broken bone. This membrane gradually thins with age.
A child's broken thighbone will take four to six weeks to heal, compared with 20 weeks for an adult's and two weeks for a baby's.
Bone fractures in children are most often treated with a fiberglass or plaster cast and rarely require surgery.
You should follow up with your child's orthopedist within one year of a fracture to check that the break has healed and the bone is growing properly, especially if the fracture occurs in the growth plate at either end of the bone. Nearly half of your child's total bone mass is formed by age 10. A diet that includes 500 to 800 milligrams of calcium a day will boost her bone strength.
If you suspect a broken bone :
A broken bone can cause severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and also bruising, making it difficult for your child to use that part of his body.
But even if he's able to move an injured hand or foot, for example, your child may still have a hidden fracture that needs medical attention. If you think the bone is broken, you should:
Call a hospital if your child is unconscious, bleeding uncontrollably, or cannot walk due to a possible break in a leg or ankle bone. Also, NEVER try to move your child yourself in the unlikely event of an open fracture (i.e., the bone has penetrated the skin). Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding until help arrives. Call your doctor immediately.
Take your child to the hospital yourself if he is able to walk (i.e., if he breaks an arm or wrist). First immobilize the broken bone, since movement can cause further bone injury or damage surrounding blood vessels, nerves and tissues.
To create an arm splint: Place your child's forearm against his chest. If this is too painful, place a pillow or sheet between his arm and chest. Using gauze, a sheet, or a blanket, begin at the elbow and wrap the splint in a diagonal direction around your child's back, coming around his chest and wrapping the upper and lover arm all the way up to the hand. Secure the splint snugly with an ACE bandage or safety pins. Apply ice to the area.
Is it a Sprain or Break ?
Your child has taken a bad fall, and all you know for sure is that she's in pain. Here's how to spot and treat what's wrong.
SPRAIN
What happens: Ligaments, the strong bands of connective tissue that join bones together, stretch or tear - often in a fall. Ankles, knees, and wrists are most vulnerable.
What to expect: Pain, bruising, and inflammation of the limb that your child has twisted or landed upon. He may feel a tear or pop when the sprain occurs.
How is it treated: Most doctors recommend RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Moderate sprains may require an bandage for 48 hours after the injury or until swelling subsides. Have a coach tape the area if extra support is needed during vigorous activity.
FRACTURE
What happens: A bone cracks, breaks, or shatters due to external pressure.
What to expect: Severe pain or deformity ( if the bone is bent in an unnatural position), or in rare cases, an open wound.
Some breaks are less obvious: If you're not sure, monitor the injured area for two days. If pain persists or increases, your child may have a greenstick fracture ( only one side of the bone is broken) or a hairline fracture ( the bone is cracked ).
How it's treated: Take your child to the doctor for an X ray right away. Fractures are treated by fitting a cast around the injured limb or by manually resetting the bone before casting. Severely fragmented bones require surgery.
Bone Danger Zones
Falls, the leading cause of injury among children, are responsible for most pediatric bone fractures. In fact, children 10 years and younger suffer injuries from falls twice as often as the rest of the population. Here are the most likely hazards leading to a bone-breaking fall - all what to do to keep your child safe.
HAZARD SAFETY STEP
Bike- Make sure your child wears a helmet and rides only on flat, smooth surfaces.
Furniture and Windows Set chairs, couches, and other large objects that kids may climb on away from windows and in a carpeted area. Install window guards on all of your home's windows.
Playground- Avoid asphalt and concrete play areas; look for soft surfaces, such as mulch, sand, or grass. Make sure the playground has separate areas for swinging, running, and quiet play. Keep preschoolers away from older, more active children.
Baby walker Use a stationary activity center instead of a baby walker with wheels.
Stairs- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of household stairs.
Sports- Field Outfit your child with appropriate protective equipment, such as wrist guards, knee pads, a mouth guard, and a helmet.
Pool- Don't let your child go near a pool without adult supervision; teach him to walk - never run - around the pool area. Build a four-sided fence at least five feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates around your pool.
Shopping Cart- Fasten the safety belt around your child; never allow him to stand up in the cart.
A child's broken thighbone will take four to six weeks to heal, compared with 20 weeks for an adult's and two weeks for a baby's.
Bone fractures in children are most often treated with a fiberglass or plaster cast and rarely require surgery.
You should follow up with your child's orthopedist within one year of a fracture to check that the break has healed and the bone is growing properly, especially if the fracture occurs in the growth plate at either end of the bone. Nearly half of your child's total bone mass is formed by age 10. A diet that includes 500 to 800 milligrams of calcium a day will boost her bone strength.
If you suspect a broken bone :
A broken bone can cause severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and also bruising, making it difficult for your child to use that part of his body.
But even if he's able to move an injured hand or foot, for example, your child may still have a hidden fracture that needs medical attention. If you think the bone is broken, you should:
Call a hospital if your child is unconscious, bleeding uncontrollably, or cannot walk due to a possible break in a leg or ankle bone. Also, NEVER try to move your child yourself in the unlikely event of an open fracture (i.e., the bone has penetrated the skin). Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding until help arrives. Call your doctor immediately.
Take your child to the hospital yourself if he is able to walk (i.e., if he breaks an arm or wrist). First immobilize the broken bone, since movement can cause further bone injury or damage surrounding blood vessels, nerves and tissues.
To create an arm splint: Place your child's forearm against his chest. If this is too painful, place a pillow or sheet between his arm and chest. Using gauze, a sheet, or a blanket, begin at the elbow and wrap the splint in a diagonal direction around your child's back, coming around his chest and wrapping the upper and lover arm all the way up to the hand. Secure the splint snugly with an ACE bandage or safety pins. Apply ice to the area.
Is it a Sprain or Break ?
Your child has taken a bad fall, and all you know for sure is that she's in pain. Here's how to spot and treat what's wrong.
SPRAIN
What happens: Ligaments, the strong bands of connective tissue that join bones together, stretch or tear - often in a fall. Ankles, knees, and wrists are most vulnerable.
What to expect: Pain, bruising, and inflammation of the limb that your child has twisted or landed upon. He may feel a tear or pop when the sprain occurs.
How is it treated: Most doctors recommend RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Moderate sprains may require an bandage for 48 hours after the injury or until swelling subsides. Have a coach tape the area if extra support is needed during vigorous activity.
FRACTURE
What happens: A bone cracks, breaks, or shatters due to external pressure.
What to expect: Severe pain or deformity ( if the bone is bent in an unnatural position), or in rare cases, an open wound.
Some breaks are less obvious: If you're not sure, monitor the injured area for two days. If pain persists or increases, your child may have a greenstick fracture ( only one side of the bone is broken) or a hairline fracture ( the bone is cracked ).
How it's treated: Take your child to the doctor for an X ray right away. Fractures are treated by fitting a cast around the injured limb or by manually resetting the bone before casting. Severely fragmented bones require surgery.
Bone Danger Zones
Falls, the leading cause of injury among children, are responsible for most pediatric bone fractures. In fact, children 10 years and younger suffer injuries from falls twice as often as the rest of the population. Here are the most likely hazards leading to a bone-breaking fall - all what to do to keep your child safe.
HAZARD SAFETY STEP
Bike- Make sure your child wears a helmet and rides only on flat, smooth surfaces.
Furniture and Windows Set chairs, couches, and other large objects that kids may climb on away from windows and in a carpeted area. Install window guards on all of your home's windows.
Playground- Avoid asphalt and concrete play areas; look for soft surfaces, such as mulch, sand, or grass. Make sure the playground has separate areas for swinging, running, and quiet play. Keep preschoolers away from older, more active children.
Baby walker Use a stationary activity center instead of a baby walker with wheels.
Stairs- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of household stairs.
Sports- Field Outfit your child with appropriate protective equipment, such as wrist guards, knee pads, a mouth guard, and a helmet.
Pool- Don't let your child go near a pool without adult supervision; teach him to walk - never run - around the pool area. Build a four-sided fence at least five feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates around your pool.
Shopping Cart- Fasten the safety belt around your child; never allow him to stand up in the cart.
BONE FRACTURE FIRST AID
A fracture is a broken bone. It requires medical attention. If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or injury, call 911 or your local emergency number. Also call for emergency help if:
The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing or isn't moving. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if there's no respiration or heartbeat.
There is heavy bleeding.
Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
The limb or joint appears deformed.
The bone has pierced the skin.
The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back.
You suspect a bone is broken in the hip, pelvis or upper leg (for example, the leg and foot turn outward abnormally).
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone, but if you've been trained in how to splint and professional help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area.
Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive. Don't apply ice directly to the skin — wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.
Treat for shock. If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.
The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing or isn't moving. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if there's no respiration or heartbeat.
There is heavy bleeding.
Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
The limb or joint appears deformed.
The bone has pierced the skin.
The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back.
You suspect a bone is broken in the hip, pelvis or upper leg (for example, the leg and foot turn outward abnormally).
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone, but if you've been trained in how to splint and professional help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area.
Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive. Don't apply ice directly to the skin — wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.
Treat for shock. If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
ANAPHYLAXIS: FIRST AID
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can produce shock and life-threatening respiratory distress and circulatory collapse.
In sensitive people, anaphylaxis can occur within minutes, but may also occur up to several hours after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance. A wide range of substances — including insect venom, pollen, latex, and certain foods and drugs — can cause anaphylaxis. Some people have anaphylactic reactions from unknown causes.
If you're extremely sensitive, you might break out in hives and your eyes or lips might swell severely. The inside of your throat might swell as well, even to the point of causing difficulty breathing and shock. Your blood pressure drops, and your internal organs can be affected. Dizziness, mental confusion, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea also may accompany anaphylaxis.
How you can be ready:
If you've had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, carry medications with you as an antidote. Epinephrine is the most commonly used drug for severe allergic reactions. It comes only as an injection that must be prescribed by your doctor. You can self-administer epinephrine with an auto-injector, such as the EpiPen. Be sure to read the injection instructions as soon as you receive an auto-injector, and have your household members read them as well.
You should also carry an antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), because the effects of epinephrine are only temporary. Seek emergency medical attention immediately after taking these medications.
If you observe someone having an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis:
Call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption. After administering epinephrine, have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking. Look for a medical emergency ID bracelet or necklace.
Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything else to drink.
If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
If there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.
In sensitive people, anaphylaxis can occur within minutes, but may also occur up to several hours after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance. A wide range of substances — including insect venom, pollen, latex, and certain foods and drugs — can cause anaphylaxis. Some people have anaphylactic reactions from unknown causes.
If you're extremely sensitive, you might break out in hives and your eyes or lips might swell severely. The inside of your throat might swell as well, even to the point of causing difficulty breathing and shock. Your blood pressure drops, and your internal organs can be affected. Dizziness, mental confusion, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea also may accompany anaphylaxis.
How you can be ready:
If you've had an anaphylactic reaction in the past, carry medications with you as an antidote. Epinephrine is the most commonly used drug for severe allergic reactions. It comes only as an injection that must be prescribed by your doctor. You can self-administer epinephrine with an auto-injector, such as the EpiPen. Be sure to read the injection instructions as soon as you receive an auto-injector, and have your household members read them as well.
You should also carry an antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), because the effects of epinephrine are only temporary. Seek emergency medical attention immediately after taking these medications.
If you observe someone having an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis:
Call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption. After administering epinephrine, have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking. Look for a medical emergency ID bracelet or necklace.
Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything else to drink.
If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
If there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Altitude Sickness Treatment
To prevent acute mountain sickness, a climber's initial sleep altitude should be lower than 8,000 feet. At altitudes above 10,000 feet, the sleeping elevation should increase no more than 1,000 feet per day.
A simple, fundamental rule will help to prevent severe altitude illness in almost every case: If a person experiences any symptoms of altitude sickness, the person should not ascend or increase the sleeping elevation until all symptoms have resolved. Failure to follow this rule can allow simple altitude mountain sickness to progress to potentially fatal high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema.
Treatments for the forms of altitude sickness are as follows:
Altitude mountain sickness (AMS): Stop the ascent and rest. Symptoms typically go away by themselves; however, the person with AMS may need supplemental oxygen. Acetazolamide (a diuretic), if prescribed, will minimize fluid retention, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin will relieve headaches.
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): The climber with HAPE must rest, get supplemental oxygen, and descend immediately. In severe cases, nifedipine (Procardia), if prescribed, may be used as a "rescue agent," but it does not replace the need for descent.
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE): A person with HACE must receive supplemental oxygen and descend immediately. Use dexamethasone (Dexone) to decrease brain swelling. The person may require a Gamow bag (a bag that increases the air pressure around the climber which simulates descent) or other hyperbaric chamber treatment. However, this does not replace the need for descent.
Altitude Sickness Treatment
To prevent acute mountain sickness, a climber's initial sleep altitude should be lower than 8,000 feet. At altitudes above 10,000 feet, the sleeping elevation should increase no more than 1,000 feet per day.
A simple, fundamental rule will help to prevent severe altitude illness in almost every case: If a person experiences any symptoms of altitude sickness, the person should not ascend or increase the sleeping elevation until all symptoms have resolved. Failure to follow this rule can allow simple altitude mountain sickness to progress to potentially fatal high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema.
Treatments for the forms of altitude sickness are as follows:
Altitude mountain sickness (AMS): Stop the ascent and rest. Symptoms typically go away by themselves; however, the person with AMS may need supplemental oxygen. Acetazolamide (a diuretic), if prescribed, will minimize fluid retention, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin will relieve headaches.
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): The climber with HAPE must rest, get supplemental oxygen, and descend immediately. In severe cases, nifedipine (Procardia), if prescribed, may be used as a "rescue agent," but it does not replace the need for descent.
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE): A person with HACE must receive supplemental oxygen and descend immediately. Use dexamethasone (Dexone) to decrease brain swelling. The person may require a Gamow bag (a bag that increases the air pressure around the climber which simulates descent) or other hyperbaric chamber treatment. However, this does not replace the need for descent.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
WHAT IS FIRST AID
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by a lay person to a sick or injured patient until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care past the first aid intervention. It generally consists of a series of simple and, in some cases, potentially life-saving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.
While first aid can also be performed on animals, the term generally refers to care of human patients.
Contents
1 History
2 Aims
3 Key skills
3.1 Preserving life
3.2 Promoting recovery
4 Training
4.1 Australia
4.2 Canada
4.3 Ireland
4.4 United Kingdom
5 Specific disciplines
6 Symbols
7 Conditions that often require first aid
History
The earliest instances of recorded first aid were provided by religious knights, such as the Knights Hospitaller, formed in the 11th century, providing care to pilgrims and knights, and training other knights in how to treat common battlefield injuries.[1] The practice of first aid fell largely in to disuse during the Dark Ages, and organised societies were not seen again until in 1859 Henry Dunant organized local villagers to help victims of the Battle of Solferino, including the provision of first aid. Four years later, four nations met in Geneva and formed the organization which has grown into the Red Cross, with a key stated aim of "aid to sick and wounded soldiers in the field".[1] This was followed by the formation of St. John Ambulance in 1877, based on the principles of the Knights Hospitaller, to teach first aid, and numerous other organisation joined them, with the term first aid first coined in 1878 as civilian ambulance services spread as a combination of 'first treatment' and 'national aid'[1] in large railway centres and mining districts as well as with police forces. First aid training began to spread through the empire through organisations such as St John, often starting, as in the UK, with high risk activities such as ports and railways.[2]
Many developments in first aid and many other medical techniques have been driven by wars, such as in the case of the American Civil War, which prompted Clara Barton to organize the American Red Cross.[3] Today, there are several groups that promote first aid, such as the military and the Scouting movement. New techniques and equipment have helped make today’s first aid simple and effective.
Aims
The key aims of first aid can be summarised in three key points-[4]
Preserve life - the overriding aim of all medical care, including first aid, is to save lives
Prevent further harm - also sometimes called preventing the condition worsening, this covers both external factors, such as moving a patient away from a cause of harm, and applying first aid techniques to prevent worsening of the condition, such as applying pressure to stop a bleed becoming dangerous.
Promote recovery - first aid also involves trying to start the recovery process from the illness or injury, and in some cases might involve completing a treatment, such as in the case of applying a plaster to a small wound.
First aid training also involves the prevention of initial injury and responder safety, and the treatment phases.
Key skills
In case of tongue fallen backwards, blocking the airway, it is necessary to hyperextend the head and pull up the chin, so that the tongue lifts and clears the airway.Certain skills are considered essential to the provision of first aid and are taught ubiquitously. Particularly, the "ABC"s of first aid, which focus on critical life-saving intervention, must be rendered before treatment of less serious injuries. ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. The same mnemonic is used by all emergency health professionals. Attention must first be brought to the airway to ensure it is clear. Obstruction (choking) is a life-threatening emergency. Following evaluation of the airway, a first aid attendant would determine adequacy of breathing and provide rescue breathing if necessary. Assessment of circulation is now not usually carried out for patients who are not breathing, with first aiders now trained to go straight to chest compressions (and thus providing artificial circulation) but pulse checks may be done on less serious patients.
Some organizations add a fourth step of "D" for Deadly bleeding or Defibrillation, while others consider this as part of the Circulation step. Variations on techniques to evaluate and maintain the ABCs depend on the skill level of the first aider. Once the ABCs are secured, first aiders can begin additional treatments, as required. Some organizations teach the same order of priority using the "3 Bs": Breathing, Bleeding, and Bones. While the ABCs and 3Bs are taught to be performed sequentially, certain conditions may require the consideration of two steps simultaneously. This includes the provision of both artificial respiration and chest compressions to someone who is not breathing and has no pulse, and the consideration of cervical spine injuries when ensuring an open airway.
Preserving life
As the key skill to first aid is preserving life, the single most important training a first aider can receive is in the primary diagnosis and care of an unconscious or unresponsive patient. The most common mnemonic used to remember the procedure for this is ABC, which stands for Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
In order to preserve life, all persons require to have an open airway - a clear passage where air can move in through the mouth or nose through the pharynx and down in to the lungs, without obstruction. Conscious people will maintain their own airway automatically, but those who are unconscious (with a GCS of less than 8) may be unable to maintain a patent airway, as the part of the brain which autonomously controls in normal situations may not be functioning.
If the patient was breathing, a first aider would normally then place them in the recovery position, with the patient leant over on their side, which also has the effect of clearing the tongue from the pharynx. It also avoids a common cause of death in unconscious patients, which is choking on regurgitated stomach contents.
The airway can also become blocked through a foreign object becoming lodged in the pharynx or larynx, commonly called choking. The first aider will be taught to deal with this through a combination of ‘back slaps’ and ‘abdominal thrusts’.
Once the airway has been opened, the first aider would assess to see if the patient is breathing. If there is no breathing, or the patient is not breathing normally, such as agonal breathing, the first aider would undertake what is probably the most recognized first aid procedure - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, which involves breathing for the patient, and manually massaging the heart to promote blood flow around the body.
Promoting recovery
The first aider is also likely to be trained in dealing with injuries such as cuts, grazes or broken bones. They may be able to deal with the situation in its entirety (a small adhesive bandage on a paper cut), or may be required to maintain the condition of something like a broken bone, until the next stage of definitive care (usually an ambulance) arrives.
Training
First aid scenario training in progressMuch of first aid is common sense. Basic principles, such as knowing to use an adhesive bandage or applying direct pressure on a bleed, are often acquired passively through life experiences. However, to provide effective, life-saving first aid interventions requires instruction and practical training. This is especially true where it relates to potentially fatal illnesses and injuries, such as those that require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); these procedures may be invasive, and carry a risk of further injury to the patient and the provider. As with any training, it is more useful if it occurs before an actual emergency, and in many countries, emergency ambulance dispatchers may give basic first aid instructions over the phone while the ambulance is on the way.
Training is generally provided by attending a course, typically leading to certification. Due to regular changes in procedures and protocols, based on updated clinical knowledge, and to maintain skill, attendance at regular refresher courses or re-certification is often necessary. First aid training is often available through community organizations such as the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, or through commercial providers, who will train people for a fee. This commercial training is most common for training of employees to perform first aid in their workplace. Many community organizations also provide a commercial service, which complements their community programmes.
Australia
In Australia, Nationally recognized First Aid certificates may only be issued by Registered training organisations who are accredited on the National Training Information System (NTIS). Most First Aid certificates are issued at one of 3 levels:
Level 1 (or “Basic First Aid”, or “Basic Life Support”): is a 1-day course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: CPR, bleeding, choking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Level 2 (“Senior First Aid”) is a 2 day course that covers all the aspects of training in Level 1, as well as specialized training for treatment of burns, bites, stings, electric shock and poisons. Level 2 reaccreditation is a 1 day course which must be taken every 3 years, but CPR reaccrediation may be required more frequently (typically yearly).
Level 3 (“Occupational First Aid”) is a 4-day course covering advanced first aid, use of oxygen and Automated external defibrillators and documentation. It is suitable for workplace First Aiders and those who manage First Aid facilities.
Other courses outside these levels are commonly taught, including CPR-only courses, Advanced Resuscitation, Remote Area or Wilderness First Aid, Administering Medications (such as salbutamol or the Epi-Pen) and specialized courses for parents, school teachers, community first responders or hazardous workplace first aiders. CPR Re-accredidation courses are sometimes required yearly, regardless of the length of the overall certification.
Canada
In Canada, first aid certificates are awarded by one of several organizations including the Red Cross, the Lifesaving Society, St. John Ambulance, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Ski Patrol. Workplace safety regulations vary depending on occupation. Many workplaces opt to have their employees trained in Standard First Aid (see below).
Emergency First Aid: is an 8-hour course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: CPR, bleeding, choking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Standard First Aid: is a 16-hour course that covers the same material as Emergency First Aid and will include training for some, but not all, of the following: breaks; burns; poisons, bites and stings; eye injuries; head and neck injuries; chest injuries; wound care; emergency child birth; and multiple casualty management.
Medical First Responder (BTLS - known by different names among different Canadian organizations): is a 40 hour course. It requires Standard First Aid certification as a prerequisite. Candidates are trained in the use of oxygen, Automated external defibrillators, airway management, and the use of additional emergency equipment.
CPR certification in Canada is broken into several levels. Depending on the level, the lay person will learn CPR and choking procedures for adults, children, and infants.
CPR H.C.P. (Health Care Professional) also provides training on artificial respiration, the use of bag valve masks, and suction. This level of qualification is usually not offered to the general public.
Ireland
In Ireland, the workplace qualification is the Occupational First Aid Certificate. The Health and Safety Authority issue the standards for first aid at work and hold a register of qualified instructors, examiners and organisations that can provide the course. A FETAC Level 5 certificate is awarded after passing a three day course and is valid for two years from date of issue. Occupational First Aiders are more qualified than Cardiac First Responders (Cardiac First Response and training on the AED is now part of the OFA course) but less qualified than Emergency First Responders but strangely Occupational First Aid is the only one of the three not certified by PHECC. Organisations offering the certificate include, Ireland's largest first aid organisation, the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, the St John Ambulance Brigade, and the Irish Red Cross. The Irish Red Cross also provides a Practical First Aid Course aimed at the general public dealing primarily with family members getting injured. Many other (purely commercially run) organisations offer training.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there are two main types of first aid courses offered. An “Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons” course typically lasts one day, and covers the basics, focusing on critical interventions for conditions such as cardiac arrest and severe bleeding, and is usually not formally assessed. A “First Aid at Work” course is usually a four-day course (two days for a re-qualification) that covers the full spectrum of first aid, and is formally assessed by recognized Health and Safety Executive assessors. Certificates for the “First Aid at Work” course are issued by the training organization and are valid for a period of three years from the date the delegate passes the course. Other courses offered by training organizations such as St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association or the British Red Cross include Baby & Child Courses, manual handling, people moving, and courses geared towards more advanced life support, such as defibrillation and administration of medical gases such as oxygen & entonox).
Specific disciplines
There are several types of first aid (and first aider) which require specific additional training. These are usually undertaken to fulfill the demands of the work or activity undertaken.
Aquatic/Marine first aid - Usually practiced by professionals such as lifeguards or in diver rescue, and covers the specific problems which may be faced after water-based rescue.
Battlefield first aid - This takes in to account the specific needs of treating wounded combatants and non-combatants during armed conflict.
Hyperbaric first aid - Which may be practiced by SCUBA diving professionals, who need to treat conditions such as the bends.
Oxygen first aid - Providing oxygen to casualties who suffer from conditions resulting in hypoxia.
Wilderness first aid is the provision of first aid under conditions where the arrival of emergency responders or the evacuation of an injured person may be delayed due to constraints of terrain, weather, and available persons or equipment. It may be necessary to care for an injured person for several hours or days.
Symbols
For more details on this topic, see Emblems of the Red Cross#Use of the emblems.
Although commonly associated with first aid, the symbol of a red cross is an official protective symbol of the Red Cross. According to the Geneva Conventions and other international law, the use of this and similar symbols is reserved for official agencies of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, and as a protective emblem for medical personnel and facilities in combat situations. Use by any other person or organization is illegal, and may lead to prosecution.
The internationally accepted symbol for first aid is the white cross on a green background shown at the start of the page.
Some organizations may make use the Star of Life, although this is usually reserved for use by Ambulance services, or symbols such as the Maltese Cross such as the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps and St John Ambulance, or other symbols.
Conditions that often require first aid
Altitude sickness, which can begin in susceptible people at altitudes as low as 5,000 feet, can cause potentially fatal swelling of the brain or lungs.
Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition in which the airway can become constricted and the patient may go into shock. The reaction can be caused by a systemic allergic reaction to allergens such as insect bites or peanuts. Anaphylaxis is initially treated with injection of epinephrine.
Battlefield First aid - This protocol refers to treating shrapnel, gunshot wounds, burns, bone fractures, etc. as seen either in the ‘traditional’ battlefield setting or in an area subject to damage by large scale weaponry, such as a bomb blast or other terrorist activity.
Bone fracture, a break in a bone initially treated by stabilizing the fracture with a splint.
Burns, which can result in damage to tissues and loss of body fluids through the burn site.
Choking, blockage of the airway which can quickly result in death due to lack of oxygen if the patient’s trachea is not cleared, for example by the Heimlich Maneuver.
Childbirth.
Cramps in muscles due to lactic acid build up caused either by inadequate oxygenation of muscle or lack of water or salt.
Joint dislocation.
Diving disorders resulting from too much pressure.
Near drowning or asphyxiation.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gender-specific conditions, such as dysmenorrhea and testicular torsion.
Heart attack, or inadequate blood flow to the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.
Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke or hyperthermia, which tends to occur during heavy exercise in high humidity, or with inadequate water, though it may occur spontaneously in some chronically ill persons. Sunstroke, especially when the victim has been unconscious, often causes major damage to body systems such as brain, kidney, liver, gastric tract. Unconsciousness for more than two hours usually leads to permanent disability. Emergency treatment involves rapid cooling of the patient.
Heat syncope, another stage in the same process as heat stroke, occurs under similar conditions as heat stroke and is not distinguished from the latter by some authorities.
Heavy bleeding, treated by applying pressure (manually and later with a pressure bandage) to the wound site and elevating the limb if possible.
Hyperglycemia, or diabetic coma.
Hypoglycemia, or insulin shock.
Hypothermia, or Exposure, occurs when a person’s core body temperature falls below 33.7°C (92.6°F). First aid for a mildly hypothermic patient includes rewarming, but rewarming a severely hypothermic person could result in a fatal arrhythmia, an irregular heart rhythm.
Insect and animal bites and stings.
Muscle strain.
Poisoning, which can occur by injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion.
Seizures, or a malfunction in the electrical activity in the brain. Three types of seizures include a grand mal (which usually features convulsions as well as temporary respiratory abnormalities, change in skin complexion, etc) and petit mal (which usually features twitching, rapid blinking, and/or fidgeting as well as altered consciousness and temporary respiratory abnormalities).
Sprain, a temporary dislocation of a joint that immediately reduces automatically but may result in ligament damage.
Stroke, a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain.
Sucking chest wound, a life threatening hole in the chest which can cause the chest cavity to fill with air and prevent the lung from filling, treated by covering with an occlusive dressing to let air out but not in.
Toothache, which can result in severe pain and loss of the tooth but is rarely life threatening, unless over time the infection spreads into the bone of the jaw and starts osteomyelitis.
Wounds and bleeding, including laceration, incision and abrasion, and avulsion.
While first aid can also be performed on animals, the term generally refers to care of human patients.
Contents
1 History
2 Aims
3 Key skills
3.1 Preserving life
3.2 Promoting recovery
4 Training
4.1 Australia
4.2 Canada
4.3 Ireland
4.4 United Kingdom
5 Specific disciplines
6 Symbols
7 Conditions that often require first aid
History
The earliest instances of recorded first aid were provided by religious knights, such as the Knights Hospitaller, formed in the 11th century, providing care to pilgrims and knights, and training other knights in how to treat common battlefield injuries.[1] The practice of first aid fell largely in to disuse during the Dark Ages, and organised societies were not seen again until in 1859 Henry Dunant organized local villagers to help victims of the Battle of Solferino, including the provision of first aid. Four years later, four nations met in Geneva and formed the organization which has grown into the Red Cross, with a key stated aim of "aid to sick and wounded soldiers in the field".[1] This was followed by the formation of St. John Ambulance in 1877, based on the principles of the Knights Hospitaller, to teach first aid, and numerous other organisation joined them, with the term first aid first coined in 1878 as civilian ambulance services spread as a combination of 'first treatment' and 'national aid'[1] in large railway centres and mining districts as well as with police forces. First aid training began to spread through the empire through organisations such as St John, often starting, as in the UK, with high risk activities such as ports and railways.[2]
Many developments in first aid and many other medical techniques have been driven by wars, such as in the case of the American Civil War, which prompted Clara Barton to organize the American Red Cross.[3] Today, there are several groups that promote first aid, such as the military and the Scouting movement. New techniques and equipment have helped make today’s first aid simple and effective.
Aims
The key aims of first aid can be summarised in three key points-[4]
Preserve life - the overriding aim of all medical care, including first aid, is to save lives
Prevent further harm - also sometimes called preventing the condition worsening, this covers both external factors, such as moving a patient away from a cause of harm, and applying first aid techniques to prevent worsening of the condition, such as applying pressure to stop a bleed becoming dangerous.
Promote recovery - first aid also involves trying to start the recovery process from the illness or injury, and in some cases might involve completing a treatment, such as in the case of applying a plaster to a small wound.
First aid training also involves the prevention of initial injury and responder safety, and the treatment phases.
Key skills
In case of tongue fallen backwards, blocking the airway, it is necessary to hyperextend the head and pull up the chin, so that the tongue lifts and clears the airway.Certain skills are considered essential to the provision of first aid and are taught ubiquitously. Particularly, the "ABC"s of first aid, which focus on critical life-saving intervention, must be rendered before treatment of less serious injuries. ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. The same mnemonic is used by all emergency health professionals. Attention must first be brought to the airway to ensure it is clear. Obstruction (choking) is a life-threatening emergency. Following evaluation of the airway, a first aid attendant would determine adequacy of breathing and provide rescue breathing if necessary. Assessment of circulation is now not usually carried out for patients who are not breathing, with first aiders now trained to go straight to chest compressions (and thus providing artificial circulation) but pulse checks may be done on less serious patients.
Some organizations add a fourth step of "D" for Deadly bleeding or Defibrillation, while others consider this as part of the Circulation step. Variations on techniques to evaluate and maintain the ABCs depend on the skill level of the first aider. Once the ABCs are secured, first aiders can begin additional treatments, as required. Some organizations teach the same order of priority using the "3 Bs": Breathing, Bleeding, and Bones. While the ABCs and 3Bs are taught to be performed sequentially, certain conditions may require the consideration of two steps simultaneously. This includes the provision of both artificial respiration and chest compressions to someone who is not breathing and has no pulse, and the consideration of cervical spine injuries when ensuring an open airway.
Preserving life
As the key skill to first aid is preserving life, the single most important training a first aider can receive is in the primary diagnosis and care of an unconscious or unresponsive patient. The most common mnemonic used to remember the procedure for this is ABC, which stands for Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
In order to preserve life, all persons require to have an open airway - a clear passage where air can move in through the mouth or nose through the pharynx and down in to the lungs, without obstruction. Conscious people will maintain their own airway automatically, but those who are unconscious (with a GCS of less than 8) may be unable to maintain a patent airway, as the part of the brain which autonomously controls in normal situations may not be functioning.
If the patient was breathing, a first aider would normally then place them in the recovery position, with the patient leant over on their side, which also has the effect of clearing the tongue from the pharynx. It also avoids a common cause of death in unconscious patients, which is choking on regurgitated stomach contents.
The airway can also become blocked through a foreign object becoming lodged in the pharynx or larynx, commonly called choking. The first aider will be taught to deal with this through a combination of ‘back slaps’ and ‘abdominal thrusts’.
Once the airway has been opened, the first aider would assess to see if the patient is breathing. If there is no breathing, or the patient is not breathing normally, such as agonal breathing, the first aider would undertake what is probably the most recognized first aid procedure - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, which involves breathing for the patient, and manually massaging the heart to promote blood flow around the body.
Promoting recovery
The first aider is also likely to be trained in dealing with injuries such as cuts, grazes or broken bones. They may be able to deal with the situation in its entirety (a small adhesive bandage on a paper cut), or may be required to maintain the condition of something like a broken bone, until the next stage of definitive care (usually an ambulance) arrives.
Training
First aid scenario training in progressMuch of first aid is common sense. Basic principles, such as knowing to use an adhesive bandage or applying direct pressure on a bleed, are often acquired passively through life experiences. However, to provide effective, life-saving first aid interventions requires instruction and practical training. This is especially true where it relates to potentially fatal illnesses and injuries, such as those that require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); these procedures may be invasive, and carry a risk of further injury to the patient and the provider. As with any training, it is more useful if it occurs before an actual emergency, and in many countries, emergency ambulance dispatchers may give basic first aid instructions over the phone while the ambulance is on the way.
Training is generally provided by attending a course, typically leading to certification. Due to regular changes in procedures and protocols, based on updated clinical knowledge, and to maintain skill, attendance at regular refresher courses or re-certification is often necessary. First aid training is often available through community organizations such as the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, or through commercial providers, who will train people for a fee. This commercial training is most common for training of employees to perform first aid in their workplace. Many community organizations also provide a commercial service, which complements their community programmes.
Australia
In Australia, Nationally recognized First Aid certificates may only be issued by Registered training organisations who are accredited on the National Training Information System (NTIS). Most First Aid certificates are issued at one of 3 levels:
Level 1 (or “Basic First Aid”, or “Basic Life Support”): is a 1-day course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: CPR, bleeding, choking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Level 2 (“Senior First Aid”) is a 2 day course that covers all the aspects of training in Level 1, as well as specialized training for treatment of burns, bites, stings, electric shock and poisons. Level 2 reaccreditation is a 1 day course which must be taken every 3 years, but CPR reaccrediation may be required more frequently (typically yearly).
Level 3 (“Occupational First Aid”) is a 4-day course covering advanced first aid, use of oxygen and Automated external defibrillators and documentation. It is suitable for workplace First Aiders and those who manage First Aid facilities.
Other courses outside these levels are commonly taught, including CPR-only courses, Advanced Resuscitation, Remote Area or Wilderness First Aid, Administering Medications (such as salbutamol or the Epi-Pen) and specialized courses for parents, school teachers, community first responders or hazardous workplace first aiders. CPR Re-accredidation courses are sometimes required yearly, regardless of the length of the overall certification.
Canada
In Canada, first aid certificates are awarded by one of several organizations including the Red Cross, the Lifesaving Society, St. John Ambulance, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Ski Patrol. Workplace safety regulations vary depending on occupation. Many workplaces opt to have their employees trained in Standard First Aid (see below).
Emergency First Aid: is an 8-hour course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: CPR, bleeding, choking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Standard First Aid: is a 16-hour course that covers the same material as Emergency First Aid and will include training for some, but not all, of the following: breaks; burns; poisons, bites and stings; eye injuries; head and neck injuries; chest injuries; wound care; emergency child birth; and multiple casualty management.
Medical First Responder (BTLS - known by different names among different Canadian organizations): is a 40 hour course. It requires Standard First Aid certification as a prerequisite. Candidates are trained in the use of oxygen, Automated external defibrillators, airway management, and the use of additional emergency equipment.
CPR certification in Canada is broken into several levels. Depending on the level, the lay person will learn CPR and choking procedures for adults, children, and infants.
CPR H.C.P. (Health Care Professional) also provides training on artificial respiration, the use of bag valve masks, and suction. This level of qualification is usually not offered to the general public.
Ireland
In Ireland, the workplace qualification is the Occupational First Aid Certificate. The Health and Safety Authority issue the standards for first aid at work and hold a register of qualified instructors, examiners and organisations that can provide the course. A FETAC Level 5 certificate is awarded after passing a three day course and is valid for two years from date of issue. Occupational First Aiders are more qualified than Cardiac First Responders (Cardiac First Response and training on the AED is now part of the OFA course) but less qualified than Emergency First Responders but strangely Occupational First Aid is the only one of the three not certified by PHECC. Organisations offering the certificate include, Ireland's largest first aid organisation, the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, the St John Ambulance Brigade, and the Irish Red Cross. The Irish Red Cross also provides a Practical First Aid Course aimed at the general public dealing primarily with family members getting injured. Many other (purely commercially run) organisations offer training.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there are two main types of first aid courses offered. An “Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons” course typically lasts one day, and covers the basics, focusing on critical interventions for conditions such as cardiac arrest and severe bleeding, and is usually not formally assessed. A “First Aid at Work” course is usually a four-day course (two days for a re-qualification) that covers the full spectrum of first aid, and is formally assessed by recognized Health and Safety Executive assessors. Certificates for the “First Aid at Work” course are issued by the training organization and are valid for a period of three years from the date the delegate passes the course. Other courses offered by training organizations such as St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association or the British Red Cross include Baby & Child Courses, manual handling, people moving, and courses geared towards more advanced life support, such as defibrillation and administration of medical gases such as oxygen & entonox).
Specific disciplines
There are several types of first aid (and first aider) which require specific additional training. These are usually undertaken to fulfill the demands of the work or activity undertaken.
Aquatic/Marine first aid - Usually practiced by professionals such as lifeguards or in diver rescue, and covers the specific problems which may be faced after water-based rescue.
Battlefield first aid - This takes in to account the specific needs of treating wounded combatants and non-combatants during armed conflict.
Hyperbaric first aid - Which may be practiced by SCUBA diving professionals, who need to treat conditions such as the bends.
Oxygen first aid - Providing oxygen to casualties who suffer from conditions resulting in hypoxia.
Wilderness first aid is the provision of first aid under conditions where the arrival of emergency responders or the evacuation of an injured person may be delayed due to constraints of terrain, weather, and available persons or equipment. It may be necessary to care for an injured person for several hours or days.
Symbols
For more details on this topic, see Emblems of the Red Cross#Use of the emblems.
Although commonly associated with first aid, the symbol of a red cross is an official protective symbol of the Red Cross. According to the Geneva Conventions and other international law, the use of this and similar symbols is reserved for official agencies of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, and as a protective emblem for medical personnel and facilities in combat situations. Use by any other person or organization is illegal, and may lead to prosecution.
The internationally accepted symbol for first aid is the white cross on a green background shown at the start of the page.
Some organizations may make use the Star of Life, although this is usually reserved for use by Ambulance services, or symbols such as the Maltese Cross such as the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps and St John Ambulance, or other symbols.
Conditions that often require first aid
Altitude sickness, which can begin in susceptible people at altitudes as low as 5,000 feet, can cause potentially fatal swelling of the brain or lungs.
Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition in which the airway can become constricted and the patient may go into shock. The reaction can be caused by a systemic allergic reaction to allergens such as insect bites or peanuts. Anaphylaxis is initially treated with injection of epinephrine.
Battlefield First aid - This protocol refers to treating shrapnel, gunshot wounds, burns, bone fractures, etc. as seen either in the ‘traditional’ battlefield setting or in an area subject to damage by large scale weaponry, such as a bomb blast or other terrorist activity.
Bone fracture, a break in a bone initially treated by stabilizing the fracture with a splint.
Burns, which can result in damage to tissues and loss of body fluids through the burn site.
Choking, blockage of the airway which can quickly result in death due to lack of oxygen if the patient’s trachea is not cleared, for example by the Heimlich Maneuver.
Childbirth.
Cramps in muscles due to lactic acid build up caused either by inadequate oxygenation of muscle or lack of water or salt.
Joint dislocation.
Diving disorders resulting from too much pressure.
Near drowning or asphyxiation.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gender-specific conditions, such as dysmenorrhea and testicular torsion.
Heart attack, or inadequate blood flow to the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.
Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke or hyperthermia, which tends to occur during heavy exercise in high humidity, or with inadequate water, though it may occur spontaneously in some chronically ill persons. Sunstroke, especially when the victim has been unconscious, often causes major damage to body systems such as brain, kidney, liver, gastric tract. Unconsciousness for more than two hours usually leads to permanent disability. Emergency treatment involves rapid cooling of the patient.
Heat syncope, another stage in the same process as heat stroke, occurs under similar conditions as heat stroke and is not distinguished from the latter by some authorities.
Heavy bleeding, treated by applying pressure (manually and later with a pressure bandage) to the wound site and elevating the limb if possible.
Hyperglycemia, or diabetic coma.
Hypoglycemia, or insulin shock.
Hypothermia, or Exposure, occurs when a person’s core body temperature falls below 33.7°C (92.6°F). First aid for a mildly hypothermic patient includes rewarming, but rewarming a severely hypothermic person could result in a fatal arrhythmia, an irregular heart rhythm.
Insect and animal bites and stings.
Muscle strain.
Poisoning, which can occur by injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion.
Seizures, or a malfunction in the electrical activity in the brain. Three types of seizures include a grand mal (which usually features convulsions as well as temporary respiratory abnormalities, change in skin complexion, etc) and petit mal (which usually features twitching, rapid blinking, and/or fidgeting as well as altered consciousness and temporary respiratory abnormalities).
Sprain, a temporary dislocation of a joint that immediately reduces automatically but may result in ligament damage.
Stroke, a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain.
Sucking chest wound, a life threatening hole in the chest which can cause the chest cavity to fill with air and prevent the lung from filling, treated by covering with an occlusive dressing to let air out but not in.
Toothache, which can result in severe pain and loss of the tooth but is rarely life threatening, unless over time the infection spreads into the bone of the jaw and starts osteomyelitis.
Wounds and bleeding, including laceration, incision and abrasion, and avulsion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)