LD34 Chapters 3–4: CPR, First Aid, and Injuries

What are the 5 links of the chain of survival?

Recognition of cardiac arrest and start of emergency response system, Early CPR, Rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support, and post cardiac arrest care.

What is the difference between clinical death and biological death?

4 to 6 minutes.

• biological death takes place within four to six minutes after breathing and circulation stops

When should a jaw-thrust be used instead of a head tilt chin lift?

In cases of head or spinal injury.

How can you differentiate between mild and severe airway obstruction?

If mild, the person can speak or cough.

What should be done if the airway obstruction can be seen?

Use a finger sweep; no blind sweep.

When should abdominal thrusts not be used?

On infants, pregnant women, or obese patients; use chest thrusts instead.

What is the rescue breath rate for adults?

1 every 5-6 seconds.

What is the rescue breath rate for children and infants?

1 every 3-5 seconds.

After how many minutes of rescue breathing without a pulse should CPR be started?

2 minutes.

What position should a victim be placed in after regaining breathing?

Recovery position.

What are 3 ways to stop bleeding?

Direct pressure, tourniquet, hemostatic dressing.

When should a tourniquet be used?

In life-threatening situations where direct pressure has failed.

How should impaled objects be dealt with?

Leave in place, apply pressure around it, stabilize it.

What should be done with an amputated part?

Dry, cool, and protect it; do not immerse, pack in ice, or freeze.

What are the signs and symptoms of shock?

Refer to page 3-45.

• confusion

• anxiety

• restlessness

• combativeness

• sudden unconsciousness

• profuse sweating

• thirst, nausea, vomiting

• blue/grey lips, nail beds, tongue, ears

• dull eyes, dilated pupils

• rapid pulse rate

• weak pulse

• abnormal respiration rate

• shallow, labored breathing

How should shock be treated?

Control bleeding, be alert for vomiting, maintain body temperature, place in position to help maintain blood flow, reassure victim, monitor.

What are indicators of a possible head injury?

Refer to pages 4-4 & 4-5.

• agitated or confused

• combative

• decreased level of consciousness

• loss of short-term memory

• loss of consciousness

• abnormal breathing pattern

• general deterioration of vital signs

• deformity of head

• visible bone formation

• clear or bloody fluid from ears/nose

• unequal pupil

• priapism (penile erection from c-spine injury)

• blurred vision

• projectile vomiting

When should an impaled object be removed?

If it blocks the airway.

What should be done if an object is in one eye?

Cover the other eye.

• stabilize impaled object by placing protective device around it

• DO NOT apply direct pressure

• DO NOT remove impaled object

What should be done if chemicals are in the eye?

Flush with water away from the other eye.

Should a tooth or dental apparatus be replaced? And how is it transported?

No, transport in milk, saliva, or saline solution.

What should be done for a bloody nose?

Pinch the nose midway; do not pack nostrils.

How should a person with a closed chest wound be laid down?

In recovery position on injured side or supine position.

What kind of dressing is used for an open chest wound?

Occlusive dressing (chest seal).

How should a person with a stomach wound be laid down?

Supine with knees up.

What should be done if organs protrude from the stomach?

Cover with moist sterile dressing; do not replace them.

What is the first aid for thermal burns?

Remove from source, cool with water, apply loose sterile dressing, treat for shock, monitor.

What is the first aid for chemical burns?

Brush away powder, remove exposed clothing, flush with water for 15-30 minutes, apply dry sterile dressing.

What is the first aid for electrical burns?

Turn off source, perform CPR if needed, cool with water, apply dry sterile dressing.

What is the first aid for radiation burns?

Remove exposed clothing and place in plastic bag, wash body and hair with soap and water, dry and wrap with towel or blanket.