Red Cross First Aid & Emergency Response Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, principles, procedures, and medical concepts from the Red Cross first-aid and emergency response lecture notes.

Henry Dunant

Swiss founder of the International Red Cross whose 1862 book "A Memory of Solferino" inspired neutral relief societies.

Battle of Solferino (1859)

Site where Dunant first organized villagers to aid 40,000 wounded without discrimination.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Neutral, independent body that coordinates worldwide humanitarian protection and assistance, recognized the Canadian Red Cross in 1927.

Canadian Red Cross Society Act (1909)

Law making the Canadian Red Cross an auxiliary to the federal government in accord with Geneva Conventions.

Fundamental Principle – Humanity

Serve people, not systems; alleviate suffering wherever it is found.

Fundamental Principle – Impartiality

Aid victims and aggressors alike, without discrimination.

Fundamental Principle – Neutrality

Never take sides in hostilities or controversies.

Fundamental Principle – Independence

Act on needs, not under rulers’ directives.

Fundamental Principle – Voluntary Service

Work without desire for personal gain.

Fundamental Principle – Unity

One Red Cross/Red Crescent Society in each country, open to all.

Fundamental Principle – Universality

All Societies equal; share equal responsibilities helping each other.

Red Cross Emblem

Red cross on white; legally protected symbol of protection and neutrality used in Canada.

Red Crescent Emblem

Equivalent emblem adopted in 1929 for societies preferring non-cross symbol.

Red Crystal Emblem

Additional neutral emblem approved in 2005 for global use.

Symbol Misuse

Any non-authorized use of Red Cross/Crescent/Crystal; must be reported to Canadian Red Cross.

Mission of the Canadian Red Cross

Improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and worldwide.

Vision of the Canadian Red Cross

Be the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily care for others in need.

First Aid Kit – Core Items

Includes gloves, dressings, bandages, tape, scissors, thermometer, CPR barrier, flashlight, cold packs, emergency blanket, etc.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

System activated by calling 911 that dispatches trained responders and transport.

ICE Contact

“In Case of Emergency” phone listing to aid rescuers in locating next-of-kin information.

Bystander Effect

Tendency to assume others will act; overcome by offering specific help in emergencies.

Good Samaritan Laws

Protect first aiders who act reasonably within their training from legal liability.

Consent

Permission to provide care; expressed verbally/gesturally or implied when victim unresponsive, child without guardian, etc.

Implied Consent

Legal assumption a person would accept help when unresponsive, confused, or a child without caregiver.

Check – Call – Care

Primary first-aid action sequence: assess scene/person, call 911 if needed, give appropriate care.

Primary Assessment (ABC)

Check Airway, Breathing, Circulation/life-threatening bleeding immediately after ensuring scene safety.

Recovery Position

Side-lying posture that keeps airway open and allows fluids to drain for unresponsive breathing person.

SAMPLE History

Secondary assessment questions: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up.

Choking – Partial

Airway partly blocked; victim can cough/speak—encourage strong coughing.

Choking – Complete

No air movement; begin 5 back blows and 5 abdominal or chest thrusts, alternating, until cleared or victim becomes unresponsive.

Back Blows

Up to five firm strikes between shoulder blades with heel of hand to dislodge airway obstruction.

Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich)

Inward-upward thrusts just above navel to force air from lungs and expel blockage.

Chest Thrusts

Straight-back pulls on sternum used when abdominal thrusts impossible (pregnancy, obesity, injuries).

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood in cardiac arrest.

Compression-Only CPR

Continuous chest compressions without breaths, acceptable for adult sudden cardiac arrest if unwilling/unable to ventilate.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers shock to restore normal rhythm.

AED Pediatric Mode/Pads

Special setting or smaller pads delivering lower energy for children under 8 years or <25 kg.

AED Maintenance Kit

Contains razor, towel, gloves, barrier device; ensure availability and device readiness through routine checks.

Clinical Death

Moment heart and breathing stop; reversible within ~4–6 minutes with CPR/AED.

Biological Death

Irreversible brain damage after ~8–10 minutes without oxygen.

Tourniquet

Tight band placed one hand-width above severe limb wound when direct pressure fails to control life-threatening bleeding.

Life-Threatening External Bleeding

Blood spurting or flowing freely that won’t clot; requires immediate direct pressure, dressing, possible tourniquet and 911.

Internal Bleeding – Signs

Bruising, swelling, tender hard tissues, blood in saliva/vomit, severe thirst, anxiety; call 911 and keep victim still.

Shock – Symptoms

Cool pale clammy skin, rapid breathing, anxiety, thirst, weakness, possible unresponsiveness.

Heart Attack – Key Signs

Chest pressure/pain, radiating arm or jaw pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness.

Aspirin (ASA)

Two low-dose or one adult 325 mg tablet chewed at onset of suspected heart attack to inhibit clotting.

Angina

Chest pain from temporary reduced blood flow relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Nitroglycerin

Prescription vasodilator spray/tablet used to relieve angina or cardiac chest pain; dose per doctor’s orders.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Interruption of brain blood flow; use FAST: Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech issues, Time to call 911.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

“Mini-stroke” with temporary symptoms that resolve quickly but signal high future stroke risk.

Respiratory Distress

Difficulty breathing (wheezing, gasping, fast/slow breaths, cyanosis); call 911, sit person forward, assist meds.

Respiratory Arrest

Breathing stops completely; begin CPR immediately.

Hyperventilation

Rapid shallow breathing lowering blood CO2; encourage slow breaths unless due to injury—then call 911.

Asthma

Chronic airway inflammation; managed with long-term control drugs and quick-relief bronchodilators (inhalers).

Spacer

Chamber attached to inhaler that improves medication delivery during asthma attack.

Allergic Reaction

Immune response causing rash, swelling, GI upset, respiratory issues; remove trigger, monitor.

Anaphylaxis

Severe multi-system allergic reaction with airway swelling and shock; treat with epinephrine auto-injector and 911.

Epinephrine Auto-Injector

Pre-filled device delivering lifesaving epinephrine into outer thigh for anaphylaxis; may repeat after 5 minutes if needed.

Opioid Poisoning

Overdose where opioids depress breathing; signs include slowed respirations, pinpoint pupils, cyanosis.

Naloxone

Fast-acting opioid antagonist reversing respiratory depression; given intranasally or intramuscularly every 2–5 min if needed.

Intranasal Naloxone Use

Insert spray tip into nostril, press plunger once, monitor breathing, repeat if no improvement.

First-Aid Standard Precautions

Handwashing, gloves, breathing barriers to reduce disease transmission risk.

Proper Glove Removal

Pinch outside wrist, peel off, ball in gloved hand, slip fingers under remaining glove cuff, pull inside-out, discard safely.

Critical Incident Stress

Emotional/physical reactions (sleep issues, anger, guilt) after helping in emergency; seek support if persistent.

First Aid App

Canadian Red Cross mobile reference providing guidance for emergency situations.

Sling (Triangular Bandage)

Folded cloth used to immobilize or support an injured arm/shoulder.

Impaled Object Care

Leave object in place, stabilize with bulky dressings, control bleeding, call 911.

Amputation – Part Care

Wrap severed part in gauze, bag, keep cool (not frozen), label, send with patient to hospital.

Superficial Burn

Red, painful epidermal burn; cool with water 10 min, cover loosely, no ointment if large.

Partial-Thickness Burn

Blistering burn through dermis; cool, cover sterile non-stick, seek medical care if large or on critical area.

Full-Thickness Burn

Destroys all skin layers and underlying tissues; call 911, cool briefly, cover dry sterile, monitor ABCs.

Chemical Burn

Tissue damage from caustic substance; brush powder off, flush water 15 min minimum, EMS.

Electrical Burn

Injury from electrical current; ensure power off, look for entry/exit wounds, monitor heart, call 911.

Thermal Burn Prevention

Turn pot handles inward, keep water heater ≤49 °C, supervise children near heat sources.

Bruise (Contusion)

Bleeding under skin causing discoloration; apply wrapped cold pack 20 min, monitor for severe injury.

Eye Flush

Run clean water from inner corner outward for 15 min to remove irritants or chemicals.

Eye Impalement

Stabilize object without pressure, cover both eyes to limit movement, call 911.

Ear Foreign Object

If visible and loose, tilt affected ear downward and gently tap head; never probe deeply.

Infection – Local Signs

Redness, warmth, swelling, pus, increased pain at wound site.

Tetanus Risk

Potential with dirty wounds; medical evaluation if immunization uncertain or >10 years since booster.

Tourniquet Placement Rule

One hand-width above wound and at least two fingers above nearest joint.

FAST Acronym

Face, Arm, Speech, Time—rapid stroke recognition and 911 activation.

Chain of Survival

Prevent/prepare, early recognition, first aid/access help, early medical care/self-recovery for best outcomes.

Suffocation Prevention for Children

Supervise meals, cut food small, keep small objects (>4 cm rule) out of reach.

Pregnant CPR Modification

Elevate right hip 7.5–10 cm to improve venous return during compressions.

Air in Stomach (CPR)

Caused by over-ventilating; can lead to vomiting/aspiration—use proper head tilt and gentle breaths.

AED Pad Spacing

Pads must be at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart; if overlap on child, place one front, one back.

Opioid Crisis Stigma

Negative attitudes preventing users from seeking help; combating stigma improves response and survival.

Hyperventilation Care

Reassure, coach slow breathing; call 911 if persists, injury-related, or victim becomes unresponsive.

Ventolin/Salbutamol

Common quick-relief inhaler medication for asthma attacks.

Skin Layers

Epidermis (protective outer) and Dermis (contains nerves, vessels, glands).

Closed Wound

Internal tissue damage without skin break, e.g., bruise or crush injury.

Open Wound Dressing Rule

Apply sterile dressing with direct pressure; add more layers if soaked—never remove original.

Scalp Injury Caution

Apply pressure around, not directly on, suspected skull fracture; treat as head injury.