Post on 07-May-2015
description
Emergency care
A summary of how you can assist others in an
emergency
Emergency Care Topics
Basic principles Legal considerations Bleeding Shock Burns Choking Asthma Diabetes
Epilepsy Poisoning Envenomation Musculoskeletal
injuries Heat and cold
What it is all about
What is Emergency care ? “Simple, effective management or care given to a
casualty of injury or sudden illness until more advanced care can be provided.”
Aims of emergency care are: · to preserve life · to protect the unconscious casualty · to prevent further injury or pain · to promote recovery.
In the situation of an emergency…
Your priorities should be: D Danger: remove the danger, or the casualty from
danger before proceeding further. R Response: determine whether the casualty is
conscious. A Airway: ensure airway is clear. B Breathing: if absent, expired air resuscitation
needs to be commenced immediately. C Compressions: if absent, cardiopulmonary
resuscitation is urgently required. Don't need to check circulation anymore
If a casualty is conscious…
The secondary survey is to: Obtain historyCheck for vital signsNote casualty symptoms
Duty of care
People should only act if they have duly considered the consequences
Duty of care depends on the relationship you have with the other i.e. Teacher and student.
If you are not emergency care trained and/or not confident you may choose not to act and simply call 000 and communicate with others
Factors in controlling bleeding
PressureElevationRest and reassurance
Shock
To treat shock we aim to: Prevent further injury Control bleeding Reassure and rest casualty Maintain normal body temperature Elevate casualty’s leg if possible Do not give anything to eat or drink Call ambulance 000
Burns
Do:Cool burns under running waterRemove jewelleryCover burn with sterile non-stick
dressingTreat for shock
Burns
DO NOT:Break blistersApply lotions, ointments or creamsApply iceRemove clothing that sticks to the
burned area
Choking
If a causality is able to breathe: Allow them to cough with no
interferenceAllow to recoverArrange for medical care
Choking
If casualty is not able to breathe: Position head low Give 4 back blows Reassess breathing
If the back blow was INEFFECTIVE:
Place on sideGive 4 lateral chest thrustsContinue previous stepsMonitor ABC
Asthma Attacks
Step 1 Sit the casualty upright, remain calm and provide reassurance. Do not leave the casualty alone.
Step 2 Give four puffs of a reliever puffer (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Respolin or Ventolin), one puff at a time, preferably through a spacer device*. Ask the casualty to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff.
Step 3 Wait four minutes.Step 4 If there is little or no improvement, repeat steps
2 and 3.
Severe Asthma Attack
If the casualty is not responding to the previous measures:
Call an ambulanceRepeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for
ambulance
Diabetes
If conscious, give the casualty sugar If unconscious,
- Call for medical assistance
- Monitor ABC
- Do not give sugar by mouth
Seizures
If the casualty is fitting: Remove sharp or hard objects to protect the
casualty from the environment. If on a hard surface, protect the casualty’s
head with clothing. Turn the casualty on to their side as soon as
possible and maintain a clear airway. Do not try to place anything in the mouth.
Seizures
Call an ambulance if: It is an infant/child Remains unconscious is pregnant Has diabetes Has had no previous history Has seizure in water The seizure has lasted long than a few minutes
Poisons
Poisoning can occur in four ways: ingestion (swallowed) inhalation (breathed) absorption (through skin) injection (needles, bites, stings).If a patient is unconscious…
UNCONSCIOUS = Contact poison Information Centre 131126
CONSCIOUS = Apply DRABC
Envenomation
To deal with poisons through bites and stings, apply the...
PIT (pressure immobilisation technique)
Envenomation
Insect bites and Stings Apply ice Apply PIT immediately if allergic reaction
occurs or if casualty is known to be allergic
Marine stingers Hot water for scorpion or stone fish Cold packs for jellyfish or bluebottles
Sprains, strains and bruising
Apply RICER Rest Ice Compression Elevation Referral
Fractures
To treat a suspected fracture:Prevent further movementSupport or immobilise the injured
partYou will need to use a splint if you
are able to access this resource
Exposure to heat
If casualty is overheatedRest and reassureGradually cool body surfaceGive cool water
Exposure to cold
If the casualty is suspected hypothermic:
Cover affected area with dressingGradually warm body surfaceGive warm fluids