First Aid for Common Emergencies
LEQ… How can I help someone who has a sprain,
bruise or broken bone?
Words to Know Fracture – a break in a bone First-degree burn – only the outer layer of skin
is burned and turns red Second-degree burn – serious burn in which
burned area blisters Third-degree burn – very serious burn where
deep layers of the skin and nerve endings are damaged
What are Common Emergencies? Broken bones Sprains Burns Nosebleeds Insect bites & stings
Broken Bones Body contains 206 bones – many protect
organs Breaks commonly result from falls or playing
contact sports If you think someone has a broken bone, do
not move that body part Could cause broken bone to go through skin
First Aid for Broken Bones Tell person not to move injured body part Put a cold pack on the injured area Get medical assistance Keep any injured area immobilized
Sprains and Bruises Sprain results from a joint being suddenly and
violently stretched A bruise comes from a blow to a body part Both are very common and usually not serious Usually painful and become swollen
First Aid for Sprains and Bruises Do not use the sprained or bruised part of the
body Elevate the sprained body part Apply cold packs for the first 24 hours If pain and swelling do not stop, see a doctor
Insect Bites and Stings Can cause pain and possibly swelling If rash develops or person shows signs of
shock, get help right away Could be a sign of an allergic reaction
First Aid for Insect Bites & Stings Wash the bite Apply special lotion/ointment for bites
Scrape against stinger with credit card or fingernail to remove stinger
Apply cold pack to reduce swelling/pain Watch for signs of allergic reaction
Burns Vary widely in extent of damage and
discomfort May be caused by fire, hot objects or liquids,
electricity, the sun or chemical First aid differs depending on the degree of
injury
First Degree Burns Usually heal quickly Common type is sunburn
Second Degree Burns Intense redness, pain and swelling Usually heals without scarring
Third Degree Burns Burned areas may be white or charred and
pay will be intense
First Aid for Burns First Degree
Submerge burned area in cold water 10-30 min Wrap loosely in clean, dry dressing
Second Degree Submerge burned area in cold water Do not pop blisters or remove loose skin Wrap loosely in clean, dry dressing Elevate burned area
Third Degree Call for medical help Cover burned area with clean dressing Elevate victim’s arms and feet If possible, have victim drink small amounts of
fluids
Objects in the Eye
Can cause pain and irritation Do not rub the eye
Can cause more damage If object is under upper lid, pull lid over
cotton swab If object under lower lid, pull lid down If you cannot remove object or pain/irritation
continues, cover eye with loose, dry, clean bandage and get medical help
Nosebleeds Often occur without warning Can be caused by injury or being in a dry
place for too long Usually not serious or hard to stop Sit down, lean head forward and firmly pinch
nose for about 5 minutes If bleeding continues, get medical help
Fainting Occurs when blood supply to brain is cut off
for short amount of time Temporarily loses consciousness DO NOT lift victim Raise victim’s legs Loosen any tight clothing Check ABC’s If victim does not gain consciousness, get help