L16 - First Aid for Common Unintentional Injuries and Medical Emergencies

Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Sprain

ligament are stretched or torn

use the PRICE treatment (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate)

• strain

tendons are stretched or torn

use the PRICE treatment (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate)

• fracture

a broken or cracked bone

two types: open fracture, closed fracture

you must not move injured part, control the bleeding if there’s any, keep the patient still, apply ice, and place a splint

• dislocation

two connected bones became misaligned

another type is subluxation

you must not move the dislocated part, do not attempt to fix it, place ice on it, and make the patient comfy

Bleeding

occurs when soft tissues are cut or wounded

• minor wounds

cuts and scrapes

apply an ointment and cover it with bandage

• nosebleeds

bleeding from the nose

sit down and lean you head forward, tilted down, pinch your nose bridge, put an ice, and repeat the steps until bleeding stops

• puncture wounds

skin is broken by a sharp object

clean the wound with soap, use a gauze to dry it, apply antibacterial solution, and cover the wound

• heavy bleeding

deep cuts that can be dangerous

universal precautions must be observed

Burn

a injury from exposure to fire, heat, or certain chemicals

• first-degree burn (superficial)

only affects skin surface

burned area is red and some pain are felt

• second-degree burn (partial-thickness)

affects the outermost and second layer of skin

the burn can appear blistered, swollen, and are the most painful of all kinds of burn

• third-degree burn (full-thickness)

affects up to the fatty tissues of the body so the muscles and bones may be burned

burned area looks black, and there will be no pain since the nerves have also been damaged

heat exhaustion

caused by too much loss of water

happens through excessive sweating

replace the water loss you had with sweating by drinking lots of water

heatstroke

happens when the body can’t control its temperature

drink plenty of water to avoid this

Poisoning

poisons can be accidentally eaten, drunk, inhaled, etc..

try to find the cause of poison, call for emergency services, and follow the operator’s instructions

Choking

a choking victim usually grabs her throat

when this happen, you must act fast

perform abdominal thrust for adults and back blows for children or infants

Drowning

accidents associated with water

when no pulse are observed, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

when there’s no breathing but pulse is observed, perform rescue breathing

Electrocution

happens with electrocution is conducted through the body

it causes internal injuries and make a person’s heart stop

turn off the mains switch of the electrical current then move the victim away the scene using a dry cloth

Shock

the body’s reaction to decreased blood flow

stop any bleeding the patient have, make them rest, loosen their clothing, keep them warm, and provide comfort for the victim