First Aid Potpourri
What is the #1 priority on the scene when you are the responder?
Your Safety
How do you help a patient who is actively seizing?
Protect from injury, do not restrain, do not place objects in their mouth, allow seizure to run its course, if possible roll patient on their side so that vomit/saliva can exit mouth.
When using an AED, what is an important thing to do just before pushing the treatment / shock button?
quickly look to assure you or another person is not directly contacting the patient and yell “Clear” before pushing the treatment button.
How do you manage a patient’s tooth if it has been knocked out?
Do NOT touch the root, have patient spit in a cup and place tooth into the saliva. Avoid storing in water. You can also use egg white, coconut water, whole milk, or Hank’s Salt Solution.
How do you treat for heat stroke?
Stop activity, place in cooler place, remove clothing, lie patient down, elevate legs 6-12 inches, apply cool/moist cloths around head, neck, torso, and fan the patient. You can give fluids if they do not have altered mental status (showing signs of fainting).
How do you properly ventilate an infant when a mask is not present?
seal your mouth around infant’s nose and mouth.
What is the phone number for the Poison Help Line/Poison Control Center in the US?
1-800-222-1222
How do you treat a thermal burn?
Quickly cool burn with cool/cold water (or use cool/cold dressing if water is not available) for at least 10 minutes. Never us ice directly on the burn.
How do you check for patient breathing?
Look, Listen, Feel for breathing
When someone has an objected embedded in their eye, how do you render aid?
do not let patient rub eye, place protective cover over the eye to prevent pressure on the object (paper cup), and cover the uninjured eye to prevent movement since eyes move together.
If you see someone struggling in the water what should you do?
Give them something to float on, call 911, DO NOT GO OUT TO GET THEM
What does AED stand for?
Automated External Defibrillator
How do you treat someone who is a diabetic that is shaky, pale and confused?
Check for medical alert tag, if conscious give them some form of sugar (orange juice, candy, fruit leather, whole milk), do not use artificial sweeteners and DO NOT give them insulin.
If you have a swimming pool at home, how do you make it safe?
Install four-sided fencing, clear the pool and deck of toys.
How do you establish the airway in a patient without a head/neck injury? With a head/neck injury?
Without suspected head/neck injury: head tilt/chin lift
With suspected head/neck injury: jaw thrust