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Basic First Aid
This page will cover all basic first aid information and test components. Please read the following
information thoroughly and once you are finished, you may complete the test portion located on
the First Aid test page. Take notes along the way, it never hurts! When the test is completed,
please print it out and mail the test along with a check or money order to:
Ripp's Rescue CPR, LLC
3229 NE 44th Avenue
High Springs, FL 32643
**If you enclose a check, please note that we will send your certification card(s) out once the
check has cleared the bank. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter!
information thoroughly and once you are finished, you may complete the test portion located on
the First Aid test page. Take notes along the way, it never hurts! When the test is completed,
please print it out and mail the test along with a check or money order to:
Ripp's Rescue CPR, LLC
3229 NE 44th Avenue
High Springs, FL 32643
**If you enclose a check, please note that we will send your certification card(s) out once the
check has cleared the bank. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter!
This serves as a guide for basic first aid. For the purpose of this program, basic first aid is defined as assessments and
interventions that can be performed by a bystander (or by the victim) with minimal or no medical equipment.
Section 1: Access, Alert, and Attend
Universal First Aid Procedures
ACCESS:
*If it is not safe, or at anytime becomes unsafe, GET OUT!!!
*Observe Universal Precautions. Use Personal Protective Equipment!
*If victim is awake and talking, identify yourself; ask if it is okay to help.
*If victim appears weak, seriously ill or injured or is unresponsive...
ALERT:
ALERT EMS (Call 9-1-1) or activate your Emergency Action Plan.
ATTEND:
A=Airway
*Open airway
If unresponsive, tilt head - lift chin
B=Breathing
*Check breathing
Look, listen and feel for at least 5 seconds, but no more than 10.
UNRESPONSIVE, not breathing - Perform CPR
UNRESPONSIVE, breathing normally - Place in recovery position. If injured, use HAINES position
C=Circulation
Look for and control severe bleeding with direct pressure.
Monitor tissue color and temperature.
Help maintain normal body temperature.
If it is available and you are properly trained, give emergency oxygen.
If you suspect a spinal injury, place both hands on both sides of victim's head to stabilize it.
If you suspect a limb injury, place your hands above and below the injury to stabilize it.
NOTE: There is no evidence there has ever been a single successful lawsuit in the United States against a person
providing first aid in good faith. Still, it is necessary to use common sense. Never attempt skills that exceed your
training. Don't move a victim unless their life is in danger. Call for an ambulance immediately, even if you decide not
to give first aid. Always ask a responsive victim for permission before giving care. Once you have started first aid,
don't stop until qualified help arrives or the scene becomes unsafe.
Section 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the First Aid Provider
Roles:
*Recognize the emergency and decide to help.
*SAFETY FIRST (for yourself, the victim, and bystanders).
*If the victim is responsive, get their okay to help.
*Quickly look and care for life-threatening conditions.
*Continue care until someone with equal or more training takes over.
*Cooperate with employer and/or public safety workers (fire, EMS, law enforcement).
Responsibilities:
*Maintain composure. Do not further harm.
*Maintain personal health and safety.
*Maintain caring attitude.
*Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
*Without putting yourself in danger, make the victims' needs your main concern.
Make sure you look for medical identification jewelry and provide care based on findings when possible.
Skill Guide #1
Proper removal of contaminated gloves:
1. Without touching bare skin, grasp either palm with the fingers of the opposite hand.
2. Gently pull the glove away from the palm and toward the fingers. Remove inside out. Hold on to the glove removed
with the fingers of the opposite hand.
3. Without touching the outside of the contaminated glove, carefully slide the ungloved index finger inside the wrist
band of the gloved hand.
4. Gently pulling outwards and down toward the fingers, remove the glove inside out.
5. Throw away both gloves in an appropriate container.
6. Use an alcohol-based hand run to clean your hands and other exposed skin.
Section 3: Bleeding, Shock, and Soft Tissue Injuries
Severe external bleeding - a large amount of blood is pumping, gushing, or pouring from an open wound. Pain and
shock can accompany this condition. Apply direct pressure and observe universal precautions and use protective
equipment.
Internal bleeding - abdominal pain, blood in stool or urine, vomit, and shock can occur.
Shock - Early shock in a victim can make the victim appear uneasy, restless, or worried.
Prolonged shock signs/symptoms are: changes in responsiveness
Cool, wet skin from heavy sweating
Pale or bluish tissue color
Shivering
Intense thirst
Nausea/vomiting
Shallow or gasping breathing
Below normal body temperature
In the event that prolonged shock occurs, take the following steps:
-Keep airway open
-Assure normal breathing
-Control severe bleeding
-Maintain normal body temperature and prevent chilling or overheating
-If it is available and you are properly trained, give emergency oxygen
-It is best to leave the victim lying flat, especially when there are serious injuries to the pelvis, lower limbs, head,
chest, abdomen, neck, or back
Skill Guide #2
Apply Direct Pressure:
Rip or cut away the clothing so the wound can be seen
Place an absorbent pad directly over the wound
Apply firm direct pressure over the wound
Victim can do this for themselves if they are able
Apply Pressure Bandage:
Wrap an elastic bandage snugly over the pad to maintain pressure and hold the gauze in place
Snugly means a finger can be slipped under the bandage
If Bleeding Continues:
Or the first dressings become soaked with blood, apply more pads dressings, and maintain direct pressure
DO NOT remove first dressings
Manage Shock:
Keep victim flat
Assure an open airway and adequate breathing
Keep the bleeding under control
Prevent chilling or overheating
It is best to leave the victim lying flat
Give emergency oxygen if you are properly trained to do so
Bites and Stings:
Most bites and stings usually cause only minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching that lasts from a few hours to a
few days. First aid is usually all that is needed to relieve pain and itching from minor reactions. However, the bites
and stings from venomous snakes, insects or marine animals can cause intense pain and swelling. If not treated
promptly and correctly, they can even cause serious illness or death. Bites from humans and other animals, such as
dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, and rats, can cause severe injury and infection, including tetanus and rabies. Some
people have severe allergic reactions to bites or stings that can be life-threatening. All wounds, including those
caused by bites and stings, require the same general approach: control bleeding, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
Occasionally, the most important first aid measure is rapid transport to comprehensive medical care.
Venomous Snake Bite (i.e. Cottonmouth, rattlesnake):
Signs/Symptoms can include single or double fang marks, bleeding, intense burning pain and local swelling. If left
untreated, swelling may involve the entire limb within hours. When the whole body is effected look for nausea,
vomiting, sweating, fever, weakness, numbness, altered mental state and shock. First aid treatment for a venomous
snake bite includes:
-If bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or absorbent pad
-Remove jewelry and constrictive clothing
-Cover bite with an adhesive
-Keep the injured part immobilized below the heart level
-Keep the victim warm, reassured and quiet
-Seek medical attention
-DO NOT cut through snakebite wounds; apply ice or tourniquets. These are of no proven value and may be
dangerous.
SEVERE REACTIONS - Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
Venomous Spider Bite (i.e. Widow, brown, or violin spiders):
Signs/Symptoms can include bite site tender and swollen, painful, itchy, and red; puncture marks and bleeding; heat
over the affected area. When the whole body is effected you may notice cramping pain and muscular rigidity in
stomach, shoulders or back; fever, chills, rash, anxiety/weakness, nausea/vomiting, rash and difficulty breathing. First
aid treatment includes:
-Remove jewelry and constrictive clothing
-Wash with clean, running tap water for several minutes
-Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or a gauze pad
-Apply ice to the injury to reduce pain and swelling
-Keep the victim warm, reassured and quiet
-Seek medical attention
SEVERE REACTIONS - Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
Human or Animal bite:
Minor to Moderate bites include bruising or a break in the skin; signs of infection; increasing pain; bite site redness;
swelling, pus, warmth, red streaks, and fever.
Severe bites include a large amount of blood pumping, gushing, or pouring from an open wound; pain; shock.
First Aid treatment includes:
-If bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or an absorbent pad
-Wash with clean, running tap water for about 5 minutes
-Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad
-Apply ice to the injury to reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling. To prevent a cold injury, place a thin towel or cloth
between the cold source and skin. Limit the application to 20 minutes or less.
-Seek medical attention
SEVERE BITES:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-Control severe bleeding and care for shock
-Save any tissue parts that were bitten off. Treat as an amputation.
Nosebleeds:
Most nosebleeds are not serious and can be handled easily by the first aid provider. In rare cases, a nosebleed can
lead to massive bleeding and even death.
Signs/Symptoms can include bleeding from one nostril; blood can drip down the throat or into the stomach, causing a
victim to spit or vomit blood; anxious, pale, clammy, weakness/fainting, nausea and vomiting.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Have the victim sit up straight with their head tilted forward
-Pinch the nose with thumb and index finger for 10 minutes
-Have the victim spit out and blood that collect in the mouth
-DO NOT tilt the head back or have the victim lay down as these actions can cause the victim to swallow blood and
vomit
-DO NOT pack gauze in the nose
Section 3: Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries
Closed fracture, strain, sprain, or dislocation
Signs/Symptoms can include sharp pain, swelling, deformity, tenderness, bruising, joint locked into position, and
anxiety/weakness.
Open fracture
Signs/Symptoms can include bleeding, pain, swelling, deformity, pale/clammy, nausea/vomiting, and substantial
blood loss from open fractures is possible
First Aid treatment includes:
-Expose the injury by gently cutting away clothing
-If a bone is sticking out of the body, control bleeding by applying gentle pressure around it
-Cover open wounds with a sterile or clean dressing
-Remove all jewelry from the injured part and give it to the victim, as swelling may occur
-Do not remove shoes or boots, unless there is severe bleeding from the foot
-Apply ice to the injury to reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling
-Gently place your hands above and below the injury site to limit movement and prevent further injury
Skill Guide #3
Emergency Action Steps:
*Assess Scene
*Assess Victim
*Alert
*Attend to the ABC's
-Cover open wounds with a sterile dressing and if the bone is sticking out, control bleeding by applying gentle
pressure around it
-Apply ice or a cold pack to decrease pain, bleeding, and swelling
-Manually stabilize injured limb by placing your hands above and below the injury to limit movement and prevent
further injury while awaiting EMS to arrive
If you suspect there is a spinal injury present, follow all steps in Skill Guide #3 and protect airway by using the HAINES
position.
Section 4: Sudden Illness: Severe allergic reation/anaphylaxis
Signs/Symptoms include a sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves the whole body; swelling of the eyelids,
throat, and tongue that can block airway; anxiety; hives/itching; sensation of heart pounding; abdominal pain and
cramping; diarrhea; extreme difficulty breathing; coughing or wheezing; altered mental status; blueness of skin, lips,
and nail beds.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend the ABC's
-If the victim carries a lifesaving **epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by a physician, help them use it
-If the victim is unable, the first aid provider should administer it
-Comfort, calm, and reassure while awaiting EMS
**Directions for use of epinephrine auto-injector:
-Unscrew yellow or green cap and remove from storage tube
-Grasp unit with black tip pointing downward
-With your other hand, pull off the gray safety release
-Hold black tip near outer thigh
-Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until it clicks so that unit is at a 90 degree angle to thigh (injector is designed to
work through clothing)
-Hold firmly for approximately 10 seconds
-Remove unit from thigh and massage injection area for 10 seconds
-Call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention
-Take auto-injector to the emergency room with you
Diabetes:
Chronic disease that leads to an imbalance of blood sugar and insulin.
Low blood sugar signs include altered mental status; pale/sweaty appearance; pounding heart; victim may appear
drunk; hungry/weak; fainting; seizure and unconsciousness.
Very high blood sugar signs include altered mental status; nausea/vomiting; flushed, hot, dry skin; a strong, fruity
breath odor; drowsiness/difficulty waking up; rapid, deep breathing, and unconsciousness.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
Seizures:
A sudden attack, usually related to excessive electrical activity in the brain.
Seizures can be caused by:
-Epilepsy
-Head Injury
-Brain Tumor
-Meningitis
-Stroke
-Very low blood sugar
First Aid treatment is very simple: DO NOT restrain; guide victim away from dangerous situations; comfort, calm, and
stay with victim until fully recovered. Rarely, a seizure can be complex, in which you want to stay calm and take note of
the length of time seizure lasted.
Stroke is the interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain, resulting in damaged brain tissue.
Signs/Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg on one side of the body; sudden
confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking;
sudden, severe headache; mini-stroke can occur and may lead to severe stroke.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Ask victim to smile, raise both arms, and to speak a simple sentence
-If the victim has trouble with any of these tasks, they may be having a stroke
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-If the victim is breathing and unconscious, put them in recovery position
Poison:
Any substance that causes injury, illness, or death when swallowed, contacted by skin or inhaled. Signs and
Symptoms are wide-ranging and variable. Please contact the Poison Center @ 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison
expert.
Section 5: Heat and Cold - Related illness and injury
Heat Exhaustion develops when the body encounters high temperatures it is not used to. Early signs/symptoms can
include heavy sweating; thirsty; minor muscle "twitches" that progress to painful cramping. Prolonged
signs/symptoms can include pale, cool, and moist skin; headache; nausea/vomiting; weak or dizzy feeling; and faint
or collapse.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Asses, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-Have the victim lie down in a shady cool place
-Loosen or remove excess clothing
-Give cool sports drinks to replace lost fluid, salts and minerals. If not available, give cool water
-Apply cool, wet cloths to the victim's skin, groin, neck, and armpits
-Use a fan to lower the body temperature
Heat Stroke results in severe injury from high body temperature.
Signs/Symptoms include altered mental status; hot, red, dry skin or heavy sweating; seizure; and unconsciousness.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-Begin cooling with any resources available
-Spray or pour water on the victim and fan them
-Apply ice packs to the groin, neck, and armpits and/or cover the victim with a wet sheet
-Place the victim on his or her side in the recovery position
-DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth if vomiting or unconscious
interventions that can be performed by a bystander (or by the victim) with minimal or no medical equipment.
Section 1: Access, Alert, and Attend
Universal First Aid Procedures
ACCESS:
*If it is not safe, or at anytime becomes unsafe, GET OUT!!!
*Observe Universal Precautions. Use Personal Protective Equipment!
*If victim is awake and talking, identify yourself; ask if it is okay to help.
*If victim appears weak, seriously ill or injured or is unresponsive...
ALERT:
ALERT EMS (Call 9-1-1) or activate your Emergency Action Plan.
ATTEND:
A=Airway
*Open airway
If unresponsive, tilt head - lift chin
B=Breathing
*Check breathing
Look, listen and feel for at least 5 seconds, but no more than 10.
UNRESPONSIVE, not breathing - Perform CPR
UNRESPONSIVE, breathing normally - Place in recovery position. If injured, use HAINES position
C=Circulation
Look for and control severe bleeding with direct pressure.
Monitor tissue color and temperature.
Help maintain normal body temperature.
If it is available and you are properly trained, give emergency oxygen.
If you suspect a spinal injury, place both hands on both sides of victim's head to stabilize it.
If you suspect a limb injury, place your hands above and below the injury to stabilize it.
NOTE: There is no evidence there has ever been a single successful lawsuit in the United States against a person
providing first aid in good faith. Still, it is necessary to use common sense. Never attempt skills that exceed your
training. Don't move a victim unless their life is in danger. Call for an ambulance immediately, even if you decide not
to give first aid. Always ask a responsive victim for permission before giving care. Once you have started first aid,
don't stop until qualified help arrives or the scene becomes unsafe.
Section 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the First Aid Provider
Roles:
*Recognize the emergency and decide to help.
*SAFETY FIRST (for yourself, the victim, and bystanders).
*If the victim is responsive, get their okay to help.
*Quickly look and care for life-threatening conditions.
*Continue care until someone with equal or more training takes over.
*Cooperate with employer and/or public safety workers (fire, EMS, law enforcement).
Responsibilities:
*Maintain composure. Do not further harm.
*Maintain personal health and safety.
*Maintain caring attitude.
*Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
*Without putting yourself in danger, make the victims' needs your main concern.
Make sure you look for medical identification jewelry and provide care based on findings when possible.
Skill Guide #1
Proper removal of contaminated gloves:
1. Without touching bare skin, grasp either palm with the fingers of the opposite hand.
2. Gently pull the glove away from the palm and toward the fingers. Remove inside out. Hold on to the glove removed
with the fingers of the opposite hand.
3. Without touching the outside of the contaminated glove, carefully slide the ungloved index finger inside the wrist
band of the gloved hand.
4. Gently pulling outwards and down toward the fingers, remove the glove inside out.
5. Throw away both gloves in an appropriate container.
6. Use an alcohol-based hand run to clean your hands and other exposed skin.
Section 3: Bleeding, Shock, and Soft Tissue Injuries
Severe external bleeding - a large amount of blood is pumping, gushing, or pouring from an open wound. Pain and
shock can accompany this condition. Apply direct pressure and observe universal precautions and use protective
equipment.
Internal bleeding - abdominal pain, blood in stool or urine, vomit, and shock can occur.
Shock - Early shock in a victim can make the victim appear uneasy, restless, or worried.
Prolonged shock signs/symptoms are: changes in responsiveness
Cool, wet skin from heavy sweating
Pale or bluish tissue color
Shivering
Intense thirst
Nausea/vomiting
Shallow or gasping breathing
Below normal body temperature
In the event that prolonged shock occurs, take the following steps:
-Keep airway open
-Assure normal breathing
-Control severe bleeding
-Maintain normal body temperature and prevent chilling or overheating
-If it is available and you are properly trained, give emergency oxygen
-It is best to leave the victim lying flat, especially when there are serious injuries to the pelvis, lower limbs, head,
chest, abdomen, neck, or back
Skill Guide #2
Apply Direct Pressure:
Rip or cut away the clothing so the wound can be seen
Place an absorbent pad directly over the wound
Apply firm direct pressure over the wound
Victim can do this for themselves if they are able
Apply Pressure Bandage:
Wrap an elastic bandage snugly over the pad to maintain pressure and hold the gauze in place
Snugly means a finger can be slipped under the bandage
If Bleeding Continues:
Or the first dressings become soaked with blood, apply more pads dressings, and maintain direct pressure
DO NOT remove first dressings
Manage Shock:
Keep victim flat
Assure an open airway and adequate breathing
Keep the bleeding under control
Prevent chilling or overheating
It is best to leave the victim lying flat
Give emergency oxygen if you are properly trained to do so
Bites and Stings:
Most bites and stings usually cause only minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching that lasts from a few hours to a
few days. First aid is usually all that is needed to relieve pain and itching from minor reactions. However, the bites
and stings from venomous snakes, insects or marine animals can cause intense pain and swelling. If not treated
promptly and correctly, they can even cause serious illness or death. Bites from humans and other animals, such as
dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, and rats, can cause severe injury and infection, including tetanus and rabies. Some
people have severe allergic reactions to bites or stings that can be life-threatening. All wounds, including those
caused by bites and stings, require the same general approach: control bleeding, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
Occasionally, the most important first aid measure is rapid transport to comprehensive medical care.
Venomous Snake Bite (i.e. Cottonmouth, rattlesnake):
Signs/Symptoms can include single or double fang marks, bleeding, intense burning pain and local swelling. If left
untreated, swelling may involve the entire limb within hours. When the whole body is effected look for nausea,
vomiting, sweating, fever, weakness, numbness, altered mental state and shock. First aid treatment for a venomous
snake bite includes:
-If bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or absorbent pad
-Remove jewelry and constrictive clothing
-Cover bite with an adhesive
-Keep the injured part immobilized below the heart level
-Keep the victim warm, reassured and quiet
-Seek medical attention
-DO NOT cut through snakebite wounds; apply ice or tourniquets. These are of no proven value and may be
dangerous.
SEVERE REACTIONS - Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
Venomous Spider Bite (i.e. Widow, brown, or violin spiders):
Signs/Symptoms can include bite site tender and swollen, painful, itchy, and red; puncture marks and bleeding; heat
over the affected area. When the whole body is effected you may notice cramping pain and muscular rigidity in
stomach, shoulders or back; fever, chills, rash, anxiety/weakness, nausea/vomiting, rash and difficulty breathing. First
aid treatment includes:
-Remove jewelry and constrictive clothing
-Wash with clean, running tap water for several minutes
-Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or a gauze pad
-Apply ice to the injury to reduce pain and swelling
-Keep the victim warm, reassured and quiet
-Seek medical attention
SEVERE REACTIONS - Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
Human or Animal bite:
Minor to Moderate bites include bruising or a break in the skin; signs of infection; increasing pain; bite site redness;
swelling, pus, warmth, red streaks, and fever.
Severe bites include a large amount of blood pumping, gushing, or pouring from an open wound; pain; shock.
First Aid treatment includes:
-If bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or an absorbent pad
-Wash with clean, running tap water for about 5 minutes
-Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad
-Apply ice to the injury to reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling. To prevent a cold injury, place a thin towel or cloth
between the cold source and skin. Limit the application to 20 minutes or less.
-Seek medical attention
SEVERE BITES:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-Control severe bleeding and care for shock
-Save any tissue parts that were bitten off. Treat as an amputation.
Nosebleeds:
Most nosebleeds are not serious and can be handled easily by the first aid provider. In rare cases, a nosebleed can
lead to massive bleeding and even death.
Signs/Symptoms can include bleeding from one nostril; blood can drip down the throat or into the stomach, causing a
victim to spit or vomit blood; anxious, pale, clammy, weakness/fainting, nausea and vomiting.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Have the victim sit up straight with their head tilted forward
-Pinch the nose with thumb and index finger for 10 minutes
-Have the victim spit out and blood that collect in the mouth
-DO NOT tilt the head back or have the victim lay down as these actions can cause the victim to swallow blood and
vomit
-DO NOT pack gauze in the nose
Section 3: Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries
Closed fracture, strain, sprain, or dislocation
Signs/Symptoms can include sharp pain, swelling, deformity, tenderness, bruising, joint locked into position, and
anxiety/weakness.
Open fracture
Signs/Symptoms can include bleeding, pain, swelling, deformity, pale/clammy, nausea/vomiting, and substantial
blood loss from open fractures is possible
First Aid treatment includes:
-Expose the injury by gently cutting away clothing
-If a bone is sticking out of the body, control bleeding by applying gentle pressure around it
-Cover open wounds with a sterile or clean dressing
-Remove all jewelry from the injured part and give it to the victim, as swelling may occur
-Do not remove shoes or boots, unless there is severe bleeding from the foot
-Apply ice to the injury to reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling
-Gently place your hands above and below the injury site to limit movement and prevent further injury
Skill Guide #3
Emergency Action Steps:
*Assess Scene
*Assess Victim
*Alert
*Attend to the ABC's
-Cover open wounds with a sterile dressing and if the bone is sticking out, control bleeding by applying gentle
pressure around it
-Apply ice or a cold pack to decrease pain, bleeding, and swelling
-Manually stabilize injured limb by placing your hands above and below the injury to limit movement and prevent
further injury while awaiting EMS to arrive
If you suspect there is a spinal injury present, follow all steps in Skill Guide #3 and protect airway by using the HAINES
position.
Section 4: Sudden Illness: Severe allergic reation/anaphylaxis
Signs/Symptoms include a sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves the whole body; swelling of the eyelids,
throat, and tongue that can block airway; anxiety; hives/itching; sensation of heart pounding; abdominal pain and
cramping; diarrhea; extreme difficulty breathing; coughing or wheezing; altered mental status; blueness of skin, lips,
and nail beds.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend the ABC's
-If the victim carries a lifesaving **epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by a physician, help them use it
-If the victim is unable, the first aid provider should administer it
-Comfort, calm, and reassure while awaiting EMS
**Directions for use of epinephrine auto-injector:
-Unscrew yellow or green cap and remove from storage tube
-Grasp unit with black tip pointing downward
-With your other hand, pull off the gray safety release
-Hold black tip near outer thigh
-Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until it clicks so that unit is at a 90 degree angle to thigh (injector is designed to
work through clothing)
-Hold firmly for approximately 10 seconds
-Remove unit from thigh and massage injection area for 10 seconds
-Call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical attention
-Take auto-injector to the emergency room with you
Diabetes:
Chronic disease that leads to an imbalance of blood sugar and insulin.
Low blood sugar signs include altered mental status; pale/sweaty appearance; pounding heart; victim may appear
drunk; hungry/weak; fainting; seizure and unconsciousness.
Very high blood sugar signs include altered mental status; nausea/vomiting; flushed, hot, dry skin; a strong, fruity
breath odor; drowsiness/difficulty waking up; rapid, deep breathing, and unconsciousness.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
Seizures:
A sudden attack, usually related to excessive electrical activity in the brain.
Seizures can be caused by:
-Epilepsy
-Head Injury
-Brain Tumor
-Meningitis
-Stroke
-Very low blood sugar
First Aid treatment is very simple: DO NOT restrain; guide victim away from dangerous situations; comfort, calm, and
stay with victim until fully recovered. Rarely, a seizure can be complex, in which you want to stay calm and take note of
the length of time seizure lasted.
Stroke is the interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain, resulting in damaged brain tissue.
Signs/Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg on one side of the body; sudden
confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking;
sudden, severe headache; mini-stroke can occur and may lead to severe stroke.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Ask victim to smile, raise both arms, and to speak a simple sentence
-If the victim has trouble with any of these tasks, they may be having a stroke
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-If the victim is breathing and unconscious, put them in recovery position
Poison:
Any substance that causes injury, illness, or death when swallowed, contacted by skin or inhaled. Signs and
Symptoms are wide-ranging and variable. Please contact the Poison Center @ 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison
expert.
Section 5: Heat and Cold - Related illness and injury
Heat Exhaustion develops when the body encounters high temperatures it is not used to. Early signs/symptoms can
include heavy sweating; thirsty; minor muscle "twitches" that progress to painful cramping. Prolonged
signs/symptoms can include pale, cool, and moist skin; headache; nausea/vomiting; weak or dizzy feeling; and faint
or collapse.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Asses, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-Have the victim lie down in a shady cool place
-Loosen or remove excess clothing
-Give cool sports drinks to replace lost fluid, salts and minerals. If not available, give cool water
-Apply cool, wet cloths to the victim's skin, groin, neck, and armpits
-Use a fan to lower the body temperature
Heat Stroke results in severe injury from high body temperature.
Signs/Symptoms include altered mental status; hot, red, dry skin or heavy sweating; seizure; and unconsciousness.
First Aid treatment includes:
-Assess, Alert, and Attend to the ABC's
-Begin cooling with any resources available
-Spray or pour water on the victim and fan them
-Apply ice packs to the groin, neck, and armpits and/or cover the victim with a wet sheet
-Place the victim on his or her side in the recovery position
-DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth if vomiting or unconscious
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