Emergency care

A summary of how you can assist others in an

emergency

Emergency Care Topics

Basic principles Legal considerations Bleeding Shock Burns Choking Asthma Diabetes

Epilepsy Poisoning Envenomation Musculoskeletal

injuries Heat and cold

What it is all about

What is Emergency care ? “Simple, effective management or care given to a

casualty of injury or sudden illness until more advanced care can be provided.”

Aims of emergency care are: · to preserve life · to protect the unconscious casualty · to prevent further injury or pain · to promote recovery.

In the situation of an emergency…

Your priorities should be: D Danger: remove the danger, or the casualty from

danger before proceeding further. R Response: determine whether the casualty is

conscious. A Airway: ensure airway is clear. B Breathing: if absent, expired air resuscitation

needs to be commenced immediately. C Compressions: if absent, cardiopulmonary

resuscitation is urgently required. Don't need to check circulation anymore

If a casualty is conscious…

The secondary survey is to: Obtain historyCheck for vital signsNote casualty symptoms

Duty of care

People should only act if they have duly considered the consequences

Duty of care depends on the relationship you have with the other i.e. Teacher and student.

If you are not emergency care trained and/or not confident you may choose not to act and simply call 000 and communicate with others

Factors in controlling bleeding

PressureElevationRest and reassurance

Shock

To treat shock we aim to: Prevent further injury Control bleeding Reassure and rest casualty Maintain normal body temperature Elevate casualty’s leg if possible Do not give anything to eat or drink Call ambulance 000

Burns

Do:Cool burns under running waterRemove jewelleryCover burn with sterile non-stick

dressingTreat for shock

Burns

DO NOT:Break blistersApply lotions, ointments or creamsApply iceRemove clothing that sticks to the

burned area

Choking

If a causality is able to breathe: Allow them to cough with no

interferenceAllow to recoverArrange for medical care

Choking

If casualty is not able to breathe: Position head low Give 4 back blows Reassess breathing

If the back blow was INEFFECTIVE:

Place on sideGive 4 lateral chest thrustsContinue previous stepsMonitor ABC

Asthma Attacks

Step 1 Sit the casualty upright, remain calm and provide reassurance. Do not leave the casualty alone.

Step 2 Give four puffs of a reliever puffer (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Respolin or Ventolin), one puff at a time, preferably through a spacer device*. Ask the casualty to take four breaths from the spacer after each puff.

Step 3 Wait four minutes.Step 4 If there is little or no improvement, repeat steps

2 and 3.

Severe Asthma Attack

If the casualty is not responding to the previous measures:

Call an ambulanceRepeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for

ambulance

Diabetes

If conscious, give the casualty sugar If unconscious,

- Call for medical assistance

- Monitor ABC

- Do not give sugar by mouth

Seizures

If the casualty is fitting: Remove sharp or hard objects to protect the

casualty from the environment. If on a hard surface, protect the casualty’s

head with clothing. Turn the casualty on to their side as soon as

possible and maintain a clear airway. Do not try to place anything in the mouth.

Seizures

Call an ambulance if: It is an infant/child Remains unconscious is pregnant Has diabetes Has had no previous history Has seizure in water The seizure has lasted long than a few minutes

Poisons

Poisoning can occur in four ways: ingestion (swallowed) inhalation (breathed) absorption (through skin) injection (needles, bites, stings).If a patient is unconscious…

UNCONSCIOUS = Contact poison Information Centre 131126

CONSCIOUS = Apply DRABC

Envenomation

To deal with poisons through bites and stings, apply the...

PIT (pressure immobilisation technique)

Envenomation

Insect bites and Stings Apply ice Apply PIT immediately if allergic reaction

occurs or if casualty is known to be allergic

Marine stingers Hot water for scorpion or stone fish Cold packs for jellyfish or bluebottles

Sprains, strains and bruising

Apply RICER Rest Ice Compression Elevation Referral

Fractures

To treat a suspected fracture:Prevent further movementSupport or immobilise the injured

partYou will need to use a splint if you

are able to access this resource

Exposure to heat

If casualty is overheatedRest and reassureGradually cool body surfaceGive cool water

Exposure to cold

If the casualty is suspected hypothermic:

Cover affected area with dressingGradually warm body surfaceGive warm fluids