Heartsaver Ch. 1 - First Aid Basics

How do you know when to phone for help?

Phone 911 when someone is seriously ill/injured and you don't know what to do. Examples: If the ill/injured person has/is: - unresponsive to voice/touch - chest discomfort/heart attack signs - Signs of a stroke - trouble breathing - severe bleeding - seizure - sudden paralysis in a body part - received an electric shock - been exposed to poison

Who should phone for help if you are with others?

Send someone else to phone help and get first aid/AED; - Have person put phone on speaker for you to receive further instruction from the dispatcher.

What should you do when on the phone with the dispatcher?

- Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you to. - Answer all questions asked. - be aware of your surroundings, and know your location/address.

When you ask to give first aid:

- Introduce yourself as a first aid provider before touching the person - Ask if you may help - If person agrees, give aid. - If they refuse, phone 9-1-1 and stay until help arrives. - If person is confused/can't answer, assume they want help.

How do you maintain a first aid kit?

- Keep the supplies in a sturdy, watertight, clearly labeled container. - Know where the kit is. - Replace what you use. - Check the kit at the beginning of each work period for expired supplies, and to make sure it is complete/fully stocked.

How do you protect a patient's privacy?

- Only give personal/medical information to EMS rescuers. - If in workplace, also give info to your emergency response program supervisor. - Do NOT share info with other coworkers.

The role of a first aid rescuer is to:

- Recognize that an emergency exists. - Make sure the scene is safe. - Phone 9-1-1 - Provide care until someone w/ more advanced training takes over.

What are the key steps of first aid?

1. Assess the scene. 2. Phone for help. 3. Take universal precautions. 4. Find the problem. 5. Protect the person's privacy.

Who should phone for help if you are alone?

1. First shout for help, to check. 2. If there is no response, person needs immediate care, and you have a cell phone, call 911 and put on speaker. 3. The dispatcher will give further instruction.

How do you correctly remove gloves?

1. Grip one glove one the outside near the cuff, and peel down until it comes off inside out. 2. Cup w/ other gloved hand. 3. Place 2 fingers of bare hand inside the cuff of the glove that is still on your other hand. 4. Peel that glove off so it comes off inside out, w/ the first glove inside it.

What are the actions for finding the problem?

1. Make sure scene is safe. 2. Check to see if person is responsive or unresponsive. • RESPONSIVE: ask what the problem is. - If person only moves/moans: shout for help, phone 911, and get first aid kit/AED - Follow below steps: • UNRESPONSIVE: check for breathing. - If person IS breathing, look for signs of injury, such as bleeding, broken bones, burns, or bites. - Look for medical information jewelry. - If NOT breathing, begin CPR and use AED. 3. Stay until advanced help arrives.

What actions should you take when exposed to blood?

1. Remove gloves. 2. Wash hands well for 20 seconds. 3. Rinse eyes, nose, or inside of your mouth with plenty of water if bodily fluids splattered any of these areas. 4. Contact a healthcare provider ASAP.

What are actions for universal precautions?

1. Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): • gloves during first aid • eye protection if injured person is bleeding. 2. Place all disposable equipment that has touched blood/body fluids in a biohazard bag. • dispose of bag according to your company's policies. 3. After properly removing gloves, wash hands well for 20 SECONDS.

How do you wash your hands properly?

1. Wet hands w/ clean running water (warm) and apply soap. 2. Rub and scrub all surfaces of hands and fingers for at least 20 SECONDS. 3. Rinse w/ lots of running water. 4. Dry hands using a paper towel or air dryer; use paper towel to turn off the faucet, if possible.

What should you do if you can't wash your hands right away?

Apply waterless hand sanitizer. As soon as you can, wash hands traditionally.

What should you ask yourself when assessing the scene?

DANGER - Is there danger for you or the injured person? (ONLY move the person if there is danger) HELP - Are others around to help? (If so, have someone phone 911; if not, phone help yourself) WHO - Who is ill/injured? (Can you tell how many people are hurt and what happened?) WHERE - Where are you? (To tell others, such as 911 dispatcher, how to get you. If there are bystanders, have them lead emergency responders to your location.)

Should you move an ill/injured person?

Generally, NO. Especially if you suspect a spinal or pelvis injury. Only move the person when: - the area is unsafe. - If the person is unresponsive and breathing normally, you may roll the person on his side; this will keep the airway open in case he vomits. The best way to move someone is to drag them by their clothes; place hands on shoulders, grab clothes, and drag to safety.

What do you need to know to be sure it's legal to provide someone first aid?

Your state's Good Samaritan Laws; they protect anyone who provides first aid, and differ from state to state.