HOSA Career Development Chapters 17-20

First Aid

• First aid is the immediate care provided to an injured or ill person until professional medical help is available.

• The goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.

Basic Principles of First Aid

Assess the scene, activate emergency services, triage

1. Assess the Scene:

• Ensure the area is safe for you and the victim.

• Identify potential hazards such as fire, electrical wires, or unstable structures

1. Activate Emergency Services:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.

• Provide clear information about the situation and location.

1. Triage:

• Prioritize care based on the severity of injuries.

• Treat life-threatening conditions first

• Adult CPR:

• Perform 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

• Deliver 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.

• Child and Infant CPR:

• Use one hand for chest compressions (children) or two fingers (infants).

• Maintain the same compression-to-breath ratio (30:2).

1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED):

• Turn on the AED and follow verbal instructions.

• Place pads on the victim’s chest as indicated.

• Ensure no one is touching the victim during the shock.

1. Control Bleeding:

• Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.

• Elevate the injured area if possible.

• Use a tourniquet as a last resort for severe bleeding.

1. Types of Wounds:

• Abrasion: Superficial wound caused by scraping.

• Laceration: Deep cut or tear in the skin.

• Puncture: Caused by a sharp object; risk of infection is high.

• Avulsion: Tearing away of tissue, often requiring surgical intervention.

1. Wound Care:

• Clean the wound with sterile water or saline.

• Apply antiseptic and cover with a sterile dressing.

• Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth).

1. Types of Burns:

• First-Degree: Affects only the outer layer of skin; redness and mild pain.

• Second-Degree: Involves deeper layers of skin; blistering and intense pain.

• Third-Degree: Destroys all skin layers and underlying tissues; may be painless due to nerve damage.

Treatment of Burns

• Cool the burn with running water (not ice).

• Cover with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing.

• Do not break blisters or apply ointments to severe burns.

Fractures

• Symptoms: Swelling, deformity, pain, and inability to move the affected area.

• Treatment: Immobilize the limb with a splint or sling; avoid moving the fractured area.

Sprains

• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected joint.

• Treatment: Follow the RICE method:

  • R: Rest the injured area.

  • I: Ice to reduce swelling.

  • C: Compression with an elastic bandage.

  • E: Elevate the injured area above heart level.

Shock

• A life-threatening condition caused by inadequate blood flow to organs.

Choking Signs

• Inability to speak, cough, or breathe.

• Clutching the throat (universal sign).

Choking Treatment

• Heimlich Maneuver:

  • Stand behind the victim and wrap arms around their waist.

  • Place a fist just above the navel and thrust upward and inward.

• For Infants:

  • Deliver 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts.

Poisoning

• Call Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.).

• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional.

• If the poison is on the skin, rinse thoroughly with water.

Basic First Aid

• First aid is crucial for managing unexpected medical emergencies effectively.

• This chapter focuses on recognizing and providing initial care for various emergencies.

1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):

• Symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort, often radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw.

  • Shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.

• First Aid:

  • Call emergency services immediately.

  • Keep the person calm and seated.

  • Administer aspirin if not contraindicated and the patient is conscious.

  • Begin CPR if the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing.

1. Cardiac Arrest:

• Symptoms:

  • Sudden collapse and loss of responsiveness.

  • Absence of breathing or pulse.

• First Aid:

  • Begin CPR immediately.

  • Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.

1. Asthma Attack:

• Symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.

  • Tightness in the chest.

• First Aid:

  • Assist with the person’s prescribed inhaler.

  • Keep the person calm and seated.

  • Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen.

Choking

• Symptoms:

  • Inability to speak, cough, or breathe.

  • Clutching the throat.

• First Aid:

  • Perform the Heimlich maneuver.

  • For infants: Use back blows and chest thrusts.

1. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident):

• Symptoms:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

  • Difficulty speaking, vision loss, or severe headache.

• First Aid:

  • Use the FAST method:

    • F: Face drooping.

    • A: Arm weakness.

    • S: Speech difficulty.

    • T: Time to call emergency services.

  • Keep the patient calm and lying flat until help arrives.

1. Seizures:

• Symptoms:

  • Sudden convulsions, unresponsiveness, or staring episodes.

• First Aid:

  • Protect the person from injury by moving nearby objects.

  • Place them on their side to keep the airway clear.

  • Do not restrain movements or place anything in their mouth.

  • Call for emergency help if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

1. Head Injuries:

• Symptoms:

  • Loss of consciousness, confusion, or headache.

  • Clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears.

• First Aid:

  • Keep the person still and avoid moving the head or neck.

  • Apply gentle pressure to bleeding wounds.

  • Seek immediate medical attention.

1. Spinal Injuries:

• Symptoms:

  • Pain or pressure in the neck or back.

  • Numbness, paralysis, or loss of coordination.

• First Aid:

  • Do not move the person unless in immediate danger.

  • Support the head and neck in their current position.

  • Call emergency services.

1. Fractures and Dislocations:

• Symptoms:

  • Deformity, swelling, and severe pain.

• First Aid:

  • Immobilize the affected area using a splint.

  • Apply ice to reduce swelling.

  • Avoid attempting to realign bones.

Hypothermia

• Symptoms:

  • Shivering, confusion, and slowed breathing.

• First Aid:

  • Move the person to a warm area.

  • Remove wet clothing and cover them with blankets.

  • Provide warm fluids if the person is conscious.

Heatstroke

• Symptoms:

  • High body temperature, red skin, and confusion.

• First Aid:

  • Move the person to a cool area and remove excess clothing.

  • Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.

  • Seek immediate medical help.

Poisoning

• Symptoms:

  • Vomiting, confusion, and difficulty breathing.

• First Aid:

  • Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).

  • Avoid inducing vomiting unless instructed by professionals.

  • For skin exposure, rinse the area thoroughly with water.

 Rehabilitation and Restorative Care

• Rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals regain functional abilities after illness, injury, or surgery.

• Restorative care is an ongoing process that helps maintain the highest level of function and independence.

Goals of Rehabilitation

Restore function, prevent complications, promote independence, and enhance quality of life

1. Restore Function:

• Enable individuals to regain lost skills or adapt to limitations.

1. Prevent Complications:

• Avoid secondary issues such as pressure ulcers, contractures, or infections.

1. Promote Independence:

• Encourage self-care and participation in daily activities.

1. Enhance Quality of Life:

• Focus on physical, emotional, and social well-being.

1. Physical Therapy (PT):

• Improves mobility, strength, and coordination.

• Common techniques:

  • Exercises to increase range of motion.

  • Gait training for walking.

  • Use of assistive devices like crutches or walkers.

1. Occupational Therapy (OT):

• Focuses on daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, and grooming.

• Adaptive equipment training

1. Speech Therapy:

• Assists individuals with speech, language, and swallowing difficulties.

• Common interventions:

  • Language exercises.

  • Swallowing therapy for dysphagia.

1. Respiratory Therapy:

• Helps patients improve lung function and breathing efficiency.

• Techniques include:

  • Breathing exercises.

  • Use of oxygen therapy or ventilators.

1. Cognitive and Emotional Rehabilitation:

• Targets memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

• Often includes counseling or psychotherapy.

Physician

• Develops and oversees the rehabilitation plan.

Nurse

• Monitors medical status and provides support for daily care.

Therapists

• Deliver specialized therapies (PT, OT, speech therapy).

1. Social Worker:

• Assists with accessing resources and planning for long-term care needs.

1. Patient and Family:

• Play an active role in goal setting and implementation of the care plan.

1. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises:

• Active ROM: Performed by the patient without assistance.

• Passive ROM: Performed by a caregiver to prevent stiffness and contractures.

Active-Assisted ROM: Patient participates with some assistance.

1. Mobility Training:

• Teaching safe use of mobility aids (e.g., canes, walkers, wheelchairs).

• Focus on preventing falls and maintaining balance.

1. Bladder and Bowel Training:

• Establishing regular toileting schedules to regain control.

• Use of timed voiding and encouraging hydration.

1. Emotional Support:

• Addressing anxiety, depression, and frustration that may arise during recovery.

• Encouraging participation in support groups or counseling.

Common Conditions Requiring Rehab

Strokes, Orthopedic injuries, Neurological disorders, Chronic respiratory conditions, Trauma and amputation

Assistive Devices and Technology

Mobility aids, adaptive equipment, technology-based tools

1. Physical Barriers to rehab

• Pain, fatigue, or severe disabilities.

1. Emotional and Psychological Challenges to rehab

• Depression, anxiety, or lack of motivation.

1. Environmental Factors to rehab

• Inaccessible spaces or lack of transportation.

1. Financial Constraints to rehab

• Limited access to therapy due to cost or insurance coverage.

Entering the Workforce

• Transitioning from education to employment requires preparation and an understanding of professional expectations.

• Key components include career planning, effective communication, and maintaining a professional image.

Career Planning

Self-assessment, researching careers, setting goals

1. Self-Assessment:

• Evaluate personal strengths, interests, and values.

• Identify skills and experiences relevant to desired career paths.

1. Researching Careers:

• Explore job opportunities within various healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities).

• Understand the educational requirements, certifications, and licensure needed for specific roles.

1. Setting Goals:

• Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) career objectives.

• Create a roadmap for achieving short-term and long-term goals.

1. Resume Writing:

• Keep the resume concise (1-2 pages).

• Include:

  • Contact information.

  • Objective or summary statement.

  • Education and certifications.

  • Work experience and skills.

  • Volunteer activities and professional memberships.

• Use action verbs (e.g., managed, organized, assisted) to describe accomplishments.

1. Cover Letter:

• Tailor the letter to the specific job and employer.

• Highlight qualifications and express enthusiasm for the position.

• Structure:

  • Introduction: Purpose of the letter.

  • Body: Relevant skills and experiences.

  • Conclusion: Request for an interview and contact information.

1. Completing a Job Application:

• Read instructions carefully and provide accurate information.

• Ensure neat handwriting or use typed forms when possible.

• Read instructions carefully and provide accurate information.

• Ensure neat handwriting or use typed forms when possible.

• Research the organization’s mission, values, and services.

• Practice responses to common interview questions.

• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role or workplace.

1. Dressing for Success:

• Wear professional, well-fitted attire.

• Avoid excessive accessories or bold patterns.

1. During the Interview:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early.

• Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and exude confidence.

• Provide concise and honest answers.

1. Follow-Up:

• Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours to express gratitude and reiterate interest.

Professionalism

• Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate respect for colleagues and patients.

• Be punctual and adhere to workplace policies.

Teamwork

• Collaborate effectively with coworkers to achieve organizational goals.

• Resolve conflicts professionally and constructively.

Adaptability

• Be open to learning new skills and accepting feedback.

• Embrace changes in procedures or responsibilities.

1. Importance of Lifelong Learning:

• Stay updated on advancements in healthcare practices and technology.

• Fulfill continuing education requirements for certifications and licenses.

1. Networking:

• Join professional organizations and attend industry conferences.

• Build connections with mentors and peers to access career opportunities.

1. Seeking Advancement:

• Pursue additional certifications or degrees to qualify for leadership roles.

• Set goals for promotions or specialized positions within the field.

1. Stress Management:

• Practice mindfulness, exercise, and time management to maintain balance.

1. Conflict Resolution:

• Address issues directly and professionally.

• Seek mediation if necessary to resolve disputes.

1. Work-Life Balance:

• Set boundaries between professional and personal life.

• Take breaks and use vacation time to avoid burnout.