FIRST AID

FIRST AID

After 3 hours of varied learning discussion, the Level 2 students will be able to:

1. Define the following terms:
- accidents - injury
- bandaging - joints
- bites - shocking
- burns - seizure
- dislocation - shock
- emergency care - splinting
- fainting - sprain
- fracture - strain
- first aid - tourniquet
- hematoma - trauma
- hemorrhage - wound care
- infractions

2. State the importance of First Aid

3. Identify the aims of First Aid

4. Cite the rules and characteristics of a First Aider

5. Explain the different principles involved in First Aid

6. Enumerate the guidelines in preparation for First Aid

7. Discuss the First Aid Interventions for the following:

- epistaxis - dislocation
- bites - strain
- wounds - sprain
- burns - fractures
- poisoning - shock
- choking

8. show materials needed for a First Aider

9. demonstrate beginning skills in performing First Aid




DEFINITION OF TERMS

Accidents - a sudden, unforeseen event that produces unintended injury, death, or property damage.

Bandaging - an act of wrapping or applying bandage over an injured part of the body.
- Help to immobilize, support or protect the part.

Bites - puncture, laceration or penetration of the skin by human teeth or by an animal or insect.

Burns - A lesion of tissue due to chemicals, dry heat, electricity, flame, friction, or radiation.

Dislocation - A displacement of organs or particular surfaces, more especially of a bone at a joint; accompanied by pain and deformity .

Emergency care - Is an immediate health care procedure done to protect an emergency incident victim and keeping him safe from further injury, shock or other incident.

Fainting – loss of consciousness due or lack of adequate blood to the brain.

Fracture – a break in the continuity of bone, epiphyseal plate, or joint surface.

First aid – is the immediate and temporary care given t the victim of an accident or sudden illness, before the doctor arrives or medical treatment can obtained.
The “First Aid” was adopted officially in England for he first time in 1870 by the St. John Ambulance Association. The expression ‘First Aid’ had not come till 1894 and intended to designate any person who has received a certificate from an authorized association that he (o she) is qualified to render first aid.

Hematoma – a collection of blood beneath the skin.

Hemorrhage – escape of blood from the ruptured vessel.
External – obvious escape of blood from a wound or external orifice
Internal – in which the extraverted blood remains bleeding from within the body.

Infarction – formation of an infarct.
-death of a section of tissue because the blood supply has been shut off.
Infarct – the area tissue, or organ, or part that dies when the end artery supplying it, o the vein that carries blood from it, is occluded.

Injury – a wound or damage to a person, specifically any disruption to the continuity of body tissue that
may or may not involve in the skin.

Joints – the articulation or connection of two or more bones for mobility and stability.

Shocking – highly disturbing emotionally.

Seizure – a sudden attack or sudden occurrence of symptoms. Ex. Convulsion

Shock – is a circulatory deficiency within the body associated with the depression of essential organ
function. This results from lowered cardiac output, not from lowered arterial pressure.

Splinting – the application of splint to provide fixation of a fracture or dislocation.

Sprain – injury to the soft tissues surrounding joint, caused by forcible wrenching, or hyperextension of
the joint,; sometimes ligaments or tendons are ruptured but the bone is not fractured or dislocated. Classified as first, second, and third degree, according to severity and extent of the extent.

Strain – weakening or stretching of a muscle at the tendon area, resulting from over exercise, overuse
Improper use.

Tourniquet – an apparatus for the temporary compression of the blood vessels of a limb.

Trauma – a wound or injury caused by external force or violence.

Wound care – prevention of entrance of other bacteria o the wound.





IMPORTANCE OF FIRST AID
- To be prepared in any emergency that might occur
- To prevent or minimize further damages and infections of wounds when immediate medical care is not available
- To have control or not to panic in any emergency or accidents that might happen




AIM OF FIRST AID
- preserve life
- assist recovery
- prevent aggravation of the condition until the service of a doctor can be obtained
- recognized life-threatening situations
- supply artificial ventilation and circulation when needed
- It controls bleeding
- Minimize further injury and complications
- Prevent infection
- Make the victim as comfortable as possible
- Arrange for medical assistance and transportation





ROLES OF A FIRST AIDER
 Respond quickly to calls for assistance; the saving of a life depends on promptness of action.
 Adopt calm and the methodical approach to the casualty, quick and confident examination and treatment will relieve pain and distress, lessen the effect of the injury and may save life. Time spent on long and elaborate examination of a casualty may be time lost in his ultimate recovery.
 Treat obvious injuries and conditions endangering life such as failure of breathing severe shock, before making a complete diagnosis.
 Take first aid materials if this is immediately available. If standard equipment is not available the first aid must depend on material to hand which will have to be provided as required.
 Need to know his/her limitations.





CHARACTERISTICS OF A FIRST AIDER
• Resourceful – using available resources in the community
• Calm – one who is tranquil, quite or windless and one who is not agitated
• Tactful- does not embarrass but criticize in constructive manner
• Gentle- a person who is kind and has patience
• Efficient- should have necessary skills and knowledge, plans with people and let them participate in the plan.
• A keen observer – knows how to identify what problem to prioritized
• Empathetic – tries to put yourself in the patient’s shoes but not to the extent that you’ll be affected.
• Knowledgeable- a person who is well informed and who is intelligent
• Communicator – bridge between the victim






PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN FIRST AID MANAGEMENT

Anatomy and Physiology
- Knowledge on the surface of the body many help in doing first aid.
Microbiology
- Aseptic procedure must be well observed in order to prevent infection.Pharmacology
- The use of ointments and medicines are need to facilitate healing or relieve pain.
Chemistry
- An understanding on the nature and composition of substances help the first aider to detect the effect of harmful substances that caused the injury and what to apply on injured areas.

Safety and security
- First aid training is of value in both preventing and treating sudden illness or accidental injury in caring for large numbers of persons caught in the a natural disaster.
Body mechanics
- The first aider must contain the good alignment and balance throughout the procedure so that they may not fell body strain.
Physics
- Applying pressure to prevent loss of the blood from the body without intervening with normal blood circulation







GUIDELINES FOR GIVING FISRT AID
-do “first things first quickly”, and without fuss or panic.
-Remember the primary survey of the victim – the ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation)
-“Give artificial respiration” if breathing is stopped – every second counts.
- assess client’s pain tolerance levels. Remember that pain is an important indicator.
- stop any bleeding
- “guard against or treat for shock” by moving the casualty as little as possible and handling him gently.
- “do not attempt too much” do the minimum that is essential to save life – and prevent the condition from worsening .
- “reassure the casualty” those around and so help to lessen anxiety.
- do not allow people to crowd round as fresh air as essential.
- do not remove clothes unnecessarily.
- arrange for the removal of the casualty to the care of a doctor (or) hospital as soon as possible.





DISCUSS THE FIRST AID INTERVENTION

1. EPISTAXIS (NOSEBLEED)
- Bleeding from the nose may be the result of blowing too hard, sneezing, picking air pressure changes or high blood pressure: occasionally blood disorders may be the cause :
- Infection
- Trauma
- Allergic and non allergic rhinitis

• Interventions:
- For a normal nosebleed, have the victim sit in a chair with his head slightly forward and pinch the nostrils together for at least 15 minutes
- Loosen any tight clothing around the neck
- Apply ice to nose and checks
- If bleeding persists consult a doctor. Let the victim see a doctor if he has lost so much blood that it makes him feel dizzy and pale.

2. BITES
- is a wound received from the mouth (and in particular, the teeth) of an animal, including humans. Animals may bite in self-defense, in an attempt to predate food, as well as part of normal interactions. Other bite attacks may be apparently unprovoked.
Animal Bites
1. Dog Bites – vary in extent from sunlight contusions, superficial abrasions and fang puncture wound to deep teaching lacerations if the animal or the victim attempts to pull away.






2. Cat bites and scratches - even if minute, may cause benign low-grade infection-cat stretch fever




3. Rat bites- infants living in squad surroundings may be injured severely by rat bites.

4. Bat bites – certain varieties of carnivorous and insectivorous bat may be rabid. They may carry other infectious viruses in their salivary glands.

5. Snake bites – bites of venomous snakes.









General First Aid Care for BITES:
*if the client is still present, remove it by gently scraping against it with edge of a credit card, the edge of a knife, or your fingernail.
*wash the area around the bite or sting gently with a soap solution.
*remove any jewelry or other constricting objects as soon as possible
*lower the site of the bite or sting slightly below the level of the victim’s heart.
* apply a cold compress to the site of an insect bite or scorpion sting to relieve pain and swelling.
*apply a paste of baking soda and water to relieve pain of bee sting
* observe the victim carefully for the least 30 minutes to determine whether he or she is developing the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.

SNAKE BITES SIGNS:
-the patient will tell you that he has been bitten by a snake.
-the punctured wounds produced by the snake’s fangs are clearly visible.
- the patient may show signs of poisoning. e.g: bleeding or paralysis.
- signs of shock

Symptoms:
-casualty may experience disturbed vision
-may fell nauseated or already be vomiting
- one or two small puncture wounds with sharp pain and local swelling
- breathing may become difficult or fail together
-symptoms and signs of shock
- salivation and sweating may appear in advanced stages of venom reaction.



AIM:
-Reassure the casualty
-prevent absorption of venom and
-arrange urgent removal of hospital

FIRST AID TREATMENT FOR SNAKE BITES:
-tie a piece of cloth (AT least within 1 hr) or a tourniquet, tightly above the bite to prevent the venous bleed return
-loosen the tourniquet for one minute in every 20 minutes
-keep the bitten limb hanging down
- treat for shock reassure, and keep the patient at rest and warm
-examine the wound

3. WOUNDS
-is a break in the continuity of a tissue of the body either internal or external.
-usually result from external physical forces such as motor vehicle accident, falls, mishandling of sharp objects and wounds.

Kinds of WOUNDS
1. Open Wounds – is a break in the skin or in the mucous membrane.

a. Abrasions – caused by scraping or rubbing away of an outer layer of skin.


b. Incisions – is a smooth cut; which are commonly caused by knives , metal edges, broken glass or other sharp objects.















c. Lacerations – are jagged, irregular cut or tear in the skin and soft tissues. Bleeding may be severe, especially if large vessel is torn.















d. Punctures – are penetrating open wounds caused by pointed objects such as bullets, nail, needle/knife.








e. Contusion – are open wounds in which the tissue is torn completely.
- caused by animal bites and accidents like motor vehicle, heavy machinery guns and
explosives


















2. Close Wound – involves underlying tissues without a break in the skin or a mucous membrane.








First Aid for Open Wounds:
-As a general rule, the first aider handles open wounds with three primary considerations
1. the bleeding must be stopped
2. additional contamination must be prevented
3. the injured are should be immobilized.


Techniques for CONTROL OF BLEEDING:
a. Pressure – the is to prevent loss of blood from the body without interfering with the normal blood circulation and shows down the blood flow to the extent that clotting an occur.
b. Elevation –is raising the injured area above the heart level, because his uses the force of gravity to help reduce the blood pressure in the injured area and aids in slowing down the loss of blood through open wound However, direct pressure on wounds must be continued.
c. Pressure points - are the sites where pressure can be applied. This should be used to control bleeding only when necessary, because the circulation within the active body part is affected.
-this are several points in the body, but the most practical and effective pressure points are the brachial artery in the upper arm and femoral artery in the groin.
d. Tourniquet – is a wide band of cloth placed just above a wound to stop flow of blood.
- should be used to control bleeding only as a last resort, when all other methods are failed.
4. BURNS
- Is an injury that results from heat, chemical agents or radiation. It may vary in depth, size and severely and may damage cells in the affected area.

SOURCES OF BURNS

1. CHEMICAL BURNS
- Occurs when skin becomes into direct contact with strong corrosive substances such as acid or alkali.
TREATMENT:
- Chemical burns should be flushed with a large amount of water to dilute chemical and overt the possibly of additional injury
- Remove the clothing from the areas involved because this will contaminate the skin from microorganism that will cause further injury.

2. SUNBURNS
- Is caused by long period of direct exposure to the uv rays
- This may be serve as 2nd degree burn or 1st degree burn.


TREATMENT:
- Application of cold wet compress or fresh water, ice pack to the burned area to prevent 1st degree burn from developing to a 2nd degree burn.

3. RADIATION
- Exposure to unsafe levels of radiations
- The amount of radiation absorb by the tissue determines the injury or danger.
- The higher the radiation absorbed dose ( ROD) , the greater the amount of damage
TREATMENT:
- Call the nearest hospital or emergency care center
- Direct the victim to flush the skin with amount of water

TYPES OF BURNS

1. First degree burn

o Is a superficial injury characterized by reddening of epidermis. This maybe painful, but usually heals without difficulty unless infection occurs.











TREATMENT:
o Apply cold water to relieve the pain and promote healing
o If possible use ice pack because once applied immediately this may prevent the first degree from developing second degree.

2. Second degree burn

o Are painful to touch and are characterized by blisters, deep reddening sensitivity to cold air and loss of body fluid and electrolytes.
o Result from extension of the injury into the deep layers of skin.








TREATMENT:
o Immerse in cold water but not ice water because this can reduce the burning effect of heat in the deep layers of skin.
o Loosen or remove clothing.

3. Third degree burn
o Involves deep damage to skin and unclearing tissues. This characterized by great destruction of fat tissues and some bone tissues












TREATMENT:
o Cover the burned area with sterile dressing
o Give sips of the fluid to alert victim
o Keep the victim warm and the feet slightly raise to improve circulation
o Do not apply ointment because this may interfere with the treatment of the physician.
o Take victim to the hospital as quickly as possible



5. POISONING
- is any substance that if taken into the body in sufficient quantity, can cause temporary or permanent damage.
- are solid, liquid or gas substances that harm the human body or disturb the functioning of its substances though chemical reaction.
-it is condition produced by a poison or toxin in contact or enters the human body.

• How poison enters the body ( ingestion, inhalation, injection, absorption)
-Either accidentally or intentionally
-Through the mouth by eating or drinking poisoning substance
- by injection into the skin as a result of bites from animals, insects.
- By absorption through the skin through the contact with the poisonous sprays such as
pesticides and insecticides.

WAYS OF POISONING

1. Poisoning by Ingestion – any substance solid or liquid has he potential to produced toxic
effect when ingested.
e.g. corrosive substances
>Alkali: dishwasher detergent
>Acids: Toilet bowl cleaners sulfuric or hydrochloric acid

Signs and Symptoms:
-burns around the mouth and throat; pain when swallowing

Treatment:
First aid for corrosive substances is limited, but if victim is conscious, the best and safest thing to do is to drink milk. Milk dilutes the poison as well as coat and GI.

2. Poisoning by Inhalation – inhalation of toxic gases ad vapors is responsible for a lot of
deaths per year
-example is Carbon Monoxide, an odorless, colorless and
tasteless gas that result from the incomplete contusion.

Signs and Symptoms:
-headache
-dizziness
-shortness of breath
-chest pain
-victim’s skin changes to color
-tending toward a cherry red especially lips and mucous membrane.


Treatment:
-while holding the breath, quickly open the windows to allow fresh air to enter
-check the heartbeat and breathing
-give oxygen, if available, oxygen hastens the elimination of carbon monoxide in the body.
-keep the victim lying down and comfortable.

3. Poisoning by Ingestion – results from the bite of stings f insects (bees), forms of marine
Life (jellyfish), reptiles (snakes),

Signs and Symptoms of stings of:
a. Insects (bees) - manifest severe systematic reaction characterized by respiratory
distress and vascular collapse, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
b. Marine Life (jellyfish) – mild rash, weakness, intense burning pain to shock, nausea,
vomiting or respiratory distress
c. Reptile (snake) – two puncture wounds seen at the site, swelling occurs at the site of
the bite, and painful feeling of weakness, sweating, pulse is rapid
and weak.
Treatment:
a. Insect (bites) – remove the stinger with care because the stinger have venom sac,
Once squeezed, this will inject toxin to victim.
-wash the affected area and supply cold water or ice wrapped in a towel
To reduce swelling and venom absorption.
b. Marine Life (jellyfish) – remove the tentacles, because they tend to cling where
contact was initially made
–remove by gently rubbing with towel/dry the area with soap sand an powder.
c. Reptiles (snakes) -have victim lie down and relax
-immobilize the bitten part
- apply constricting band just above the site but not on joint, neck
or head.

Poisoning by PLANT contact:
-plant such as ivy and poison oak are plants to which large number of people is hypertensive. The hypersensitivity is manifest itself as an allergic reaction of the skin.

Signs and Symptoms:
-usually appears within few hours after contact
-redness of the skin, swelling and itching
-blisters form with itching

Treatment:
-affected part must be kept dry and clean
FIRST AID IN POISONING
- maintain the airway and monitor the victim’s airway, breathing, circulation and disabilities. (ABCD’s)
- get medical aid as soon as possible
- keep carefully any bottle, glass, etc. which might have contained the poison and any vomit
- treat for shock keep the patient warm and loosen tight clothing

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMTOMS OF:
INGESTION:
-Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
-Excessive salivation
-Abdominal pain, tenderness, bloating and or cramps
INHALATION
-Difficulty in breathing
-Chest pain
-Muscle weakness
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Altered mental status or confusion

INJECTION
-WEAKNESS
-DIZZINESS
-CHILLS AND FEVER
-NAUSEA AND OR VOMITING
ABSORPTION
-Exposure to poisonous substances
-Traces of liquid or powder on the skin
-Redness
-Itching or irritation

Types of Poison:
1. Irritants – which irritate and inflame the tissues. Examples of these are food certain fungi and barriers, kerosene oil, arsenic fluid lead and mercury.
2. Corrosive poisons – are strong acids, strong alkalis and disinfectants. These poisons burn the lips, mouth, esophagus and stomach. They cause severe pain and shock. The burned tissues may swell and cause breathing difficulty an there may be blood stained vomit.
3. Nerve poisons – affect the nervous system, can cause unconsciousness. (opium morphia, etc.)

First Aid Treatment for Irritant:
1. Make the patient vomit by tickling the back of the throat, or by giving emetics.
ex. Strong salt water (a tablespoon to a glass or 200 ml of water)
2. Give plenty of fluids, e.g. rice water, milk or plain water. This will dilute the poison and make up the fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

First aid treatment for corrosive poisons:
1. Do not cause vomiting it might result in perforation of the stomach wall
2. Give two glasses of milk or water
3. Give an antidote if known, e.g.
- If acid has been swallowed give an alkali such as sodium bicarbonate or white wash, two tablespoon to a pint of water
- If alkali such as ammonia has been swallowed, give a weak acid such as lime juice or vinegar, two tablespoons to pint of water
- If a disinfectant has been swallowed, give magnesium sulphates two tablespoons in a pint of water or cupful liquid paraffin
4. Give soothing drinks e.g milk, white of egg, rice water of oil
5. Treat for shock
6. If the throat is swollen, give only cool fluids, and apply hot fomentation to the neck

First aid for nerve poisons:
1. Make the patient vomit, immediately before the drug is absorbed
2. Give strong black coffee or tea, unless there are spasms
3. If an antidote is known, give it e.g. for morphia give potassium permanganate solution
4. If there are spasms or delirium, keep the patient quite in a dark room
5. In the case of poisons like morphia, artificial respiration may be needed

6. CHOKING
- Also known as AIRWAY Obstruction, occurs when the airway becomes du to solid object fluids/ back of the tongue.
Common CAUSES:
-trying to swallow large pieces of food
-wearing dentures
-drinking alcohol before or during eating
- talking/laughing while eating
-walking, playing or running objects in the mouth

Types of Obstruction:
1. Partial Airway Obstruction
a. With Good Airway Exchange
-can cough forcely
-he may also wheeze between breaths
-stay with person and encourage him to continue coughing
-if coughing persists, secure medication attention
b. With Poor Airway Exchange
-have a weak, ineffective cough and make a high-pitched noise while breathing.
c. Complete Airway Obstruction
- when there is a complete obstruction of the airway, the person will not be able to speak, breathe or cough.
- the person may clutch at his throat with on both hands. This is universal distress signal of choking. You must act right away to clear the airway.

TREATMENT FOR AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION:
TREATMENT DEFINITION
Back slaps designed to use percussion to create pressure behind the blockage, assisting the patient in dislodging the article. In some cases the physical vibration of the action may also be enough to cause movement of the article sufficient to allow clearance of the airway.
Abdominal thrusts also known as the Heimlich Maneuver
involves a rescuer standing behind a patient and using their hands to exert pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm. This compresses the lungs and exerts pressure on any object lodged in the trachea, hopefully expelling it. This amounts to an artificial cough.
Modified chest thrusts sometimes taught for use with pregnant women and obese casualties. The rescuer places their hand in the center of the chest to compress, rather than in the abdomen
Finger sweeping Some protocols advocate the use of the rescuer's finger to 'sweep' foreign objects away once they have reached the mouth. However, many modern protocols recommend against the use of the finger sweep as if the patient is conscious, they will be able to remove the foreign object themselves, or if they are unconscious the rescuer should simply place them in the recovery position (where the object should fall out due to gravity). There is also a risk of causing further damage (for instance inducing vomiting) by using a finger sweep technique

FIRST AID:
*Conscious victim
-determine if the victim is choking
-return abdominal thrust
*Unconscious victim
-begin with primary survey to check the ABC’s
-check for responsiveness; if no response shout “help”
-position the victim
-check for breathlessness, if no breath, give two full breaths
- if you are unable to breath air into the victim, retilt the victims head and give two full
breaths again.
-perform 6-10 abdominal thrust
-do finger sweep
-two full breaths

Special Situations:
1. If you are alone
a. Position your own fist slightly above your navel
b. Grasp your fist with other hand and bend over a hard surface – a countertop or chain will do
c. Shove your fist inward and upward
2. Cleaning the airway of the pregnant woman or obese person
a. Position your hands a little bit higher than with a normal Heimlich maneuver, at the base of the breastbone; just above the joining of the lowest ribs
b. Proceed as with the Heimlich maneuver, pressing hand into the chest, with a quick thrust
c. Repeat until the food/ other blockage dislodged or the person becomes unconscious
3. When a conscious victim becomes unconscious
a. If a victim is choking loses consciousness while you are giving abdominal or chest thrust, you should shout for help and slowly lower the victim to the floor.
b. Have someone else call for medical attention
c. Do finger sweep
d. Open the airway and give two full breaths
e. Give 6 – 10 abdominal thrust if you are unable to breathe air into the victim’s lungs.



























7.DISLOCATION
- Is an injury to the joint and the ligament surrounding it
- The end of the bone are displaced making movement difficult and very painful.

COMMON CAUSES
- Fall
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
INDICATION
- There is a swelling, deformity, pain in joint, loss of movement and tenderness
FIRST AID FOR DISLOCATION
- Do care for shock
- Monitor ABC
- Splint and immobilized the affected joint in the position in which it us found
- Apply cold pack
- Secure medical attention promptly

8. STRAIN
- Are stretched or form muscles, frequently in the back. A person with a serious back strain should have medical attention before resuming activity.
COMMON CAUSE
- Are usually caused by lifting something improperly or lifting something too heavy.
INDICATION
- Sign and symptoms of strain include sharp pain, stiffness and possible swelling.
FIRST AID FOR STRAINS
- Do care for shock
- Monitor ABC
- Apply a sling if appropriate
- Apply cold pack
- Rest the affected part
- Secure medical attention promptly
- Splint and immobilize the affected part in the position in which it is found.

9. SPRAIN
- Is an injury to joint or ligament or a muscle tendon in the region of a joint
- Particularly common about the ankle, usually from turning the foot inward beyond the range of motion and in the knee from a wrenching movement or direct blow.
FIRST AID FOR SPRAIN
- Do not allow the victim to walk
- If swelling and pain persist, seek medical attention.
- In mild sprains, keep the injured part raised for at least 24 hrs.

- Do not soak with water
- If swelling and pain persist seek medical attention.

10. FRACTURES
- Breaks or cracks in a bone, complete or incomplete, or loss or normal bone continuity.

CLASSIFICATION OF FRACTURES
1. open fracture - the bone exits and is visible through the skin, or where a deep wound exposes the bone through the skin.
2. closed fracture - the bone is broken, but the skin is intact.

TYPES OF FRACTURES




• transverse - the break is in a straight line across the bone.
• spiral - the break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury.
• oblique - diagonal break across the bone.
• compression - the bone is crushed, causing the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.
• comminuted - the break is in three or more pieces.
• Greenstick – when the bone is completely calcified as in children, the break is in complete.
Greenstick: incomplete fracture. A portion of the bone is broken, causing the other side to bend.


Spiral: the break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury.


Transverse: the break is in a straight line across the bone.


Oblique: diagonal break across the bone.


Compression: the bone is crushed, causing the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.



Treatment may include:

• splint/cast - immobilizes the injured area to promote bone alignment and healing to protect the injured area from motion or use and the pain which such motion would cause.
• medication - for pain control or antibiotics to prevent infection if the fracture is open
• traction - the application of a force to stretch certain parts of the body in a specific direction. Traction consists or pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame attached over or on the bed. The purpose of traction is to stretch the muscles and tendons around the broken bone to allow the bone ends to align and heal.
• surgery - required to put certain types of broken bones back into place. Occasionally, internal fixation (metal rods or pins located inside the bone) or external fixation devices (metal rods or pins located outside of the body) are used to hold the bone fragments in place to allow alignment and healing.


FIRST AID FOR FRACTURES
- do not move the patient or limb unless in danger
- steady and support the injured part at once, and prevent movement
- reassure the patient and send for medical aid if possible
- apply splints
- arrange for suitable transport to hospital







FIRST AID CARE for SPRAINS, STRAINS, and FRACTURES

R-est
Have the victim stay off the injured part completely and not use the joint all.

I-ce
Cold relieves pain and prevents swelling and inflammation. Immediately put cold packs, or cold towels on the injured area or immerse it in ice water fro20-30 min. at a time every 2 hrs.

C- ompression
To limit internal bleeding and compression fluid from the injury site, wrap a compression bandage in a overlapping spiral that supports the entire injured area. The victim should wear the bandage continuously for 18-24 hrs, except when applying a cold pack.

E- levation
Limits circulation, reduces swelling, and encourage lymphatic drainage.

11. SHOCK
-is a circulatory deficiency within the body associated with the depression of essential organ function. This results from lowered cardiac output, not from lowered arterial pressure
TYPES OF SHOCK:
TYPES DESCRIPTION AND CAUSE
HEMORRHAGIC • Loss of blood, usually from multiple trauma and severe burns
• There is enough blood in the system to provide adequate circulation to all parts.

NEUROGENIC • Spinal or head injury resulting in loss of nerve control
• Blood vessels dilate and there is not enough blood to fill them
PSYCHOGENIC • something psychological affects the victim
• blood drains from the head and pools in the abdomen causing fainting
CARDIOGENIC • The cardiac muscle does not pump effectively enough to circulate blood
• Usually because of injury, heart attack, or heart disease
METABOLIC • Insulin shock, diabetic coma, vomiting, diarrhea, or some other condition causes loss of fluids and change in biochemical balance
SEPTIC • Toxins from severe infection cause dilation of blood vessels, pooling of blood in the small capillaries, and bacterial invasion of blood vessels.
ANAPHYLACTIC • Severe allergic reaction occurs, usually to insect sting, food or medicine
SIGNS AND SYMTOMS OF THE 3 STAGES OF SHOCK
STAGES WHAT HAPPENS SIGNS AND SYMTOMS
Compensatory • The body tries to use its normal defense mechanism to maintain normal function. • Minimal – normal blood pressure
• Increased pulsed
• Cool clammy skin
• Dull
• Pale skin
• Weakness
• Anxious
• restless
Progressive • body shunts blood away from the extremities and abdomen to the heart, brain and lungs, • extremely pale skin
• dropping blood pressure
• profuse sweating
• extreme thirst
• nausea and/or vomiting
• dizziness
• altered levels of consciousness
Irreversible • blood is shunted from the liver and kidneys to the heart and brain
• organs die
• blood pools away from vital organs
• death occurs • dull
• lusterless eyes
• dilated pupils
• shallow
• irregular breathing
• loss of consciousness


TREATMENT for CONSCIOUS PATIENT:
1. keep victim in supine position. This aids in the return of venous blood to the heart
2. assess and provide care as needed for breathing, circulation and exercise bleeding
3. loosen clothing and the victims body heart must be monitored and stay close to normal if possible.
4. Don’t give fluids or foods
5. Call for medical assistance.


TREATMENT for UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT:

1. Maintain blood flow of the patient’s vital organs (brain, heart, and lungs) by letting
patient lie flat and raise their legs about 6-12 inches (15-30cm) off the ground. Do
not incline the victim's head, chest, or pelvis, as this brings no improvement and
can cause harm the patient
2. Assess ABC(Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Should any change occur
compensate with required treatment.
3. As airway takes priority over other treatment, you should place them in the
recovery position in order to ensure a patent airway.
4.Let the patient rest after regaining consciousness.

TYPES OF SPLINTING
TYPE OF SPLINTING DEFINITION
RIGID SPLINTS such as wood, magazines, newspapers and other things that can be converted to support the fracture.
SOFT SPLINT such as pillows, rolled blankets and other soft materials
ANATOMICAL SPLINT using part of the body to support a fractured area can also be done.

Anatomical Splints:





RIGID SPLINT:






SOFT SPLINT:








MATERIALS NEEDED FOR A FIRST AIDER
-dressings
-bondages
-pair of scissors
-roll of gauze bondage
-roll of absorbent cotton
-roll of adhesive hypo allergic tape
-spirit of Ammonia bottle
-bottle of rubbing alcohol
-tweezers