Disaster First Aid

1. Identify the “killers.”

2. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock.

3. Fractures/ Splinting

4. Burns

5. Head-to-Toe Assessments

Public Health Considerations

The primary public health measures include:

Maintaining proper hygiene – wearing protective gloves

Maintaining proper sanitation Purifying water if necessary

Disaster First Aid

There are 3 phases of death from trauma: Phase 1 – Death within minutes Phase 2 – Death within several hours Phase 3 – death in several days or weeks

Phases 1 & 2 should be identified immediately

Treatment of Life-Threatening Conditions

The “Killers”: Airway obstruction Excessive bleeding Shock

Opening the Airway

Check for unresponsiveness Place palm of one hand on forehead Place two fingers of other hand under the chin*

tilt chin upward while tilting head back slightly Place ear over victim’s mouth, looking toward

victim’s feet Look, Listen & Feel for breathing

Controlling Bleeding

Place direct pressure over the wound by putting a clean dressing over the wound and pressing firmly

Maintain pressure on the dressing over the wound by wrapping firmly with a pressure bandage

If needed, elevate wound above the level of the heart

Pressure Points are last resort

Treating Impaled Objects

Impaled Objects: Immobilize. Don’t move or remove. Control bleeding. Clean and dress wound. Wrap.

Treating Amputations

Control bleeding Treat for shock Save tissue parts, wrapped in clean cloth Keep tissue cool Keep tissue with the victim

Wound Care

Control bleeding Prevent secondary infection Clean wound—don’t scrub Apply dressing and bandage

Signs of Shock

Signs Include: Rapid & Shallow Breathing Capillary Refill of greater than 2 seconds Failure to follow simple commands Changes in skin color

Treatment & Prevention of Shock

Lay victim on back Elevate feet 10-12 inches above level of heart Maintain open airway Control obvious bleeding Maintain body temperature

Indicators of Injury

Bruising Swelling Severe pain Disfigurement

Provide immediate treatment for life-threatening injuries!

Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains

Objective: Immobilize the injury and joints above and below the injury.

If questionable, treat as a fracture.

Treating an Open Fracture

Do not draw exposed bones back into tissue. Do not irrigate wound.

Treating an Open Fracture

DO: Cover wound. Splint fracture without disturbing wound. Place a moist 4" x 4" dressing over bone end to

prevent drying.

Guidelines for Splinting

1. Support the injured area.

2. Splint injury in the position that you find it.

3. Don’t try to realign bones.

4. Check for color, warmth, and sensation.

5. Immobilize above and below the injury.

Classification of Burns

First degree Second degree Third degree

Treating Burns

Cool the burned area. Cover to reduce infection.

Head-to-Toe Assessment

1. Head2. Neck3. Shoulders4. Chest5. Arms6. Abdomen7. Pelvis8. Legs9. Back

Triage

Do the most good for the most people in the shortest amount of time

Sort people into triage categories Immediate Delayed Minor Dead

Triage Assessment

Compound Fracture, Left femur Respirations over 30/min Radial pulse present Awake

IMMEDIATE

Triage Assessment

90% Second Degree burns Respirations none (Repositioned airway twice) Radial pulse present Unconscious

DECEASED

Triage Assessment

Impaled stick in arm Respirations under 30/min Capillary refill under 2 sec. Awake Walked to you

MINOR

Triage Assessment

Unable to move legs Respirations under 30/min Radial pulse present Awake and Alert

Triage Assessment

Amputated left arm, bleeding controlled Respirations under 30/min Capillary refill under 2 seconds Awake

Triage Assessment

Bruise on forehead, blood in ears and nose Respirations under 30/min Radial pulse present Awake and but unable to focus their attention.

IMMEDIATE