Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Course designation…
1
Welcome to your First Aid Course
Introductions
Housekeeping
Course delivery
Exam
Practical Assessments
Course Evaluation
Questions
Any specific topics you would like covered
2
Course Format
Conscious Casualty Drowning
Unconscious Casualty Choking
CPR and defibrillator Poisoning
Bandages and slings Drug overdose
Bites and Stings Burns and scalds
Diabetes Strokes
Seizures/fitting Hyperventilation
Triage Hypothermia/Hyperthermia
Record keeping Safe manual handling
Trauma
3
What is First Aid?
4
PRINCIPLES OF FIRST AID
LOOK AFTER NUMBER ONE - YOU
Triple A Protocol
7
IDENTIFY THE HAZARD
8
ASSESS THE SCENE
Protect yourself and others
9
DANGERS
Traffic
Unstable environment
Fire or explosion
Burns
Chemical fumes
Electrocution
Needle stick injury
Back injuries
Equipment failure
Biological
Aggressive behaviour
Body fluids especially blood
Aggressive dog?
10
INFECTION CONTROL
In every first aid situation, you must assume that the
injured casualty has a disease.
TRIAGE
13
ASSESS WHAT TO DO NEXT
Commence treatment.
15
The Conscious Casualty
What does the term ‘conscious’ mean ?
16
Consciousness
How do we determine the consciousness of a
patient?
17
The Unconscious casualty
Unconscious casualty means there is no
response from the casualty to your
communications with the casualty
18
Causes of Unconsciousness
Alcohol (intoxication)
Epilepsy (fitting/convulsions)
Insulin (Diabetes)
Overdose/Under dose (illicit and prescription drugs)
Uraemia (renal failure is difficult to diagnose)
Trauma (Shock)
Infection
Psychiatric / Pretending
Stroke (CVA Cerebrovascular Accident / TIA Transient Ischemic Attack )
19
Treating the Unconscious
Casualty
23
Examining the conscious and
unconscious casualty
It is important that throughout first aid
treatment that the first aider monitors and
records the casualties breathing, skin
condition and level of consciousness.
25
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is a technique involving rescue
breathing and the compression of the heart
(through external cardiac compression) ECC,
therefore pumping oxygenated blood around
the body.
CPR when performed correctly, can preserve
brain functions until medical help arrives.
CPR is used on a patient who has suffered a
cardiac arrest.
26
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Heart condition
Near Drowning
Electrocution
Trauma
Drug overdose
27
Basic Life Support Chart
Danger – Check for danger, risks or hazards. Always ensure the safety
D of yourself, any bystanders and the casualty
Airway – Is the Airway open? Look for signs of life. No signs of life will
A mean the casualty is unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing
normally, not moving.
29
Breathing
Five ways to perform Rescue Breathing -
1. Mouth to mouth resuscitation
30
Compressions
Find the compression point by placing your hands in
the centre of the chest (lower half of the sternum)
In infants the 2 finger technique should be used for
compressions
In children and adults the rescuer should use the
heel of their hand while placing the other hand
securely over the top of the first.
The compressions should equate to 1/3 of the chest
depth.
The rate of compressions should be approximately
100 compressions per minute for all ages.
31
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION (VF)
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur any time and
without warning.
Though the average age of these victims is 65, some
are in their 30’s or 40’s.
Most victims experience an abnormal heart rhythm
called ventricular fibrillation (VF).
When the heart is in this state, it cannot beat in an
organized fashion; the heart is unable to pump blood
to the body.
Sudden cardiac death can occur in minutes unless
you act quickly.
32
DEFIBRILLATION
33
AED
What is an AED?
36
CPR TECHNIQUE
Let’s practice CPR
37
Debriefing
As soon as possible after an emergency situation,
document what had taken place.
This will help you put the events into perspective and if
asked, may help paramedics with the continued care of
the casualty.
38
Head Injuries
Head injuries can range from a simple bleeding
nose, or a tooth being knocked out to a heavy blow
to the head as a result of a fall, car accident or a
fight.
39
Head Injuries
Symptoms...
Memory impairment
Bleeding from an open wound.
Lack of coordination
Deformity of the skull or face. Headache or giddiness
40
Head Injuries
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol and call an ambulance if required
If the casualty is conscious…
Complete a thorough assessment and ensure the cervical spine
is not damaged.
Keep the casualty lying down and at rest.
Check carefully the neck, eyes and ears, and if bleeding or
discharge is found, place the casualty on the injured side to aid
the draining process.
Dress any wounds and monitor
41
Head Injuries
Treatment cont…
Unconscious casualty…
42
Head Injuries
Treatment cont…
43
Head Injuries
Treatment cont…
Tooth Injury…
If the tooth is knocked completely out, rinse gently
and put back in place – the correct way around
Another alternative is to place the tooth in a small
container surrounded by the casualties own saliva or
milk and seek medical or dental assistance.
Apply firm pressure, using a sterile pad, to any
bleeding wound or tooth socket for at least 10
minutes.
44
Shock
Shock fits into 3 categories…
45
Shock
Shock can be bought about by physical or
mental trauma.
Physical trauma may be the result of a shark
bite, car accident or industrial accident
causing blood loss.
Mental trauma maybe as a result of bad
news, witnessing a bad accident etc., causing
arteries to dilate and decrease the relative
blood volume.
46
Shock
Signs and symptoms of shock include…
low blood pressure (hypotension),
over breathing (hyperventilation), a weak rapid pulse,
cold clammy greyish-bluish (cyanotic) skin,
decreased urine flow and mental changes (a sense of
great anxiety and foreboding, confusion and,
sometimes, combativeness).
47
Shock
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
If you come upon a person in shock, the initial response should
be to call 000.
Lay the person down in a safe place and try to keep them warm
and comfortable.
Elevate the legs to increase the available blood flow to the vital
organs.
Treat any injuries and monitor the casualty continuously.
48
Faints
Fainting can present similarly to shock, if the faint is
unwitnessed.
49
Faints
Signs and Symptoms…
51
Drowning
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory
impairment from immersion in liquid.
52
Drowning
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
Rescue and remove the casualty from the water or liquid.
Don’t put yourself in danger attempting a rescue.
DRABCD… Assess the casualty, their airway and breathing
with the casualty on their side. This will allow for drainage of
any fluid and do away with the need to continually roll the
casualty back and forth.
Commence CPR as required.
Consider spinal injuries and the effects of hypothermia
Seek urgent medical assistance.
53
Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal injuries fall into two groups…
54
Abdominal Injuries
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
Control bleeding using direct pressure and bandages.
Consider internal bleeding. Look for pale cold clammy skin.
If the casualty is in shock lay them down and elevate the feet.
Flexing the knees may help reduce pain.
Don’t allow the casualty to eat or drink.
Assist the casualty to be comfortable.
If stomach contents are visible, cover with plastic wrap, a non stick dressing or
a wet dressing. Do not push the contents back into the stomach.
If an object is embedded in the abdomen, leave it in place and pad around it.
It may be plugging any blood loss and removal may do further damage to
surrounding tissue.
55
Abdominal Injuries
Non – trauma related injuries.
Signs and symptoms…
56
Abdominal Injuries
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
57
Bleeding
Bleeding can be internal or external
and can be the result of trauma or it
can happen spontaneously resulting
from disease.
58
Bleeding
Internal bleeding which is visible may be
evident as…
Lungs – frothy bright red blood coughed up.
Stomach – dark type, coffee coloured blood.
Bowel – dark loose smelly stools.
Vaginal – usually red blood discharge.
59
Bleeding
Treatment for internal bleeding…
61
Bleeding
Treatment for external bleeding cont…
63
Bleeding
Treatment for external bleeding cont…
64
Anaphylaxis
Most people will, at some time in their lives, experience
some form of allergic reaction.
66
Anaphylaxis
Signs and symptoms…
67
Anaphylaxis
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol and call for the
ambulance… DR ABCD
Once symptoms are confirmed administer the contents
of an EPIPEN (the casualty will be carrying one if they have known
allergies)
71
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (ongoing) respiratory
disorder in which the airways occasionally
constrict, become inflamed and are lined with
excessive amounts of mucus.
72
Asthma
Asthma triggers…
There are many triggers for asthma ranging from the above
examples to the common cold, exercise and cold night air.
73
Refer page 16 & 17 in your manual
Asthma
Symptoms…
Wheeze – a high pitched noise.
Coughing – this is usually dry and persistent.
Can’t get their breath
Tightness in the chest.
Raised shoulders, neck muscles and rib
muscles become tight.
74
Asthma
Symptoms cont...
Difficulty speaking more than a few words or
inability to speak because of wheezing or
breathlessness.
Distress.
With severe asthma the casualty may have
blueness around the mouth.
75
Asthma
Treatment cont…
Relievers in a puffer are best delivered through a
spacer if one is available. Spacers can be improvised
using a paper or Styrofoam cup.
76
Asthma
Treatment cont…
77
Fractures and Dislocations
78
Fractures and Dislocations
What is a Dislocation?
What is a Fracture ?
80
Fractures and Dislocations
Closed or simple fracture…
The skin stays intact and there is no sign of external
bleeding. Bleeding occurs into the tissues.
81
Fractures and Dislocations
Complicated Fracture…
A fracture that involves
damaged to vital organs
or major blood vessels.
82
Refer page 47 in your manual
Fractures and Dislocations
Sign & Symptoms…
Infection
Nausea
muscles.
Hamstring and back injuries are
among the most common strains.
86
Sprains and Strains
Symptoms…
Pain and tenderness around joints or muscles.
Swelling.
Discolouration to injured part.
Decreased function of the injured part.
Inability to stand on leg without pain.
87
Sprains and Strains
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
89
Bandages & Slings
90
Types of bandages
Crepe Bandages
Conforming bandages
Gauze bandages
Triangular bandages
91
Bandages are used for…
Holding dressings in place
Helping to control bleeding
Helping to immobilise fractures
Pressure immobilisation for snake and spider
bites
Hold cold packs in place
Reduce swelling
92
Slings are used for…
Support of injured arms or wrists
Immobilisation of fractures
Elevation to control external bleeding
93
Sling types
Upper arm sling
Used for injuries to the upper arm, including collar
bone, shoulder or ribs
97
Snake & Funnel Web Spider
Bites
Signs and symptoms…
Snake bite…
98
Snake & Funnel Web Spider
Bites
Signs and symptoms…
Funnel Web Spider bite…
Pain at the bite site.
Profuse sweating.
Abdominal pain
Muscular twitching, breathing difficulties.
100
Snake & Spider Bites
Appling a pressure immobilisation bandage.
• Place a pad over the bite site
• Firmly bandage from lower extremities and up to the
top of the limb.
101
Pressure Immobilisation
As soon as possible, apply a broad
pressure bandage from below the
bite site, upward on the affected
limb (starting at the fingers or
toes, bandaging upward as far as
possible). Leave the tips of the
fingers or toes unbandaged to
allow the victims circulation to be
checked. Do not remove pants or
trousers, simply bandage over
the top of the clothing.
103
Refer page 20 to 25 in your manual
Pressure Immobilisation
Bind the splint firmly, to as much of the limb
as possible, to prevent muscle, limb and
joint movement. This will help restrict
venom movement. Seek urgent medical
assistance now that first aid has been
applied.
104
Refer page 20 to 25 in your manual
Other Bites and Stings
Other bites and stings include…
Bites…
Red Back Spider
White Tailed Spider and
other spiders
105
Other Bites and Stings
Red Back, White Tailed and other spider bites…
106
Other Bites and Stings
Red Back, White Tailed and other spider bites…
Treatment…
Apply ice packs to the bite site to relieve the pain (apply for no longer
than 20 minutes at a time)
While the White Tail spider bite may cause severe inflammation and
has caused, contrary to popular opinion, very few cases of severe
local tissue damage, other causes of necrotic ulcers should be
investigated especially if you didn’t see the spider.
107
Other Bites and Stings
Tick bite…
Signs and symptoms…
110
Other Bites and Stings
Bee, Wasp, and Ant stings…
Treatment…
113
Other Bites and Stings
Treatment…
Progressive weakness of
muscles of respiration.
Inadequate, or cessation of
breathing
116
Other Bites and Stings
Blue Ringed Octopus and Cone Shell stings…
Treatment…
117
Other Bites and Stings
Fish stings…
118
Other Bites and Stings
Fish stings…
Bleeding
119
Other Bites and Stings
Fish stings…
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
Place the stung hand or foot in hot water. (water as hot as
the casualty can comfortably bear for 30 to 45 minutes)
Should hot water not relieve the pain, the application of cold
packs may be effective.
Seek medical assistance.
Further advice is available from the Australian Venom
Research Unit on 03 94838204.
120
BURNS & SCOLDS
Burn severity should be assessed and classified by
degree.
The first-degree burn involves only the upper layers
of the epidermis and dermis.
The second-degree burn penetrates slightly deeper
and produces blistering of the skin.
First and second degree burns are considered partial
thickness burns.
Third-degree or full thickness burns penetrate the
entire dermis. These burns may involve injury to
blood vessels, nerves, muscle tissue, bone, or
internal organs.
121
BURNS & SCOLDS
122
BURNS & SCOLDS
Signs and symptoms…
123
BURNS & SCOLDS
Treatment…
Gentle running, cold or cool water is the treatment for all burns.
Lots of it for at least 20 minutes.
Cool chemical or bitumen burns for at least 30 minutes.
Remove all rings and tight fitting clothing before swelling occurs.
Cut off contaminated clothing. Don’t remove clothing contaminated
with chemicals, over the head. Cut them off.
Elevate the injured area if possible to reduce swelling.
124
BURNS & SCOLDS
Treatment cont…
Once cool, cover the burnt area with a loose and light
non-stick dressing, preferably a sterile or clean, dry
and lint-free material.
Thermal burns…
Stop, drop and roll the casualty if
they are is on fire.
128
BURNS & SCOLDS
Treatment cont…
Lightning burns…
Burns from lightning can be as a direct strike which
will present as entry and exit burns with varying
degrees of severity.
They can also be flash burns as a result of a
lightning strike close by. Presented as superficial
spidery patterned burns on the skin as the current
has flowed over the skin.
Seek medical assistance.
129
BURNS & SCOLDS
Treatment cont…
Chemical burns…
Acids and alkalis react with body tissue and cause a burn.
130
Burn Pictures
Electrical
burns
131
Choking
132
Choking
We’ve all experienced choking, to varying degrees, at
some time in our lives.
134
Choking
Partial obstruction…
Breathing
135
Choking
Complete obstruction…
A complete obstruction occurs when something is
lodged in the casualties throat/airway completely
blocking it and stopping any air movement.
Person is quiet
136
Choking
Complete obstruction…
Signs and symptoms…
No air movement (no breathing)
Unable to speak
Unable to cough
No breaths sounds
Blue (cyanosis) around lips
Treatment…
139
SPINAL INJURIES
The spine is made up of 33
vertebrae which protect the spinal
cord.
Between each vertebrae is a disc
that acts as ‘suspension’.
The spine has four regions, these
being:
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacrum
140
SPINAL INJURIES
141
SPINAL INJURIES
Signs and symptoms…
Slowing/cessation of breathing
142
SPINAL INJURIES
Slowing pulse.
143
SPINAL INJURIES
Treatment…
Conscious casualty…
148
Seizures and Fitting
Febrile Convulsion present similar to an epileptic seizure.
Treatment…
150
CPR REVISION
Let’s have another CPR practice.
151
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries can occur in a wide variety of situations, from
car accidents, industrial accidents, trench cave-ins and
mining accidents.
The injury can progress to crush injury syndrome if…
• A large area is involved such as the thigh.
• There is no circulation beyond the crush.
• Crushed for 60 minutes or more.
Once the injury has developed into crush injury syndrome the
crushing force should not be removed until specialist medical
assistance is present.
The premature removal of a crushing force in this situation
can lead to sudden blood loss and the delivery of toxins to
the body that can prove to be fatal.
152
Crush Injuries
153
Crush Injuries
Treatment…
155
Diabetes
Hypoglycaemia
Causes…
Overdose of insulin
Insufficient food
Excessive exercise
Alcohol consumption
156
Diabetes
Hypoglycaemia
Treatment…
Conscious casualty…
Treatment cont…
The casualty may carry lollies in their pocket
159
Diabetes
Hypoglycaemia
Treatment cont…
Unconscious casualty…
160
Eye Injuries
There are five categories of eye injuries…
Welding flash
161
Eye Injuries
Treatment…
Follow the Triple A Protocol… DR ABCD
Never remove an embedded object from the eye.
Remove an minor foreign object if present (only if on
the white of the eye).
Use sterile water to wash the out the eye.
With burns to the eye continue with running water for at
least 20 minutes.
For an embedded object use a ring pad over the object
and bandage in place to prevent the object or the eye
from moving. (it helps to cover both eyes to prevent
movement) 162
Drug Overdose
163
Drug Overdose
Signs and symptoms…
164
Drug Overdose
Signs and symptoms cont…
Vomiting Drowsiness
165
Drug Overdose
Treatment…
Conscious casualty…
Follow the Triple A Protocol…DR ABCD
■ Make the casualty comfortable.
■ Try and ascertain what drug the casualty has taken and when.
■ Be aware that certain drugs can cause delusions and behavioural problems.
■ Treat any associated injuries, such as self inflicted injuries or results of falls or
trauma.
■ If the casualty vomits, collect a sample and send with the casualty to hospital.
■ Send any medicine bottles, suicide notes or other relevant items as well.
■ Continually monitor the casualty and if required ring the Poisons Information
Centre on 131126
■ Monitor breathing and vital signs. Record.
166
Drug Overdose
Treatment…
Unconscious casualty…
Follow the Triple A Protocol…DR ABCD
■ Place the casualty on their side and call the
ambulance.
■ Follow the same procedures as with a
conscious casualty.
167
Poisoning
Poisoning can occur to a casualty in many ways and with
many different chemicals.
■ If CPR is required, ensure you clean the poison from the face of the
casualty and use a facemask for resuscitation.
■ Contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 for advice on first aid
treatment. This can be done by a third person while you’re treating the
casualty
169
■ Monitor and record vital signs.
Electric Shock
Frayed and damaged electrical cables pose a real threat to any person that may come
in contact with them. All leads should be inspected and tagged, by a competent
person, every six months and they should also be inspected for damage before
and after use.
170
Electric Shock
It’s amperage that intensifies an electric shock
and not necessarily the voltage.
■ Burns
■ Cardiac arrest
■ Respiratory arrest
■ Maybe entry and exit burns
171
Electric Shock
Treatment…
172
Electric Shock
Treatment cont…
173
Stroke
A stroke can happen when the following occurs…
A blood vessel breaks open, causing blood to leak into the brain.
If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain
cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing
permanent damage.
174
Stroke
To determine if a casualty has had a stroke an
assessment of three specific symptoms must be made.
175
Stroke
Other signs and symptoms of a stroke…
■ Confusion.
■ Semi-conscious or unconscious.
176
Stroke
Treatment…
Conscious casualty…
177
Stroke
Treatment…
Unconscious casualty…
■ Lay the casualty on their side with the facial droop facing
down.
178
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused by over exposure to cold which
causes the core body temperature to drop below 35oC.
180
Hypothermia
Signs and symptoms cont…
181
Hypothermia
Signs and symptoms cont…
182
Hypothermia
Treatment…
183
Hypothermia
Treatment cont…
184
Hypothermia
Important points to remember…
When a person is hypothermic, they may show all the
signs of being dead.
It is vitally important to actively resuscitate a casualty
who is hypothermic and not responding.
The very cold condition slows down all the body’s
requirements for oxygen and when casualties are
resuscitated and slowly rewarmed, remarkable recoveries
have been achieved.
It is important that the rewarming process is slow, as
rewarming a casualty quickly could mean instant death.
186
Hyperthermia
187
Hyperthermia
Heat Cramps…
Are muscle cramps after prolonged exertion.
The body temperature is usually normal.
Heat Exhaustion…
(37oC to 40oC) is recognised by pallor, or pale
skin colour, sweating, thirst, fainting and
moderately elevated body temperature.
188
Hyperthermia
Heat Stroke…
189
Hyperthermia
Treatment…
Treatment cont…
192
Hyperventilation
Signs and symptoms…
195
Safe Manual Handling
Because of the shape and construction of the
spinal column, which curves forward in the
neck and lumbar regions, the majority of back
injuries occur in the lower lumbar area
because it receives the greatest stress.
196
Safe Manual Handling
197
Safe Manual Handling
Mental Preparation…
198
Safe Manual Handling
200
Summary
201
Written Assessment
Students to complete the theory assessment
22 Multiple Choice
18 True or False
THANK YOU
202