Acronyms
This acronym stands for airway, breathing, and circulation
What are the ABCs?
Answers include: Swelling in the face/throat, hives, trouble breathing, rapid drop in blood pressure.
What is anaphylaxis?
A student collapses but is breathing normally. What position should they be placed in?
What is the recovery position?
An ERT member runs into a crowded scene without checking surroundings.
What is failing to ensure scene safety?
Two patients: one bleeding heavily, one unconscious but breathing.
Who is priority?
What is the person with uncontrolled bleeding?
This injury-care acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
What is RICE?
This emergency happens when something blocks the airway.
What is choking?
Someone twists their ankle, swelling increases rapidly, and pain worsens.
What is a more severe sprain or potential fracture?
Someone is held down during a seizure.
What is restraining the patient?
Why is communication between ERT members critical?
What is to avoid missed information and duplicated tasks?
This assessment acronym stands for Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events prior.
What is SAMPLE?
Why is someone still at risk after using an EpiPen?
What is symptoms can return when the medication wears off?
A choking person suddenly becomes silent and stops coughing.
What is complete airway obstruction?
A responder gives food to someone feeling faint.
What is choking risk if consciousness decreases?
Why should you avoid giving reassurance that includes guarantees?
What is it creates false security and legal/ethical risk?
You use SAMPLE primarily when a patient is...
What is conscious and able to communicate?
Why should nothing be placed in someone’s mouth during a seizure?
What is it can cause injury or airway obstruction?
A student with a known peanut allergy says “I feel weird” but has no hives yet. What should you do?
Monitor closely, assess ABCs, prepare for anaphylaxis, get help immediately!
An unconscious person is left lying flat on their back.
What is airway obstruction risk from vomit or tongue?
True or False: A seizure patient always needs emergency services.
What is False?
Which acronym would you use FIRST: ABCs or SAMPLE? Why?
What is ABCs, because life threats are before history.
Why should you time a seizure?
What is duration determines severity and need for emergency care?
During a school assembly, a student suddenly collapses. They are unconscious, breathing irregularly, and have vomit near their mouth. Another student says, “They have a peanut allergy but didn’t eat anything.” Answer the following: 1. What is your first action?
2. Which part of ABCs is the priority?
3. What condition(s) must you consider?
4. One thing you have to not do?
1. Ensure scene safety and open/clear airway
2. Airway
3. Aspiration, anaphylaxis, seizure, or fainting
4. Do not leave them flat on their back or give food/drink
An ERT member arrives to a seizure. They put the person in recovery position immediately, hold their shoulders to prevent injury, place a folded jacket under their head, and ask bystanders to step back.
Holding their shoulders / restraining them
Name three actions that can turn a manageable emergency into a life-threatening one.
Some examples:
-Ignoring airway
-Restraining a seizure patient
-Delaying help
-Leaving patient unattended
-Giving food/drink