Chapter 43 Emergency care and first aid – Flashcards
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Traumatic injuries are caused by events such as:
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-motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) -poisonings -burns -responses to temp. extremes -obstructed airways -gunshot wounds
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Without adequate oxygen, a person's brain cells begin to die....
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within 4 to 6 minutes
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If the person is a victim of a MVA remember...
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to assign someone to direct traffic, to prevent further injuries
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If there is any indication of foul play...
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treat the victim without disturbing what has now become a crime scene
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E-Healthkey
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it is a thumb drive, carried on a key chain, this is a personal health record
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Triage involves..
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determining life-threating situations and assisting those clients first
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Shock often occurs...
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because the body loses its ability to circulate an adequate supply of oxygenated blood to all its components, particularly the brain
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The body attempts to compensate...
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for any trauma or insult to its integrity
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Compensaory circulation
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is a survival mechanism that ensures that the body's most vital organs are adequately perfused with blood until the last possible moment
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Shock may fall into 3 major categories
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1. Primary 2.Secondary 3.Hemorrhagic
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Primary Shock
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the nervous system's response immediately after a severe injury or other traumatic event
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Secondary Shock
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one or more hours after an injury, perhaps up to 24 hours later (delayed or deferred shock)
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Hemorrhagic shock
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caused by blood loss
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Absolute Hypovolemic Shock
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trauma that results in excessive blood loss will decrease the amout of blood volume available for the heart to pump
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The loss of about 1/5 of the body's total blood volume...
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can cause this type of hypovolemic shock
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Signs of absolute hypovolemic shock include:
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-hypotension -weak, thready pulse -cool, clammy skin -weakness -restlessness, anxiety -decreased urinary output
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Relative hypovolemic shock
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is caused by widespread vasodilation(enlargment of the blood vessels)
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Relative hypovolemic shock is caused by..
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a massive infection or severe nervous system injury, rather than by hemorrhage
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In Relative hypovolemic shock blood volume is normal, but.....
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it cannot supply the tissues with adequate oxygen, because of the increased size of the blood vessels
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Later signs of hypovolemic shock include...
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-lowered body temp. -shallow respirations -narrowed pulse pressure(the difference between the systolic and diastolic BP readings)
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If the shock is not successfully treated....
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the stage of decompesated shock occurs late in the process
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Decompensated Shock
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a patient in this stage is extremly hypotensive and life-threating
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Hypovolemic shock can lead to serious and life-threating conditions such as....
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-metabolic acidosis(owing to increase lactic acid) -irreversible cerebral(brain),hepatic(liver),renal(kidney) damage -a condition known as disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC(widespread blood clots, mostly in the capillaries)
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Look for all signs of shock, falling BP is a late sign of shock and is ominous, Remember...
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shock is NOT always caused by blood loss
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Primary assessment
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is the assessment performed as soon as rescuers arrive at an emergency scene, can be completed within 60 seconds
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Secondary assessment
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involves taking and recording the victim's vital signs and continues with a head to toe assessment. should take from 1-2 minutes, unless injuries requiring immediate intervention are identified
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A: airway & cervical spine
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evaluate the airway to determine whether it is patent (open)
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If a possible spinal injury exists....
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stabilize the patient's cervical spine before attempting other activity
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DO not move the person unless...
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there is an immediate danger, such as of explosion or fire
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B:breathing
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assess breathing by listening for breath sounds watching for chest movements, and feeling for breaths against your cheeck and ear
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Be sure the patient's tongue is out of the way because...
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the tongue can occlude the airway in even a minor event, such as fainting
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The most common airway obstruction ..
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in an unconscious person is caused by the tongue falling back and occluding the airway
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Indication of lack of oxygen include..
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blueness(cyanosis),duskiness in the skin, nail beds, or mucous membranes
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If the chest wall is not intact....
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plug the hole at once, this is an emergency life-threating situation if this is not done, the victim's lungs will likely collapse
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Flail chest
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which is a loss of chest wall stability, caused by several fractured ribs or detachment of the ribs from the sternum as a result of a crushing injury
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In flail chest...
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the loose portion of the chest moves opposite its normal direction when the person breathes(paradozical respiration) in other words, the chest rises on expiration and falls on inspiration
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Treatment for flail chest includes...
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applying an all-cotton elastic (ACE) roller bandage and hace the person lie on the affected side to apply pressure to the chest wall
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Be alert for important signs of chest injuries which include....
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-pain at the site of injury and on breathing -shortness of breath, gasping -failure of the chest to expand -coughing up blood -rapid, weak pulse and low BP -cyanotic(bluish) lips, gums, fingernails,or fingertips -panic, agitation, nasal flaring -abnormal breathing sounds, such as wheezing or stridor -abnormal chest movements on breathing
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C: circulation and bleeding
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the heart must be pumping effectively for oxygen to be carried to the cells, there also must be sufficient blood volume to carry needed oxygen
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Palpate the victim's pulse using...
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the carotid artery in the neck, for 5 to 10 seconds
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Do not reach across the person's neck to...
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feel the pulse, feel it on the side nearest you. reaching across might accidentally cut off the airway
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Do NOT count the pulse at this time....
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just try to get a sense of its quality, while palpating the pulse, also observe skin color, temperature, and neck veins
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A person may have a heartbeat without...
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having respirations therefore, reassess breathing
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Use a one-way filtered breathing mask for..
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CPR whenever possible to protect the rescuer
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AMBU-bag
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this is a bag attached to a face mask that can be used to "breathe for" the person. supplemental oxygen can also be delivered
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Shock is progressing if..
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it takes more than 2 seconds for color to return during a capillary refill test
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Control hemorrhage immediately or...
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the person will die from blood loss, with gloved hands, place sterile compresses over wounds and apply pressure.
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Indirect pressure
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press the blood vessel at a pressure point against a bone
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A tourniquet should...
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be applied as a LAST resort and do not realse once it is applied.
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D:disability
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conducting a neurologic assessment at an accident scene will help receiving medical personnel in the ER
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Assess the person's pupillary responses...
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the pupils of both eyes should be the same (equal), they should be round and should constrict when a bright light quickly shines into them (react to light)
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E:expose & examine
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any site of possible injury or any area that the person complains about, even if the area was examined previously.
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After having controlled the immediately life-threatening problems....
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obtain the person's medical history, including any illnesses or allergies, take vital signs
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Ask patient about pain every...
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5 minutes after life-threatening problems, are under control, count pulse and respirations for at least 30 seconds
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Causes of sudden death include..
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-electocution -drowning and near drowning -anaphylaxis -overdose -poisoning -shock -MI -stroke -suffocation -severe trauma -adverse reaction to general anesthesia
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Two definitions for death exist...
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1.clinical death 2.biological death
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Clinical death
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may be reversible, with prompt action by people trained in basic and advanced life support
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Biological death
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is irreversible
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CPR
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is a technique that artifically supports circulation and ventilation for a victim of cardiopulmonary arrest, it helps to provide oxygen to the brain, heart, lungs and other organs until advanced life support can be given
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Compression-Only CPR
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it is intended to be used by lay people, this procedure isnot recommended in inwitnessed collapses or with unresponsive infants or children, it also should NOT be used if the collapse appears not to be related to a heart disorder.....the EMS system is activated first
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ACLS includes....
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starting IV lines & medications -using defibrillation & cardiac monitoring -administering oxygen -opening & maintaing the airway by intubation
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Remeber you are expected to...
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perform first aid only to the level of your training and experience and local laws
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Do NOT attempt to move or transport any...
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injured person, particularly a person with a chest, back, neck, or head injury
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When moving a person with a neck injury to a stretcher.....
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immobilize his/her neck and back first, then keep the body straight
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Most common causes of chest injuries include...
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-blows -stabbings -shootings -MVAs -CPR may cause fractured ribs
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Chest compression that results from an explosion or an MVA may....
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rupture a lung and cause death from hemorrhage or suffocation
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An open chest wound allows...
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air to enter the chest cavity, compressing the lungs(the normal vacuum within the chest cavity is disrupted) Normal breathing fails, because the lungs cannot adequately expand
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If it is determined that pneumothorax is present...
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seal the wound in any way possible, use aluminum foil, petroleum jelly(vasoline) gauze, plastic wrap, or a rolled-up dressing. sealing will help the lungs re-expand, tape a dressing on three sides so that air can escape when pressure builds in the chest.
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When transporting a person whose chest has been punctured by a foreign object..
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make sure that the object remains in place
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If the person's condition seems to worsen...
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loosen the dressing to let out some air that is building uo in the chest, to prevent a tension pneumothorax then reseal the wound
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Tension pneumothorax
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is particularly dangerous, this situation occurs when air leaks out of the lung or bronchus into the chest cavity and cannot escape
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In tension pneumothorax air collects and...
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pressure builds in the chest, the lung on the same side of the chest as the leak collapses because of the excess pressure.
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In tension pneumothorax...
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breath sounds will be greatly diminished or absent on the affected side, a tension pneumothorax that remains uncorrected will worsen, resulting in a Mediastinal shift.
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A primary healthcare provider or emergency person may place a....
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large-bore IV needleor chest tube through the chest wall to relieve excess air pressure
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Scalp lacerations cause....
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profuse bleeding, making even the smallest wound appear very serious
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A blow to the head that causes a laceration may also...
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cause injury to the skull or brain, observe for blood or fluid draining from the nose or ears, bruising behind the ears or under the eyes, persistent bleeding, or a change in behavior since the accident
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Emergency care for a potential head injury includes....
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-having the person lay flat while restricting his/her movements -Do NOT lower the person's head -keep the person warm and check for signs of increasing intracranial pressure -apply ice pack to the area of injury -intruct family to watch for signs of complications every 2 hours for the first 24 hours
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Serious signs of increasing ICP include..
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-confusion, disorientation, or agitation -loss of memory -any change in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision -decreased LOC or difficulty arousing, extreme lethargy -numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg -persistent vomiting -severe headache -speech problems -seizures
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If the person with a head injury must be moved...
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his/her head must be stabilized in a neutral position and in line wih the back
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Factors influencing cold-related injuries inclued...
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-temperature -wind chill factor -wetness -length of exposure time -part of the body exposed -other injury or irritation, such as blisters on the feet or tight shoes -person's age and mental status -circulatory status -nutritional and hydration status -general physical condition -drug or alcohole use
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Cold injuries can occur if .....
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body parts are exposed, because the body automatically cuts down blood flow to the periperal structures and redirects it to the vital organs (heart and brain) if it becomes too cold.
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In Frostbite...
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the body part becomes so cold that ice crystals form in the spaces surrounding the cells, the cells then die.
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The body is most vulnerable to frostbite when...
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there is a high wind, because blood rushes to the skin to warm it, then cools quickly due to rapid heat loss.
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Skin can freeze when...
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the wind chill factor is below the freezing point, even if the actual air temperature is considerably higher, if the person is wet, this factor increases the possibility of frostbite.
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Frostbite is most likely to affect....
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hands, feet, noses,ears, and cheeks
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Noses,ears, and cheeks are vulnerable to frostbite....
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because they are continually exposed to the temperature
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Hands and feet are vulnerable to frostbite....
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becasue circulation to these areas is slower
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you will likely see frostbite among...
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homeless people, especially those who are mentally ill, inebriated, elderly, or physically debilitated
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When a body part becomes frostbitten....
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the area is first painful and then numb, the frostbitten part is pale and cool to the touch and feels like a block of wood or marble
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In late stages of frostbite...
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hemorrhage may occur, the part may swell and blisters may form,the skin may slough off, gangrene can occur
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In general frostbite looks...
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like a burn, if it is gangrenous, it turns black and looks crusty
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Do NOT rub a frostbitten part to...
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restore circulation, rubbing particularly with snow, will only increase the damage and can contribute to gangrene
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Place frozen parts in.....
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water that is between 98F and 104F(36.6C and 40C)
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If a thermometer is NOT available use water temperature that feels...
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Tepid(lukewarm)
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Rewarming the affected part in water will take about...
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20 to 45 minutes, ther person may experience some pain as the part warms, the part will turn pink or bright red as circulation resumes, protect the part against refreezing
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Treatment for frostbite is often the same as for...
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a burn, with treatment commonly being provided in a Burn Unit, if treatment is unsuccessful, amputation may be necessary, in severe frostbite, blisters form quickly, they should NOT be broken
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Immersion foot occurs...
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most often in hikers and canoers when the feet are kept in moist, cold boots for several days
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In immersion...
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the feet (or hands) should be gently warmed, cleaned, dried, and elevated because infection often occurs, antibiotics are often given as well as a tetanus booster.
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Hypothermia is caused when....
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a person is exposed to extreme or fairly exteme cold or is chilled sufficiently long to lower his/her core body temperature to a dangerous level.
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A critical level of hypothermia can..
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lower the core temperature to as low as 94F(35C) or lower
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Symptoms of hypothermia include...
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-sleepiness -slow and clumsy movements -shaking -cardiac dysrhythmias -loss of reflexes and slowed reaction times -impaired judgment -confusion -respiratory failure -hallucinations
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The initaial warning signs of Hypothermia are...
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-confusion -disorientation -slurred speech -obvious shivering -lethargy
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Wearing a hat is very important because..
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major heat loss occurs via the uncovered head(which acts like a chimney)
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Definitive diagnosis of hypothermis is...
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based on an accurate measurement of core temperature
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Treatment of hypothermia
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-gradual rewarming is necessary(when the body is rewarmed too quickly, cold blood returns to the heart, causing severe dysrhythmia and sometimes cardiac arrest) -get the person into warm, dry clothig -cover the person's head, hands, and feet -keep the person awake until medical assistance arrives
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In treatment of hypothermia blood may be circulated through...
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a pump oxygenator and warmed before returning it to the body's core circulation, warm fluids may be instilled into the GI system. treatment continues until the body's core temperature is near normal (98.6 F,37C)
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Nursing care for hypothermia includes...
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-careful monitoring of vital signs and IV infusion -close observation of skin condition -special mouth and eye care -measurment of oral and IV intake and urine output
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Heat related injuries are most likely to occur on...
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days of high humidity, with temperatures from 95F to 100F (35C to 37.8C) and no breeze......the body's major defense against heat accumulation is sweating, evaporation of sweat helps cool the body. when humidity exceeds 75% particularly when there is no breeze evaporation decrease.
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Studies have identified with heat related injuries....
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infants, older adults, the very obese, chronic abusers of drugs or alcohol and persons with underlying illnesses as being at the highest risk...military personnel and athletes are also vulnerable because of the tendency to over exercise in the heat, sometimes heavy clothing
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Heat cramps can occur in..
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cool environments as well as hot ones, and are usually located in the legs, arms, or abdomen
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Heat cramps are relieved by..
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drinking very dilute salt solutions, give the person a mixture of up to 1/4 tsp of salt per quart of water or antoher balanced salt solution.
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If symptoms of heat cramps continue...
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longer thank 1 hour, seek medical advice. tell the person to avoid exertion for the next 12 hours
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Massaging cramped muscles will...
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NOT cure heat cramps and in face may increase the pain
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In heat exhaustion...
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people do not take in sufficient water and sodium to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, resulting in a serious blood flow disturbance similar to shock
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Heat exhaustion that occurs quickley is likely...
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to be related to water depletion, another type of heat exhaustion, call salt-depletion heat exhaustion- develops over time, true heat exhaustion is rarely life-threatening
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As a person loses large amounts of water and...
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salt through sweating, blood flow decreases, if water is NOT replaced.
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Treatment for heat exhaustion includes..
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-cooling the person without chilling him/her -fanning is helpful -have the person lie down with the head aobut 8-12 inches below the feet(doing so will help increase circulation to the brain) -water replacement and rest will usually relieve symptoms of heat exhaustion casued by water depletion -sips of salt solution
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In heat exhasustion if the blood pressure and pluse..
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remain low for more than half an hour to 1 hour, suspect that the person has had a heat stroke
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Heat stroke
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this is a life-threatening condition that often develops rapidly and requires immediate treament.
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Classic heat stroke
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occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanisms fail and core temperature soars
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Classic heat stroke most often affects .....
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the poor, those living in poorly ventilated housing and without air conditioning, older adults who do not take in enough water
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When a perosn's core temperature reaches 105F-110F...
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sweating stops, brain cells become damaged or destroyed and death results
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Certain illnesses restrict the pts ablility to sweat such as..
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cystic fibrosis and scleroderma, these patients are more susceptible to heat strokes
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Exertional heat stroke
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develops from an increased internal heat load due to muscular exertion, along with high external temperature and humidity
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Persons with classic heat stroke usually are brought..
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to the healthcare facility because of hypotension, fever, and coma
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Persons with exertional heat stroke are usually brought..
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to the healthcare facility because of bizarre behavior or collapse
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After activating the EMS....
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first aide treatment for heat stroke includes rapidly cooling the person to at least a temperature of 101F, place the person in a cool shady plac and remove his/her clothing, place ice packs on the person's forehead, under the armpits, and at the neck and groin
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If a person suffering form any type of heat-related illness vomits....
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stop giving fluids, the person needs IV fluid replacement, this is usually the only time a person with heat exhaustion needs to be hospitalized, any person with heat stroke needs to immediate medical attention
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Burns occur...
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from many heat sources
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The most common emergency cases of burns are...
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caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, and radiation sources
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Sunburns are caused by..
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too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun or sun lamps
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First aid for sunburn involves..
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neutralizing the burning effects with vinegar, milk, or certain commercial preparations, the sooner these measures are applied, the less chance exists for long-term damage to occur
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The seriousness of a burn is estimated by..
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its depth, percentage of the body burned, location, age of the victim, and any underlying complications
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Associated problems often causes more harm than the burn itself so be alert for ...
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inhalation injuries and breathing problems as well as for broken bones or other injuries
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Signs of possible inhalation injury include...
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-burned or singed nasal hairs or burns in or around the mouth -flecks of soot in the client's saliva -smell of smoke on the client's breath -hoarse voice
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Remeber a person can experience a burn....
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internally, such as from inhaling hot air or smoke or from swallowing a caustic substance
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If a burned person was trapped...
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in a confined space and exposed to chemicals, or smoke, suspect smoke or heat inhalation injury
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In certain mental disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, a burn may be...
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self-inflicted by the person, aslo a common method of child abuseis to inflict a burn on a child often in a location that is covered by clothing
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Drowning
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is suffocation from submersion in liquid
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In a near drowning situation..
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assess victims for associated injuries or illnesses, such as cardiac arrest, airway obstruction, head injury, spinal injury, and internal injuries
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Long term brain damage may...
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result from extended anoxia(absence of oxygen)
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Submersion in cold water may..
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also cause hypothermia, however, individuals submerged in cold water may survive because when body temperature is lowered, metabolism slows, which decreases the brain's need for oxygen
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Victim's of near drowning may appear...
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dead because of the reduction in brain and cardiovascular function
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Treat all near drowning victims for...
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hypothermia and shock, maintain respirations and blood pressure until the person is cleared medically
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Musculoskeletal injuries are those...
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involving bones, muschles, or joints
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NEVER attempt to replace the ends of bones in a...
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fracture, wheher or not the skin is broken
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Compound fracture
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when the fractured ends of the bone protrude through the skin
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Simple fracture
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when the skin is not broken
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If a fracture of a wrist, knee, or elbow is suspected...
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splint the joint in its existing position, because of the joint's close proximity to arteries, veins, and nerves, straightening the joint can put pressure on blood vessels cutting off circulation or sensation to the extremity's distal portion
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When splinting a fracture....
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check the person's distal pulse before and after splinting, an absent pulse is a medical emergency, obtain medical attenton immediately
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When dressing a wound....
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fresh newspaper also can be used, because it is clean, remeber to wear gloves, f at all possible
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A triangular or handkerchief bandage ....
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can be made from a square of cloth and secured without tape or pins, fold the cloth several times to make a strip or cravat bandage
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In an avulsion injury, the dentist may...
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be able to reimplant and reposition the tooth, an avulsion tooth that is reimplanted within 30 minutes has a 90% chance of being saved, it may be saved if reimplanted withing 2 hours
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If the person has an avulsion injury have him/her...
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hold the evulsed tooth under the tongue en route to the dentist, otherwise place the evulsed tooth in milk. the client's own saliva or the milk will help to preserve the integrity and viability of the tooth's root system
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A foreign object
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is any abnormal object or substance lodged in a body orifice or structure
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Foreign objects in the eye can...
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be particles of dust or soot or an eyelash resting on the eyelid's lining
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A natural body defense mechanism is..
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that the tears will often wash out the foreign object and no treatment is needed
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Hard or gas-permeable contact lenses are more...
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likely to cause corneal ulcers than soft lenses, a special suction cup is available for this purpose
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To remove an object from a child's nose....
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have the child blow the nose gently with BOTH nostrils open, unless the object is clearly visible and at the edge of the nostril DO NOT attempt to remove it with a finger or instrument
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Be aware that an object such as a bean or a dried pea will...
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swell when moistened, this makes these objects very difficult to remove, especially from the nose
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An airway obstructed by a foreign body will...
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quickly cause respiratoy arrest, anytime a person becomes cyanotic, stops breathing, and collapses for no apparent reason, suspect an obstructed airway
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Common caused of airway obstruction include...
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-meat -poorly fitting dentures -alcohole ingestion -neuromuscular disease -Huntington's -stroke -cleft palate -brain injury -seizure disorders -heavy sedation -decreased saliva -diminished or absent cough or gag reflex
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The person who has a partially obstructed airway with good air exchange will...
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cough forecefully, DO NOT interfere with attempts to expel the obstruction, and DO NOT leave the person
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In complete airway obstruction...
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the person is unable to talk, breathe, or cough, the person may even indicate the condition by using the universal signal for choking
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In case of complete airway obstruction use the...
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Heimlich maneuver, also called abdominal thrust
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Causes of fainting include...
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-extreme hunger -tiredness -heat -being in an oxygen deprived environment -emotional shock -severe hemorrhage excruciating pain -standing in one place for a prolonged period esp. with knees locked
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The symptoms of imminent fainting include....
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-dizziness -blackness or spots before the eyes -pallor -excessive perspiration
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In an MI....
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some of the heart's blood supply is cut off, causing heart muscles tissue to die, this is usually the result of a blockage in a cornonary artery(one of the arteries supplying the heart itself)
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The location and extent of the infarction determines...
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the serioussness of the MI
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A person with an MI usually complains of .....
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chest pain, which may radiate to the left (or right) arm, pain in the back, neck, jaw, or teeth, this pain may also be mistaken for heartburm or indigestion. rest usually does NOT relieve this pain
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Unstable angina
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A person may be having symptoms of MI on and off for several days
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Recent research has shown that many more women...
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die of heart attacks each year than way previously believed Nearly all research has been done on men, the symptoms of heart attack in women may be different than in men.
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MI symptoms in women often include...
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-shortness of breath, difficulty in catching breath -nausea and flu-like symptoms, chills, cold sweat -light-headness, faintness -heart palpitations -chest pain perhaps, but not necessarily -discomfort in neck, jaw, back, arms but most often the left arm, -a common location of pain is the shoulder blades or between the shoulder blades -heartburn and stomach pains -extreme fatigue
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Aspirin has improved...
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the success rate in saving lives when administered whithin 1 hour of the MI attack
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The most frequent common denominator in MI is...
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denial, the person cannot believe that he/she is having attack
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If a person with a nosebleed has a fractured skull....
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DO NOT attempt to stop the bleeding, doing so could increase intracranial pressure, insevere HTN a nosebleed may be the body's safety valve against a Stroke.
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In minor wounds if the bleeding is more severe....
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apply an inflated blood pressure cuff of air splint, or insert a firmly rolled sterile pad nder the dressing
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If a person loses a large amount of blood....
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the hemoglobin reading will NOT show an immediate drop, the decreased lab value will occur in 24 to 48 hours
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A severe injury to one large blood vessel can cause a ...
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serious hemorrhage, however an injury to many small vessels or capillaries can cause an equally life-threatening hemorrhage
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Capillary bleeding
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blood oozes slowly out of the wound
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Arterial bleeding
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blood comes in spurts with each heartbeat and is bright red or pink, this is usually the most severe type of hemorrhage
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Venous bleeding
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blood flows steadily and is dark in color, usually this type is minor and stops by itself, unless the person has a bleeding disorder
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In any case of hemorrhage....
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place the person on a flat surface and slightly elevate his/her feet, unless the person has a head injury or nosebleed
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In external himorrhage...
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cut the person's clothes away from the site to reveal the site and amount of bleeding, apply direct firm pressure, elevate in injured part, unless the possibility of fracture or other trauma to the area exists.
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Indirect pressure
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uses if direct pressure does not control hemorrhage, this means that you do not apply pressure directly to the wound, but to an artery at a pressure point between the wound and the heart
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Never wipe a blood clot....
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from a wound, the clot acts as a plug for ruptured blood vessels, if the clot breaks loose, death may result from external hemorrhage or from embolism
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Use a tourniquet ONLY...
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as a last resort
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The tourniquet must be...
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tight enough to cut off the blood flow in the artery completely, if it is too loose, it will only prevent the blood from flowing bavk through the veins, and thus will increase bleeding
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Using a tourniquet may...
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mean that the person will lose the limb as a result
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Possible causes of internal bleeding include..
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blunt trauma, fractures, GI bleeding, and vaginal bleeding. a fracture is the most common cause of internal bleeding and a fractured pelvis is the most severe fracture related to blood loss
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Signs of upper GI bleeding may include...
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-vomiting bright red blood -passing bloody or black stools
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Signs of lower GI bleeding may include...
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-coffee ground-like emesis -rectal bleeding
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A severe type I anaphylaxis reaction occurs...
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within minutes of exposure, anaphylaxis is life threatening
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Common triggers for anaphylaxis include....
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-bee stings -certain foods (peanuts and chocolate) -food additives or preservatives (sulfit, MSG) -medications -chemicals -inhaled substances
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The time range for an allergic reaction...
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is from a few seconds to several hours
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Allergic Reactions are often...
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generalized and violent, each occurence is more serious than the last, people who have severe allergies shoul carry medication such as SQ Epi pe
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Usually the faster an allergic reaction occurs...
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the more severe and life threatening it is
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Rabies is caused by the...
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rhabdovirus, the virus travels along the person's nerves to the CNS, untreated rabies is almost always fatal.
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Cat bites or scratches are usually...
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more likely to become infected than dog bites
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Cat and dog infections include..
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cat-scratch disease(fever), which is usually mild, resulting only in swelling of regional lymph nodes, Cat-bite disease can be more serious
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When a person is bitten...
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cleanse the wound with warm soapy water and rinse the area thoroughly, swab the area with Zephiran or alcohol, if a puncture wound is present, flush the area with sterile normal saline, DO NOT delay in obtaining medical care
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To prevent infection...
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tetanus injection or antibiotics may be administered
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Primary exposure
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is when a person is exposed directly to a hazardous substance
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Secondary exposure
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occurs when the rescuer or healthcare provider is exposed to the contaminated person
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Hazardous materials can cause..
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poisoning, burns, exposure to toxic fumes, contamination fo groundwater, and explosion
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In case of poisoning of drug overdose, call...
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Poison control center 1-800-222-1222
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The recommendations for treatment for poisoning has....
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changed recenrly, and gastric lavage(pumping the stomach) is NOT often used, Induced comiting is NOT recommended
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In poisoning gastric lavage is seldom used, except in....
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cases of certain drugs, such as a large dose of asprin, which tends to clump, or in an overdose of drugs,such as lithium, iron or calcium channel blockers
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All medications are potentially poisonous, but....
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many DO NOT have such effects because they are given in small doses.
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Food poisoning is almost always caused by...
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eating contaminated food, bacteria's normal action on food causes decompositon, which forms toxins
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Another cause of food poisoning is ....
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the accidental eating of poisonous fruits, berries, or vegetables
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Symptoms of food poisoning include..
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-abdominal pain -nausea -vomiting -diarrhea
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Onset of food poisoning is...
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acute, withing a few hours after eating the contaminated food, the sooner the symptoms occur, the more serious the poisoning is
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Food poisoning symptoms usually disappear...
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in 1 to 2 days, after the person has excreted the toxins
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Botulism
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a severe form of food poisioning, it is caused by the organism Clostridium botulinum, about 1/2 of the cases of botulism result in death
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Symptoms which are progressive in food poisoning include..
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-weakness -headache -paralysis of the eye and throat muscles -respiratory paralysis
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Anxiety or panic attack may cause...
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the person's heart to race or his/her respirations to become rapid, sometimes the person's fingers and hand become numb and tingly, the person may feel incapable of functioning.
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Call for medical assistnce when any of these factors are present in an individual..
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-threat to harm self or others -suicidal thoughts -refusal to talk futher when psyc emeregency is suspected -history of prior suicide attmepts -severe depression -intoxication or drug abuse -self-injurious behavior -evidence of self-harm -evidence of not caring for one's self -reports of any of the above by family or neighbors
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When dealing with an emogtionally disturbed person remain....
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calm and speak softly, slowly and clearly, maintain a nonthreatening posture and tone of voice, DO NOT allow the person to get between you and the door, maintain an escape route for yourself, prevent the person from injuring himself, herself or anyone else seek assistance as soon as possible
