Terms
The emergency care given to a person who is injured or suddenly becomes ill
First aid
Less painful due to nerve cells being damaged; all three layers of skin are affected; has whitish or charred appearance
Third-degree burn
The outer layer of skin
Epidermis
Result of a stretched or torn ligament around a joint
Sprain
Someone is stung by a bee. What do you do?
Remove the stinger by scraping it with a flat, sharp object. Then, wash the area with soap and water and cover with a bandage and apply ice. If they are allergic, get emergency medical help.
Any break in the skin or mucous membrane; dangers are bleeding and infection
Characterized by redness, mild pain, and swelling; heals quickly; affects only the epidermis
First-degree burn
Yellowish-white substance on a wound; indication of infection
Pus
A break, chip, or crack in the bone
Fracture
Someone is poisoned. What do you do?
Call the poison control center immediately. Give the name of the poisonous substance and save the container, if there is one. The emergency personnel may instruct you to give the victim milk or water to help dilute the substance.
A support to an injured body to prevent movement and further damage
Splint
Characterized by blisters, red skin, swelling, and extreme pain; affects the epidermis and dermis
Second-degree burn
A life-threatening condition that occurs when sweat glands do not function properly
Heat stroke
A crack or break that does not pierce through the skin
Simple fracture
Someone is choking. What do you do?
If they are forcefully coughing, do not interfere. If they are unable to cough, administer the Heimlich maneuver until the object is expelled or the victim becomes unconscious.
Any kind of sickness or injury requiring immediate care
Medical emergency
Burn obtained by contact with a corrosive chemical to the skin or eyes
Chemical burn
A reaction to extreme heat by sweating profusely, becoming very tired and weak, and possibly even collapsing
Heat exhaustion
Results when a muscle is pulled to the point of tearing
Muscle strain
Someone needs a splint. What do you do?
Make a splint from any long object that can extend beyond the joints on both sides of the fracture. Place padding in between the splint and the bone. Secure the splint in place, leaving room for good circulation. Be careful not to move the injured limb more than is necessary.
Receives the same training as an EMT along with extra courses in which he learns to perform advanced life-saving procedures
Paramedic
Burn obtained by flames, hot gases, or a hot object
Thermal burn
The third layer of skin
Subcutaneous
Caused by a lack of exercise followed by overexertion
Muscle soreness
Someone is bleeding severely. What do you do?
Place a clean, folded cloth over the injured area and firmly apply pressure. If blood soaks through, place another cloth on top; do not remove. Apply pressure for 7 to 10 minutes. If wound is on arm, neck, leg, or hand, position wounded part of the body above the level of the heart while you apply pressure. If unsuccessful, try a pressure point.