General Approach to Sudden Illness & Injury
What is the first step in caring for any sudden illness or injury, assuming the person is responsive?
Obtain consent.
This condition is categorized as a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause shock and affect a person's ability to breathe.
Anaphylaxis
Describe three symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, trouble breathing, change in level of consciousness, person tells you they have allergies.
FAST
Face, Arms, Speech, Time
Describe the general care for a nosebleed.
Have the person lean forward, pinch their nose closed, and apply gauze and a cold compress to the back of the neck or the bridge of the nose.
When should you activate the EAP for sudden illness or injury?
If the person is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
This condition is categorized as a chronic illness in which certain substances or conditions, called triggers, cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult.
Asthma
Describe five symptoms of an asthma attack.
Wheezing or coughing, rapid and shallow breathing, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, inability to talk without stopping every few words, anxiety and fear, fatigue, sweating.
RICE
Rest, Immobilize, Cold, Elevate
If someone loses a tooth, how should the person be treated?
Put the tooth in a salt-based solution or milk. Pack the tooth socket with gauze and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Refer the person to a dentist, or summon EMS is bleeding persists.
Should you provide care where the person was found or move them to the first aid area?
It depends. If moving the person could cause further injury, keep them in the place they were found.
This condition is broadly defined as "difficulty breathing." Causes of the condition may include an obstructed airway, heart conditions, chronic respiratory conditions, trauma, poisoning, drug overdose, or mental health conditions.
Respiratory Distress
Describe three symptoms of a diabetic emergency.
Feeling dizzy, shaky, headaches, cool and clammy skin, changed behavior, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat.
SAMPLE
Signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past medical history, last oral intake, events leading up to incident.
When should we suspect a head, neck, or spine injury?
When we see the accident happen, the person experiences persistent pain or tingling in the head or arms, a responsible person saw the accident happen.
Are you allowed to administer quick-relief medication, such as an asthma inhaler or an epi-pen?
No. You may only assist with administering the medication.
This condition is categorized as a chronic illness in which the body is unable to process glucose in the bloodstream.
Diabetes
Describe five symptoms of a heart attack.
Chest discomfort or pain, chest tightness or pressure, shoulder pain, tingling or numbness (especially in the arm), jaw or upper stomach pain, dizziness/light-headedness, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath.
RID
Recognition, Intrusion, Distraction
Describe the difference between an abrasion, laceration, avulsion, and a puncture.
Abrasion - shallow scrape with minimal bleeding.
Laceration - skin is cut, bleeding may be heavy.
Avulsion - portion of skin is detached or torn.
Puncture - object pierces the skin.
Name 5 signs and symptoms of sudden illness.
Trouble breathing, pain, changes in LOC, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, discolored skin, problems seeing or speaking, numbness, weakness, seizures.
This condition occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked.
Heart Attack
Impression of the scene.
LOC
Level of Consciousness
How do you define life-threatening bleeding?
A loss of blood equal to the amount of a soda can or if blood is oozing or spurting from the wound.