Sudden Medical Emergencies “Part 5 – Miscarriage”

One heart felt and unfortunate emergency that you may have to deal with is a “Miscarriage”. A miscarriage is the spontaneous termination of a pregnancy and can often happen within the first 20 weeks after conception. Treating the mother for “Shock” will be the main focus of First Aid assistance during this traumatic emergency. There are some key steps to help, but the main point is to “remain calm, and supportive”.

Causes:

• – Hormonal or Genetic Reasons
• – Certain illnesses
• – Abnormalities in the womb
• – Age
• – Infection
• – Trauma
• – Chemical exposure

What to watch for:

• – Anxiety
• – Cramp-like pain that is similar to labor or menstruation
• – Vaginal bleeding

NOTES TO REMEMBER:

• – Never pass judgement “Keep personal opinions in check“
• – Offer support and comfort
• – Risk of miscarriage drops as pregnancy progresses
• – Always consult a physician, your doctor will know what you can do to help reduce the risks of a preventable miscarriage.

How to help in Miscarriage:

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 Miscarriage 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) Attempt to calm and comfort the woman.

b) “For Bleeding” Gently place a large dressing over the vaginal area. “DO NOT” put anything into the vagina.

c) Treat the woman for shock, perform a secondary survey and treat any non-life-threatening conditions.

d) Provide continual care until you see a Doctor or EMS arrive.

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn Basic Life Support Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

Sudden Medical Emergencies “Part 4 – Childbirth”

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.

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn Basic Life Support Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

Sudden Medical Emergencies “Part 3 – Seizures”

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.

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn Basic Life Support Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries “Part 4 Slings”

Our last installments of Bone Muscle & Joint injuries focused on how it implement a splint within the emergency setting, now that we have taken care of an injury we can add some basic techniques to help the person rest in a comfortable position while you wait for an ambulance or while you are on rout to a medical facility. Always remember that “you may not have to move a patient” waiting for a Medical Professional may help minimize further injury or discomfort.

Slings:

“A sling is a bandage or cloth used to support an injured arm, consisting of a wide triangular piece of cloth hanging around the neck for support of the injured limb.”

There are 2 Main Types of Slings:

• – Regular Sling “The arm is held horizontally across the abdomen“
• – Tube Sling “The Arm is held slightly vertical against the chest“

How to apply a Sling:

• a) Determine which type of “Sling” will help the casualty get the most comfort out of the least amount of movement of the injured body part. “Arm down – use Regular Sling / Arm up – use Tube Sling” Use what you have available. Your sling material should be long enough to touch the floor and the casualty’s shoulder as a general rule and be in a triangular shape if possible “As wide as the torso is another way to utilize other materials not in a triangular shape”
• b) When possible, sling the injured part in the position in which it was found or the most comfortable. “Movement may increase pain and lead to long term damage or side effects”. Always consult a medical professional before moving a damaged body part.

Regular Sling:

1) Check circulation by comparing the warmth and color of the fingers with the other hand “Ask the casualty if they are experiencing numbness or tingling, rings should be removed if possible”

2) From the most comfortable position, have the casualty support the injured arm, holding it across the body with the fingers pointed at the opposite shoulder:

• -Position the open triangular bandage under the injured arm, against the body. The point of the triangular bandage should extend past the elbow. The opposite, or bottom, end should be strait up and down on the body with the upper end over the shoulder.
• -Take the bottom end of the bandage and place it over the opposite shoulder.

3) Tie the bandage at the back of the neck, making sure that the knot does not create any discomfort.

4) Twist the top of the point of the bandage.

5) Tie a broad bandage from the elbow on the injured side across the body “To secure the sling against the torso”

6) Recheck circulation

Tube Sling:

1) Check circulation by comparing the warmth and color of the fingers with the other hand “Ask the casualty if they are experiencing numbness or tingling, rings should be removed if possible”

2) Put the forearm of the injured side across the chest, with the fingers pointed at the opposite arm.

3) Position the open triangular bandage over the forearm and hand. “The point of the triangular bandage should extend past the point of the elbow and shoulder”

4) Support the forearm and carefully tuck the bandage under all the way from the hand to the elbow.

5) Carry the end of the bandage near the elbow around the back. “Twist the top of the point of the bandage near the elbow to secure the elbow from coming out of the sling”

6) Adjust the height of the sling to make sure it is supporting the arm. “Tie the ends together in the hollow of the neck on the uninjured side”

7) Pad between the arm and the body, in the natural hollow with soft, firm material.

8) Tie a broad bandage from the elbow on the injured side across the body.

9) Recheck Circulation

How to help with a Bone, Muscle & Joint Injury:

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. “If you expect the ambulance to arrive shortly, keep the person still and do not splint the injury. If the ambulance can be delayed “Immobilize the injury in the position found” NEVER straighten a broken bone without medical assistance and expertise”

3) Care for the Bone Muscle & Joint Injury 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) Treat the injury using the “R.I.C.E” method

b) Cool the injured area for 20 minutes of every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you use ice, put some sort of thin cloth or pad between it and the bare skin to avoid freezing the skin.

c) Elevate the injured are above the level of the heart if possible. “Often a position of comfort is more than enough to help alleviate pain and swelling”

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

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

Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries “Part 3 Splinting”

Our previous installments of Bone Muscle & Joint injuries focused on what to look for, now that we have discovered an injury we have some basic techniques to cover on “how to treat them” while you await an ambulance or while you are on rout to a medical facility. Always remember that “you may not have to move a patient” waiting for a Medical Professional may help minimize further injury.

Splints:

“A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of a limb or injured body part. It can be used in multiple situations, including temporary immobilization of potentially broken bones or damaged joints and support for joints during activity.”

• – Soft Splints – Blankets / Towels / Pillows / Bandages
• – Hard Splints – Wood / Tree Branch / Newspaper / Cardboard
• – Anatomical Splints – Use another marching body part for support
• – Slings – Upper limbs only, Uses the neck to support the arms weight.

How to apply a Splint:

1) Determine which type of “Splint” will help the casualty get the most comfort out of the least amount of movement of the injured body part. “Soft / Hard / Anatomical / Sling” Use what you have available. Your splinting material should be able to cover the injury both above and below with plenty of room to secure it in place.

2) Check for skin temperature & color below the injured area before and after splinting “check circulation“. The area should be warm, indicating good circulation. If the area is cold before splinting, “Seek Medical Attention Quickly“. If the are was warm before splinting and cold afterwards, the splint may be too tight. “Loosen it gently”

3) When possible, splint the injured part in the position in which it was found. “Movement may increase pain and lead to long term damage or side effects“. Always consult a medical professional before moving a damaged body part.

4) For bone and joint injuries, immobilize the injury “above & below” the site of the injury. by using bandages / rope / belts to secure the splinting material in place.

How to help with a Bone, Muscle & Joint Injury:

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. “If you expect the ambulance to arrive shortly, keep the person still and do not splint the injury. If the ambulance can be delayed “Immobilize the injury in the position found” NEVER straighten a broken bone without medical assistance and expertise”

3) Care for the Bone Muscle & Joint Injury 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) Treat the injury using the “R.I.C.E” method
• b) Cool the injured area for 20 minutes of every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you use ice, put some sort of thin cloth or pad between it and the bare skin to avoid freezing the skin.
• c) Elevate the injured are above the level of the heart if possible. “Often a position of comfort is more than enough to help alleviate pain and swelling“

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

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

Symptoms of chronic Alcohol exposure:

Today we wanted to address some information that we have come across about Alcohol exposure. There are many different scientific experiments and documents that show that alcohol can and does have some benefits, but also has some serious drawbacks.

First, lets take a look at what many people believe:

• – “A glass of wine or beer a day is healthy”
• – “I don’t get drunk so I’m not an alcoholic”
• – “I don’t need it, it just helps me sleep”
• – “I only use it socially, I don’t need it, I can quit any time I want”
• – “Its not a “mind altering drug” so I don’t see what the big deal is”

Some of these phrases you might have heard before, and yes according to many “Health Authorities” there can be some benefits. If you simply Google “Health benefits of a glass of beer/wine a day” you will probably get answers like the following:

A glass of Beer a day:

“beer may be as effective at improving general heart health as wine at comparable alcohol levels”

Here are eight reasons why.

• Beer is more nutritious than other alcoholic drinks. …
• Beer can help protect your heart. …
• Beer helps prevent kidney stones. …
• Beer lowers bad cholesterol. …
• Beer strengthens your bones. …
• Beer helps reduce stress. …
• Beer may help improve memory. …
• Beer helps cognitive function.

A glass of Wine a day:

“Research suggests that drinking an occasional glass of red wine is good for you. It provides antioxidants, may promote longevity, and can help protect against heart disease and harmful inflammation, among other benefits. Interestingly, red wine likely has higher levels of antioxidants than white wine.”

10 Health Benefits of Red Wine

#1. Rich in antioxidants.

#2. Lowers bad cholesterol.

#3. Keeps heart healthy.

#4. Regulates blood sugar.

#5. Reduces the risk of cancer.

#6. Helps treat common cold.

#7. Keeps memory sharp.

#8. Keeps you slim.

But…… What is the truth in his information? Is it actually good for me or can it cause me harm? The key like anything we look up, is “MODERATION“.

The True Science:

Health Authorities recommend “At MOST” 1 drink/day for women (MAX of 2), 2 drinks a day for men (MAX of 3). MAXIMUM of 10 a week for women and 15 a week for for men. The reason? Female genetic design allows women to absorb 1/3 more of alcohol than men do in a negative way, this is due to a lower volume of ADH “Alcohol dehydrogenase” the hormone that breaks down alcohol. ADH is also reduced by, fasting/intermittent fasting/irregular eating habits/poor dietary habits/genetic predispositions that lowers your ability to regulate alcohol effects, this can amplify the effects of alcohol and lead to some of the following.

Chronic Alcohol Exposure:

“Long term effects of alcohol abuse include the following but can include more.”

• -Bladder, kidney, pancreas, and prostate damage
• -Bone deterioration and osteoporosis
• -Brain disease, central nervous system damage, and strokes
• -Deterioration of the testicles and adrenal glands
• -Diabetes “Type 2 or non-insulin dependent“
• -Gout “due to pancreatic damage” leading to deformed/damaged joints
• -Disease of the muscles of the heart
• -Fertilization and sexual impotence in men “enlarged male breasts“
• -Impaired memory and balance
• -Increased risks of death from all causes
• -Malnutrition
• -Non-viral hepatitis
• -Severe psychological depression and paranoia
• -Skin rashes and sores
• -Ulcers and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

This list is by no means all-inclusive. Alcohol abuse exerts direct toxic effects on all filters within the body.

With any substance that we encounter through our day to day lives, it is important to weight the health benefits of such exposure. Weigh the pro’s and cons of anything, look up the information on your own and decide from multiple sources the impact it can have on your life. We want to keep you healthy, safe and improve your life. For more information on alcohol and its effects consult your local medical professional group.

Remember if you need help: protect yourself, call for help, don’t waste time. Learn First Aid Today and Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy ltd.

Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries “Part 2”

Sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures are our main focus for this second installment of Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries. A muscle cramp is not actually an injury, it is a painful condition that can be caused by heavy exercise or by staying in the same position for too long. You can help a casualty with cramps, sprains, dislocations & fractures by utilizing a very similar set of First Aid steps.

Muscle Cramp Assistance:

• – Rest “Have the casualty find a position of comfort”
• – Stretch “Massage and stretch the injured area with the cramp”
• – Change the positions of the injured area.

Bone, Muscle & Joint Injure Assistance:

R.I.C.E:

• – Rest “Have the casualty sit or lay in a position of comfort“
• – Immobilize “Use splints to help keep the injury in a neutral position”
• – Cold “Cold packs help reduce inflammation and swelling“
• – Elevate “A relaxed position slightly elevated will help ease swelling“

Splints:

“A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of a limb or injured body part. It can be used in multiple situations, including temporary immobilization of potentially broken bones or damaged joints and support for joints during activity.”

• – Soft Splints – Blankets / Towels / Pillows / Bandages
• – Hard Splints – Wood / Tree Branch / Newspaper / Cardboard
• – Anatomical Splints – Use another marching body part for support
• – Slings – Upper limbs only, Uses the neck to support the arms weight.

How to help with a Bone, Muscle & Joint Injury:

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. “If you expect the ambulance to arrive shortly, keep the person still and do not splint the injury. If the ambulance can be delayed “Immobilize the injury in the position found” NEVER straighten a broken bone without medical assistance and expertise”

3) Care for the Bone Muscle & Joint Injury 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) Treat the injury using the “R.I.C.E” method

b) Cool the injured area for 20 minutes of every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you use ice, put some sort of thin cloth or pad between it and the bare skin to avoid freezing the skin.

c) Elevate the injured are above the level of the heart if possible. “Often a position of comfort is more than enough to help alleviate pain and swelling”

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

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