First Aid and Emergency Response Procedures

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 in Medicine & Health

Major Hemorrhage Containment

Methods for controlling major hemorrhages include:

  • Manual pressure
  • Pressure dressings
  • Tourniquets (if necessary and trained)

Closed Head Injuries

Signs of a closed head injury may include:

  • Contusion of the skull
  • Altered levels of consciousness (conscious, semi-conscious, unconscious)
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in vital signs (low temperature, altered breathing and pulse)

Closed Fractures

Symptoms of closed fractures include:

  • Intense pain at the fracture site
  • Swelling and bleeding
  • Deformity
  • Inability to move the affected limb

First Aid for Closed Head Injuries

First aid steps for closed head injuries:

  • Place the patient in a horizontal position, head slightly elevated.
  • Avoid moving the patient unnecessarily.
  • Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink.
  • Call emergency medical services immediately.

First Aid for Spinal Injuries

First aid steps for suspected spinal injuries:

  • Immobilize the patient completely.
  • Maintain a horizontal position, with the head and neck stabilized.
  • Perform a neurological assessment (check for sensation in the extremities).
  • Move the patient en bloc (as a single unit) if necessary.
  • Call emergency medical services immediately.

Signs of Shock

Symptoms of shock may include:

  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Dilated pupils
  • Sweating
  • Pale, cold skin
  • Altered mental status

Respiratory Arrest

Respiratory arrest is characterized by the sudden absence or cessation of breathing, leading to a lack of lung function.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is characterized by the absence of a pulse, indicating the heart has stopped beating and blood is no longer circulating through the body.

Emergency Care for Respiratory Arrest

Emergency care for respiratory arrest involves rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) and, if necessary, CPR.

Emergency Care for Cardiac Arrest

Emergency care for cardiac arrest involves cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which includes chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR performed by one person involves a cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. CPR performed by two people involves a cycle of 15 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Poisoning

Poisoning occurs when a toxic or harmful substance enters the body through the digestive tract, respiratory system, or skin.

Routes of Entry for Poisonous Substances

Poisonous substances can enter the body through various routes, including:

  • Inhalation (e.g., carbon monoxide)
  • Ingestion (e.g., poisonous plants, medications, contaminated food)
  • Skin absorption (e.g., pesticides, certain chemicals)
  • Injection (e.g., drug injections, insect stings)

General Symptoms of Poisoning

General symptoms of poisoning can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Pallor
  • Sweating
  • Loss of consciousness (partial or complete)
  • Other organ-specific symptoms depending on the poison

Universal Antidote

A universal antidote is a substance that can help neutralize various poisons. Activated charcoal is often used, but it’s crucial to consult with medical professionals or a poison control center for appropriate treatment.

Goal of First Aid for Poisoning

The primary goal of first aid for poisoning is to remove the poisonous substance from the body as quickly as possible and to prevent further absorption.

First Aid Assessment for Poisoning

When assessing a poisoning victim, gather information about:

  • The route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, injection)
  • The specific substance involved
  • The quantity of the substance involved
  • The time of exposure

First Aid for Inhalation Poisoning

First aid for inhalation poisoning includes:

  • Moving the victim to fresh air immediately
  • Protecting yourself from exposure
  • Monitoring the victim’s breathing and level of consciousness
  • Calling emergency medical services

Poison Control Center

For poisoning emergencies, contact your local poison control center immediately. They can provide expert guidance and advice on appropriate treatment.

Reactions to Disasters

People may react to disasters with a range of emotions, including fear, panic, and hysteria. Providing psychological support and clear instructions can help manage these reactions.