Muscle and Bone Injuries
Explain the similarities and differences in a strain, a muscle tear, a tendon rupture, a sprain, a dislocation, a simple fracture, and a compound fracture.
Sprains hit ligaments (bone-to-bone),
Strains affect muscles/tendons (muscle-to-bone), Muscle Tears & Tendon Ruptures are severe strains (partial/complete tearing),
Dislocations displace a joint,
Fractures are breaks in the bone, with simple (closed) staying under the skin and compound (open) breaking through
Describe the symptoms and signs of, relationships between, possible complications of, and prevention of head, neck, and back injuries.
Symptoms & Signs
Head (Concussion/TBI): Headache (worsening), dizziness, nausea/vomiting, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, vision changes (unequal pupils), seizures, slurred speech, balance issues, personality changes, fluid from ears/nose.
Neck (Whiplash/Ligament Strain): Stiffness, pain (worse with movement), headaches (base of skull), shoulder/arm pain, tingling/numbness in arms, fatigue, limited neck motion.
Back (Spinal): Pain/tenderness, radiating pain/numbness (legs), difficulty walking/standing, spasms, bruising, weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, unnatural positions.
Prevention
Safety Gear: Helmets (sports, cycling), seatbelts (vehicles).
Safe Practices: Proper lifting, ergonomic setup (text neck prevention), fall prevention (especially for elderly).
Immediate Action: Assume a spinal injury with head/neck trauma until ruled out by a professional; immobilize the neck.
When to Seek Emergency Care (Immediate)
Loss of consciousness, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, unequal pupils, confusion/agitation, slurred speech, weakness/numbness in limbs, loss of bladder/bowel control, trouble breathing
Describe the conditions under which an injured person should and should not be moved.
You should not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger (fire, explosion, traffic, toxic fumes) or need urgent life-saving help (CPR)
Move only if the scene is unsafe for the victim or rescuer, or to perform CPR, using proper stabilization techniques if possible, but prioritize calling 911 and letting EMTs handle complex cases.
Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Dehydration and over-hydration
Dehydration means not enough fluids, causing thirst, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth; treat with small sips of water/electrolytes, prevent by regular drinking, especially in heat/exercise.
Overhydration (water intoxication) involves excess water diluting salts, causing headache, confusion, nausea, swollen limbs; stop fluids, rest, seek urgent care if severe. Prevention for both involves listening to your body, monitoring urine color (pale is good), and balancing fluid intake with activity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nV_iShIAgs
Conditions. Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Object in the eye
An object in the eye causes grit, redness, tearing, pain (mild to sharp), blurry vision, and light sensitivity; first aid involves not rubbing, blinking, flushing with clean water/saline, and removing visible particles with a wet tissue corner; prevention includes safety glasses and avoiding eye rubbing. Seek immediate medical help for embedded objects, severe pain, vision loss, or chemicals, as improper removal can cause serious damage
Describe the symptoms and signs of and first aid for a muscle strain, a muscle tear, and a tendon rupture.
Muscle Strain (Mild/Moderate): Pain, tenderness, mild swelling/bruising, muscle weakness, spasms, limited motion, cramping.
Muscle Tear (Severe): More intense pain, significant swelling/bruising, inability to use the muscle, possible depression or gap in the muscle.
Tendon Rupture (Complete): A sudden pop/snap, severe pain, significant swelling, major weakness, inability to move the limb, visible gap
First Aid (RICE Method)
1. Rest: Stop activity and avoid putting weight on the injured area.
2. Ice: Apply cold packs for 15-20 mins every few hours for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
3. Compression: Gently wrap with an elastic bandage to limit swelling.
4. Elevation: Raise the injured limb above heart level when possible.
5.Pain Relief: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help inflammation and pain, but use short-term.
Describe the symptoms and signs of and first aid for a concussion.
Common Symptoms & Signs
Physical: Headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, blurred vision, ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Cognitive: Feeling mentally "foggy," difficulty concentrating or remembering, slowed thinking, trouble with conversations.
Emotional: Irritability, sadness, anxiety, mood swings.
Sleep: Sleeping more or less, trouble sleeping soundly.
Signs (observed by others): Dazed look, confusion, listlessness, unsteadiness, unusual behavior/crying, changes in eating/sleeping.
Seek immediate help if you see:
First Aid & Home Care
If a sick or an injured person must be moved, tell how you would decide the best method. Demonstrate these methods.
Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Heat cramps and muscle pain after exertion
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms (legs, abdomen) from exertion in heat, treated by resting in cool, shaded areas, gentle massage, stretching, and sipping water/sports drinks for electrolytes; prevent by acclimatizing, hydrating with electrolytes, pacing activity, wearing loose clothes, and resting in cool spots, especially early in hot weather or new activities, to avoid overexertion and fluid/salt loss
Muscle pain after exertion, distinct from heat cramps, often signals delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), requiring rest, gentle movement, and hydration, while heat cramps signal heat illness needing immediate cooling and fluids
Conditions. Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Broken, chipped, loosened, or knocked out tooth
A broken, chipped, or loose tooth requires prompt dental evaluation to prevent infection or further damage. Immediate actions involve first aid measures like rinsing the mouth, applying a cold compress, and seeking professional care right away, especially for a loose or knocked-out tooth
Describe the symptoms and signs of, and potential complications of, a sprain, a fracture, and a dislocation.
Sprain (Ligament Injury) - Pain, swelling, bruising , tenderness, instability (feeling weak), reduced range of motion, maybe a "pop" at injury.
Fracture (Broken Bone) - Intense pain (worse with movement/pressure), severe swelling/bruising, visible deformity (misshapen limb), inability to bear weight, sometimes bone protruding skin (open fracture), numbness, grinding sound
Dislocation (Joint Displacement) - Visible deformity (joint out of place), intense pain, swelling, numbness/tingling, significant loss of motion, instability, bruising.
By yourself and with a partner, demonstrate how to transport a person from a smoke-filled room.
Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating, cool/clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headache, and dizziness, requiring immediate cooling with water, shade, loose clothes, and cool drinks (water/sports drinks) while resting; prevention focuses on staying hydrated, limiting activity in heat, wearing light clothing, and gradually acclimatizing to hot environments
Conditions. Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Vomiting and diarrhea associated with food poisoning
Food poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever, and weakness, requiring rest, fluids (sips of water, broth, electrolyte drinks), and bland foods like crackers for first aid, while prevention centers on the four steps: Clean hands/surfaces, Separate raw/cooked foods, Cook to proper temps, and Chill promptly, avoiding cross-contamination and undercooked items
First Aid & Home Care
Demonstrate bandages for these injuries:
Demonstrate first aid for someone with a suspected neck or back injury.
DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON unless in immediate danger; call 911, keep their head and neck in the position found (aligned with the spine), use rolled towels to support the head, and monitor breathing until help arrives, only moving to provide CPR if absolutely necessary, using jaw-thrust for airway, not head-tilt.
By yourself and with a partner, demonstrate how to transport a person with a sprained ankle for at least 25 yards.
Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency with symptoms like confusion, high body temperature (over 103°F/39.4°C), hot/dry or damp skin, rapid pulse, and lack of sweating, requiring immediate 911 call, moving to a cool place, and rapid cooling with wet cloths or cool water. Prevention involves staying hydrated, wearing loose clothing, avoiding peak sun, and using AC/fans to avoid heat stroke
Conditions. Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain varies from mild aches to severe cramping, often with bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel habits, requiring medical help if severe, sudden, or with fever, bloody stool/vomit, or breathing issues. First aid involves comfort measures like warmth, hydration (water/clear fluids), rest, bland foods, and gentle massage, but call 911 for serious injury/symptoms. Prevention focuses on diet (fiber, less fatty/gassy foods), regular hydration, hygiene, exercise, and stress management.
BONUS:
Mental Health Conditions. Describe the following:
c) indications
Behavior
call 911 immediately for immediate threats, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (text or call) for non-immediate but serious concerns, ensuring you take them seriously, listen without judgment, and get professional help, not promising secrecy. Remove means of harm (weapons, pills), stay with them if safe, and encourage professional treatment, while avoiding minimizing their feelings or debating life's value
With helpers under your supervision, improvise a stretcher and move a presumably unconscious person for at least 25 yards.
Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and poor coordination, progressing to unresponsiveness as the core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). First aid involves calling emergency services (911), gently moving the person to a warm, dry place, removing wet clothes, and slowly warming the body's core with blankets or heat packs (chest, neck, groin). Prevention focuses on staying dry, wearing layered, loose-fitting clothing (avoiding cotton), covering extremities, managing activity to prevent sweating, and staying nourished and hydrated
Conditions. Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of
Stroke.
A stroke's signs are sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty (FAST), plus vision changes, dizziness, or severe headache; first aid means calling 911 immediately, noting symptom onset time, keeping the person calm, and not giving food/water; prevention involves managing blood pressure, healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and controlling diabetes