Download First Aid Instructions ENGLISH

FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS
William W. Forgey, M.D.
Emergency Phone Numbers
DIAL 911 or:
Paramedics/
Fire______________________________________
Ambulance ______________________________
Poison
Center ___________________________________
Personal (Name) _________________________
Doctor___________________________________
Pharmacist/
Allergist _________________________________
Relative/
Friend ___________________________________
©2005 Sawyer Products
P.O. Box 188, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
BASIC FIRST AID TECHNIQUES
RAPID ASSESSMENT FOR FIRST AID CARE:
PRESSURE WRAP METHOD:
These four areas of the body should be surveyed to rapidly assess an injured person.
• The pressure wrap in the kit is designed to apply pressure
to a serious wound to stop bleeding.
HEAD AND NECK:
• Place a sterile gauze pad over the wound and apply
pressure wrap over gauze pad.
• Wrap should be tight enough to stop bleeding, yet allow
you to still feel a pulse in the extremity.
• No need for tape; wrap is self-adherent.
• Check the pupils in the victim’s eyes: normally, they should be reactive to light and
equal in size. An unequal, large pupil that does not react to light may mean a severe
life-threatening head injury.
• Do not leave pressure wrap on for more than 10 minutes
without loosening.
• If a conscious person complains of neck pain after an accident or trauma, then his neck
should be secured. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES.
• In an unconscious person, or in a person with head or neck injury, keep the neck
from moving to prevent damage to the spinal cord; this could cause paralysis.
• The neck can be made immobile by the following:
1. Hold the victim’s head steady with your hands.
2. Secure the victim’s body before securing the neck.
3. Place a hard surface under the victim’s back and secure
head with pressure wrap.
CAUTION: A pressure wrap must not obstruct breathing
or be around neck.
4. In the field, place large rocks or small logs beside victim’s
neck and secure the head with pressure wrap to prevent
the neck from moving.
CHECKING PULSES
Read and familiarize yourself with these aids
for any emergency.
• Wrist Pulse (Radial Artery)
1. Remain calm. Panic delays effective
medical care.
2. Check airway, breathing, and
circulation (See CPR).
3. Check for serious bleeding and shock
(See Shock section on reverse side).
4. Maintain body core temperature (See Heat
and Cold Injuries).
5. Check for other injuries as directed by this
guide.
6. Check for medical information (usually
found in wallet, on bracelet or neck
chain) that describes a medical problem
or allergy.
• In a neck injury check person for the presence of normal sensation and the ability to
move fingers and toes. Do not allow victim to move neck.
Head and Neck
The hand is supplied by another large artery, therefore
injuries to the radial artery do not result in complete loss of
blood supply.
Radial Artery
Treatment:
If the victim has good air exchange, DO NOT attempt to remove the object.
Encourage coughing. Call for medical help immediately.
COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION
Recognition:
Treatment:
DON’TS
Unconsciousness can occur in a few minutes followed by cardiopulmonary arrest.
Victim cannot speak or nods yes when asked, “Are you choking?” Victim appears
dusky in color and panicky because no air is getting to the lungs.
• Don’t stick your finger or other object into the victim’s mouth.
• Don’t give victim anything to drink until you are sure the object is swallowed or
removed.
• Don’t interfere if victim is moving air into lungs.
• Call for medical help.
• If the victim is speaking and moving some air, encourage continued coughing
and breathing through nose.
• Ask, “Are you choking?” If the victim cannot answer, then full obstruction exists.
• Apply the abdominal thrust technique:
1. Get behind victim and place your arms around his abdomen.
2. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side of your fist against victim’s
abdomen above the navel and below the ribs.
3. Grasp your fist with your other hand.
4. Make quick upward and inward forceful thrusts until the foreign body is
expelled or the patient becomes unconscious.
DO’s
FOR VICTIM WHO BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS:
Carotid Artery
CHEST AND BACK:
• Look for obvious wounds and bruises.
• Watch the pattern of breathing. The chest wall should rise and fall evenly on both sides
of the lungs.
Femoral Artery
• Groin Pulse (Femoral Arteries)
• Feel the chest wall for deformities and pain.
• Check for back injuries but do not move the victim who is unconscious or who has
back pain.
Located just below the abdomen next to the genital region.
The femoral arteries are easily felt in the midline.
• 3. Attempt rescue breathing. If unsuccessful, reposition the
head and try again.
• 2. Open mouth and
sweep deeply with a
hooked finger in an
attempt to remove
foreign body.
• 4. If air will not go in, kneel astride the victim’s thighs, place the heel of
one hand on the victim’s, abdomen in the midline slightly above the
navel and well below the ribs, and perform up to five abdominal thrusts.
• 5. Repeat steps 2 and 4 until foreign body is removed.
NOTE: Children are treated the same as adults.
AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN INFANTS
• DON’T attempt to remove obstructing object with fingers
since this may push object further back against airway.
Lacerations or penetrating wounds to the chest or back can penetrate into the lungs and
cause the lung to collapse (pneumothorax). Lung collapse can also be caused by blunt
non-penetrating trauma that fractures a rib.
• Foot Pulse (Pedal Artery)
Pedal Pulse
Located on the top (dorsum) of the foot, in the center, in
line with the middle two toes.
• Rolled up newspaper
• Board or stick
• Cardboard
• Pillow or rolled up sheets
For a splint to be useful it must bridge the injury or joint involved in the injury. The
pressure wrap can he used to secure the splint. Do not wrap too tightly.
Apply wrap in a figure “8”
around ankle joint and
foot
Start on foot first,
then wrap ankle.
Wrap secures itself.
Use board or cardboard. Board should be placed under palm of hand to
adequately support wrist.
If no board is available, splint wrist with wrap alone as shown in figure.
Caution: Check for presence of pulse after applying pressure wrap.
4. Don’t attempt first aid measures beyond
your level of skill.
Knee
MOVING THE
INJURED PERSON
Apply wrap around knee making sure wrap goes above and below knee
joint for adequate support. (Never attempt to straighten injured joint.)
A chest or back wound that has air alternately escaping and
being sucked into the wound must be closed by use of an
airtight seal bandage (See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES). A sucking
wound of this sort can be sealed with plastic wrap. Leave any
Chest and Back penetrating object in the secure (See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES).
If a victim has been impaled by a penetrating object, then
attempt to cut object off at base but do not remove object.
Removal of penetrating object can result in massive,
uncontrollable bleeding.
• Repeat if necessary.
BASIC CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION – CPR
WHEN TO PERFORM CPR – FOR UNCONSCIOUS PERSON ONLY
#5a.
#5b.
ABDOMEN AND PELVIS:
• Feel the abdomen with your hands; any pain elicited could indicate potential organ
injury.
• Check for obvious wounds or bruises. A bruise could indicate serious organ injury.
• Rock the hips slightly; the presence of pain could mean a hip fracture.
• Feel for the presence of femoral (groin) pulses.
#6
• Splint a joint injury by wrapping above
and below.
10.
ONE RESCUER CPR
• Splint a long bone injury by securing
the joint above and below.
SECURING A PENETRATING OBJECT
1. Do not remove object from body.
2. Secure the object so that it cannot move. Pack sterile pads or clean clothes around the
object at point of entry. Use the roll of self-adherent wrap to hold pads and object in place.
3. Make sure that wrapping is not so tight as to restrict breathing, or to cause loss of pulse.
Redo wrapping if necessary.
4. Continually monitor breathing, pulse and symptoms of shock.
5. Seek medical help immediately.
EXTREMITIES:
• Check for deformities, wounds, and fractures.
• Feel the skin for indications of shock or fever.
• Check for radial (wrist) pulse and pedal (top of the foot) pulse. See FIRST AID
TECHNIQUES.
• Always check for presence of a pulse in an injured extremity.
• In a neck or back injury, check person for the presence of normal sensation and the
ability to move fingers and toes. Do not allow victim to move neck.
In the amputation of an extremity, finger or toe, apply pressure
dressing to help stop bleeding. Place amputated part in plastic
bag and keep cold but not on ice. Seek immediate medical help.
AIR TIGHT SEAL BANDAGE FOR CHEST WOUNDS
1. Cover wound with sterile pads.
2. Over the pads place plastic or aluminum foil so as to completely
stop air leakage while victim exhales forcefully.
3. Secure the plastic or foil using the roll of self-adherent wrap. Hold seal in place until
wrap is secure.
4. Loosen wrapping as necessary (one side only) to relieve air pressure build-up or victim
discomfort.
5. Continually monitor breathing, seek medical help immediately.
INFANT CPR
WOUNDS OF EXTREMITIES
Wounds of the extremities can involve blood vessels, nerves, or tendons. The wound can
be cleaned or irrigated with clean water to remove contaminating
dirt. If bleeding involves a blood vessel or appears heavy, apply
direct pressure using pressure wrap. Check for a pulse in injured
extremity.
SEIZURES
Seizures are common and usually safely terminate by themselves in less than a minute.
The victim may jerk upper and lower extremities in a tonic fashion and turn blue in the
face. However, in most instances the seizure will terminate in seconds. After the seizure
terminates the victim usually remains unconscious or very lethargic and is confused. This
phase clears slowly. Make sure the victim does not aspirate vomitus or mouth contents
into their lungs during the seizure. DO NOT attempt to force any object between their
teeth during the seizure. Seek medical attention. If the seizure is prolonged it can interfere
with respiration. SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.
6.
#9
Another splint can be made using a board, rolled-up bed sheet or cardboard
with the wrap above and below the knee joint.
• Always pad splints.
5.
8.
9.
Abdomen and Pelvis
Leg or Arm
1.
2.
3.
4.
7.
WOUNDS OF THE ABDOMEN AND PELVIS
Wounds may be superficial or penetrating. A penetrating wound can enter the
abdominal cavity and cause further damage. Even a very small
wound such as from a knife can be very serious and result in lifethreatening internal bleeding. Cover any abdominal wound; seek
medical attention.
• Hold infant head slightly down and give five back blows
between the shoulder blades.
• Turn infant face up and give five chest thrusts with two
fingers on the lower half of the sternum (breastbone).
Do not give infant abdominal thrusts.
WOUNDS OF THE CHEST AND BACK
Wrist
5. If the victim’s neck cannot be protected, do
not move him.
Victim may be able to talk and get some air past the object. There may be wheezes
between coughs. Victim is coughing in an attempt to remove the object.
• 1. Call 911.
Located on each side of the neck just underneath the angle
of the jaw.
Can be felt using two fingers.
Never attempt to feel both sides of the neck arteries at the same
time since this could reduce blood to the brain and cause
fainting.
3. Don’t give an injured or unconscious
victim food or water.
4. A blanket or large, flat object, such as a
door, can be used to help transport a
victim.
Recognition:
Injuries to the eye can involve penetration of the eyeball itself or
superficial wounds. If a chemical injury occurs (SEE REVERSE
SIDE) then immediate flushing with water is critical or sight may
be jeopardized. Eye wounds and injuries from foreign objects
should be seen by expert medical help. Lightly apply a patch to
the eye and seek medical help.
• Neck Pulse (Carotid Artery)
Ankle
3. To turn an injured person from a face
down position onto his back requires a
technique of “log rolling” with a person
protecting the head and neck, a person in
the middle protecting the spine and a
person at the hips and upper leg area.
• Check carotid pulse on ONE SIDE OF THE NECK ONLY. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES.
Located on the thumb side of the hand, it can be easily felt using two fingers.
2. Don’t move victim until the neck is
secured; always protect the neck of an
unconscious person.
2. An unconscious or seriously injured victim
should not be moved without help unless
he is in danger of death, hypothermia, or
further injury.
PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION
An object that is impaled in the head or neck should never be pulled out. Any penetrating
object should be left in. Trauma in the face, mouth and nose can result in blood being
swallowed or breathed into the airway. A victim with these injuries should be rolled onto
his side to prevent blood and vomitus from being inhaled into the airway and causing
aspiration. Rolling the victim on his side should be done only when the neck is secured.
The following can be used to splint an injured extremity.
1. Securing the neck of an unconscious
victim with a head injury is vital.
• Recognized by the victim grasping his throat, panicked appearance, and inability to talk. Caused by a foreign object such
as food lodged against the vocal cords obstructing the flow of air into the lungs.
• Usually occurs during eating and can result in unconsciousness, and cardiopulmonary arrest if not relieved.
The scalp, face and neck will bleed profusely when cut. Scalp wounds are best controlled
with direct pressure. Lacerations of the face are also controllable with direct pressure.
Neck wounds too should be controlled with direct pressure. DO NOT wrap pressure
dressing around neck!
BUILDING A SPLINT
1. Don’t move an unconscious victim unless
the situation is life-threatening.
AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
WOUNDS OF THE HEAD AND NECK:
7. Seek medical attention immediately, if
needed.
DON’TS:
It is recommended that the untrained person using this manual receive professional instruction in basic cardiac life
support by an official course recognized by the local chapter of the American Heart Association.
• Remove dentures, gum or any food from the mouth of an injured person to prevent
airway obstruction.
SECURING THE HEAD AND NECK
BASIC FIRST AID
EMERGENCY FIRST AID:
DO’s AND DON’TS
DO’S:
• If person is unconscious a head or neck injury may be present. Use your hands to
check for obvious injuries to scalp, head and neck. DO NOT MOVE NECK IN
UNCONSCIOUS PERSON. If person is unconscious, secure the neck. See FIRST AID
TECHNIQUES.
DIFFICULTY BREATHING, CHOKING, BASIC CPR –
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
CHILD CPR
Determine if victim is responsive by loud voice. DO NOT SHAKE VICTIM.
Call for help. Dial 911.
If there is injury above the collarbone, secure the neck (First Aid Techniques).
If no injury is suspected, then lay person on back and clear the airway. Use a single
finger in a hook-like fashion to sweep the mouth and back of throat. Avoid pushing any
object in the mouth further back.
For a suspected injury above collarbone, perform a chin lift without moving head or
neck. This is done by one of two methods; (a) place thumb behind lower front teeth
and index finger under jaw, lift jaw forward to help open airway. (b) place both hands
behind jaw bone at angle of jaw and lift jaws forward to open airway.
For a non-injured person push down on the forehead while lifting the chin (the head
tilt-chin lift method). DO NOT EXAGGERATE THIS MANEUVER IN INFANTS OR CHILDREN
SINCE HYPEREXTENSION MAY FURTHER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.
LOOK at the victim’s chest for any breathing movements. FEEL for breath on your face.
LISTEN for breath.
CHECK for presence of (carotid) NECK pulse.
If pulse is present but breathing absent, perform mouth to mouth ventilation by
pinching the person’s nose and blowing air into mouth maintaining the head and neck
position as above. Blow one strong breath every five seconds. THE VICTIM’S CHEST WILL
RISE IF TECHNIQUE IS CORRECT. For infants and children try to blow breath every three
seconds. For very small infants or newborns, place your entire mouth over their nose
and mouth and do not pinch their nose.
If neck pulse is not present start CPR.
• Give TWO FULL BREATHS immediately.
• Note that chest rises with breaths, signifying clear victim airway.
• Begin chest compressions over lower half of sternum using the heel of your hand with other
hand on top or fingers interlocked. Keep elbows locked so that arms are straight. Shoulders
should be directly over victim’s sternum.
• Sternum should be depressed 11/2-2 inches at a rate of 80 to 100 compressions per minute.
• Every 15 compressions should be followed by two full breaths.
• Interrupt CPR only to check neck pulses or for signs of respiration.
Use the tips of the first two fingers for compressing chest. Depress chest wall approximately
1/2 - 3/4 inch over sternum. Compression rate should be approximately 100 per minute. Place
infant on firm surface so a breath can be delivered every five compressions. In delivering
breath, cover infants mouth and nose with your entire mouth. DO NOT PINCH NOSE as with
adults.
Use the heel of one hand only and compress sternum 11/2 inches per compression.
Compression rate is 80-100 per minute. Deliver breath every five compressions and pinch nose
during each breath.
PITFALLS IN PERFORMING CPR
1. Do not interrupt CPR for more than 10 seconds.
2. Do not move victim until he is stable.
3. Do not compress sternum at extreme lower tip since
this may cause a fracture and internal organ
damage.
4. Do not bounce up and down on chest wall during
compressions. Hands should always maintain contact
with chest wall.
5. Do keep shoulders square and directly over sternum.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Do lock elbows.
Rib fractures may occur even with proper technique.
Do make sure that the chest wall RISES with each breath.
CPR can be terminated ONLY when (a) a physician assumes
responsibility and issues an order to stop (b) a qualified
rescuer takes over (c) effective circulation and breathing are
restored (d) the rescuer becomes exhausted (e) the victim is
transferred to properly trained and designated medical or
paramedical professionals.
10. Do not interrupt CPR for more than 10 seconds.
BLEEDING AND WOUNDS
HEAT RELATED INJURIES
BURNS
1. Lay victim down or have victim sit.
2. Remain calm. Panic delays effective care.
3. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound
itself with a clean cloth or sterile bulk dressing.
4. Hold pressure for a minimum of five (5) minutes before
removing pad. When bleeding has stopped, apply gauze
dressing with the pressure wrap in first aid kit. This pressure
wrap will maintain pressure on the wound. If bleeding is not
controlled, then apply MORE pressure. Use large bulk
dressing and pressure wrap. Seek immediate medical help.
You can use the roll of pressure wrap as a compress.
5. Check pulse in injured extremity. No pulse indicates that wrap
is too tight, cutting off circulation. Re-apply wrap.
6. Check for signs of shock. (See Shock)
7. An injured person who is out of doors is much more
susceptible to hypothermia (dangerously low body
temperature). Keep the victim warm and protected from wind
and cold.
8. If the victim is alone, he should lie down and use pressure
wrap with gauze dressing to control bleeding.
9. SEE FIRST AID TECHNIQUES FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON GAUZE
DRESSING AND PRESSURE WRAPPING.
Heat Stroke Recognition:
Burns can he caused by hot liquids; flame; electricity; chemicals in
contact with skin, such as gasoline or paint stripper; compressed
gases that are very cold, such as ammonia or propane. Burns are
classified as minor, partial thickness, or full thickness.
FRACTURES (BROKEN BONES)
A broken bone results in pain in the area. The bone may or
may not protrude through the skin and may cause a
deformity of the involved extremity.
1. Keep victim still and seek medical help immediately.
2. Do not move victim until splint has been applied. See FIRST
AID TECHNIQUES.
3. A broken bone of the lower extremities or pelvis can cause
shock due to profuse bleeding around the bone.
4. Check for the presence of a pulse in the fractured extremity.
5. In a fracture that does not penetrate the skin, place the
extremity in a comfortable position, check for a pulse, and
splint. See FIRST AID TECHNIQUES.
6. For a fracture that penetrates the skin, check for a pulse. If
present, do not attempt to straighten the extremity, but splint
and cover wound with a sterile dressing. If a circulation is
decreased compared to the patient’s other side, improve by
using gentle traction in line followed by slow straightening.
Do not increase pain. Do not use force.
7. Pain on gently rocking the hips may denote a hip or pelvis
fracture.
8. If the victim must be moved, splint the extremity as directed
and check for the presence of a pulse in the extremity.
9. Follow the instruction for transporting an injured victim, as
directed in this manual.
Common symptoms of heat stroke include dry hot skin; no
perspiration; internal body temperature of greater than 105° F;
rapid and difficult to detect pulse; shock. Victim is usually
unconscious. Heat stroke is LIFE-THREATENING! It can progress to
seizures, cardiac arrest, and death if not treated immediately.
Heat stroke can occur in any hot climate, but occurs more
frequently in hot and humid climates.
Heat Stroke Treatment:
PREVENTION OF INFECTIONS
1. Wash hands before touching any wound.
2. Clean wounds and abrasions with clean water and cover with
clean or sterile dressing.
3. Try to remove any dirt or gravel from wounds by irrigating
with clean water.
4. Apply your first aid ointment and cover with dressing.
5. Keep up to date with tetanus immunizations every ten years.
RECOGNITION OF INFECTION
Redness occurs naturally around the edges of a healing wound or
abrasion. The following first aid tips help you recognize abnormal
redness and infection (cellulitis).
Cellulitis is manifested by redness and pain that do not improve
with time and that extend beyond the wound site. The area may
be swollen, tender and warm to touch. Fever may be present.
Medical treatment is required.
Abscess is a collection of pus in a wound site surrounded by
redness and swelling. These are painful and usually require
draining for improvement. DO NOT attempt to drain; seek
medical help. If the abscess opens spontaneously and drains,
cleanse the area and cover with clean, sterile dressing.
TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS
1. For most minor cuts and abrasions, simple cleaning with soap
and water is sufficient to prevent and treat minor infections.
2. Ointments and creams are of no more benefit than a good
daily cleansing of the wound.
SHOCK
CAUSES OF SHOCK
Shock is a condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the organs
in the body. This lack of blood flow may occur when blood is
being lost from a serious wound or when a person is bleeding
internally. Shock can also be caused by a heart attack when the
heart cannot effectively pump blood.
RECOGNIZING SHOCK
The victim feels dizzy when he is standing or sitting; the skin is
clammy, cool and sweaty to touch; the pulse is rapid and may be
difficult to feel. The victim may be nauseated and vomit; the
victim may become unconscious due to lack of blood flow to the
brain. Another form of shock is allergic reaction to drugs or bee
and wasp venoms.
TREATMENT OF SHOCK: SHOCK IS
LIFE-THREATENING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lay victim down and keep him warm.
DO NOT give anything by mouth.
Render care for bleeding or wounds.
Check medical alert tags for possible allergies.
Seek medical help immediately.
Render basic life support CPR if necessary.
DO’S AND DON’TS OF BURN TREATMENT:
DO apply cold compress to burn caused by hot substance or
flame immediately.
DO irrigate a chemical burn with water immediately.
1. Call for immediate medical help and move victim out of hot
environment.
2. Immediately begin lowering body temperature by spraying
with water and using fans and ventilation.
3. Give nothing by mouth.
4. Do not lower body temperature below 101° F.
DO apply sterile pad loosely over burn site.
Prevention of Heat Stroke:
DON’T pack in ice.
Avoid excessive exercise or work outdoors in a hot, humid
environment. Acclimatize slowly to these adverse conditions if
you have to be exposed. Heat stroke may be precipitated by
cardiac disease, blood pressure medication, and other medication
that interferes with the normal heat control mechanism.
Heat Exhaustion Recognition:
Headache, nausea, abdominal and leg cramps, increased thirst,
and dizziness are associated with heat exhaustion. Internal
temperature is usually elevated, but not above 103 degrees F.
Skin is sweaty to touch. Victim has usually been exposed to a hot
humid environment. Pulse may be rapid.
Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
1. Move victim out of hot environment.
2. Have victim sit or lie down.
3. Offer cool drinks of water or sweetened solutions but have
victim drink slowly to prevent vomiting.
4. Have victim continue to sip water until he feels better and can
sit up without being dizzy.
5. Seek medical help.
Prevention of Heat Exhaustion:
Avoid excessive hot and humid environments. If you must be
outdoors, drink plenty of water or other comparable liquid to
maintain adequate hydration.
COLD RELATED INJURIES
HYPOTHERMIA
INFECTIONS
POISONINGS AND OVERDOSES
This is the number one killer of all outdoor injuries. Hypothermia
is a lowering of the internal body temperature due to exposure
to cold, wind, rain, or immersion in cold water. The outdoor
temperature does not have to be very cold for hypothermia to
occur. Hypothermia is more common in moderate climates than
in cold climates. Any outdoor injury increases the risk of
hypothermia.
DO seek medical help.
DON’T scrub burn area.
DON’T break blisters.
DON’T remove clothing adhering to burn.
DON’T apply ointment, grease, or medication to burn.
MINOR BURN (First Degree Burn) Recognition and
Treatment:
1. Skin area is red, minor swelling, pain at site, no blisters.
2. Apply cold compress (NOT ICE) or immerse in cool water for
pain relief.
3. Medical treatment is usually not necessary unless burn is
caused by chemical, electricity, or cold exposure.
1. Skin is red and blisters are present; pain and swelling are
present.
2. Apply cool compress or immerse in cool water for pain relief.
3. Medical treatment is necessary especially if face, hands, feet, or
buttocks is involved or if a large portion of body or extremity is
involved.
1. Chemical burns result from prolonged skin contact with
common chemicals such as gasoline, other hydrocarbons, wet
cement, ammonia, acids, and caustics.
2. Burns may be deeper than they appear and pain may be
delayed.
3. Flush exposed area with water immediately, and continue
flushing for 5-10 minutes.
4. If eyes are involved, immediately flush with water and seek
medical help. Do not allow fluids from the injured eye to
contact the non-involved eye. Flush for 20 minutes.
5. Remove contaminated clothing.
6. Call 911.
Wear proper clothing, seek shelter in adverse weather
conditions, KNOW the early recognition signs of hypothermia.
Frostbite Recognition:
The involved areas are usually hands, feet, and face. A first
symptom is pain from the cold, followed by numbness. The
frozen area appears waxy white, yellow-white or mottled blue.
The area is hard and insensitive.
5. DO NOT give anything by mouth to a person who
has had a seizure. SEE SEIZURE TREATMENT.
6. DO NOT induce vomiting unless told to do so by
the poison center specialist.
7. DO NOT induce vomiting in the following
circumstances:
• If victim swallows a caustic substance or acid.
• If the victim is unconscious or sleepy.
• If the victim has a seizure.
—
Get victim to fresh air. Avoid
breathing fumes. Start
resuscitation if victim is not
breathing.
Poison on Skin
—
Remove any contaminated
clothes. Flush skin with water
for ten minutes.
Poison in Eye
—
Flood eye with lukewarm
water, away from non-involved
eye for 15 minutes.
Poison Ingested
—
Can also occur from space
heaters and faulty furnaces.
Symptoms are headaches,
nausea, vomiting, shortness
of breath. Treatment is fresh
air immediately. Seek medical
help. Call local gas company
to investigate problem.
Call 911 if a plant eaten is
suspected of being poisonous.
FOOD POISONING
Caused by certain bacteria and microbes ingested from
food or in water. Botulism is life-threatening; the other
food poisonings generally are not.
TYPE
CAUSE
SYMPTOMS
TREATMENT
Staphylococcus Exposed food
such as chicken,
potato or tuna
salad and
desserts
Abdominal pain
and vomiting
within 6-8
hours.
Prevent
dehydration
with clear
fluids. Usually
limited to 24
hours.
Salmonella
and Shigella
Contaminated
food or water
Fever,
abdominal pain,
diarrhea which
may be bloody,
dehydration and
shock may
occur.
Symptoms
within 8-48
hours of eating
contaminated
food.
Disease is selflimiting and in
most cases
goes away in a
few days.
Prevent
dehydration
with clear
fluids.
Giardia
Contaminated
water
Abdominal pain,
diarrhea which
may be bloody.
Within 10-30 days.
Prevent
dehydration
with clear
fluids.
Camphylobacter Contaminated
food or water
Diarrhea which
may last for
days. Large fluid
losses possible
which may
cause shock.
Self-limiting,
may last a few
days to a
week. Fluids
must be
replaced.
Botulism
Nausea,
vomiting,
weakness,
dizziness, blurred
vision, drooping
eyelids, difficulty
swallowing and
talking, weakness
of neck and
upper body
muscles, then
later lower body
muscles.
Symptoms begin
12-36 hours after
ingestion.
Duration may
be weeks to
months. Most
serious of food
poisonings,
may be lifethreatening.
Consult your
physician
immediately if
suspected.
Contaminated
food
Keep syrup of Ipecac available
at home. Syrup of Ipecac is
used to safely induce vomiting.
It is available at pharmacies
POISONOUS BITES
SNAKE BITES
Coral snakes are small, less than 2 ft. and small in
diameter. They carry a very potent venom. Look for
symptoms or remember the phrase which distinguishes
their skin’s color ring patterns from a similar looking nonpoisonous snake: “red on yellow, kill a fellow (poisonous)
– red on black, venom lack.”
Smoke is toxic and exposure
should be avoided. The major
toxin in smoke is carbon
monoxide, a gas that is lighter
than air and results in
asphyxiation. Other toxins in
smoke can cause burns of the
upper airway, choking, and
difficulty breathing. A victim of
smoke inhalation should seek
medical attention immediately;
airway obstruction and carbon
monoxide poisoning can occur.
Eating Poisonous —
Plants
DO NOT give anything by
mouth unless told to do so by
medical professional.
1. Compressed gases such as propane and ammonia are
extremely cold. Contact with the skin can cause deep burns
through freezing of skin and deeper tissue.
2. Pain may be delayed and the involved area is more injured
than it appears.
3. Flush area with water and seek medical help immediately.
CARBON
MONOXIDE
POISONING
Activated charcoal may also be
kept at home as a poison
antidote. Only use charcoal on
advice of your physician.
TREATMENT OF POISONING
Burns from Compressed Gas:
SMOKE
INHALATION
The usual adult dose of syrup
of Ipecac is one ounce;
children’s dose is 1/2 ounce.
CALL 911 FIRST. Follow Ipecac
with water to help induce
vomiting. Vomiting usually
occurs in 15-20 minutes.
8. SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR ANY POISON OR
OVERDOSE.
Two types of poisonous snakes are found in the U.S., pit
vipers and coral snakes. Most common is the pit viper.
Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins are the
three types of pit vipers found in the U.S. Recognition of
a pit viper bite would include: two distinctive fang marks
or puncture wounds, swelling at bite site, pain at bite
site, or beginning of typical reactions. DO NOT pursue a
snake for identification. Snakes do not travel far and if
pursued will definitely strike again. While first bite might
be “dry” (no venom) or limited venom, a second bite
might be venomous. Treatment does not require
identification.
Treatment of Frostbite:
Frostbite injuries should be thawed as soon as possible with a
rapid rewarming technique, but taking care not to burn the
victim.
1. Rapid thawing is best accomplished with warm water, NOT
HOTTER than 110 degrees F. At this temperature, the water is
very warm to the touch, but not hot enough to burn.
2. Do not open any blisters that appear.
3. Do not rub injured area with snow, ice, or any other object.
4. Thawing requires 30-40 minutes and is complete when
involved part is pliable and sensation and color have returned.
Pain and blisters may appear after thawing.
5. If hypothermia is present along with frostbite, treat
hypothermia first.
6. After thawing, cover area with clean or sterile dressing.
Frostbite is a severe burn. Splint and elevate involved
extremity.
7. Protect from re-freezing.
8. Seek medical attention.
4. DO NOT give anything by mouth to a victim who is
sleepy or who is unconscious.
Electrical Burns:
1. Get victim safely away from electrical source without
endangering yourself.
2. Apply CPR if victim is not breathing or has no pulse.
3. Electrical burns are much deeper than they appear.
4. Always seek medical help immediately.
without prescription. Use only
under the direction of your
physician or 911.
3. DO call 911 before administering anything by
mouth to the victim. If you cannot call 911
immediately and the victim has ingested a caustic
substance, lye, or acid, give him water to drink to
dilute the substance.
FULL THICKNESS BURN (Third Degree Burn)
Recognition and First Aid:
1. This very deep burn through the skin involves other tissue
beneath the skin. Skin may be charred, white, or mottled.
2. Wrap site in sterile covering; lay victim down.
3. Victim may be in shock.
4. Seek immediate medical help.
—
2. DO make note of the product swallowed or inhaled
(or the nature of an exposure), the time of ingestion,
the amount ingested, the location of the victim, and
whether or not the victim is taking any other
medications.
Poison Inhaled
Chemical Burns:
Prevention of Hypothermia:
1. DO call 911.
PARTIAL THICKNESS BURN (Second Degree Burn)
Recognition and First Aid:
The victim first begins shivering; the victim then stops shivering
and becomes disoriented and confused; the victim may appear
apathetic and moody; as hypothermia becomes more severe, the
victim may lapse into coma.
1. Move victim into a sheltered area immediately. Get victim out
of wind, rain, or cold.
2. Remove any wet clothes and replace with dry clothes or
warm blankets.
3. If victim is alert and awake, give warm drinks.
4. Seek medical attention immediately.
5. Warming the body temperature may take a long time in
severe hypothermia. Death can occur during rewarming of
extreme hypothermia. Handle the victim gently.
Poison Ingested
(continued)
• If victim swallows a petroleum product.
Recognition of Hypothermia:
Treatment of Hypothermia:
DO’S AND DON’TS
6. Do not give alcohol or any drugs.
7. Do not apply a constricting band or tourniquet
unless you are experienced in how to apply them
properly and safely.
8. Seek medical help quickly.
BEE OR WASP STINGS, SPIDER BITES,
OTHER INSECT BITES
The actual amount of poison from any one bite or
sting is usually not in itself life-threatening. Generally
people will experience pain and swelling at the bite
site, redness and itching which last for hours. People
who experience allergic reactions have much greater
risk, perhaps life-threatening, and should seek
medical advice quickly.
BITE OR
STING
SIGNS OF SEVERE
ALLERGIC REACTION
ALL POISONOUS SNAKEBITES ARE
DANGEROUS
Bee, Wasp
Hornets,
Yellow Jackets
They can result in disfigurations and/or deformities, and
some people die each year as a result of poisonous
bites. Children are especially threatened.
•
•
•
•
Spiders
(Black Widow)
• Cramping
• Rigidity at shoulder, back, chest or
abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting, headache, anxiety,
hypertension
Significant local swelling within 10 minutes.
Nausea, weakness, black and blue
discoloration, pain at bite site, fang marks.
Scorpions
•
•
•
•
Minimal pain and swelling, symptoms often
delayed, complaints of drowsiness,
apprehension, nausea, vomiting, or
salivation can appear 1-7 hours after bite.
FIRST AID:
SYMPTOMS:
Pit Vipers:
(Rattlesnakes,
Copperhead, Water
Moccasins)
Coral Snakes:
FIRST AID:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Remain calm and reassure victim.
Remove victim from risk of a second bite.
Decrease movement of affected limb.
If available, apply Extractor™ Pump from Sawyer
Products as soon after bite as possible. The pump
has been proven to remove venom from the bite
cavity and is the most effective method of first aid
currently available.
5. Do not use ice, cold packs or sprays.
Lumpy welts over body
Itching palms and feet
Headache, nausea, vomiting
Breathing difficulties
Weakness of bitten arm or leg
Pain at site
“Roving eye” or hyperactivity in children
Abdominal cramps
The most effective method currently available is to
apply the Extractor™ pump from Sawyer Products as
soon as possible. The pump’s suction draws poison
back out of the body thus reducing or eliminating the
pain and allergic reaction. Antihistamines may be
helpful for minor reactions. If Extractor™ pump is not
available, remove bee or wasp stingers by scraping
the stinger off the skin surface with knife blade. This
will reduce the amount of poison in the body – do not
pull stinger out with fingers. For serious allergic
reactions call 911 or medical help as soon as
possible.