First Aid for Public Safety Personnel study guideMore advanced classes require that you know and be able to properly use more advanced vocabulary.
If you have at first taken a lower level class and then move to higher level you can't be complacent and think that you already know everything. A member of the public can call any wound a cut, but a person training in Emergency Response, Title 22 or lifeguard training should know the difference between an avulsion, laceration, puncture or abrasion.
As a lifeguard you might have referred to burns as first, second, and third degree, but in a higher level class such as First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) or Emergency Response you need to know the difference between superficial, partial thickness and full thickness.
Blood from a wound can come from capillaries, arteries or veins. Do you know the kind of bleeding from each?
Will you care for, (or not care for) this wound with a bandage, pressure bandage, tourniquet, dressing, universal dressing, occlusive dressing?
What is a normal heart rate, what is compensating, and what is the rate of compressions for various kinds of CPR?
Are you familiar with specific vocabulary such as tissues, muscle, tendon, nerve, ligament, palpate, hypoxia, anaphylaxis, stimulant, depressant, hallucinogen, narcotic, synergistic, diastolic, systolic, placenta, amniotic, cervix, crowning, prolapsed cord, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, esophagus, femur, patella, cranial, clavicle, larynix, epiglottis, stoma, auscultation, defibrillation, fibrillation, distal, proximal, embolism, transient ischemic, BSI, DOTS, AVPU, SAMPLE, DNR, LOC, START, SIDS, rule of nines?
Re-reading the glossary at the end of the text can really improve your chances of passing a test.
This page has the main points of overhead projections for my use while teaching the American Red Cross First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) class, and for my students to review.
see also:
Simple secondary survey study sheet, which has a longer list of times to suspect a spinal injury and more details of the SAMPLE questions
How to pass a Red Cross written test
Common mistakes in Professional Rescuer CPR skills
CPR Pro skills review questions
Bloodborne Pathogens quick facts
CPR quick facts
AED quick facts
Oxygen administration quick facts
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First Responder Characteristics
Maintains caring and professional attitude
Controls fears
Presents professional appearance
Maintains skills and knowledge
Stays healthy
Recognizes and keeps victim’s needs as priority
Primary Responsibilities of First Responders
Ensure safety of self and others
Gain access to victims
Identify life-threatening conditions
Summon more advanced medical personnel when necessary
Provide care
Assist more advanced medical personnel
Secondary Responsibilities of First Responders
Medical Oversight
Warning Signs of Stress
Critical Incident Stress
Strong emotional reaction that interferes with ability to function
Can build-up over days, weeks, months, or years
May require counseling
At the Scene, Evaluate-
Location
Problems
Dangers
Number of victims
Behavior of victims/bystanders
Need for additional assistance
Ensure Your Safety By-
Evaluating potential dangers
Wearing proper gear
Doing what you are trained to do
Summoning additional resources
Possible Dangers at an Emergency Scene
Conditions Necessary for Disease Transmission
Pathogen present
Sufficient quantity of pathogen to cause disease
Person vulnerable to the disease
Transmission at correct entry site
How Pathogens Enter the Body
Direct Contact
Indirect Contact
Airborne
Vector-borne
more details at: Bloodborne Pathogens quick facts
Exposure Control Plan
Exposure determination
Schedules and methods for implementing OSHA standard
Procedures for evaluating exposures
Immunizations
Standard Precautions (BSI) to Prevent Disease Transmission
Legal Considerations
Obtain Consent Before Providing Care
Four Components of Negligence
Duty
Breach of Duty
Cause
Damage
Major Body Systems
Respiratory
Circulatory
Nervous
Musculoskeletal
Integumentary
Basic Guidelines for Moving a Victim
Only move a victim you can safely handle
Bend at knees and hips
Lift with you legs, not your back
Take short steps
Move forward when possible
Look where you are walking
Protect victim’s head, neck, and back
Moves
Emergency Moves
Fire fighter’s carry
Clothes drag
Blanket drag
Shoulder drag
Pack-strap carry
Non-urgent moves
Direct lift
Extremity life
Direct carry
Draw sheet method
Assessment-Scene Size-Up
Assessment-Initial Assessment
Form a general impression
Assess level of consciousness
Assess airway
Assess breathing
Assess circulation (pulse, severe bleeding, and skin characteristics)
Assessment-Physical Exam
Gather information about problem
Identify signs and symptoms
Check victim from head to toe
Look and palpate (feel) for signs of injury- (DOTS)
Deformity
Open injuries
Tenderness
Swelling
Levels of Consciousness-AVPU
Alert - is able to respond to you
Verbal - only responds to verbal commands
Painful - Only responds to painful simulus
Unresponsive - does not respond
Assessment-SAMPLE History
Measuring Blood Pressure
Systolic: Reflects pressure in arteries when heart is working/contracting
Diastolic: Reflects pressure in arteries when heart is resting/refilling
Asthma
Narrows air passages
Triggered by-
Allergic reaction to pollen/food/a drug/insect stings
Emotional stress/physical activity
Signs and Symptoms
Struggling to breathe
Wheezing when exhaling
Emphysema
Lungs lose ability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen efficiently
Caused by-
Smoking; usually develops over many years
Signs and symptoms
Shortness of breath
Possible coughing, cyanosis, or high fever
Advanced cases: Restlessness, confusion, weakness
Hyperventilation
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
Swelling of air passages restricts breathing
Triggered by-
Food/insect stings/a drug
Signs and Symptoms
Tightness in chest/throat
Swelling of face/neck/tongue
Care for Respiratory Distress
Have victim rest in comfortable position
Keep victim from getting chilled or overheated
Reduce heat; add moisture
If authorized, help victim take any medications
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Monitor vital signs
Key Points of Respiratory Arrest
Life threatening
Commonly caused by illness, injury, or choking
Often preceded by respiratory distress
Body systems will progressively fail
Give Rescue Breaths
Adults-1 every 5 seconds
Children-1 every 3 seconds
Infants-1 every 3 seconds
Airway Obstruction
Anatomical - Airway blocked by anatomic structure
Tongue
Swollen tissues of mouth and throat
Mechanical - Airway blocked by foreign object
Food
Toy
Fluids
Airway Obstruction
Partial
Victim can still move air to and from lungs; can cough, speak, breathe
Complete
Victim is unable to speak, breathe, cough; no air movement
The Heart
Right atrium - receives blood from body
Left atrium - receives blood from lungs
Right ventricle - pumps blood to lungs
Left ventricle - pumps blood to body
Major Functions of Blood
Protects against disease
Maintains constant body temperature
Transports oxygen, nutrients, and wastes
Care for External Bleeding
Care for Internal Bleeding
If minor injury-
Apply ice or cold pack
If serious injury-
Do no further harm
Monitor ABCs and vital signs
Have victim rest in a comfortable position
Keep victim from getting chilled or over-heated
Reassure victim
Provide care for other conditions
Signs and Symptoms of Shock
Restlessness/irritability
Rapid/weak pulse
Rapid breathing
Pale, ashen, or bluish/cool/moist skin
Excessive thirst
Nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness/loss of consciousness
Body Compensates for Blood Loss
Wounds
open wound types:
Types of Burns
Superficial (first-degree)
Partial-thickness (second-degree)
Full-thickness (third-degree)
Critical Burns
Burns causing breathing difficulty
Burns covering more than one body part
Burns on the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals
Any partial- or full-thickness burns to children or the elderly
Burns from chemicals, explosions, or electricity
Care for thermal (heat) Burns
Stop the burning by remioving the person from the source of heat
Cool burned area with cool water
Cover burned area with a sterile dressing
Take steps to minimise shock
Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated
Applying a Roller Bandage
Secure end of bandage
Completely cover dressings
Don’t cover fingers or toes
Apply additional dressings if necessary
Signs and Symptoms of Chest Injury
Difficulty breathing
Severe pain
Obvious deformity
Discoloration of skin
Coughing up blood
Care for Serious Chest Injury
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Position victim to aid breathing
If ribs are broken, bind arm to injured side
Cover sucking chest wound
Administer oxygen
Monitor breathing and pulse
Care for Serious Abdominal Injury
Open Wound
Do not put pressure on protruding organs or try to put them back inside
Position victim on back
Remove clothing around wound
Cover loosely with moist, clean dressing
Cover dressing with plastic wrap
Cover with folded towel to maintain warmth
Administer oxygen
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Closed Wound
Position victim on back
Bend knees slightly
Administer oxygen if available
Minimize shock
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Care for Serious Pelvic Injury
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Minimize movement
Control bleeding
Administer oxygen, if available
Minimize shock
Care for Open Wound to Genitalia
Cover with sterile dressing
Control bleeding
Common Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Pain
Bruising and swelling
Significant deformity
Discoloration
Bone protruding from wound
Inability to use affected part normally
Grating bones
Heard a napping or popping sound
Cause of injury, such as fall from height suggests that the injury may be severe
Care for Muscle and Bone Injuries
Rest to allow clots to form
Immobilize
Cold: apply a plastic bag of ice (with a thin barrier between the ice and skin)
Elevate above heart level unless it causes more pain
Emergency Care for Muscle and Bone Injuries
Take BSI precautions
Control life-threatening injuries
Allow victim to rest in comfortable position
Apply cold to reduce pain and swelling
Support area above and below injury
Cover open wounds with sterile dressing
Do not reposition protruding bones
When To Suspect a Head, Neck, or Back Injury
Any fall greater than victim’s height
Any motor vehicle collision
A person found unconscious for unknown reasons
Any injury that penetrates the head or trunk
A motor vehicle crash involving a driver or passengers not wearing safety belts
Any person thrown from a motor vehicle
Any injury in which a victim’s helmet is broken
Simple secondary survey study sheet has a much longer list
Signs and Symptoms of Serious Head, Neck, and Back Injuries
Change in level of consciousness
Severe pain/pressure in head/neck/back
Tingling/loss of sensation/movement in extremities
Unusual lumps/depressions on head/spine
Blood/fluids in the ears/nose
Profuse external bleeding of head/neck/back
Seizures
Impaired breathing/vision
Nausea/vomiting
Persistent headache
Loss of balance
When Not To Use In-line Stabilization
When victim’s head is severely angled
When victim complains of pain, pressure, or muscle spasms on initial head movement
When rescuer feels resistance when attempting to move head
Ways To Prevent Head, Neck, and Back Injuries
Wear safety belts
Wear helmets and protective eyewear
Safeguard against falls
Take safety precautions in sports and recreation
Avoid improper drug use
Inspect equipment
Think and talk safety
General Signs and Symptoms of Medical Emergencies
Change in level of consciousness
Headache/lightheaded/dizzy/weak
Nausea/vomiting
Change in breathing/pulse/skin temperature, color, moisture
Altered Mental Status Can Result From
Fever
Infection
Poisoning, including substance abuse or misuse
High or low blood sugar or insulin reactions
Head injury
Any condition that results in decreased blood flow to the brain
Conditions resulting from mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders
Care for a Victim of an Altered Level of Consciousness
Do an initial assessment, physical exam, and SAMPLE history as needed
Elevate legs
Do ongoing assessment
Check airway; put unconscious victims in recovery position
Loosen any restrictive clothing
Do not give victim anything to eat
Have suction equipment available
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Reassure victim
Causes of Seizures
Fever
Infection
Chronic medical conditions
Poisoning
Low blood sugar
Head injury
Any condition causing decreased level of consciousness
Pregnancy complications
To Care for a Seizure Victim
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Do not try to stop seizure or restrain victim
Protect victim from injury
Protect victim’s modesty
Manage airway by rolling victim onto his or her side
Remove nearby objects and protect victim’s head
Do not place anything between teeth
When seizure is over, do physical exam and care for any injuries found
Hypoglycemia
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Emergencies
Those at Greatest Risk for Heat-related Illness
Young children and the elderly
Those involved in strenuous activity in a hot environment
Those with preexisting health problems
Those using illicit drugs or medications
Those who have had a heat-related illness in the past
Signs and Symptoms of Heat-related Illness
Headache
Cool, moist, pale, or ashen skin (earlier stages)
Dry, red, hot skin (later stages)
Nausea
Exhaustion
Progressive loss of consciousness
Rapid, weak pulse (later stages)
Rapid, shallow breathing (later stages)
High body temperature (later stages)
Care for Heat Exposure
Remove victim from hot environment
Give small amounts of cool water to conscious victim
Have victim lie down in a cool or shady area and elevate legs if possible
Loosen or remove clothing
Apply cool, wet towels or cold packs to wrists, armpits, groin, and legs
Fan victim
Factors Affecting Normal Body Temperature
Those at Greatest Risk for Cold Exposure
Young children and elderly
Those without adequate equipment, clothing, or training for cold environment
Those with health problems
Those using illicit drugs, medications, or alcohol
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia
Care for Hypothermia
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Reassure victim
Handle victim gently
Remove victim from cold environment
Have victim stop all activity and rest
Remove wet clothing
Place victim in dry blankets or clothing and wrap in plastic if available
Protect from any further heat loss
Frostbite
Superficial frostbite
Most common form of frostbite
Skin is frozen, underlying tissues are not
Involves loss of feeling and sensation
Person feels tingling sensation when rewarmed
Deep frostbite
Skin is white and waxy
Skin is firm when palpated
Swelling and blisters may be present
When rewarmed, skin appears red with areas of purple and blue
To Prevent Overexposure Emergencies
Do not work in the hottest or coldest part of day
Take frequent breaks
Replenish body with food and fluids
Reduce work intensity
Wear clothing appropriate for task and environment
Actions Indicating a Behavioral Emergency
Threatening posture
Possessing a weapon(s)
Threatening harm to others or self
Being verbally abusive
Speaking in a nonsensical manner
Withdrawing deeply
Hallucinating
To Calm a Victim of a Behavioral Emergency
Assume non-threatening posture
Acknowledge that victim appears upset
Get in front of victim and at eye level
Avoid unnecessary contact
Do not threaten, challenge, or argue with victim
Involve others that victim trusts
Encourage victim to discuss whatever is troubling him/her
How Poisons Enter the Body
Ingestion
Injection
Inhalation
Absorption
Clues of Poisoning
Odors
Flames or smoke
Containers that are open or out of place
Plants partially eaten or disturbed
Poisoning Severity
The type and amount of poison
How and when it entered the body
Victim’s size, weight, and age
General Principles for Poisoning Emergencies
Conduct scene size-up
Remove victim from source of poison
Conduct initial assessment
Conduct physical exam and SAMPLE history
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Contact Poison Control Center (PCC) as per local protocols
Do not give anything to eat or drink
When Not to Induce Vomiting for Ingested Poisons
Victim is unconscious
Victim is having a seizure
Victim is pregnant
Victim has ingested corrosive substance or petroleum product
Victim is known to have heart disease
Guidelines for Initial Snakebite Care
Take victim to medical care immediately
Wash wound if possible
Immobilize affected part
Minimize victim’s movement
Keep affected part lower than heart
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Human Bites
May be highly contaminated with bacteria
Require professional medical care immediately
Need to be washed with soap and water
Can bleed if severe; control severe bleeding
Depressants
Care for Substance Misuse and Abuse
Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
Hives
Itching
Rash
Weakness
Nausea/vomiting
Dizziness
Trouble breathing
Care for Anaphylaxis
Summon more advanced medical personnel immediately
Position victim in the most comfortable position that aids breathing
Administer supplemental oxygen
Have victim use anaphylaxis kit if one is available
The Labor Process
Stage One - Preparation Woman’s body prepares for childbirth
Time period: From first contraction until uterus is fully dilated
Stage Two - Delivery of the Baby
Crowning occurs
Delivery of the baby
Stage Three - Delivery of the Placenta
Occurs within 30 minutes after birth
Placenta separates from uterine wall and exits through vagina
Stage Four - Stabilization
Recovery and stabilization of mother
Lasts approximately 1 hour
Uterus contracts to control bleeding
Assessing Labor
First pregnancy?
Amniotic sac ruptured?
Contractions?
Are they close together?
Are they strong?
Bloody discharge?
Urge to bear down?
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also potentially of interest:
Cultural issues in first aid
What the AED says as you use it
Bloodborne Pathogens quick facts
Oxygen administration quick facts
CPR quick facts
CPR Pro skills review questions
Common mistakes in Professional Rescuer CPR skills
Common mistakes in professional rescuer CPR skills - Lifeguard Training
How to pass a Red Cross written test
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