Legal Implications
What are the goals of first aid?
Preserve life, prevent further injury, promote recovery
What does ABCs stand for?
Airway, breathing, circulation
How would you help someone experiencing a seizure?
Phone EMS, clear objects from around victim, protect the victim’s head, don’t restrict the victim’s movement or place anything between the teeth, record number and duration of seizures
Facial drop, sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech, double vision, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the face, arm, or leg
Stroke
What barrier devices / personal protective equipment (PPE) should a first aider use? Why?
Gloves and a pocket mask. Barrier devices protect both the rescuer and the victim
What must you get from someone before you help them?
Consent (from the victim or their guardian if they are a child)
What acronym helps determine LOC and what does it stand for?
AVPU: alert, verbal, pain, unconscious
How do you treat a third degree burn?
Phone EMS, flush area with cool, clean water, cover the affected area with a sterile, dry dressing, do not break blisters, separate fingers or toes with dressings if they are affected by the burn
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, tight sensation in airway, generalized itchiness, rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, or neck, decreased LOC, nausea, weakness
Anaphylaxis
What should you check to prevent errors when helping a victim take their medication?
The 5 Rights: use the right medication, the right amount, on the right person, at the right time, using the right method
When are you allowed to stop treatment on a victim?
What is included in a secondary assessment?
Head-to-toe check, victim history (SAMPLE questions), taking and recording vital signs
How would you help someone experiencing an asthma attack?
Assist the victim to a comfortable position, help victim take their medication, loosen tight-fitting clothing, if the asthma attack continues or the victim is distressed call EMS
Pain, swelling, discolouration, difficulty moving the affected area, deformity
Dislocation or closed fracture
How can bystanders assist you as the rescuer?
Phone EMS, meet EMS and direct them to the scene, help with immobilization, remove hazards or help move victim to safety, get blankets, first aid supplies, and other equipment, calm or comfort the victim, write down the vital signs, details of the incident, and the victim history, manage crowds that may gather
What medication can a first aider administer?
An EpiPen
What does SAMPLE stand for?
Signs and symptoms, ABCs, medication, past medical history, last oral intake, events prior
How do you treat poisoning (injected)?
Phone EMS, contact Poison Control, delay circulation by placing the victim at rest and keeping the affected limb below heart level, collect container of poison if possible
Decreased LOC, unequal and unreactive pupils, head pain, victim claims to "see stars", blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, blood or clear fluid from the eyes, ears, nose or mouth
Head injury - Concussion
What is critical incident stress?
Physical, mental, or emotional reactions that interfere with the ability to function during or after the emergency. Some things that can cause critical incident stress include recusing and treating a victim who was injured or died, being involved in an incident that got a lot of media attention, etc.
What Ontario legislation protects first aiders?
Good Samaritan Act (must act reasonably within the scope of your training and to the best of your ability)
What are the five vital signs?
Level of consciousness, pulse, breathing, pupils, skin
How do you treat heatstroke?
Phone EMS, move victim to a cool spot out of the hot environment, cool victim down with cool water or ice packs
Decreased LOC, shallow and rapid breathing, weak and rapid pulse, may appear intoxicated, sweating, confusion, fear, nausea, headache, trembling, weakness
Diabetic Emergency
What two heart rhythms are shockable?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)