To continue our detailed explanation of how to handle environmental emergencies including exposure to both “Heat” and “Cold”, and explain how we can help, we must again 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 always depends on the amount you are exposed to that will detail the severity of the injury. The slogan from our post about Burns is, 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 within the core of your body for this article and explain how a low core temperature can effect treatments .

To help with the explanation of Hypothermia we must also bring in your “Normal Body Temperature 37C / 98.6F“. “Hypo” literally means “Low” and “thermia” temperature, put them together and you get low temperature within your body. Your body has three stages of Hypothermia “Mild / Moderate & Severe” and each stage has its own symptoms until you reach about “30C or 86F” which would be unconsciousness.

Hypothermia What it looks like:

1. Mild -“37C to 35C” -Shivering and complaining of the cold, numbness, body temperature slightly below normal.
2. Moderate – 35C to 33C – Shivering and sometimes complaining of the cold, Numbness, Lack of coordination and / or speech “Slurr“, Confused or unusual behavior, impaired judgement.
3. Severe – 33C to 27C – Person has stopped shivering, persona has stopped complaining of the cold, Numbness, lack of coordination and / or speech, confused or unusual behavior, impaired judgment, breathing has slowed down or stopped, possible unconsciousness and body feels stiff.

Causes:

• Exposure to cold temperatures for too long.

Prevention of Hypothermia:

“Low body temperature”

• 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.
• Check the weather forecast before you plan an outdoor activity.
• Shivering is your body’s first response to cold, Blue lips and vigorous shivering are warning signs of hypothermia.
• Be extremely careful around water. Hypothermia can occur in any body of water, warm or cold. If you clothes get wet and you are in the cold, change into dry clothing immediately.

How to Treat Hypothermia: “Low 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 cold related injury includes frost nip or frost bite, the person is in a great deal of pain, there is blackening on the wound, the person has stopped shivering or has wet clothing and EMS may be delayed.
3. Care for the Hypothermia 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) Treat the person gently and monitor breathing carefully.

b) Get the person away from the cold environment and into some kind of shelter, if possible.

c) Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.

d) Warm the person by wrapping him or her in blankets or putting on dry clothing. Cover the head and neck. Warm the person slowly. Warming too quickly can cause heart problems and lead to shock.

e) “Hot is Fast / Cold is Slow” If hot water bottles, heating pads, or other heat sources are available put them in each armpit, the groin and the back of the neck. If you use a heating pad, make sure the person is dry. Keep a blanket, towel, or clothing between the heat source and the skin to avoid burns.

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

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

Freezing of Skin to Metal Objects:

“This is a common injury in children during winter, the tongue, lips and other moist parts of skin can freeze to cold metal objects”

How to Help:

1. Ensure the ABC’s are present “Airway, Breathing, Circulation“
2. Pour warm water on the surface of the object and/or the skin that is stuck to the object. “DO NOT USE HOT WATER!”
3. Gradually and gently help release the person from the metal object
4. Treat any non life threatening injuries “Any torn skin is an open wound” and provide continual care.

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“
• Never aggressively warm with friction or patting, the injured person may go into shock with sudden movements.

As you can see, the treatment on Cold Exposure in this tutorial are the same regardless of the name “Frost Nip / Frost Bite” or even “Hypothermia“. 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 with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

#ChemicalBurns #FrostBite #FrostNip #Burns #Hypothermia #ColdRelatedInjury #ThirdDegreeBurn #FireSafetyTips #FirstAidCourse #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #FrozenSkin #FrozenToMetal

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 with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

#ChemicalBurns #FrostBite #FrostNip #Burns #Hypothermia #ColdRelatedInjury #ThirdDegreeBurn #FireSafetyTips #FirstAidCourse #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder

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

#Childbirth #EmergencyChildBirth #FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton

#HomeBirth #HowToDeliverBaby

One of the most common forms of sudden medical emergencies is Diabetes, a diabetic emergency happens when the body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood. The blood sugar level may become too high “Hyperglycemia” or too low “hypoglycemia“. “Literally Diabetes means an imbalance in sugars“, this can alter the victims mental state, breathing rate, might feel or look ill or even appear intoxicated. Once you are able to recognize sings and symptoms the steps to help someone with Diabetes is quite simple.

To help someone who is a Diabetic or a potential Diabetic we should first look at some of the “potential causes“. These causes are a reference to the body’s imbalance between two or more factors.

Causes:

• Pregnancy
• Lack of Exercise or too much
• Imbalanced food intake “High sugar / fat diets“
• Insulin production “Often organ damage / failure / Malfunction“

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes:

• Unusual thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight change (gain or loss)
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

Prevention:

• Proper Nutrition
• Proper exercise
• Weight management
• Take your medications as prescribed
• Check your blood sugar often, especially if you are sick or not following your normal routine.
• Keep some quick sugar foods with you at all times.
• Lifestyle management

What a Diabetic Emergency looks like:

• Changes in the level of consciousness
• Changes in behavior, such as confusion or aggression
• Rapid Breathing
• Cool, sweaty skin
• Skin that is paler than normal
• Appearance of intoxication
• Feeling and looking ill

How to help a Diabetic: High or Low Sugars

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 Diabetic 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) “If the casualty is conscious and knows its a diabetic emergency“, offer the person a sugary drink such as orange or apple juice. If the person’s condition improves, recommend he or she eat a complete meal to stabilize

b) “If the casualty is unconscious” Perform a secondary survey and place the person in the recovery position, continue care until EMS personnel arrive. “Do not stick anything in the casualty’s mouth as they may choke or stop breathing”

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

#Diabetes #DiabeticEmergencies #DiabetesType1and2 #FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton #Unconsciousness #PassingOut #BlackOut #LooksIntoxicated #BloodSugars

For this segment lets focus on the sudden loss of consciousness known as “Fainting” Passing out, Blacking Out, medically known as Syncope“. Fainting is a brief period of unconsciousness that happens when there isn’t enough blood flowing to the brain. This can cause a rapped decline in thought process, feeling dizzy or light headed which rapidly leads to a complete loss of consciousness.

To help someone who is about to faint or who has already fainted we should first look at some of the potential causes.

Causes:

• Pregnancy
• Standing / Sitting / Laying in one position for too long without moving.
• Pain
• Traumatic information, sights or experiences
• Heat
• Dehydration
• Lack of Food or malnutrition

Prevention:

• Watch for the warning signs of fainting, such as dizziness or nausea, and intense need to sit or lay down.
• Keep hydrated and nourished
• Wear loose clothing around the neck
• When standing up from sitting or laying down do so slowly

How to help with Fainting:

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 Fainting 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) “If you expect the ambulance to arrive shortly“, or If the ambulance can be delayed -Place the person in the recovery position so that blood can start flowing to the brain again and the airway stays open.

b) If the person is pregnant, has a history of heart disease, or has another serious illness, seek medical attention.

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

#Fainting #FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton

#Unconsciousness #PassingOut #BlackOut

#HowToMakeSplints #Sprains #Strains #Dislocations #Fractures

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 could happen…..

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

#BoneMuscleJointInjuries #FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton #Splints #Slings #HowToMakeSplints #Sprains #Strains #Dislocations #Fractures

As mentioned in the previous post, Head and Spine injuries are very common and can be fatal, those who also survive injuries from Head or Spinal injuries can have physical difficulties and problems from either brain or spine damage. But what happens if the injury is localized to just the head or scalp? What happens if the face or jaw are compromised from the injuries or damage? What issues can a Concussion cause in the short term and or long term?

A Concussion has had a long history of being misunderstood with many wives tales on how to treat and or fix it. Lets focus on what a Concussion actually is: A Concussion happens when a blow to the head or body “ie: whiplash, Shaken Baby Syndrome” causes the brain to shake inside the skull. This can result in bleeding and or swelling in or around the brain. A Concussion can be mild, serious or even somewhere in between.

Scalp Injuries we will also bring into this post as they often occur simultaneously with the head injuries. Scalps are very vascular and can bleed quite heavily and have hidden injuries under the hair or flesh. It is always recommended to consider Scalp injuries as a Head / Neck or Spine injury.

Causes Of Concussion’s & Scalp Injuries

• Forceful movements of the head
• Violent blows to the face or jaw
• Shaking “Shaken Baby Syndrome”
• Motor vehicle collision
• Impact to the body and head

What to Look for: “Concussion”

Many times, if someone lose consciousness, it is normally only for a short period of time, although sometimes it lasts several minutes. It is a temporary condition.

• Phrases like “I blacked out” or “I saw stars” are common
• Victim may complain of confusion or even memory loss
• The majority of concussions do not result in any altered level or loss of consciousness.
• Head Injuries that may include scalp injuries or bleeding

How to help with a Concussion or Scalp 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.
3. Care for the Concussion or Scalp 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”

1. If there are other life threatening injuries, treat those first as quickly as possible with as little movement to the injured person.
2. If you feel a dip, or a soft area or a piece of bone on the scalp, put gentle direct pressure on the wound with gauze and bandages to slow the bleeding “Direct Pressure / Pressure Bandages / Pressure Points”. Try to control the bleeding with pressure on and around the wound. Never press into a compromised scull or soft spot.
3. Make sure you move the Head / Neck or Spine as little as possible, even slight movement may cause further injuries.
4. Place your hands on both sides of the injured person’s head. Gently support the person’s head in the position in which you find it until EMS personnel arrive.

• If the injured person is wearing a helmet, leave it on unless it makes it difficult for you to ensure the ABC’s “Airway, Breathing, Circulation” are present.
• If the person is laying face down in water / mud or if their airway could be compromised due to their position or injuries, roll the person using the recovery technique or with multiple partners use the “Log Roll”, insuring that you keep the head / neck & spine in a the position you find them even as you roll them. Never “straighten” an injured victim suspected of Head / Neck or Spine injuries.
• Continue care until further help arrives.

If the person vomits, carefully roll them onto one side to keep the airway clear.

• Check the Airway to make sure the person is still breathing. If they are not breathing “Start CPR” 30 Compression’s, 2 breaths for all age groups.

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

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medial Academy Ltd

Above all else remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

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