knes 2290 exam 1 review
national Poison Help line
(1-800-222-1222)
If the person has impaired vision:
- Speak in a normal voice. It is not necessary to shout. - As you give care, describe what you are doing.
Emergency Action Steps: Check-Call-Care
-Check the scene and the person -Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number -Care for the person
Check-Call-Care: Care
-General guidelines -Do no further harm -Monitor -Help them rest comfortably -Keep them from becoming chilled or overheated -Comfort and reassure -Give specific care as needed
Check-Call-Care: Check
-Is the scene safe? -What happened? -How many people are involved? -What is your initial impression about the nature of the person's injury or illness? -Is anyone else available to help?
As a trained lay responder, your primary role in an emergency includes:
-Recognizing that an emergency exists. -Being willing to act. -Activating the EMS system by calling 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number. -Giving care until EMS arrives and takes over or the situation resolves itself.
Lay responder:
A layperson who is not trained to provide first aid, but who recognizes an emergency and decides to act.
Trained lay responder:
A layperson who is trained in basic emergency care (i.e., trained to give first aid), but who does not have special or advanced medical training, and is willing to act in an emergency
Emergency medical services (EMS) system:
A network of professionals linked together to give the best care for people in all types of emergencies.
Emergency medical responder (EMR):
A person trained in emergency care who may be called on to give such care as a routine part of their job until more advanced emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. EMRs often are the first trained professionals to respond to emergencies; also called "first responders."
Emergency medical technician (EMT):
A person who gives basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the EMS system. EMTs are typically authorized to function after completing local and state certification requirements; formerly referred to as EMT-Basic.
Sudden illness:
A physical condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Emergency:
A situation requiring immediate action.
Non-life-threatening emergency:
A situation that does not have an immediate impact on a person's ability to circulate oxygenated blood but still requires medical attention.
Emergency medical dispatcher (EMD):
A telecommunicator who has received special training to respond to a request for emergency medical services via 9-1-1 or a designated emergency number and to allocate appropriate resources to the scene of an emergency. Some EMDs are trained to provide prearrival medical instructions to a responder before emergency medical services (EMS) personnel arrive.
Toddlers (1 to 3 years).
A toddler may also become anxious if separated from their parent or guardian. If possible, give the toddler a few minutes to get used to you before attempting to check them, and check the toddler while they are seated in the parent's or guardian's lap. Allowing the toddler to hold a special toy or blanket can be comforting.
Adolescents (12 to 20 years).
Adolescents may feel embarrassed and self-conscious about their changing bodies. Respect their modesty and ask if they would prefer to be checked by a male or female.
School-age children (5 to 12 years).
Children of this age are usually comfortable speaking with adults. They are able to understand what is happening and follow directions. Answer the child's questions honestly, and let the child know if you are going to do anything that might cause pain.
Consent: Unresponsive, confused or mentally impaired
Considered Implied consent -Also applies to a minor if parent or guardian are not present
Injury:
Damage that occurs when the body is subjected to an external force, such as a blow, a fall, a collision, an electrical current or temperature extremes.
Good Samaritan laws:
Laws that protect people against claims of negligence when they give emergency care in good faith without accepting anything in return.
Examples of sudden illness include
a heart attack and a severe allergic reaction.
Take steps to make it easier for EMS personnel and others to help you should an emergency occur: Keep relevant medical information, such as a list of the medications that each family member takes, in an
accessible place (for example, on the refrigerator door and in your wallet or mobile phone).
Incident Stress: After responding to an emergency involving a serious injury, illness or death, it is not unusual to experience _________ stress
acute
Be aware that children often take emotional cues from the
adults around them. If the child sees that adults are upset, the child's anxiety and panic may increase. Stay calm, and encourage the child's parent or guardian to do the same.
if the child is old enough to understand and answer your questions, speak directly to the child using
age-appropriate language, rather than addressing your questions to the parent or guardian.
SAMPLE: Allergies
ask the person if he or she is allergic to any foods, medications or things found in the environment
SAMPLE: Medications
ask the person if they are taking any prescription or over0the-counter medications. If they are ask when is the last time they took it.
SAMPLE: Events leading up to the incident
ask the person what was happening and what he or she was doing just prior to when they began to feel ill or was injured.
SAMPLE: Last food or drink
ask the person when they had something to eat or drink, what the ate/drank, and the amount
SAMPLE: Pertinent medical history
ask the person whether he or she has any medical conditions
If the person is not fully awake but appears to be breathing normally or the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, send someone to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number and to obtain an
automated external defibrillator (AED) and first aid kit.
As you check the Person from Head to Toe, take note of any medical identification tags, such as a
bracelet or sports band, on the person's wrist or ankle, or a necklace around the person's neck.
If an unresponsive person is not breathing, or has irregular or gasping breaths (agonal breathing), assume
cardiac arrest. -Immediately begin CPR, starting with chest compressions.
breaths are not fast (although it should be noted that normal breathing rates in ____________________________ are faster than normal breathing rates in adults), and breathing does not cause discomfort or pain
children and infants
Being able to communicate and interact effectively with the person who is injured or ill can increase the person's
comfort level with you, and makes it more likely that you will be able to get the information you need in order to give appropriate care.
An ___________________ is a situation requiring immediate action
emergency
While checking for responsiveness, look at the person's ________ and __________ for signs of normal breathing
face; chest
Be aware that in older people, the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency may be very general and nonspecific, and they may not even be noticeable to someone who does not know the person well. General signs and symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency in an older adult include
headache, a change in the person's usual level of activity, a change in mental status (such as agitation, the new onset of confusion or increased confusion in a person who is already confused), lethargy (extreme drowsiness or sleepiness) and difficulty sleeping.
Incident Stress: Sometimes, people who have given first aid or performed CPR in these situations feel that they are unable to cope with the stress. This feeling is known as ______________ stress
incident
what are the two types of emergencies that require first aid?
injury and sudden illness
Sometimes people who have been injured or become suddenly ill may act strangely; be uncooperative; or become violent, angry or aggressive. This behavior can be the result of the
injury or illness or other factors, such as the effects of drugs, alcohol or medications. Do not take this behavior personally. If you feel threatened by the person's behavior, move away from the person to safety and call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number, if you have not already done so.
After sizing up the scene, if your initial check of the person reveals that they are responsive and awake, start by
introducing yourself and getting consent to give care. If the person does not have any immediately obvious life-threatening conditions, begin to gather additional information about the nature of the person's injury or illness by interviewing the person and checking them from head to toe
Take steps to make it easier for EMS personnel and others to help you should an emergency occur: Make sure your house or apartment number is
large, easy to read and well lit at night. Numerals are easier to read than spelled-out numbers.
The most important information you can share with a 9-1-1 call taker is the
location of the emergency so that public safety resources can be dispatched while other information is gathered and any prearrival instructions can be given.
The recovery position helps to
lower the person's risk for choking and aspiration
Checking for Shock: When someone is injured or becomes suddenly ill, normal body functions
may be interrupted. -in cases of minor injury or illness, the interruption is brief and the body is able to compensate quickly -With more severe injuries or illness, however, the body is unable to meet its demand for oxygen.
Take steps to make it easier for EMS personnel and others to help you should an emergency occur: If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or allergies, consider wearing a
medical identification tag to alert responders to the presence of the condition in case you are not able to
Calling 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number is the
most important action you and other trained lay responders can take in an emergency
For a responsive or an unresponsive person who is breathing _______________, after calling 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number, return to the person, complete the head-to-toe check as described later in this chapter and give care until EMS personnel arrive.
normally
Your willingness to act in an emergency should be guided by your
own values and by your knowledge of the risks that may be present.
Some people are slow to act in an emergency because they
panic, are not exactly sure what to do or think someone else will take action -if you decide not to give care, you should at least call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number to get emergency medical help to the scene
Interviewing the Person: Begin by asking the
person's name, and use it when you speak to the person. Position yourself at eye level with the person and speak clearly, calmly and in a friendly manner, using age-appropriate language. Try to provide as much privacy as possible for the person while you are conducting the interview, and keep the interview brief.
Incident Stress: If not appropriately managed, this acute stress may lead to a serious condition called
post-traumatic stress disorder.
Incident stress may require
professional help to prevent post-traumatic stress from developing.
Advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT):
receive more training than EMTs, which allows them to insert IVs, administer a limited number of lifesaving medications and perform some advanced airway procedures. This level of care used to be called EMT-Intermediate.
When a person is responsive but not fully awake or unresponsive, but breathing normally, put the person in a
recovery position if the person has no obvious signs of injury
Normal breathing is
regular, quiet and effortless
If the person wears an assistive device (e.g., a leg brace), do not
remove the device when you are examining the person.
If the person responds (such as by moving, opening their eyes or moaning) and is breathing normally, the person is
responsive but may not be fully awake.
If the person has no apparent signs or symptoms of injury or illness and can move without pain, have them
rest in a comfortable position. Continue to watch for changes in the person's condition. When the person feels ready, help them to stand up. Determine what additional care is needed and whether to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
Always follow the prearrival instructions provided by the EMD. These instructions may range from taking actions that make the scene
safer and more accessible to EMS personnel (e.g., confining household pets, turning on extra lights, gathering the person's medications) to giving care
SAMPLE: Signs and Symptoms
signs are clues to the persons condition that you can observe for yourself, using one of your senses. Symptoms are clues to the persons condition that only the person can describe to you, so you need to ask the person what he or she is feeling or experiencing
A person with a disability may use a service animal. Be aware that service animals are trained to protect their owners, and both the service animal and the person may become anxious if they are separated. Allow the service animal to
stay with the person if possible.
A person experiencing a diabetic emergency, for example, may have a __________ breath odor that can be mistaken for the smell of alcohol
sweet
Checking the Person from Head to Toe: In a young or frightened child who does not appear to have a life-threatening injury or illness, do the reverse— check from
toe to head. -Checking in this order gives the child a chance to get used to the process and allows the child to see what is going on.
In the first few minutes of an emergency, a ___________ _____ _______________ can provide help that can save a life or make the difference between a complete recovery and permanent disability.
trained lay responder
Fear of catching a disease it is possible for diseases to be transmitted in a first aid situation, it is extremely _________ that you will catch a disease this way. Taking additional precautions, such as putting on disposable latex-free gloves and using a CPR breathing barrier, can reduce your risk even further.
unlikely
Other things that you may do to help reduce stress include
using relaxation techniques, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting enough rest, and participating in some type of physical exercise or activity.
You should also use the recovery position if a person with an injury begins to
vomit, or if it is necessary to leave the person alone to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number
Checking the Person from Head to Toe: Next, check the person from head to toe. Before beginning the check, tell the person
what you are going to do. Then check the person in a methodical way. -Check one part of the body at a time, moving straight down the body from head to toe, and then checking the arms.
If you detect signs or symptoms of injury or illness:
■ Determine whether to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number . ■ Help the person rest in a comfortable position. ■ Reassure the person by telling them that you will help and that EMS personnel have been called (if appropriate). ■ Give care according to the conditions that you find and your level of knowledge and training. ■ Be alert to signs that the person's condition is worsening, such as changes in level of consciousness, changes in breathing, changes in skin color or restlessness. These could be signs of shock, a life-threatening condition.
Once you complete the head-to-toe check, give care for any specific injuries you find. To give care for the person until EMS personnel arrive, follow these general guidelines:
■ Do no further harm. ■ Monitor the person's level of consciousness and breathing. A change in the person's condition may be a sign of a more serious injury or illness. A condition that may not appear serious at first may become serious over time. ■ Help the person rest in the most comfortable position. ■ Keep the person from getting chilled or overheated. ■ Comfort and reassure the person, but do not provide false hope. ■ Give any specific care as needed.
To place an adult or child in a recovery position:
■ Extend the person's arm that is closest to you above the person's head. ■ Roll the person toward yourself onto their side, so that the person's head rests on their extended arm. ■ Bend both of the person's knees to stabilize the body.
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years).
Preschoolers are naturally curious. Allowing the child to examine items, such as bandages, can distract the child while you are checking them and giving care. If time permits, showing the child what you are going to do on a stuffed animal or doll can help the child understand how you will care for them. Preschoolers often have a fear of body mutilation and may become very upset if they can see the results of an injury (e.g., a bleeding wound or a deformed broken limb).
The mnemonic _____________ can help you remember what to ask the injured or ill person.
SAMPLE
If the person has impaired hearing:
- Approach the person from the front. -Position yourself so that the person can see your mouth and facial expressions. Hearing-impaired people who know how to read lips rely on watching your mouth move. Pronounce your words slowly and clearly, and speak in short sentences. -If the person does not seem to understand what you are saying, change your words, not the volume of your voice, unless you spoke too softly. Shouting sometimes causes the person more distress, and they still may not understand what you are trying to say. -Use gestures or written messages as necessary to make your meaning clear.
When the Injured or Ill Person Speaks a Different Language
-Speak in a normal voice. It is not necessary to shout. ■ Find out if any bystanders speak the person's language and can assist by translating. ■ Do your best to communicate nonverbally, using gestures and facial expressions. ■ When you call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number, explain that you are having difficulty communicating with the person, and tell the dispatcher which language you believe the person speaks. The dispatcher may have someone available who can help with communication.
Consent: Conscious
-State your name -State the type or level of training -Explain what you think is wrong -Explain what you plan to do -Ask if you may help
Check-Call-Care: Call
-When to call -Making the call -If you are alone --Call first --Care first
EMS personnel include the four nationally recognized levels of training in prehospital care:
-emergency medical responders, -emergency medical technicians, -advanced emergency medical technicians -paramedics.
Paramedic:
An allied health professional whose primary focus is to give advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergency patients who access the EMS system. Paramedics may also give nonemergency, community-based care based on state and local community paramedicine or mobile integrated healthcare programs.
Life-threatening emergency:
An injury or illness that impairs a person's ability to circulate oxygenated blood to all parts of the body and will likely cause death if not cared for immediately.
Prehospital care:
Emergency medical care given before a person arrives at a hospital or medical facility.
Infants (birth to 1 year)
Infants older than 6 months often show "stranger anxiety." They may turn away from you, cry, and cling to their parent or guardian. If possible, check the infant while they are held or seated in the parent's or guardian's lap
Aspiration
Inhalation of blood, vomit, saliva or other foreign material into the lungs.
Agonal breathing
Irregular or gasping breaths -Do not confuse this for normal breathing -Care for the person as if there is no breathing at all
First aid:
The helping behaviors and initial care given for an acute injury or illness.
Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel:
Trained and equipped community-based personnel who give emergency care for injured or ill persons and who are often dispatched through 9-1-1 or a designated emergency number.
Moving a Victim
Transporting the Person Yourself Never: -If the trip will aggravate the injury or illness -Life-threatening conditions -Uncertain of the nature of the injury or illness Discourage an injured or ill person from driving themselves to the hospital or doctor's office.
Signs of an Emergency: Unusual Odors
■ A foul or unusually strong chemical odor ■ The smell of smoke ■ The smell of gas ■ An unrecognizable odor ■ An inappropriate odor (e.g., a sickly sweet odor on a person's breath)
Signs of an Emergency: Unusual Sights
■ A stopped vehicle on the roadside or a car that has run off the road ■ Downed electrical wires ■ Sparks, smoke or fire ■ A person who collapses or is lying motionless ■ Signs or symptoms of injury or illness, such as profuse sweating for no apparent reason or an uncharacteristic skin color ■ Spilled medication or an empty medication container ■ An overturned pot in the kitchen
In general, you should give appropriate care to an injured or ill person until one or more of the following occurs:
■ Another trained responder or EMS personnel take over. ■ You are alone and you need to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number after giving initial care in a Care First situation (see Box 2-3 in Chapter 2). ■ You are too exhausted to continue. ■ The scene becomes unsafe. ■ The person you are helping is awake and alert and asks you to stop giving care.
Signs and symptoms of incident stress include:
■ Anxiousness and inability to sleep. ■ Nightmares. ■ Restlessness and other problems. ■ Confusion. ■ Lower attention span. ■ Poor concentration. ■ Denial. ■ Guilt. ■ Depression. ■ Anger. ■ Nausea. ■ Change in interactions with others. ■ Increased or decreased eating. ■ Uncharacteristic, excessive humor or silence. ■ Unusual behavior. ■ Difficulty performing one's job.
Common reasons people give for not acting include:
■ Being uncertain that an emergency actually exists. ■ Being afraid of giving the wrong care or inadvertently causing the person more harm. ■ Assuming that the situation is already under control. ■ Squeamishness related to unpleasant sights, sounds or smells. ■ Fear of catching a disease. ■ Fear of being sued.
Signs of an Emergency: Unusual Sounds
■ Screaming, moaning, yelling or calls for help ■ Sudden, loud noises such as breaking glass, crashing metal or screeching tires ■ A change in the sound(s) made by machinery or equipment ■ The sound of an explosion or falling ladder ■ Unusual silence
Signs of an Emergency: Unusual Appearance or Behaviors
■ Unresponsiveness ■ Confusion, drowsiness or unusual behavior ■ Personality or mood changes (e.g., agitation in a person who is normally calm or irritability in a person who is normally pleasant) ■ Trouble breathing ■ Sudden collapse, slip or fall ■ Clutching the chest or throat ■ A person doubled over in pain ■ Slurred, confused or hesitant speech ■ Sweating for no apparent reason ■ Uncharacteristic skin color ■ Inability to move a body part
Life-threatening conditions include:
■ Unresponsiveness (unconsciousness). ■ Trouble breathing. ■ Absence of breathing. ■ Severe, life-threatening bleeding
The ability to recognize that an emergency has occurred is the first step toward taking appropriate action. You may become aware of an emergency from certain indicators, including:
■ Unusual sounds. ■ Unusual sights. ■ Unusual odors. ■ Unusual appearance or behaviors.
recovery position for an infant:
■ You can place an infant on their side as you would an older child, or you can hold the infant in a recovery position by positioning the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting the infant's head and neck while keeping their mouth and nose clear. Keep the head and neck slightly lower than the chest.
