Major objectives of emergency and medical treatment
Preserve live / save life
Prevent deterioration before more definitive treatment can be done / prepare patient for definitive care
Restore the patient to useful living / minimize disability
Assess and Intervene
1. PRIMARY SURVEY
2. A airway
3. B breathing
4. C circulation
5. D disability
6. E expose
GLASCOW COMA SCALE
15 Highest score
SECONDARY SURVEY
1. Complete History and P/A
2. Diagnostic and laboratory testing
3. ECG, Arterial lines, urinary catheters
4. Splinting of suspected fractures
5. Cleaning and dressing of wounds
6. other necessary interventions
TRIAGE
Sorting of clients based on the severity of health problems
Hierarchy based on the potential for life loss
Field Triage
COLORCODING:
Red= immediate, life threatening (severe injuries but high potential for survival with treatment)
Yellow= delayed, significant injuries (serious injuries but not immediately life-threatening)
Green= minimal, minor injuries (walking wounded)
Black= expectant, extensive injuries or dead
Shock
A depressed condition of many body functions due to the failure of enough blood to circulate throughout the body following serious injury
Causes of shock
Severe bleeding
Infection
Heart attack
Perforation
Anaphylaxis
Shell bomb and bullet wound
Rupture of tubal pregnancy
Drowning injury
Loss of circulation
Factors that contribute to shock
Pain
Rough handling
Improper handling
Continual bleeding
Exposure to extreme cold or heat
Fatigue
Dangers of shock
Lead to death
Predisposes body to infection
Lead to loss of body part
Signs and symptoms of shock
Pale or cyanotic face
Skin cool and clammy
Breathing rapid
Pulse rapid and weak
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and thirst
Decreased urine output
If condition deteriorates, victim may become apathetic or relatively unresponsive with sunken eyes, dilated pupils, congested blood vessels, very low blood pressure, and unconsciousness
Objectives of first aid for shock
Improve circulation of blood
Ensure an adequate supply of oxygen
Maintain normal body temperature
Wound
A break in the continuity of a tissue of the body, either internal or external
Classifications of wounds
Closed wound
Open wound
Closed wound
Involves the underlying tissues without break/damage in the skin or mucous membrane
Caused by blunt forces that result in contusion or bruising
Symptoms of closed wound
Pain and tenderness
Swelling
Discoloration
Hematoma
Uncontrolled bleeding
Thirst
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Blood in the urine or rectum
Bruising along the nose, ear, or gum
First aid for closed wound
Ice application
Compression
Elevation
Splinting
Open wound
Break in the skin or mucous membrane, with damage to the protective skin layer
Classifications of open wounds
Puncture wound
Abrasion
Laceration
Avulsion
Incision
Dangers of open wounds
Hemorrhage
Infection
First aid for open wound with severe bleeding
Control the bleeding
Cover the wound
Call for emergency help
Continue or refer to physician
Types of open wounds
Incision - clean cut with well-defined edges
Laceration - tear with irregular edges
Avulsion - partial or full thickness skin loss
Abrasion - wearing away of supporting tissues
Hematoma
Blood trapped under the skin
Factors that increase suicide risk
Loss of a loved one
Loss of care or integrity
Elderly people, young adults, and those with a lot of stress
Unemployed, living alone, depressed
Poor self-image, previous suicide attempt
Suicide management
Treat the consequences of suicidal attempt
Crisis intervention to prevent further injury
Close monitoring, finding support system, psychiatric referral, medication, counseling