5 Commone Emergencies

The 5 Common Emergencies

Airway obstruction, Cardiac Arrest,

Respiratory Arrest, Soft-Tissue Injuries, Treatment

of Burns

By Emily Dothager

Airway Obstruction

Full or partial blockage on the breathing pathways to the lungs

Anything from an allergic reaction, object in the pathways, or trauma can be the cause.

Often comes on suddenly in a person with no prior warning!

Airway Obstruction Symptoms

Bluish skinFidgetingChokingDifficulty BreathingPanicWheezingWorst case: Unconsciousness

Treatment of Airway Obstruction

Assess the severity of the obstruction. If coughing...

1) Encourage continued coughing

2) Be careful to watch and make sure

that the cough if working.

If coughing is ineffective...1) 5 back blows and 5

abdominal thrusts (if conscious)

2) Start CPR (if unconscious)

3) Call for medical assistance

Cardiac Arrest and Symptoms

What is cardiac arrest? Cardiac Arrest occurs shortly after a few symptoms appear and is characterized as a sudden loss of heart function.

Symptoms: Sudden loss of responsivenessNo breathing

Treatment

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY

If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, USE!

Begin CPR immediately and use until EMS (emergency medical service) arrives.

If AED was not previously available, use as soon as EMS arrives.

Usually, Cardiac Arrest can be reversed if treatment begins immediately. This is not something to mess around with, get professional help immediately!

Respiratory Arrest and Symptoms

Respiratory Arrest occurs when an individual stops breathing on their own.

Symptoms Include: No breathing Progressive loss of consciousness Low blood oxygen supply

Airway obstruction (possible cause)

Treatment

The only real effective treatment in respiratory arrest is to use an alternative ventilation technique to treat the underlying cause. This could be CPR or AED. As always, call 911 immediately and continue attempted ventilation techniques until they arrive.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Symptoms

– A soft tissue injury is any form of injury to the muscles, tendons and fascia (tissue that links all parts of body; carries nerves and blood).

– These injuries can be very minor, or very serious. It just depends on the injury.

Symptoms include: Cuts/scrapes

Bruises/swelling Sprains

Dislocations

Question: What are some other soft tissue injuries that were not mentioned? Any personal experiences?

Treatments

Treatments include...1) determine severity: 1st degree (mild), 2nd degree (moderate),

or 3rd degree (severe) 2) If injury is just superficial (mild) then it can usually be

treated at home with bandages, topical treatments, etc.3) If injury involves deep cuts or large random bruises/swelling then head to the doctor for it to be properly assessed and treated. Apply pressure to open, bleeding wounds in the mean time4) For sprains, strains, dislocations seek immediate medical

attention to properly align and support the injury.5) Always remember, that if it looks serious and you have no

idea what to do then it is always best to seek medical advice or help..

Treatment of Burns (a soft tissue injury)

Initial do's and don'ts for any degree of burns:Do: Prevent shock, reduce risk of infection, ease painDon't: pierce/open blisters, peel off dead skin, or peel away

clothing stuck to burn.

1st Degree Burn Treatment: No blisters from this one. Run burn under cold water and soothe with

aloe vera gel. No medical attention needed.2nd Degree Burn Treatment: Potentially require medical treatment

depending on the severity (blisters) and area covered. Submerge burn in cold water immediately or pour water over it

depending on the placement.3rd Degree Burn Treatment: Skin will be charred and white. Seek

medical attention immediately!

AED What does AED stands for?

Automated External Defibrillator

What is an AED used for?It automatically diagnoses the heart

rhythms and treats them through a process of defibrillation. Defibrilation stops the current rhythm and allows the heart to restart at a normal rhythm.

Has anyone had any experience with an AED?

Must be AED certified to use.