FIRST AID EMERGENCIES

CALL/DIAL

911IMMEDIATELY

ABOUT 911 CALLS: ABOUT FIRST AID:

If an
•
Dial injured arm or leg begins to swell, make a splint.
9-1-1 First

Aidinjured
If an is the first
armhelp or immediate
or leg care given
begins to swell, makesomeone
a splint.
(Roll
• Stay a magazine
calm. or newspaper
It's important around
to take a deep breathit)
and not get who(Roll
has asuddenly
magazine sickened or been hurt
or newspaper in anit)
around
excited accident
Tie securely
•
Know using
the location pieces
of the of cloth
emergency andtothe
keep the limb
number you are
Tie securely using pieces of cloth to keep the limb
from from.
calling moving.
During the call, you will hear clicking-DO NOT Objectives:
from moving.
hang up! 1-stop life threatening dangers

Make
• Wait a sling
for the for antoinjured
call-taker arm. then answer clearly
ask questions, 2-keep

Make thea victim safe
sling for anfrom further
injured harm
arm.
and calmly and specifically 3-get proper medical help
• Let

If the
the call-taker guide misshapen
limb appears the conversation
or bone is showing,
If the limb appears misshapen or bone is showing,
Vital steps:
CALL
• Follow all911!! Otherwise
directions call an follow
Listen carefully, adult each
to evaluate.
step CALL 911!! Otherwise call an adult to evaluate.
1-Treat life-threatening cases
exactly, and ask for clarification
2-Send for Help
• Keep your eyes open 3-Treat for shock
• Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the call-taker

ABRASIONS/CUTS BEE STINGS

Wear rubber gloves

Use the side of this card or any card and quickly scrape

If the cut is not deep or just a scrape wash the area and apply a it across the area until the stinger comes out
Band-Aid, or gauze (with tape)

If the cut is deeper, apply direct pressure using a clean cloth or large
Wash with soap and cool water and apply an ice pack
gauze pad until bleeding stops and then clean and bandage the or cold compress
area

CALL 911 if the person knows they are allergic or if

If there is a large amount of blood or you are not able to stop the
bleeding call 911 they have trouble breathing or show other signs of an
allergy such as swelling of the face or tongue, hives
fainting or itching
 SEVERE BLEEDING (1) SEVERE BLEEDING (2)

Remove any obvious dirt or debris from the wound. Don't remove
Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has
large or deeply embedded objects. Don't probe the wound or attempt stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to
to clean it yet. Wear disposable protective gloves if available the emergency room as soon as possible

Stop the bleeding. Place a sterile bandage or clean cloth on the
Call 911 or your local emergency number if the bleeding is the
wound. Press the bandage firmly with your palm to control bleeding. result of major trauma or injury. Also call for emergency help if you
Maintain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage or a suspect internal bleeding
piece of clean cloth. Secure with adhesive tape. Use your hands if
nothing else is available Tourniquets: Apply a tourniquet if you're trained in how to do so. When

Don't remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding seeps through emergency help arrives, explain how long the tourniquet has been in
the gauze or other cloth on the wound, add another bandage on top of place
it. And keep pressing firmly on the area

Raise the injured part above the level of the heart Signs of internal bleeding include: Bleeding from a body opening, such

Help the injured person lie down, preferably on a rug or blanket to as the ear, mouth, nose, etc.; Vomiting or coughing up blood; Bruising; A
prevent loss of body heat. If possible, elevate the legs in place tender or swollen stomach; Cold, clammy skin; Thirst; Fractures; Shock,
indicated by a rapid, weak pulse, pallor, sweating, rapid breathing and
decreased alertness

BLISTERS BREAKS/FRACTURES

Never pop a blister.
If a fracture is the result of a serious injury, CALL 911

Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile

Keep the area clean and protected with a fresh bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of
Band-Aid clothing

Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone or

If the area is being rubbed (such as the heel by new push a bone that's sticking out back in. If you've been trained
shoes) remove the item rubbing it or cover it with in how to splint, apply a splint to the area above and below the
fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort
mole skin or gauze for padding

Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain. Don't
apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel, piece of

Inform an adult if the area appears infected cloth or some other material

Treat for shock. If the person feels faint or is breathing in
To drain a blister, use a sterilized needle and gently poke short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly
through the side of the blister and drain, then clean lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.

BURNS CHOKING
1st/2nd Degree Burn: Skin turns red, possibly blisters Have someone else call 911 immediately, and/or if you are alone with
the victim and their airway is blocked, use the "five-and-five" approach:

Immediately cool burned area in cool water until there is

Give 5 back blows. Deliver five back blows between the person's
little to no pain (5-15 minutes) shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Pat dry and cover with a moist dressing or bandage
Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known
loosely as the Heimlich maneuver).

Don’t break any blisters
Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dis-

NO lotions, creams, ointments, or sprays lodged.
To perform Heimlich maneuver (can be done on the victim or yourself):

Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the
3rd Degree Burn: Skin can be burned away and some person forward slightly (if on yourself lean over a chair/hard surface)
flesh will be charred
Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a

NO LOTIONS, CREAMS, OINTMENTS or SPRAY! quick, upward thrust-as if trying to lift the person up

DON’T REMOVE CLOTHES!
 CPR/COMPRESS CPR/AIRWAY
Have someone else call 911 immediately, and/or if you are alone with Airway: Clear the airway
the victim and their airway is blocked, use the "C-A-B" approach If you're trained in CPR and you've performed 30 chest
(compressions-airway-breathing): compressions, open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift
Compressions: Restore blood circulation maneuver.

Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.
Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back.

Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the

Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, airway
between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand.
Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds.
Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above Look for chest motion, listen for normal breath sounds, and feel for the
your hands. person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not normal

Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight breathing
down on (compress) the chest at least 2 inches (approximately 5 cen-
If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR,
timeters). Push hard at a rate of about 100 compressions a minute. begin mouth-to-mouth breathing.
If you haven't been trained in CPR, continue chest compressions until there are If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you
signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over. If you have haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth
been trained in CPR, go on to checking the airway and rescue breathing. breathing and continue chest compressions.

CPR/BREATHING HEAD TRAUMA

Breathing: Breathe for the person Symptoms:
Severe head or facial bleeding; Bleeding or fluid leakage from the nose or ears;
Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to- Severe headache; Change in level of consciousness for more than a few seconds;
nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened. Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears; Vomiting;

With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), Cessation of breathing; Confusion; Loss of balance; Weakness or an inability to
pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the use an arm or leg; Unequal pupil size; Slurred speech; Seizures;
In children: Above or; Crying; Refusal to Eat; Bulging in the soft spot at forehead
person's mouth with yours, making a seal.

Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath Treatment:
— lasting one second — and watch to see if the chest rises. If it
Keep the person still. Until medical help arrives, keep the injured person lying
does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat down and quiet, with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the
the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath. person unless necessary, and avoid moving the person's neck. If the person is
Thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths is con- wearing a helmet, don't remove it.
sidered one cycle.
Stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a
clean cloth. But don't apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull

Resume chest compressions to restore circulation. fracture.

Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or emergency
Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of
medical personnel take over. circulation — no breathing, coughing or movement — begin CPR.

HEAT EXHAUSTION HEAT STROKE

Symptoms: Symptoms:
Pale face with cold sweat, shallow breathing, nausea and vomit- Fever >104; confusion, agitation, slurred speech; Hot, dry
ing, dilated pupils, headache, dizziness skin or heavy sweating; Nausea and vomiting; Flushed skin;
Rapid pulse; Rapid breathing; Headache; Fainting
Treatment:

Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air- Treatment:
conditioned place
SEND FOR HELP/CALL 911!!!

Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly
Quickly get to a cool shady spot

Remove tight or heavy clothing
Lay on back with head and shoulders up

Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic bev-

Undress down to underwear
erage without caffeine

Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool
Cover with dripping wet towels; Spray with a garden
water and fanning hose; Sponge with cool water; Fan while misting with cool

Monitor the person carefully. water; Place ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin
 HYPOTHERMIA INSECT BITES
Symptoms: Shivering; Slurred speech; Slow, shallow breathing; Weak pulse;
TICKS burrow their heads in your skin. Remove any that you
Clumsiness /lack of coordination; Drowsiness/low energy; Confusion/memory loss;
Loss of consciousness; Bright red, cold skin (in infants)
find. Grasp it with tweezers and gently pull it away from the
skin. Wash area with soap and water
Treatment:

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911
CHIGGERS burrow into the skin & cause itching & redness.

Gently move the person out of the cold. If outside, protect the person from the Don’t scratch. Use calamine lotion or clear fingernail polish
wind, especially around the neck and head. Insulate the individual from the
cold ground

Gently remove wet clothing. Replace wet things with warm, dry coats or

Poisonous Bites & Stings: CALL 911, be sure the victim keeps
blankets breathing, if bite is on arm or leg use a constricting band.

If further warming is needed, do so gradually/slowly. Apply warm, dry Tighten it to stop blood flow, keep arm or leg below body.
compresses to the center of the body (neck, chest and groin—NOT LEGS OR Use cold compress on bite, treat for shock, get medical care
ARMS). If you use hot water bottles or hot pack, wrap in towel first quickly!!

Offer the person warm, sweet, nonalcoholic drinks

Begin CPR if no signs of life, such as breathing, coughing or movement

NOSEBLEED PUNCTURE WOUNDS

Sit upright and lean forward Puncture wounds can be caused by pins, splinters, nails,

Use your thumb and index finger to pinch your nostrils shut. fishhooks, and knives. These can allow tetanus germs into a
Breathe through your mouth. Pinch for 5-10 min wound that is hard to clean.

To prevent re-bleeding, don't pick or blow your nose and don't
bend down for several hours after the bleeding episode. Treatment:
During this time remember to keep your head higher than the
Take out any foreign matter (e.g. use tweezers to remove a
level of your heart splinter); squeezing gently around the wound

If re-bleeding occurs, blow out forcefully to clear your nose of
Wash wound with soap and water
blood clots and spray both sides of the nose with a
Apply a sterile bandage and get the person to the doctor.
decongestant nasal spray. Pinch your nose again as They may need a tetanus shot
described above and call your doctor
If snagged by a fishhook, carefully push the barb out of the

Seek emergency care if bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 min or skin and snip the barb off with pliers, then back the barbless
nosebleed follows an accident, a fall or an injury to the head, hook out of the wound.
or a punch in the face that may have broken the nose

POISONING (1) POISONING (2)

Symptoms: Treatment:
Burns or redness around the mouth and lips; Breath that
Call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, having
smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner; difficulty breathing, having seizures, agitated, etc
Vomiting; Difficulty breathing; Drowsiness; Confusion or
Call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 if the person is alert and
calm
other altered mental status;

Until help arrives, treat as below:
Swallowed poison: Remove anything remaining in the person's mouth. If the suspected
poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container's label and follow instruc-
If you suspect poisoning, be alert for clues such as empty tions for accidental poisoning.
bottles or packages, scattered pills, and burns, stains and Poison on the skin: Remove any contaminated clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for 15 to
20 minutes in a shower or with a hose.
odors on the person or nearby objects. Poison in the eye. Gently flush the eye with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes or until
help arrives.
Inhaled poisons: Get the person into fresh air as soon as possible.
With a child, consider the possibility that he or she may If the person vomits, turn his or her head to the side to prevent choking. Begin CPR if the
person shows no signs of life, such as moving, breathing or coughing. Have somebody gather
have applied medicated patches or swallowed a button pill bottles, packages or containers with labels, and any other information about the poison to
send along with the ambulance team.
battery.
 SHOCK SNAKE BITES
Symptoms:
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!!
Confused behavior; very fast or very slow breathing; very
Move to a safe distance
fast or very slow pulse rate; weakness in the arms and
Lay victim down and place the bitten part lower than the
legs; cool and moist skin; pale or bluish skin, lips, finger- rest of the body, particularly the heart. Keep victim calm
nails; and enlarged pupils and quiet

Put a constricting band 2”-4” above the bite to slow
Treatment: spread of venom. Make it tight enough that it’s not easy

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!! to push fingers in. If it starts to swell loosen the band

Have them lie down on their back and elevate their feet
Treat victim for shock

Keep the person warm and comfortable
If you know what kind of snake it was tell the dispatcher or responders,

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANYTHING TO DRINK! note any distinguishing colors or markings, or if you are at a safe distance

If they are vomiting place them on their side and can see the snake, take a photo to help identify. The most venomous

Treat any injuries snakes are the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead.

SPRAINS/STRAINS SLINGS

If
Rest
an injured
the sprained
arm ororleg
strained
beginsarea.
to swell,
If necessary,
make a splint.
use a 1. To make a sling, cut a piece of cloth, such as a
(Roll a
sling formagazine
an arm injury
or newspaper
or crutchesaround
for a leg
it) or foot pillowcase, about 40 inches square. Then cut or fold
injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an the square diagonally to make a triangle. Slip one

Tie
adjacent
securely
finger
using
or toe
pieces of cloth to keep the limb end of the bandage under the arm and over the

Ice
fromfor
moving.
20 minutes every hour. Never put ice directly
shoulder. Bring the other end of the bandage over
against the skin or it may damage the skin. Use a thin

towel
Make fora sling
protection
for an injured arm. the other shoulder, cradling the arm

Compress by wrapping an elastic (Ace) bandage or

sleeve
If the limb
lightly
appears
(not tightly)
misshapen
around
or the
bonejoint
is showing,
or limb. 2. Tie the ends of the bandage behind the neck.
Specialized
CALL 911!! braces,
Otherwisesuchcall
as an
for adult
the ankle,
to evaluate.
can work Fasten the edge of the bandage, near the
better than an elastic bandage for removing the elbow, with a safety pin
swelling

Elevate the area above heart level if possible

SPLINTS TRANSPORTING
For a lower arm or wrist fracture (left), carefully
Walking Assist:
If an injured armBring
or legone of the
begins to arms
swell,over
make your
a splint.
place a folded newspaper, magazine, or heavy piece shoulder & hold on or
(Roll a magazine to their wrist. Place
newspaper yourit)free arm
around
of clothing under the arm. Tie it in place with pieces around their waist.

One-Person
Tie securelyCarry: Best way
using pieces is to carry
of cloth to keepthemthe piggy-
limb
of cloth. A lower leg or ankle fracture (right) can be back.
from moving.
splinted similarly, with a bulky garment or blanket
Two-Person Carry: Two people kneel on either side of
wrapped and secured around the limb.
the
Makepatient. Each
a sling forslide one arm
an injured under the patient’s back &
arm.
the other under her thighs. The bearers grasp wrists &
A person with a hip or pelvis fracture should not be
shoulders
If the limb&appears
rise frommisshapen
the ground or with the victim
bone between
is showing,
moved. If the person must be moved, the legs
Four-Handed Seat Carry: Each bearer grasps own
CALL 911!! Otherwise call an adult to evaluate.
right wrist with left hand. Then grasp other bearers wrist
should be strapped together (with a towel or blanket with free hand. Patient sits on hands and wraps arms
in between them) and the person gently placed on a around shoulders
board, as for a back injury.