This portion of the First Aid program offers a detailed explanation of how to handle environmental emergencies including exposure to both “Heat” and “Cold”. To explain how we can help, we must first refer back to a previous post about “Burns“, as we are talking about a “Thermal Dynamic Energy” your body can take damage from to much exposure to both heat and cold, it depends on the amount you are exposed to that will detail the severity of the injury. To quote a slogan from our post about Burns, if “Hot is Fast, then Cold must be Slow“. Once again this will help us distinguish the difference in the injuries and potential treatments we can use to help the patient.

Just remember that Thermal energy in either direction Hot or Cold will result in levels of severity and symptoms that are very similar but on opposite ends of the spectrum “Fire / Ice“, Lets focus on Cold exposure for this article.

As your flesh cools down to levels where it can sustain damage, your tissue will naturally react as many other substances do when encountering a “Cold energy Source“. Your flesh will freeze and the “cold” energy your flesh is being exposed to will naturally react, as you are roughly 60%-65% water, your tissue will naturally expand and crystallize as it freezes. we have heard the saying “Hot is Fast & Cold is Slow.” as it takes “Time” for your tissue to freeze, it will also take “Time” for it to thaw. once you know this you can see that “to much heat” can actually cause damage rather than helping. The best way to describe this is to picture an “Ice Cube” that you just made in an ice cube tray, now in your mind take that ice cube from the tray and drop it in a hot cup of soup because the soup is too hot. What does the ice cube do? It cracks, snaps, pops and breaks apart, now…. picture someone’s frozen fingers, if you were to run their frozen fingers under hot water to warm it up what would happen? “Hot is Fast so Cold MUST be slow” once you can see the difference the treatments will be clear.

“Frost Nip“

• Damage to the first and second layers of your tissue comes with redness around the injury, blanching at site of injury, pain, possible swelling. Most commonly comes with itching, stinging and finally numbness of the flesh.

“Frost Bite“

• Damage to all layers of tissue and flesh. Frost Bite may present with a burning sensation, pain mild to severe “Darker, hard, solid Waxy skin that is colder than the area around it“, swelling, blisters, pain and tenderness may remain after thawing. Always consult medical professionals for Frost Bite or full thickness Cold injuries as infection rates are dramatically increased.

Causes:

• Exposure to cold temperatures.

Prevention:

“Thermal Burns From a Cold Source”

• If you are in, on, or around a cold environment, prepare properly, wear layer of clothing and warm yourself if you feel cold.
• Wear a tuque and layers of clothing made of tightly woven fibers, such as wool or synthetics like fleece. “AVOID COTTON!“
• Cover Up vulnerable areas such as your fingers, toes, cheeks, ears, and nose “But don’t cover them too tightly”
• Drink plenty of warm fluids to help your body stay warm, if warm drinks are not available, drink plenty of plain water or electrolyte drinks “Not energy drinks“.
• Avoid caffeine & alcohol because they can cause dehydration, which stops your body from controlling its temperature properly.
• Take frequent breaks from the cold to let your body warm up. This will help you cope better with short periods of extreme cold.

How to Treat a Burn: “Thermal – From a Cold Source”

1. Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation” REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids.
2. Call 911 and get an AED if the cold injury covers more than 10% of the body, the person is in a great deal of pain, there is blackening on the wound, full thickness “Frost Bite” or the injury was caused by a chemical “Dry Ice / Nitrogen” or you suspect “Hypothermia“
3. Care for the Cold Injury by:

Always follow recommendations by your Emergency Response professionals and 911 Dispatch personnel. “Never endanger yourself and maintain a safe distance from the source of the injury”

• a) Warm the affected area with warm water, body heat or hot packs by “Placing a heat source at the Joint nearest the coldest Point” your joints are full of veins and arteries, by placing a heat source at the joints you can warm the blood before it enters the frozen tissue to “Gradually” thaw out the injured body part to reduce potential damage to the flesh. “Patience” NEVER place an active heat source against frozen tissue, this may cause extreme pain and damage to the tissue.
• b) Don’t break any blisters! Protect them with loose, dry dressings. Place gauze between the fingers or toes if they are affected.
• c) Always Seek Medical Attention for “Frost Bite“.

NOTES TO REMEMBER:

• Don’t rub the frozen area or put snow on it. Warm the area only if you are sure it will not freeze again.
• – Avoid “Direct” heat as this may damage the tissue further, use heat sources closer to the core above the injury. “Put the Hot Pack at the Point, Nearest the coldest Joint“

As you can see, the treatment on Cold Exposure in this tutorial are the same regardless of the name “Frost Nip / Frost Bite“. Once you master the First Aid technique on how to aid a Thermal injury caused from a Cold source you can aid anyone who has been exposed to too much Cold energy. Just remember that it does not matter what the name of the cold exposure injury is, the treatments are often the same “Hot is Fast & Cold is Slow“. Put a heat source at the joint nearest the coldest point and gradually warm the cold exposure related injury.

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow, Let First Aid Training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace!

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One emergency that you may face could in fact be “bringing a new person into this world“. Childbirth is a natural part of our existence, however it can seem more than “Normal or Natural” if you are not expecting it or unprepared on the steps. In many cases with Childbirth you will have plenty of time to assist the new mom to the hospital before the child is born, “However” if mom feels that something is wrong, or you feel panicked “Don’t hesitate to call 911 and Paramedic’s will be there shortly to assist you.” Its good to know the steps just in case you can’t make it to a medical facility.

“For those choosing Home Birth”

• Consult your medical professionals “Before” you chose to take the path of a “Home Birth“. The steps as well as possible problems should be carefully planned so that you have a complete understanding of what to expect.
• A “Midwife” may also be needed to help assist in the Home Birth to continue a smooth transition from womb to world. A “Midwife” is a specialist dedicated to Obstetrics and the female reproductive system as well as birthing at child on your own.

MYTH BUST:

– “Boiling Water” You do “NOT” need to boil water during child birth, in the early 1900’s and prior this was used for two main reasons, to help sterilize surgical tools that may be used to assist, and to help anyone who may be in shock “Small task to divert the mind“. If there is someone who is panicked you may tell “them” to boil water to help relax them, keep the boiling water far from the woman giving birth to avoid burns and exposure.

– “Cutting the Cord” You do “NOT” need to cut the cord, an umbilical cord is a “Life Line” from the mother to the baby that provides blood, oxygen and nutrients. Always leave the cord intact as it will help continue providing oxygen enriched blood to the infant as long as the placenta is attached with the umbilical cord to mom and the baby. “DO NOT CUT THE CORD” this will be left for medical professionals, your midwife or your 911 dispatcher to assist you in doing so.

What to watch for:

• Contractions “Roughly 2 minutes apart or less”
• The woman says “I think the baby is coming”
• The baby’s head is showing
• Extreme lower abdominal pain that comes and goes with the feeling of “Wanting to bare down” This is for those who do not know they are pregnant or have no help

NOTES TO REMEMBER:

• Women who have had children previously often have a shorter labor.
• Throughout the process continue to give the woman encouragement and reassurance.
• Give the woman as much privacy as possible
• It’s OK to be nervous

How to help in Childbirth:

1. Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation” REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids.
2. Call 911 and get an AED if you are alone, you suspect a Head / Neck or Spine injury, there is a motor vehicle collision, dangerous environment or the injured persons life could be at risk.
3. Care for the Childbirth by:

Always follow recommendations by your Emergency Response professionals and 911 Dispatch personnel. “Never endanger yourself or the woman, you may “not” need to move or roll the woman”

– If there are other life threatening injuries, treat those first as quickly as possible with as little movement to the injured person.

• a) Help the woman to be as comfortable and calm as possible
• b) Wash your hands and put on medical gloves if available “have the woman remove any pants or underwear, drape a blanket over her to keep privacy.”
• c) Put clean towels, a blanket, or any available material under her buttocks “Have her lay on her back” with a pillow under the small of the back and head as she rests her shoulders against the floor. This helps place the woman in a position to raise the knees with comfort for delivery. Semi-Sitting against a wall also works.
• d) As the woman pushes with contractions encourage her to breath in through the nose then out through the mouth to increase air flow.
• e) “Control the head” – As the baby’s head comes out, support it with one hand. Do not push or pull the baby. (NOTE) If you do not see the head make sure that 911 has been contacted immediately, you will need the help of Medical Professionals or the baby and moms life could be in danger. Check to see if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, if it is use a single finger to remove it by moving it over one of the shoulders or over the head “Do not pull“
• f) “Delivering the Shoulder’s” – Once the shoulders come out, be prepared for the rest of the baby to come out very quickly. Newborns are slippery, so hold the baby firmly but “do not squeeze.” Don’t drop the baby.
• g) “Delivering the Body / Legs” – As the body advances, slide one hand down the length of the body and cradle the baby, Use a towel to hold the baby as it will be slippery.
• h) “Complete the Delivery” – “Time to Breath” Hold the baby in a football position with the head down, wipe the baby’s mouth and nose with a clean cloth and suction out the mouth “Bulb suction or Turkey baster if nothing else“. Make sure the baby is breathing, if not stimulate the baby by rubbing the back and feet while drying the baby vigorously. If the baby does not breath and turns grey / ashen tone begin CPR 30 compression’s 2 breaths until medical help arrives. When the baby breaths, wrap the baby in a warm blanket and keep close to the mother when she is ready. The baby will naturally want to breast feed soon.

Just remember to be calm, and if you are not sure or you feel overwhelmed call 911 and medical professionals will help.

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace

Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

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Another common forms of sudden medical emergency is a Seizure, a seizure is a sudden temporary alteration of brain function leading to spontaneous movement or absence of consciousness. Abnormal electrical signals in the brain result in disturbed brain function, shaking, contraction of limbs and altered personality / consciousness are common.

In many cases a seizure is “Not life threatening” it is “where it happened” or “what caused” the seizure that can lead to a potentially life threatening event. A seizure from a fever “Febrile” or having a seizure in water, while walking down stairs, or even from a drug overdose / withdrawal may become life threatening. In many cases the seizure will pass on its own within a few moments, if the seizure last longer than 3-5 minutes, happens repeatedly, or if potentially life threatening event may have caused it, call 911 and never waste time.

Causes:

• Head Injuries
• Fever as known as “Febrile seizure“
• Certain Medical Condition “Epilepsy“
• Poisons “including drugs“
• Drug or alcohol withdrawal
• Heat Stroke
• Certain Video games or other audiovisual stimulation that involves flashes
• Infection
• Preeclampsia / Eclampsia during pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms of Seizure:

• Uncontrollable muscle movement
• Eye rolling upward, back into the head
• Drool or foam in the mouth
• Absent stare with no ability to rouse the patient
• Appearance of daydreaming
• Hallucinations such as seeing, hearing, tasting or smelling something that doesn’t actually exist.
• A sense of urgency to get to safety
• Convulsions

Prevention:

• Follow the guidelines from your health care provider if you are known to have epilepsy or regular seizures.
• If you have seizures, take your prescribed medication regularly.
• If a child has a fever, make sure it doesn’t get too high, if a child’s fever is higher than a fever caused by a normal cold or flu, seek medical attention immediately.
• Limit the amount of time spent playing video games

Baby or Child with a Fever over 39 C (102 F)

• Young children or babies with a high fever can have seizures “Febrile”. In most cases these are not life-threatening and they do not last long. However the child or baby should be taken to emergency immediately to prevent further potential brain injury.
• Normal Body Temperature = 37 C (98.6 F)

What to do:

1. Give the child medication recommended by the child’s doctor to reduce the fever.
2. Give the child a sponge bath with water that is “room temperature” (not icy cold) – Ice cold water during a fever may cause the patient to go into shock.
3. Provide continual care by seeking a medical direction.

(NOTE) These steps only “temporarily” lower the temperature, “seek medical attention immediately.”

How to help a Seizure:

1. Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation” REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids. (NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN THE PERSONS MOUTH“
2. Call 911 and get an AED if you are alone, you suspect a Head / Neck or Spine injury, there is a motor vehicle collision, dangerous environment or the injured persons life could be at risk.
3. Care for the Seizure casualty by:

Always follow recommendations by your Emergency Response professionals and 911 Dispatch personnel. “Never endanger yourself or the victim, you may “not” need to move or roll the injured person”

• If there are other life threatening injuries, treat those first as quickly as possible with as little movement to the injured person.
• NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN THE PERSONS MOUTH – The patient will “not” swallow their tongue.
• a) Do not restrain the patient – allow the person to move without restraint.
• b) Protect the person from injury by moving furniture, protecting the person’s head with blankets and keep other dangers away from the person.

After the seizure “Postictal“:

1. Ensure the person’s ABC’s are present
2. Perform a secondary survey and treat any non-life threatening conditions. Make sure there aren’t any fluids in the person’s mouth, place the person in the recovery position, keep the person comfortable and warm.

(NOTE) Many patents will feel ill, thirsty and disoriented, help re-hydrate the patient with high electrolyte drinks, find a position of comfort, and rest. Seek medical attention if the seizure returns.

While you wait for an ambulance:

RECOVERY Position:

1. Kneel Beside the victim and place the victims furthest arm from you above their head.
2. Place the arm closest to you across the victims chest as a protector arm.
3. The Key is in their Knee, bend the nearest leg up at the knee.
4. Carefully slip your hand under the hollow of the victims neck to support the Head Neck & Spine, at the same time use your forearm by slipping it carefully under the shoulder for leverage.
5. Place your free hand on the Key Knee and gently roll the victim away from you by applying steady pressure against the knee and shoulder at the same time. The victims head should rest on their raised arm.
6. To secure the position pull the key knee further up and bring their protector arm out to use the elbow to stabilize the position.
7. Check the Airway to make sure their still breathing.

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace

Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

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