Red Cross Training

Indicators of an emergency

unusual noises, unusual sights, unusual odors; or the unusual appearance or behavior of a person.

Closed Wound Example(s)

Bruises

Explain when to move an injured or ill person from a dangerous scene. (3 situations)

1. Faced with immediate danger, such as fire, lack of oxygen, risk of explosion or a collapsing structure. 2. When you have to get to another person who may have a more serious condition. 3. When it is necessary to give proper care.

Describe how to minimize the effects of shock.

1. Have the person lie down. This is often the most comfortable position. Helping the person rest in a more comfortable position may lessen any pain. Helping the person to rest comfortably is important because pain can intensify the body's stress and speed up the progression of shock. Control any external bleeding. Help the person maintain normal body temperature. If the person is cool, try to cover him or her to avoid chilling. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, even though he or she is likely to be thirsty. The person's condition may be severe enough to require surgery, in which case it is better if the stomach is empty. Reassure the person. Continue to monitor the person's breathing and for any changes in the person's condition.

Open Wound Example(s)

Abrasions- scrapes (some blood) Lacerations- gashes Avulsions/Amputations- deformed or chunks missing Punctures- holes

Explain the role of CPR in cardiac arrest

CPR helps to take over for the heart and the lungs when a person is in cardiac arrest by delivering blood containing oxygen throughout the body. One cycle of CPR is a combination of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Five CPR cycles should be completed in 2 minutes. Hands-only CPR also is an option for those who do not wish to give rescue breaths.

Caring for hypothermia:

Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if you suspect severe hypothermia or the person's condition is worsening. Gently move the person to a warm place. Remove wet clothing and dry the person. Warm the body gradually by wrapping the person in blankets and plastic sheeting to hold in body heat. Also, keep the head covered to further retain body heat. If you are far from medical care, position the person near a heat source or apply heat pads or other heat sources—such as containers filled with warm water—to the body. If the person is alert, give warm liquids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol.

To care for a head, neck or spinal injury:

Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Minimize movement. Support the head in the position you find it. Tell the person to answer your questions verbally to avoid any nodding or shaking of the head. If the head is turned sharply to one side, DO NOT try to align it. DO NOT remove helmets, face masks or shields unless specifically trained to do so.

Caring for heat stroke:

Call, or have someone else call, 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately because heat stroke is life threatening. Rapidly cool the body by immersing the person up to the neck in cold water if possible (preferred method). OR Douse or spray the person with cold water. Sponge the person's entire body with towels doused in ice water, frequently rotating the cold, wet towels. Cover the person with bags of ice. If you are not able to measure and monitor the person's temperature, apply rapid cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person improves. Care for other conditions as found.

List the causes of cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood. Causes of cardiac arrest in children include: Airway and breathing problems. Traumatic injury. A hard blow to the chest. Congenital heart disease. SIDS.

Identify the signals of common sudden illnesses.

Changes in level of consciousness (lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or unconsciousness) A change from normal (expected) behavior, especially in younger children. Breathing problems Heart attack signals (persistent chest pain, discomfort or pressure lasting more than a few minutes that goes away, comes back or spreads) Stroke signals (sudden weakness on one side of the face or one side of the body, sudden slurred speech or trouble forming words, sudden severe headache) Loss of vision or blurred vision Shock signals Sweating Persistent abdominal pain or pressure Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Seizures

Signals of a concussion:

Confusion that lasts from moments to several minutes. Headache. Repeated questioning about what happened. Temporary memory loss, especially for periods immediately before and after the injury. Brief loss of consciousness. Nausea and vomiting. Speech problems that include the person being unable to answer questions or obey simple commands. Blurred vision or sensitivity to light.

Signals of heat exhaustion include:

Cool, moist pale, ashen (gray) or flushed skin. Headache. Nausea. Dizziness. Weakness. Exhaustion.

Controlling external bleeding:

Cover the wound. Apply direct pressure with a dressing until bleeding stops. Cover the dressing with a bandage and check for feeling, warmth and color. If bleeding does not stop, apply more pressure and dressings and bandages, and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Take steps to minimize shock.

Explain what defibrillation is

Defibrillation is the delivery of an electrical shock to the heart using a device called an AED. Early defibrillation is the third link in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.

General burn care:

Do not apply salve, ointments, gels or anything other than cool water and a loosely applied sterile dressing to a burn. Leave any clothing that is sticking to the burned area in place. Do not apply ice or ice water to any burn. Ice and ice water can cause the body to lose heat rapidly and further damages body tissues.

Controlling bleeding when an object is imbedded in the wound:

Do not remove the object. Keep the object and the body part still. Place gauze dressing around the object, lightly pressing on the area around the wound but not pressing on the wound. Surround the object with bulky dressings to keep the object from moving. Carefully wrap a roller bandage over the dressings and around (not over) the object but do not cover the object itself. Overlap the dressing until it, and the object, are completely secure. Then tape the bandage in place.

Identify precautions to take when using an AED on a child or infant in sudden cardiac arrest.

Do not use alcohol to wipe the person's chest dry. Alcohol is flammable. Do not use an AED and/or pads designed for adults on a child younger than 8 years or weighing less than 55 pounds unless pediatric AED pads specific to the device are not available. Do not use pediatric AED pads on an adult or on a child older than 8 years, or on a person weighing more than 55 pounds. AEDs equipped with pediatric AED pads deliver lower levels of energy that are considered appropriate only for children and infants up to 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds. Do not touch the person while the AED is analyzing. Touching or moving the person may affect analysis. Before delivering a shock using an AED, make sure that no one is touching or is in contact with the person or any resuscitation equipment. Do not touch the person during defibrillation. You or someone else could receive a shock. Do not perform defibrillation when around flammable or combustible materials, such as gasoline or free-flowing oxygen. Do not use an AED in a moving vehicle. Movement may affect the analysis. Do not use an AED on a person who is in contact with water. Move the person and AED away from puddles of water or swimming pools or out of the rain before defibrillating. Do not use an AED on a person wearing a nitroglycerin patch or other medical patch on the chest. With a gloved hand, remove any patches from the chest before attaching the device. Do not use a mobile phone or radio within 6 feet of the AED. Radiofrequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), as well as infrared interference, generated by radio signals can disrupt analysis.

Signals of heat stroke include:

Extremely high body temperature. Dry or moist and possibly reddened skin. Changes in consciousness. Rapid, weak pulse. Rapid, shallow breathing. Confusion. Vomiting. Seizures.

Explain how to care for muscle, bone and joint injuries.

Follow RICE: Rest (Do not move or straighten the injured area.) Immobilize (Stabilize the injured area in the position it was found.) Cold (Apply ice to the injured area for periods of about 20 minutes.) Elevate (Elevate the injured area only if it does not cause more pain.)

Caring for frostbite:

Handle the affected area gently—never rub the affected area, which can cause damage to the tissue. Do not attempt to re-warm the frostbitten area if there is a chance it could refreeze or if you are close to a medical facility. For minor frostbite, rapidly re-warm the affected area using skin-to-skin contact such as with a warm hand. To care for a more serious injury, gently soak the affected area in water not warmer than about 105°F. Keep the frostbitten area in the water until normal color returns and it feels warm (for 20-30 minutes). Loosely bandage the area with a dry, sterile dressing. If fingers or toes are frostbitten, place cotton or gauze between them before bandaging. Do not break any blisters. Take steps to prevent hypothermia. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number or seek emergency medical help as soon as possible if frostbite appears to be severe.

Caring for a nosebleed:

Have the person sit with the head slightly forward while pinching the nostrils together for about 10 minutes. If bleeding continues and the nosebleed is the result of a trauma, apply an ice pack to the bridge of the nose. Seek medical attention if the bleeding persists or recurs or the person says that it is caused by high blood pressure.

Signs of a a head, neck or spinal injury

Is unconscious or not fully alert. Has a broken safety helmet. Was involved in a motor-vehicle crash or subjected to another significant force. Was injured as a result of a fall from greater than his or her standing height. Complains of neck or back pain. Has tingling or weakness in the extremities. Appears to be intoxicated. Appears to be frail or older than 65 years. Is a child younger than 3 years with evidence of a head, neck or spinal injury.

Explain how to check a conscious person for life-threatening and non-life-threatening conditions.

Look for signals that may indicate a life-threatening emergency. Check to see if the injured or ill person is conscious. If you are not sure whether someone is conscious or unconscious, tap him or her on the shoulder and ask if he or she is OK. For an infant, shout and flick the bottom of the infant's foot. If the person does not respond, assume that he or she is unconscious. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number right away. Look for other signals of life-threatening conditions including trouble breathing or no breathing and/or severe bleeding. If you determine that an injured or ill person is conscious and has no life-threatening conditions, ask the person and bystanders simple questions about what happened, and check the person from head to toe to be sure that you do not overlook any problems. Do not move areas of the body where there is pain or discomfort. Watch for changes in the person's condition and look for a medical ID tag.

Caring for heat cramps:

Move the person to a cool place. Give the person an electrolyte/carbohydrate-containing fluid, such as a commercial sports drink, fruit juice or milk. Water may also be given. Lightly stretch the cramping muscle and gently massage the surrounding area. The person should not take salt tablets, which can make the condition worse.

Caring for heat exhaustion:

Move the person to a cooler environment. Loosen or remove as much clothing as possible. Apply cool, wet cloths and take care to remoisten them periodically. Spray the person with water. Fan the person. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as an electrolyte-containing commercial sports drink or fruit juice. Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces every 15 minutes. Let the person rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in condition. If the person's condition does not improve or if the person refuses fluids, has a change in consciousness or vomits, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Caring for an electrical burn:

Never go near the person until you are sure he or she is not still in contact with the power source. Turn off the power at its source before giving care. Care for any life-threatening conditions. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Be aware that electrocution can cause cardiac and respiratory emergencies; be prepared to perform CPR or use an AED. Care for shock and thermal burns. Look for entry and exit wounds and give appropriate care.

Signals of frostbite include:

Numbness or lack of feeling in the affected area. Skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch or is discolored (flushed, black, white, yellow, or blue). Blisters may form in more serious cases; affected part may turn black and show signs of deep tissue damage.

Signals of heat cramps include:

Painful muscle spasms usually in the legs or abdomen.

Signals of a breathing emergency include:

Trouble breathing or no breathing, slow or rapid breathing, unusually deep or shallow breathing, and gasping, wheezing, gurgling or high-pitched noises. Unusually moist or cool skin. Flushed, pale, ashen or bluish skin. Dizziness or light-headedness. Pain in the chest or tingling in the hands, feet or lips. Apprehensive or fearful feelings.

Describe how to care for a heart attack

Recognizing the signals of a heart attack and calling 9-1-1 immediately are essential. When caring for the person, have him or her rest comfortably and monitor his or her condition.

Caring for a chemical burn:

Remove the chemical from the skin as quickly as possible as it will continue to burn for as long as it is present; if the chemicals are dry, brush them off using gloved hands or a towel. Remove any contaminated clothing and jewelry, if possible. Flush the burn with large amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes or until EMS personnel take over. If an eye is burned, flush the affected eye with water until EMS personnel take over; tilt the head so that the affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye as you flush it with water.

Identify the signals of shock.

Restlessness or irritability. Altered level of consciousness. Nausea or vomiting. Pale, ashen or grayish, cool, moist skin. Rapid breathing and pulse. Excessive thirst.

Signals of hypothermia include:

Shivering. Numbness. Glassy stare. Indifference. Loss of consciousness.

Explain how defibrillation works

Sometimes the heart's electrical system is disrupted by disease or injury. This can cause an abnormal heart rhythm that can stop the blood from circulating. Defibrillation helps the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. If started quickly, CPR along with an AED can increase a person's chance for survival if he or she suffers sudden cardiac arrest.

Caring for a thermal or radiation burn:

Stop the burning by removing the person from the source of the burn. Check for life-threatening conditions. If no other life-threatening conditions are present, cool the burn as soon as possible with large amounts of cold running water at least until the pain is relieved. Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing. Take steps to minimize shock and keep the person from getting chilled or overheated.

Burns (three types)

Superficial- top layer only Partial-thickness- top few layers Full-thickness- all layers

To care for a concussion:

Support the head and neck in the position you find it. Maintain an open airway. Control any bleeding and apply dressings to any open wounds. When controlling bleeding, do not apply direct pressure if there are any signals of a skull fracture. If there is clear fluid leaking from the ears or a wound in the scalp, cover the area loosely with sterile gauze. Try to calm and reassure the person. Encourage the person to engage in conversation with you; it may help prevent loss of consciousness. Monitor the person for any changes in condition.

Describe the purpose of Good Samaritan laws.

The Good Samaritan laws exist in most states, and protect against claims of negligence when someone gives emergency care in good faith, without expecting anything in return and as a "reasonable and prudent person" would.

There are many possible signals of heart attack, but the most common is persistent chest pain, discomfort or pressure that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes, that goes away and comes back or that persists even during rest. Others include nausea or vomiting, pale or ashen skin and trouble breathing. A person in cardiac arrest is unconscious, is not breathing and does not have a heartbeat.

The four links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival are: Early recognition and early access to the EMS system. Early CPR. Early defibrillation. Early advanced medical care. These links give the best chance of survival for the person having a cardiac emergency.

Seek advanced medical care for a closed or open wound if:

The person complains of severe pain. The person cannot move the body part without pain. You think the force that caused the injury was great enough to cause serious damage (e.g., a deformity can be seen). Bleeding cannot be controlled.

Recognize the signals of a cardiac emergency

There are many possible signals of heart attack, but the most common is persistent chest pain, discomfort or pressure that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes, that goes away and comes back or that persists even during rest. Others include nausea or vomiting, pale or ashen skin and trouble breathing. A person in cardiac arrest is unconscious, is not breathing and does not have a heartbeat.

Explain how to activate and work the emergency medical services (EMS) system.

To activate the EMS system, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. (This is the CALL step of the Emergency Action Steps: CHECK—CALL—CARE.)

Explain how to check an unconscious person for life-threatening conditions.

When checking an unconscious person: Check for responsiveness. Call 9-1-1. Open the airway. Check for breathing. Quickly scan for severe bleeding. When checking an unconscious child or infant: Check for responsiveness. Call 9-1-1. Open the airway. Check for breathing. Give 2 rescue breaths. Quickly scan for severe bleeding.

Identify how to reduce the risk of disease transmission when giving care.

Whenever possible use standard precautions to protect yourself and the injured or ill person. Standard precautions are measures that help prevent disease transmission. This includes common sense actions, such as using breathing barriers and disposable gloves and washing your hands after giving care.

Identify the difference between expressed consent and implied consent.

expressed consent - a conscious person understands you and gives you permission to give care. implied consent - the person is unconscious, confused, mentally impaired, seriously injured or ill or otherwise unable to give you permission to give care. If the conscious person is a child or infant, permission to give care must be obtained from a parent or guardian when one is available. If the condition is life-threatening, consent is implied if a parent or guardian is not present.

Describe how to prioritize care for injuries and sudden illnesses.

prioritize care for the person in the most serious or life-threatening condition. Bystanders or other trained responders on the scene may be able to help give care to others until EMS arrives.