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First Aid Techniques

Poison’s & How to help:

There are many substances that we have in our environment that can be natural or even man made, many of these can be toxic or cause harsh chemical reactions to our bodies. Poisons are substances that have a harmful effect within the body if it is inhaled, swallowed, absorbed, or injected. Poisons are immediately life-threatening if they affect breathing or circulation. “When you treat someone who has been poisoned, you should take precautions to make sure that you do not come into contact with the poison yourself.”

4 Routs of Exposure:

  1. Injected – Enters the body through bites, stings or needles
  2. Inhaled – Enters the body through the lungs “breathed in“
  3. Ingested – Swallowed or contacts the lips & mouth
  4. Absorbed – Enters through the skin from exposure

What it looks like:

  1. Injected – Puncture wound, problems breathing, pain, prescription medication or illegal drugs nearby, redness and swelling at the entry point.
  2. Inhaled – Breathing difficulties, irritated eye, nose or throat, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, bluish color around the mouth, unconsciousness, and unusual smell in the air, a cloud or plume in the air.
  3. Ingested – An open container of poison nearby, burns around the mouth, increased production of saliva and/or saliva that is an abnormal color, Abnormal cramps and vomiting, seizures, dizziness and or drowsiness, unconsciousness, a burning sensation in the mouth, throat or stomach, diarrhea.
  4. Absorbed – Rash, burning, itching, swelling blisters, hives “raised itchy area of skin“, burns, unconsciousness.

Prevention:

  • Keep all medications, vitamins, household cleaners, hygiene products, decorative plants and other toxic substances well out of reach of children. “Duel Tab Child Locks are recommended“
  • Use child-resistant safety caps on medications and other potentially toxic products.
  • Treat all household, cosmetic or drugstore products as if they could be dangerous.
  • Teach children to check with an adult before eating an unknown substance.
  • Never call medicine “Candy or juice” to persuade a child to take it.
  • Keep products in their “original” Containers with their original labels.
  • Use poison symbols to identify dangerous substances and teach children what the symbols mean.
  • All medicine bottles and boxes should be carefully labelled. Read the label three times when you are taking or giving medications.1) When you take the medication from the cupboard or refrigerator, 2) when you take the medication out of the package, 3) just before you assist the patient taking the medication.
  • “Always follow your local legislation on Medication Administration” before you give any medication.
  • Prescription medicine should be taken only by the person whom it was prescribed too, “never self medicate“
  • Carefully dispose of outdated medication by giving them to your pharmacist “Never flush down the toilet or throw in the garbage“
  • Wear proper protective clothing any time you may come into contact with a poisonous substance.
  • Many cleaning products have toxic fumes, read the labels and use in a well ventilated area. “Always follow the manufacturers recommendations to avoid damage or injury.
  • Mixing certain household cleaning products, such as “Bleach and ammonia or household cleaners, can create toxic fumes that may be fatal if inhaled or exposed.”

WHMIS or GHS “Workplace Hazardous Material Information System or Global Harmonization System”

  • Always refer to your MSDS “Material Safety Data Sheet” before you use a new chemical, cosmetic or pharmaceutical.
  • The MSDS will provide you with all “Who’s, Whats, Where’s, When’s, Why’s & How’s” of the chemical you are working with to avoid exposure or potentially harmful effects.
  • Check all warning labels before use and replace warning labels that are damaged or unreadable.

“For more information on taking the WHMIS or GHS course please consult your local First Aid and Safety school for course listings, WHMIS or GHS is now available for Online certification and you may not need to “attend” and in class portion.”

How to help with Poisoning:

  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 or exposure to the chemical. A particle mask or SCBA “Self Contained Breathing Apparatus” may be needed to avoid inhaling chemicals in the air “Never run into a dangerous area where you suspect poisonous gas, wait for the rescue teams who are trained to do so“.
  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, you suspect toxic gas, dangerous environment or the injured persons life could be at risk. “911 will link you to the Poison Control Center if you do not have the number.“
  3. Care for the Poisoned 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.

a) Determine the type of exposure the person is experiencing “Injected, Inhaled, Absorbed or Ingested”

b) “Inhaled” Get the Person into fresh air, but “DO NOT” enter into ta hazardous atmosphere yourself to do so. Refer to the MSDS if available about treatments, listen to your 911 dispatcher for further treatments.

c) “Swallowed” Check the packaging of the poison if available and refer back to the MSDS if available about treatments, listen to your 911 dispatcher for further treatments.

d) “Absorbed” Check the packaging of the poison if available and refer back to the MSDS if available about treatments, listen to your 911 dispatcher for further treatments. – Flush the skin with cool running water for 15 minutes to “Dilute, remove and reduce the chemical reaction.

e) “Injected” Check the packaging of the poison if available and refer back to the MSDS if available about treatments, listen to your 911 dispatcher for further treatments. – keep the puncture site lower than the heart if possible, have the person rest comfortably, “NEVER” suck out the poison seek medical aid.

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

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First Aid Techniques

First Aid Kits “Stocking List”

One question that we get in our courses is “What should we put in our First Aid Kits?“, during any emergency a well stocked First Aid Kit can be the difference between life and death, infection control, stable spine and many more concerns. Emergencies are just that “Random“, so lets compile a stocking list for you to use in case you want to make your own First Aid Kit.

“Many prepackaged First Aid Kits are stocked for ease of use with a great selection of emergency supplies, you can normally purchase them at your local Safety Supply outlet, Pharmacy or even larger Chain Mega Stores.”

Where should I keep my First Aid Kit?

“Best place to keep your first aid kit is in the kitchen under the sink or even in the bathroom. As many people seek sources of water during an emergency keeping your First Aid Kit where people go is a valuable resource. It is also recommended to keep an MSDS and an Emergency Response Plan in the same place you keep your First Aid Kit.”

First Aid Kit “Stocking List”

  • Sterile gauze pads “dressings” in amall and large squares to place over wounds “6 each of the 2X2 and 4X4“
  • Adhesive tape “Medical Tape 2 Rolls“
  • Roller Gauze “2-4 Rolls“
  • Triangular bandages “6 each” Good for slings and bandages.
  • Adhesive Band-aids “various sizes” 12-24 each
  • Scissors “EMS Grade if possible, Check Supply Sargent“
  • Tweezers
  • Safety Pins “X6“
  • Ice Packs “X2“
  • Hot Packs “X2“
  • Nitrile Gloves “Not Latex” such as surgical or examination gloves
  • Flashlight / Pen Light + extra batteries
  • Antiseptic wipes, soap & hand sanitize
  • Pencil & Pad
  • Eye Patches or “4X4 gauze pad“
  • Thermometer
  • Pocket Masks & Barrier devices
  • First Aid Manual
  • Vaseline
  • Ziploc Baggies 6X6 “X4“

“Spine Collars & Spine Boards are recommended in facilities with high impact machinery, equipment, tools, far distance from hospitals, veterinary outposts / training arena’s”

What is an Emergency Supply kit?

“An emergency supply kit is a kit that you can put together that has supplies ready for an emergency and can fit into a backpack or duffel bag so you can easily take them with you. Speed and ability to escape are the keys to this particular kit, they are recommended for homes that are prone to natural disaster or in high conflict areas”

Emergency Supply Kit “Stocking List”

  • Four liters “One gallon” of water per person per day “Sealed unbreakable containers are best, swap water every six months” A portable survival “water filter” you can find the survivalists water filter at many sporting goods stores.
  • Packaged, canned or freeze dried food “Replace each year or before expiration date“
  • Walking shoes, rain gear & a change of clothing
  • Survival Blankets or compressed sleeping bags.
  • First Aid Kit with Iodine, Polysporin, antiseptic wipes
  • Toilet paper, bar of soap, toothpaste / brushes body wash
  • Spare Cash
  • Spare set of Car Keys
  • A list of Family Doctors
  • Family information: Such as medical conditions, members of the family, medical devices need ie:pacemaker.
  • Photocopies of all important identification for you and your family, including health card numbers
  • Special items for babies, elderly, or disabled household members.
  • Cellphone & contact information for family and friends
  • Directions to Hospital & 2 alternate safe locations known to all family members.
  • Maps of your region
  • Matches & Candles in a deep can that will burn for many hours
  • Plant & Animal identification guide for your region

What should I keep for First Aid in my Vehicle?

“An Emergency Car Kit is always a great idea for those who find themselves traveling or commuting to work frequently. This will help prepare your vehicle with an easily accessible kit that may assist during a sudden emergency or break down”

Emergency Car Kit “Stocking List“

  • A battery-powered radio & flashlight with extra batteries or is naturally chargeable”
  • Survival Blanket
  • Booster “jumper” cables
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First Aid Kit
  • Bottled water & non-perishable high-energy foods “replace the water every six months with the food“
  • Maps of your region
  • A shovel
  • Flares & Glow Sticks
  • Tire repair kit / pump
  • Matches & Candles in a deep can that will burn for many hours.

These kit “Stocking lists” are a good start to keeping your family prepared for emergencies. Many of the components can be easily purchased at your local Mega Mart, Sporting Goods Center and Pharmacy. For more information on what you can do to better prepare yourself and your family contact your local First Aid and Safety Training Schools.

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

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

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First Aid Techniques

Environmental Emergencies – Part 3 “Heat Exposure”

Following our previous posts about Environmental Emergencies we will now go into “Heat Related Emergencies” and how they can go from bad to worse in only a short period of time. 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 Heat exposure within the core of your body for this article and explain how a High core temperature can effect treatments .

To help with the explanation of Hyperthermia we must also bring in your “Normal Body Temperature 37C / 98.6F“. “Hyper” literally means “High” and “thermia” temperature, put them together and you get high temperature within your body. Your body has three stages of Hyperthermia “Heat Cramps / Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke” and each stage has its own symptoms until you reach about “41C or 106F” which would typically be unconsciousness.

Heat Exposure & What it looks like:

  1. Heat Cramps -“37C to 38C” -Mild muscle contractions that can become severe, usually in the legs and abdomen but can be in other body parts, moist skin.
  2. Heat Exhaustion – 38C to 40C – Raised Body temperature, moist skin, skin that is redder or paler than normal, nausea, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion, head aches and feeling ill. “Most people think this stage is Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke“
  3. Heat Stroke – 39C to 41C – High body temperature, Red, Hot, Dry skin “no longer sweating“, irritable, bizarre, or aggressive behavior, rapid, weak pulse becoming irregular, Rapid, shallow breathing, seizures & progressive loss of consciousness.

Causes:

  • Exposure to hot temperatures for too long.

Prevention of Hyperthermia:

“High body temperature”

  • Drink plenty of cool fluids – This is the most important action you can take to prevent heat related emergencies “Not Energy Drinks“
  • Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day “around 3 pm“
  • Slow down your activities as it gets hotter and don’t work or exercise for too long at a time.
  • Take frequent breaks in a cool or shaded area to let your body cool off. This will help you cope better with short periods of extreme heat.
  • Dress for the heat and for your activity level.
  • Wear a hat when you’re in the sun. Wear light colored cotton clothing to absorb sweat and let air circulate and heat escape.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they can cause dehydration, which stops your body from controlling its temperature properly.

How to Treat Hyperthermia: “High body temperature“

  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 heat related injury includes seizures, altered personality, vomiting, unconsciousness or possible heat stroke, or EMS may be delayed.
  3. Care for the Heat Exposure by:

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

a) If the patient is conscious and able to drink water, have them sip some cool water or electrolyte drinks. “Not energy Drinks”

b) If the patient is conscious have them then rest in a cool place

c) Have the person loosen any tight clothing and if you are fanning remove any clothing that is soaked with sweat.

d) Cool the person by putting cool water on the skin and fanning them to increase evaporation.

e) If you suspect Heat Stroke remember “Hot is Fast / Cold is Slow” If cool water bottles, ice packs, or other cold sources are available put them in each armpit, the groin and the back of the neck. Cool the body any way you can, immerse the body in cool “not cold” water from the neck down. Or you can sponge the entire body with tepid or cool water or fan the person. “Cold water may put the person into shock”

f) If the person is alert, give him or her cool liquids to drink “No alcohol or caffeine”

g) Continue care until EMS arrive or you seek further medical attention.

NOTES TO REMEMBER:

  • Heat related emergencies will get worse without treatment and can change from one level to another very quickly. Never let someone with heat exhaustion or heat stroke “go to bed” without treatment.
  • Febrile Seizure – A febrile seizure occurs when infants and children experience a rapid increase in temperature “Usually up to 40C or higher“. Infants with an “Armpit” temperature of 38C or higher and children with 40C and higher are in “Immediate danger!” Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately!
  • If the person is having a seizure, and has a fever, call 911, keep the person in a safe position, and cool them down any way possible. The seizure often will stop spontaneously within 15 minutes or when the person is cooled down. “Always seek medical attention to rule out further damage“

As you can see, the treatment for heat Exposure in this tutorial is the same regardless of the name “Heat cramps / heat exhaustion or heat stroke“. Once you master the First Aid technique on how to aid a Thermal injury caused from a Heat source you can aid anyone who has been exposed to too much Heat energy. Just remember that it does not matter what the name of the Heat exposure injury is, the treatments are often the same “Hot is Fast & Cold is Slow“. You can help by remembering to “Treat the heat, with cool running water for 10-20 minutes, place cool packs in the armpits, groin and back of the neck, and if the patient is conscious have them sip cool water or electrolyte drinks..”

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

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

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