Lesson 4: Physical Safety and Certification

Abrasion

Injury from cut or scrape

CABs

Circulation, airway, and breathing status of the patient

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Stroke

Contusion

Bruise

Epistaxis

Nosebleed

Puncture

Wound cause by an object that delivers a stab

Synocope

Fainting

Laceration

A jagged wound

Incision

A clean, smooth cut

Sprain

A joint injury (ligaments/tendons)

Strain

Overstretching a muscle

Concussion

A head trauma where the brain has been shaken or jolted.

Myocardial Infraction

Heart Attack

Insulin Shock

Low blood sugar

Diabetic Coma

Caused by high blood sugar

Emergencies Requiring Life-Saving Measures

• Choking

• Allergic Reaction

• Trauma

• Cardiac Failure

• Respiratory Failure

External and Environmental Emergencies

• Weather-related

• Tornados

• Hurricanes

• Fires

Human-Related Emergencies

Threats

Medical Emergency

Any situation in which a person suddenly becomes ill or sustains an injury that requires immediate help by a healthcare professional.

First-Aid

The immediate care given to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill, before complete medical care can be obtained.

Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction that can result in shock

• Provide basic life support.

• Administer oxygen and epinephrine

• Call 911

Acute Abdominal Pain

General symptom that can be life-threatening.

• Obtain detailed CC (chief complaint)

• NPO (nothing by mouth)

• May need emesis basin (vomiting bucket)

• Keep patient warm

• Do not apply heat to abdomen

• Monitor vital signs and observe for shock

Bleeding

Can be internal or external. Arterial bleeding is a medical crisis.

• Apply pressure and ice

• Elevate the site and limit movement

• Monitor vital signs, observe for shock

Eye and Ear Injuries

Foreign bodies and possible trauma is the common cause. Pain, decrease in sensitivity in hearing and vision.

• Limit contact of article if possible

• Cover eye or ear

• Administer irrigations (flushing) based on provider direction.

Seizures

Can result from trauma and range from generalized (grand mal) to short (petit mal)

• Assist patient to lying position.

• Protect from injury

• Tilt head to side

• Stay with patient, observe.

• In continues, call 911

Stroke

Results from hypoxia and blood clot or rupture of blood vessel. Patient experiences weakness, paralysis, and difficulty speaking.

• Protect patient, NPO.

• Obtain vital signs and administer oxygen

• Call 911.

CPR

CPR Rate: 100-120 chest compressions per minute

CPR Ratio (Rescue Breaths): 30 chest compressions per 2 breaths

AED

• For patients experiencing cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation.

• Automatic voice commands when chest leads are placed.

• Place defibrillator directly on pads of skin.

• Avoid touching metal during process.

Initial Assessment of Emergencies

1. Observe general impression of situation

2. Obtain level of responsiveness of patient

3. Asses CABs of patient

4. Urgency of condition

5. Call 911 if needed and document.

Crash Cart

Basic drugs and would care supplies for emergencies

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

A written protocol that provides information on how to respond to potential threats, such as fires, natural disasters, or security threats.

EAP Written Plan vs. Orally

If employer has more than 10 employees, then the plan must be in writing. If less than 10, can be communicated orally.

Fire Safety: RACE

R: Rescue anyone in immediate danger

A: Alarm/Activate the fire system

C: Confine the fire by closing doors and windows

E: Extinguish or Evacuate

Incident Response

1. Immediate Care: Wash exposed areas with soap and water. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water.

2. Report: Notify a supervisor immediately.

3. Medical Evaluation: Seek a confidential medical follow up.

4. Documentation: If anyone is injured, the employer must record the incident on the OSHA 300 Log (if applicable) or OSHA Form 301.

Provide First-Aid to:

• Bites and Stings

• Burns

• Choking

• Eye and ear injuries

• Falls, fractures, or dislocation

• Sprains and strains

• Head injuries

• Wounds

Sterile Dressing

Used next or near the wound.

Non-Sterile Dressing

Bandages

Fracture

Break in a bone and classified in many types.

Complete Fracture

Across entire bone

Incomplete Fracture

Through only part of bone

Comminuted Fracture

Bone has broken into several fragments.

Greenstick Fracture

Bone is bent, but only one side is fractured

Closed Fracture

No break in skin

Open Fracture

Break in Skin

What must be refreshed every year?

Training on Bloodborne Pathogens and Fire Safety

What must occur when new hazards are introducted into the workplace?

Training

Training Records

Must be kept to prove you received adequate training to do your job.

Incident Reports

Used to track injuries (OSHA 300 Log) and sharp injuries.

Assessment

Employers will use compliance checklists to ensure all training topics (PPE HazCom, Ergonomics) have been covered.