Red Cross Lifeguard Training Module 15: First Aid for Sudden Illnesses and Injuries

What are the five skills for treating excessive bleeding?

1.) If possible, position the injured body part on a flat, hard surface so that when you apply pressure, you are pressing against something. 2.) Place the dressing on the wound. Put one hand on the dressing and your other hand on top. 3.) Lock your elbows. 4.) Position your shoulders directly over your hands. 5.) Push down as hard as you can with both hands, using your body weight to increase pressure. If you need your hands, use your knee to apply pressure.

To help make decisions in a first aid situation, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Should I activate the EAP? 2.) Should I provide care where the person was found or move them to the first aid area? 3.) Should I activate the EMS system? 4.) When should I recommend that the person see their healthcare provider for additional evaluation and treatment?

Most people who die of a heart attack do so within ________________ of first experiencing signs or symptoms.

2 hours

Bleeding may be life-threatening when the amount of blood present is equal to about ________________________ or ____________________..

6 ounces or 3/4 cup

Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening, cold-related emergency that occurs when the body rapidly loses heat, causing the core body temperature to fall below _____________________.

95° F (35° C).

During your rapid assessment you determine that the person is responsive but you are unsure about the severity of their condition. What should you do before providing care? Select one answer. A.) Activate the emergency medical services (EMS) system B.) Review the emergency action plan (EAP) before responding C.) Advise the patron to consult their healthcare provider D.) Monitor the person to see if their condition worsens

A.) Activate the emergency medical services (EMS) system

When caring for someone with hypothermia and waiting for emergency medical services (EMS) to arrive, care provided should include which of the following? Select four answers. A.) Move the person to a warmer place B.) Remove wet clothing C.) Use rapid rewarming methods (immerse the person in hot water) D.) Wrap the person in a blanket E.) Cover the person's head F.) Have the person lie down with their legs raised

A.) Move the person to a warmer place B.) Remove wet clothing D.) Wrap the person in a blanket E.) Cover the person's head

Caring for Life-Threatening Bleeding

Activate the EAP and instruct someone to call EMS and get the equipment. Control the bleeding until help arrives. Use direct pressure, a tourniquet or both.

______________________ is a chronic illness in which certain substances or conditions, called triggers, cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During an ____________________ attack, exposure to a trigger makes breathing difficult.

Asthma

When using a tourniquet, where should the tourniquet be positioned? Select one answer. On top of the nearest joint On top of the wound At least 2 to 3 inches above the wound About an inch below the wound

At least 2 to 3 inches above the wound

A person has suffered a musculoskeletal injury. Which situations require an emergency medical services (EMS) response? Select four answers. A.) The injured area is tender to the touch. B.) A bone is protruding through their skin. C.) The person can't or won't move the injured body part. D.) Minor swelling is present. E.) The injured body part is bent, crooked or deformed. F.) The person heard a popping sound at the time of injury.

B.) A bone is protruding through their skin. C.) The person can't or won't move the injured body part. E.) The injured body part is bent, crooked or deformed. F.) The person heard a popping sound at the time of injury.

Which of the following types of burns require immediate medical attention? Select three answers. A.) A burn that only affected the top layer of skin B.) Inhalation burns C..) Burns caused by electricity, chemicals, radiation or an explosion D.) A minor burn on someone without pre-existing medical conditions or injuries E.) A burn that covers more than one body part or a large percentage of the body

B.) Inhalation burns C..) Burns caused by electricity, chemicals, radiation or an explosion E.) A burn that covers more than one body part or a large percentage of the body

What should you do if a patron needs you to assist with medication adinistration? Select one answer. A.) Get the medication from the stock cabinet and administer it to the patron as quickly as possible B.) Offer to get the patron's medication, help assemble the medication device (if necessary) and give it to them to self-administer C.) Politely inform the patron that this is not a part of a lifeguard's job D.) Call your supervisor—medication assistance is management's job

B.) Offer to get the patron's medication, help assemble the medication device (if necessary) and give it to them to self-administer

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

Changes in mental status Pale or flushed skin, hot and dry or slightly moist Rapid and shallow breathing Rapid and weak pulse Vomiting Headache Dizziness Weakness and exhaustion

__________________________ gas is highly toxic. Special training is needed to recognize and care for this type of poisoning.

Chlorine

When you are dealing with a bleeding emergency, volume refers to .....

Volume = Amount of blood present

A symptom of a possible breathing issue is _________________ ________________ (tripod positioning)

Leaning forward

Signs and symptoms of seizures include:

Loss of consciousness Convulsions Focal movements of a part of the body Vocalizations Staring

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction to an _____________________ that can cause shock and affect the ability to breathe.

allergen

A symptom of a possible breathing issue is when the skin cool and clammy, flushed, pale, grey or _________________

bluish

A symptom of a possible breathing issue is shortness of _________________.

breath

An overdose of opioids suppresses the drive to ________________________ and can quickly lead to respiratory failure, respiratory arrest, or cardiac arrest.

breathe

A symptom of a possible breathing issue is changes in level of __________________________.

consciousness

When dealing with a burn caused by a ______________________, first brush the chemical away with another object and then flush the area with clean, cool running water for at least 15 minutes.

dry chemical

True or false? By law, lifeguards are responsible for administering all emergency medications to people as part of their role as trained rescuers.

false

One symptom of possible breathing issue is breathing is slower or ______________ than normal.

faster

Every aquatic facility should have a __________________ area where an ill or injured person can receive first aid care and rest.

first aid

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to process ______________________ (sugar) in the bloodstream.

glucose

Activating the EMS system as soon as you recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can minimize damage to the _______________ and may save the person's life.

heart

When you're giving care for hypothermia, avoid rapid rewarming (e.g., by immersing the person in a hot bath or shower), as it can lead to dangerous _________________________.

heart rhythms

A symptom of a possible breathing issue is Gasping, wheezing, gurgling, ______________________ noises

high-pitched

A person showing signs and symptoms of shock needs immediate _________________ attention.

medical

A symptom of a possible breathing issue is irritability, _________________ or anxiety

restlessness

A _________________________ is the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

seizure

One symptom of possible breathing issue is breathing is unusually deep or ______________________.

shallow

A symptom of possible breathing issue is difficulty _____________________ in full sentences

speaking

When you are dealing with a bleeding emergency, flow refers to....

Movement of blood

Are you allowed to administer medication to a person?

No - you may only assist

To secure a windlass rod tourniquet, remember______________________

PULL-TWIST-CLIP.

Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries include:

Pain, swelling and bruising Inability or unwillingness to move the injured body part Injured body part that is bent, crooked or otherwise deformed Popping or snapping feeling or sound at time of injury Grating feeling or sound when moving the injured body part Changes in circulation and feeling (i.e., numbness and tingling)

What are the classic signs and symptoms:

Persistent chest pain, pressure or squeezing Isolated, unexplained discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach

You learn from a concerned patron that a young child is vomiting in the restroom and complaining of abdominal pain. When you enter the restroom, you spot an open container of bleach. Based on your assessment, which medical emergency is the child most likely experiencing? Select one answer. Shock Anaphylaxis Heat stroke Poison exposure

Poison exposure

What are some indications that a patron is suffering from an opioid overdose? Select four answers. Presence of items associated with drug use Bluish grayish skinGreenish skin Pinpoint pupils Hyperactive behavior Decreased breathing effort

Presence of items associated with drug use Bluish grayish skinGreenish skin Pinpoint pupils Decreased breathing effort

Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include:

Presence of items associated with drug use Bluish or grayish skin Gasping or gurgling Decreased breathing effort, breathing slowly or only a few times a minute Decreased level of consciousness or unresponsiveness Pinpoint pupils

Signs and symptoms of shock include: R-R-C-P-N-E

Rapid, weak pulse. Rapid breathing. Changes in level of consciousness, ranging from unresponsive to confused, restless or irritable. Pale (grayish), cool, moist skin. Nausea or vomiting. Excessive thirst

Which is worse, heat exhaustion or heat stroke?

Remember, heat stroke is a life-threatening condition! Immediate care is necessary.

What are the Progression of Breathing Emergencies in order

Respiratory Distress Respiratory Failure Respiratory Arrest

What is Respiratory Distress

Respiratory distress is difficulty breathing. It is the earliest stage of respiratory compromise.

Common asthma triggers include:

Respiratory infection Exercise Temperature extremes Allergies Air pollution Strong odors Stress

If exposure to a chemical poison occurs at your facility, send the ____________________________ along with the person to the hospital or healthcare provider.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Seizures have many causes, including:

Seizure disorders (e.g., epilepsy) Fever Infection Poisoning Diabetic emergencies Heat stroke Injuries to the brain tissue

True or False: Never use ice, ice water or a freezing compress to cool a burn.

True

True or False; Remember to obtain consent and to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing first aid care.

True

True or False; Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia (e.g., sweet or fruity breath odor, increased urination or dehydration)

True

True or False; Difficulty breathing, or respiratory distress, can have many causes, including:

True - It could be cause by any of these--- A partially obstructed airway Acute chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Trauma Heart conditions Poisoning Drug overdose Mental health conditions

In all situations, if you think that a poisoning has occurred, try to find out important information that will inform care, such as:

Type of poison Quantity taken When it was taken Person's weight

To remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke, use the FAST mnemonic:

F - Face A - Arm or grip weakness S - Speech disturbances T - Time (When symptoms began)

Signs and symptoms of poison exposure include:

1.) Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea 2.) Abnormal skin color, sweating 3.) Life-threatening signs and symptoms including trouble breathing; breathing too fast or too slow; fast or slow pulse; unresponsiveness; changes in level of responsiveness; seizures; headache; dizziness; weakness

What care do you give if a person has hypothermia?

1 Activate the EAP and instruct someone to call 9-1-1 and get equipment. 2 Move the person to a warmer place. 3 Remove wet clothes. 4 Wrap the person in a blanket. 5 Cover their head. 6 Reassure and monitor the person until EMS professionals arrive.

Care for Heat Stroke

1 Activate the EAP and instruct someone to call 9-1-1 and get equipment. 2 Rapidly cool the person for 20 minutes. Immerse person up to their neck in cold water, or Apply cold wet cloths or towels and ice packs, or Have them take a cold shower. 3 Monitor the person closely and give care for other conditions.

If you suspect a person is in shock how do you care for them?

1 Active the EAP and instruct someone to call 9-11 and get equipment. 2 Care for the condition causing the shock. 3 Have the person lie flat and maintain their body temperature. 4 Administer supplemental oxygen if available and you are trained to do so. 5 Provide reassurance and continue to monitor the person until EMS professionals arrive.

Care for Heat Exhaustion

1 Move person to cool environment. 2 Loosen or remove clothing. 3 Apply cool, wet cloths or spray with water. 4 Fan the person. 5 If the person is responsive and able to swallow, have them sip cool fluids. 6 Closely monitor the person and advise them to wait several hours to resume activity.

Identify four care interventions of anaphylaxis:

1 Start the EAP / someone to call 9-1-1 and get equipment. 2 offer to assist with epinephrine via an auto-injector. 3 Put in a comfortable position. Lie down if they have signs of shock. 4 Stay with the person and monitor their condition until EMS professionals arrive and begin their care.

To assist with medication administration:

1) Explain what you are going to do. 2) Offer to get their medication. 3) Ask them to confirm that you have the right medication. 4) Assemble the medication device, if necessary. 5) Give them the medication to self-administer.

What does basic burn care involve?

1. Activate the EAP and instruct someone to call 9-1-1 and get equipment for all burns requiring immediate medical attention (see below). 2 Prevent further injury by removing the source of the burn (if safe). 3 Cool the burn under clean, cool running water for at least 10 minutes, ideally 20 minutes

What are some clues a person my be experiencing poisoning?

1. An open or spilled container 2. An unusual odor 3. Other people in the area who are also ill

Position the tourniquet snugly around the arm or leg at least 1.) ______________ inches above the wound, between the wound and the 2.) ____________ . Do not place the tourniquet on top of the wound or a joint.

1.) 2 to 3 2.) heart

How should you care for someone you suspect is experiencing a stroke? Select one answer. Activate the emergency action plan (EAP) and instruct someone to call 9-1-1 Note the time when symptoms started Put the person in a recovery position if they are responsive but not fully awake, drooling or having trouble swallowing All of the above

All of the above

Which treatment should you use to promote comfort for a person who has an ankle sprain? Select one answer. A.) Apply direct pressure to the area B.) Apply a hot compress to the area C.) Apply a compression wrap to the area D.) Apply a tourniquet just above the sprain

C.) Apply a compression wrap to the area

For how long should you apply a cold pack to a musculoskeletal injury? Select one answer. A.) No more than 5 minutes B.) No more than 10 minutes C.) No more than 20 minutes D.) No more than 30 minutes

C.) No more than 20 minutes

General signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

Dizziness or lightheadedness Trouble breathing, including shortness of breath Pale, grey or bluish skin Nausea or vomiting Extreme fatigue Sweating A feeling of anxiety or impending doom Unresponsiveness

Care When Seizure Occurs on Land

Do not try to hold the person down or stop the seizure from happening. Take steps to protect the person from injury. Turn the person onto their side into a recovery position if it is possible to do so.

Which intervention is administered in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis? Select one answer. Naloxone Epinephrine Albuterol Emergency oxygen

Epinephrine

Identify the item you should consider using when a patron exhibits signs of anaphylaxis. Select one answer. Quick-relief inhaler Epinephrine auto-injector Naloxone nasal spray Oxygen

Epinephrine auto-injector

Signs and symptoms of stroke include:

Facial weakness Arm or grip weakness Speech disturbances Time

True or false? A patron tells you that they are feeling weak and experiencing breathing problems. They also manage to share that they are diabetic. They request something sugary. However, you should prioritize first aid over handing out sugary drinks or candy.

False

True or False: Give a person in shock anything to eat or drink to prevent vomiting and aspiration.

False! Never give a person in shock anything to eat or drink to prevent vomiting and aspiration.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Fatigue and weakness Nausea or vomiting Loss of appetite Dehydration Heat cramps Dizziness/fainting Cool, clammy skin that is pale, grey or slightly flushed

Four common allergens associated with anaphylaxis include:

Foods Insect Stings Medication Latex

You are helping a person who is having signs of a diabetic emergency, but you are unsure if their blood glucose is too high or too low. Which action should you take, assuming the person is awake and able to follow simple commands? Select one answer. Give the person sugar Give the person insulin Give the person ventilations Wait for additional symptoms to determine if their blood sugar is high or low

Give the person sugar

What is Respiratory Failure?

If respiratory distress is not relieved, respiratory failure can occur. The respiratory system is beginning to shut down.

What is Respiratory Arrest?

If respiratory failure is not relieved, respiratory arrest can occur, and breathing stops. The body can tolerate respiratory arrest for only a very short time before the heart stops functioning as well, leading to cardiac arrest.

If a person in diabetic shock is awake, Alert and Able to Follow Simple Commands, what should you do?

If the person is awake and alert, you can get equipment and give them oral sugar before calling 9-1-1. If the person remains awake and able to follow simple commands, you may give them glucose tablets, liquid or a gel. Other acceptable forms of sugar include:

What are some signs of anaphylaxis?

Skin reaction Swelling of the face Nausea Trouble breathing

Follow these general steps when responding to a first aid emergency.

Step 1 Position the person as appropriate for their condition. Step 2 Keep the person from getting cold or overheated. Step 3 Monitor the person for changes in breathing or level of consciousness, which could indicate their condition is worsening. Step 4 Assess for signs of shock.

What are the "Emergency Action Steps"

Step One: Perform a rapid assessment. Obtain consent if the person is responsive. Step Two: If a life-threatening condition is found, instruct someone to call 9-1-1 and get the equipment while you begin care. Step Three:Perform a secondary assessment if no life-threatening conditions are found. This assessment includes a focused history and a focused examination. Step Four: Give care according to the conditions found and your level of training.

What do you do if a life-threatening conditions develop or is found during the secondary assessment?

Stop, instruct someone to call 9-1-1 and get equipment and provide care according to your level of training.

What kind of care can you give to a person if they are waiting for the EMS and have a broken bone?

Take measures to keep the person safe and comfortable: Have the person rest without moving or straightening the injured body part. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin, dry towel to reduce swelling and pain (apply for no more than 20 minutes).

You are applying direct pressure to a wound to control life-threatening bleeding. For which reasons is it acceptable to stop applying direct pressure?Select three answers. The bleeding stops A tourniquet is applied You run out of gauze pads The situation becomes unsafe Someone has called 9-1-1

The bleeding stops A tourniquet is applied The situation becomes unsafe

Which body position is often observed when a person is having difficulty breathing? Select one answer. Reclining in a chair Lying flat on the back Kneeling on the ground Tripod positioning (leaning forward with hands on thighs)

Tripod positioning (leaning forward with hands on thighs)

A patron has had a stroke. According to the FAST mnemonic, what information is critical for determining which treatments will be effective? Select one answer. Whether there is a family history of stroke When the signs and symptoms first started Whether the person's speech was affected What the person was doing before the stroke occurred

When the signs and symptoms first started

In a child who is having breathing issues, you may also see the following:

Widening of the nostrils when breathing in Use of chest or neck muscles Grunting

Should I activate the EAP? It depends on two things....

Yes — always activate the EAP if you're on surveillance duty and recognize a first aid emergency. Maybe not — if the illness or injury is minor, you're not on surveillance duty and you don't need help providing first aid care.