First Aid: Chapter 8 – Flashcards

Largest organ in the body. Consists of two layers that lie on a layer of fatty tissue.

Outer layer of dead cells that shed and are replaced by new cells. It is protected by an oily substance called sebum.

Lower layer of skin- most of the structures of the skin are located here. It contains blood vessels, nerves, muscles, glands, and hair follicles. Registration of sensations from the body's surface is registered here.

One of the major functions of the skin is to maintain body temperature. -The hypothalamus regulates body temperature. Blood passing through this gland will activate the gland if the blood temperature falls outside optimum range, it activates mechanisms to warm or cool the body as necessary. -Warm the body- blood vessels on the surface constrict to keep warm blood in the body's core. Activity of the sweat gland is reduced, and hairs stand on end to "trap warm air close to the skin". -To cool the body- the body encourages heat loss and thus prevents the temperature from becoming too high. Blood vessels that lie in or just under the skin widen. As a result, blood flow to the body surface increases and more heat is lost. In addition, the sweat glands become more active and secrete more sweat. This then cools the skin as it evaporates.

When skin is damaged by burning: -Can no longer act as a natural barrier to infection. -Body fluid may be lost due to fluid lost from tiny blood vessels in the skin leaking serum. -There may be related injuries, significant flood loss, and infection may develop later.

What to assess: -Consider the circumstances of the burn- is the airway likely to be affected, the extent and location and depth of the burn. -Establish the cause of the burn- fire, toxic fumes. -The extent of the burn will indicate if shock is likely to develop. -Burn on the limb, fluid may collect causing swelling, and pain. -Potential for infection.

Flames- Contact with hot objects, such as domestic appliances or cigarettes. Friction- rope burn.

Steam- Hot liquids, such as tea and coffee or hot fat.

Low-voltage current, as in domestic appliances. High voltage current as carried in overhead cables. Lightning strikes.

Frostbite. Contact with freezing metals. Contact with freezing vapors, such as liquid oxygen.

Industrial chemicals, including inhaled fumes and corrosive gases, domestic chemicals and agents such as paint thinner, oven cleaner, or bleach.

Sunburn. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays from a sunlamp. Exposure to a radioactive source, such as an X-ray.

Superficial. Involves only the outermost layer of skin. This injury usually heals well if first aid is given promptly and if blisters do not form. Example: sunburn

Destroys the outermost layer of skin. Skin becomes red and blistered. These burns usually heal well but they can be serious if large areas of the body are affected.

All the layers of the skin are affected, there may be some damage to nerves, fat, muscles, and blood vessels. Pain sensation is usually lost. The skin may look waxy, pale, or charred. These burns need urgent medical care.

-All third-degree burns. -All burns involving the face, hands, feet, and genital area. -All burns that extend right around an arm or leg. -All second-degree burns larger than 1% of the body surface (an area the size of the palm of the victim's hand). -All first-degree burns larger than 5% of the body surface (equivalent to five palm areas). -Burns with a mixed pattern or varying depths. -If you are unsure about the severity of any burn, seek medical attention.

-The longer the burn continues, the more severe the injury. -If the casualty has been injured in a fire, assume that smoke or hot air has also affected the airway. -Cool the burn and monitor breathing. -Shock is a probability due to fluid loss and pain, they will need urgent hospital treatment. -Non-accidental injury must always be considered. Keep an accurate record of what has happened and any treatment you have given. If you have to cut away clothing, keep it for further investigation.

-Help the victim lie down. If possible, prevent the burned area from coming into contact with the ground. -Flood the burn with plenty of cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain is relieved, but do not delay transport to a hospital. If possible, try to prevent the burned area from coming into contact with the ground. -Call 911 for help- if possible get someone else to do this.

-Put on gloves. -Continue cooling the affected area for at least 10 minutes, or until pain is relieved. Watch for signs breathing difficulty. Do not overcool because you can lower body temperature. This is particular hazard for babies and elderly people. -Do not touch or interfere with the burn. Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes, or smoldering clothing before the tissues begin to swell. A helper can do this while you cool the burn. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn. -Carefully remove burned clothing unless it sticks to the burn. -When the burn is cooled, cover the injured area with plastic if from infection. When using plastic wrap (discard the first two turns from the roll and apply it lengthwise over the burn). -A clean, plastic bag can be used to cover a hand or foot; secure it with a bandage or adhesive tape applied over the plastic, not the damaged skin. -If no plastic wrap is available, use a sterile nonstick dressing. Apply any dressing very loosely. -Once the dressing is applied, reassure the casualty and treat for shock, if necessary. Record the details of injuries. Monitor vital signs while waiting for EMS.

-Do not overcool the victim. -Do not remove anything sticking to the burn. -Do not touch or otherwise interfere with the burned area. -Do not burst any blisters. -Do not apply lotions, ointments, fat, or adhesive tape to the burned area. The use of specialized dressings, spray, and gels to cool burns is not recommended. -Do not use adhesive dressings or apply adhesive tape to the skin's burn may be more extensive than it first appears. -Do not allow the casualty to eat or drink because he may need an anesthetic.

Burns to the face- do not cover the injury; you could cause distress and obstruct the airway. Cool the area with water to relieve the pain until help arrives. Suspect airway burns.

-If the burn area is small, cool it immediately with cold, but not ice cold, water. -Cover the burn with a dry nonstick sterile or clean dressing. -Never burst a blister. -Do not apply a blister bandage to blister caused by a burn. -Phone or send someone to phone your emergency if: -there is a fire -the victim has a large burn -you are not sure what to do

-Flood the injured part with cold water for at least 10 minutes to stop the burning and relieve the pain. If water is not available, any cold, harmless liquid, such as milk can be used. -Put on gloves. -Gently remove any Jewelry, watches, belts, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell. -Cover the area with plastic wrap or a clean plastic bag over the foot or hand. Apply the wrap lengthwise over the burn, not around the limb because the tissues swell. If you do not have plastic wrap or bag, use a sterile dressing, bandaged loosely in place. -Take or send to the hospital if the casualty is a child or if you are in any doubt about the casualty's condition.

Any burn of the face, mouth, or throat is very serious because of the possibility of swollen air passages.

-Soot or singed nasal hairs -Redness, swelling, or actual burning of the tongue -Damage to the skim around the mouth -Hoarseness of the voice -Breathing difficulties

There is no specific first aid treatment for an extreme case; the swelling will rapidly block the airway and there is a serious risk of hypoxia. Immediate and specialized medical help is required. -Call 911. -Take any steps possible to improve the victim's air supply. Loosen clothing around the neck. -Offer ice or small sips of cool water to reduce swelling and/or pain. -Reassure the victim. Monitor vital signs while waiting for EMS.

For all electrical incidences, make sure the power is cut off before assisting a casualty.

-Call 911. -Turn off the power. -Flood the sites of injury at the entry and exit points of the current with plenty of cool water to cool the burns for 10 minutes. -Gently remove jewelry, watches, belts, etc. Do not touch the burn. -When the burn is cooled, place a plastic bag over a burn on the foot or hand, taping the bag loosely in place. Or, cover with plastic wrap. If neither available, use a loosely wrapped sterile dressing. -Call 911 for help, reassure and monitor vital signs.

-Household products that often cause chemical burns are: dishwater products, oven cleaners, and paint stripper. -All chemical burns are serious and may require urgent hospital care. Note the brand or name of the chemical.

-Evidence of chemicals in the vicinity -Intense, stinging pain -Later, discoloration, blistering, peeling, and swelling of the affected area.

-Make sure the area around the victim is safe. Ventilate the area to disperse fumes, and if possible, seal the chemical container. Wear protective gloves to prevent you from coming into contact with the chemical. Remove the victim if necessary. If the chemical is in powder form, it can be brushed off the skin. -Flood the area for at least 20 minutes. If treating victim on the ground, make sure the water is not collecting underneath her. -Gently remove contaminated clothing awhile flooding the injury. -Arrange for transport to the hospital. Monitor vital signs. Pass on details of the chemical to the medical staff if you can identify it. -If victim responds, call poison control for guidance. (800)-222-1222 or 911.

-Put on gloves. -Hold the casualty's affected eye under gently running cold water for at least 10 minutes. -Irrigate the eyelid thoroughly both inside and out. -If the casualty's eye is shut in a spam of pain, gently, but firmly, try to pull the eyelid open. -Make sure the contaminated water does not splash the uninjured eye. -Ask the casualty to hold clean gauze over the injured eye. If it will be some time before medical treatment, bandage and pass on details to medical personnel.

Occurs when the surface (cornea) of the eye is damaged by exposure to ultraviolet light, such as prolonged glare from sunlight reflected off snow. Symptoms usually develop gradually, and recover can take up to a week. Flash burns can also be caused by glare from a welder's torch.

-Reassure casualty. Ask them to hold an eye pad against each injured eye. If it is likely to take some time for medical attention. Lightly bandage the pad(s) in place. -Arrange or take to the hospital.

There are two types of incapacitant spray. CS spray and pepper spray. Both are used by police forces for riot control and self-protection, and both have been used by authorized people with weapons in assault situations. They are both aerosols and have the same effects. The effects usually wear off 15-20 minutes after exposure.

-Move the casualty to a well ventilated area. -Put on gloves if you are handling contaminated items such as clothing. Have casualty remove contact lenses. Remove wet clothing and put it in a sealed bag. -If necessary, the casualty may was their skin with soap and water, paying particular attention to skin folds and ears. Showering may release spray particles trapped in the hair and cause transient irritation. May trigger an asthma attack. If symptoms persist seek medical care.

This condition occurs when the amount of fluids lost from the body is not adequately replaced. -Primarily the result of: excessive sweating prolonged exposure to the sun, or hot, humid conditions; sweating through raised body temperature during a fever, and loss of fluid through severe diarrhea and vomiting. Young children and older people or those in prolonged periods of activity are particularly at risk. Severe dehydration can cause muscle cramps.

-Dry mouth -Dry and/or cracked lips -Headaches -Dizziness and confusion -Dark urine -Reduction in the amount of urine passed -Cramp, with the feeling of tightness in the most used muscles, such as the calves -In babies and young children, pale skin with sunken eyes

Your Aim: replace the lost water and salts. Water is usually sufficient. Procedure: -Reassure the casualty, help them sit down. -Give them plenty of fluids to drink. Water or sport drink is best. -If they are suffering from a cramp, sketch, and massage the affected muscle. Advise them to rest. -Monitor and record their condition. If they remain unwell, seek medical advice right away.

-Cool the skin by sponging with cold, water, or by soaking the affected area in a cold bath for 10 minutes. -Encourage her to have frequent sips of cold water. -If the burns are mild, aloe lotion or calamine may smooth the burn. -Severe burns may need medical attention.

This disorder is caused by loss of salt and water through excessive sweating. Sometimes it is caused by drug use. (ecstasy) Aim: -Cool the casualty down. -Replace lost body fluids and salts. -Obtain medical help if necessary.

-Headaches, dizziness, and confusion -Loss of appetite and nausea -Sweating with pale, clammy skin -Cramps in the arms, legs, and abdomen -Rapid, weakening pulse and breathing

-Help the casualty to a cool, shady place. Have them lie down, raise and support the legs. -Give them plenty of water to drink. -Monitor and record vital signs.

Caused by a failure of the brain to regulate body temperature. The body becomes dangerously overheated, usually die to high fever of prolonged exposure to heat. This condition can also result from to heat. This condition can also result from drug use. In some cases, sweating ceases and the body cannot be cooled by evaporation of sweat. Aim: -Lower the body temperature as quickly as possible. -Arrange for transport to the hospital.

-Headache, dizziness, and discomfort -Restlessness and confusion -Hot, flushed, and dry skin -Raid deterioration in the level of response -Full, bounding pulse -Body temperature above 104 degrees

-Move to cool place. Remove as much clothing as possible. Call 911. -Have them sit down and cool the casualty by spraying him with water and fan him repeatedly. Cool, wet sheets may work and ice packs in the armpits and grown will help. -Once temperature appears to return to normal, replace wet sheet with dry one. Monitor and record vital signs.

Develops when the body temperature falls below 95 degrees. Moderate hypothermia can usually be reversed. Severe hypothermia (less than 86 degrees) is often, although not always fatal. Can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold and immersion in cold water. Homeless, elderly, and young children are at highest risk. Aim: -Prevent them from losing more body heat. -Rewarm quickly. -Obtain emergency help.

-Shivering, cold, and pale -Apathy, disorientation, or irrational behavior -Lethargy or impaired consciousness -Slow and shallow breathing, slow and weakening pulse. In extreme cases, the heart may stop

-Take to a sheltered place as quickly as possible. Shield the casualty from the wind. -Protect the casualty from the ground. -Lay them on a thick layer of dry insulating material. -Put them in a dry sleeping bag or cover with blanket. Wrap a plastic or foil survival bag, if available. -Shelter and warm them with your body. -Remove and replace may wet clothing. -Call 911. Give them warm drinks and high energy foods such as chocolate, if available. -Monitor and record vital signs.

-Cover them with layers of blanket and warm the room. -Give them a warm drink and high energy foods. -Seek medical advice -Elderly may be disgusting symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, have an under-active thyroid, or severe infection. -Monitor vital signs. -Infant- temperature mechanism is underdeveloped and may become hypothermic in a cold room. The baby's skin may look healthy but feel cold, and they may be limp and unusually quiet and refuse to feed. -Rewarm the baby by wrapping them in blankets and warm up the room. Seek medical advice.

-Usually affects fingers, toes, nose, and ears. -Severe cases may lead to permanent loss sensation and eventually, tissue death, and gangrene. -Occurs in freezing or cold and windy conditions.

-At first, "pins and needles" sensation -Paleness (pallor) followed by numbness -Hardening and stiffening of the skin -Color change of the skin in affected area -Fist white, then mottled and blue. On recovery skin may be red, hot, and painful and blistering. -Where gangrene occurs, the tissue may become black due to loss of blood supply.

-If hands are affected, have them place the hands in the armpits. -Move to warmth before you thaw the affected part further. -Once inside, gently remove gloves, rings, and any constriction (boots). Warm the affected part with your hands in your lap, or continue to warm thin in the casualty's armpits. -Avoid rubbing the affected area because this can damage the skin and other tissues. -Place the affected part in tepid water, or lower than 104 degrees. Dry gently and apply a light dressing of gauze. -Raise the affected limb to reduce swelling. Take recommended dose of analgesic. Take or send to the hospital.