Family Home Evening Activity #3 First Aid

Summary

First Aid FHE

Family Home Evening First Aid Activity

This Family Home Evening Activity is meant to encourage individuals and family members to discuss potential emergencies, refresh skills and review basic first aid knowledge. We hope that each participant will seek to obtain a working fundamental understanding of basic first aid. We also hope that each family will work together in gathering first aid supplies in preparation for various potential emergencies. Some preparation or advance planning may be required to secure first aid supplies. We encourage families to review, assemble, and store basic first aid supplies for your family’s benefit.

· Prior to Home Evening:

It may be a fun activity to have family members shop together for supplies prior to assembling family first aid kits. Some additional supplies should be made available for demonstrative purposes in preparing, practicing and role playing during your family home evening activity. Remember planning, preparation and practice improves performance and saves lives. If you are unable to secure additional first aid supplies, have family members gather items already within the home.

· Activity:

1. Discuss the ABC’s of First Aid for establishing priority in rendering assistance.

2. Assemble First Aid Kits for each vehicle and individual 72 hour kit.

3. Practice with each family member by role playing to ascertain if each family member understands how to treat common emergencies. The following scenarios are but a beginning of what could be asked during your family home evening: “What would you do under the following conditions, if a family member sustained any of the following injuries?”

a. Minor cut

b. Severe bleeding

c. Not breathing

d. In shock

e. Poisoned

f. Burned

4. Look up on the internet first aid websites or review the Boy Scouts of America First Aid Merit Badge booklet.

5. Optional: Invite a boy scout or registered nurse to teach basis first aid to your family.

· Follow Up:

Evaluate the activity with your family to determine what additional training and review is deemed necessary to improve your family’s first aid skills and knowledge.

Basic First Aid

DISCLAIMER: This information should not be construed as a First Aid Manual. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical services, advice, and/or treatment. It is not intended to provide formal first aid training; rather, it is only intended for educational and discussion purposes. When faced with a medical emergency immediately seek out and consult qualified medical personnel.

FIRST AID—PRIORITY (REMEMBER YOUR ABC’s)
The logical order in assessing an emergency should carefully be followed.

Airway:

• Assess the situation.
• Is victim responsive, ask “Are you okay?”
• If not responsive, send someone for help.
• Is the victim breathing? If not, open the victim’s airway (push back on forehead while lifting up on the chin).

Breathing:

• Look, Listen and Feel for breathing (look to see if chest is rising, listen for sounds of breath, and feel for air coming from nose or mouth).
• If not breathing, rescue breathing is immediately required (encourage family members to enroll in a red cross CPR course). Give victim two breaths, check pulse to ascertain heartbeat.
• If heartbeat, but not breathing, then rescue breathing would be required.
• If no heartbeat, CPR would be immediately required.

Circulation:

To stop bleeding, do the following:

• Apply Direct pressure -- place a clean cloth firmly over the wound and press hard.
• Elevation -- if on an extremity, lift the limb over the person's heart.
• Pressure point -- place direct pressure at one of the "pressure points". On the arm, this is between the bicep and tricep on the upper arm (a pulse is normally palpable). Learn the locations of pressure points on the body.

TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT

1 Chemical ice pack, Two 2" roller bandages, roll of adhesive tape, 12 3x3 sterile pads, adhesive bandage strips, 3 elastic bandages, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, calamine lotion, 2 pair examination gloves, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, water based burn gel, mouth barrier device and a bottle of water.

Materials & Ideas retrieved from the following websites: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Scouting:BSA_-_First_Aid_Merit_Badge

http://www.survival-center.com/firstaid/order.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-shock/FA00056

Shock: First aid (Remember: If red lift the head and if pale lift the tail).

Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, allergic reactions, severe infection, poisoning or other causes. Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock:

§ The skin is cool and clammy. It may appear pale or gray.

§ The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below normal.

§ The eyes lack luster and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated.

§ The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel faint or be very weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.

If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury:

1. Dial 911 or call your local emergency number.
2. Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet higher than the head. If raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep the person still.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin CPR.
4. Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen belt(s) and tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Even if the person complains of thirst, give nothing by mouth.
5. If the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
6. Seek treatment for injuries such as bleeding or broken bones.

Severe bleeding: First aid

If possible, before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves. Don't reposition displaced organs. If the wound is abdominal and organs have been displaced, don't try to push them back into place. Cover the wound with a dressing.

For other cases of severe bleeding, follow these steps:

1. Have the injured person lie down. If possible, position the person's head slightly lower than the trunk or elevate the legs. This position reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. If possible, elevate the site of bleeding.
2. While wearing gloves, remove any obvious dirt or debris from the wound. Don't remove any large or more deeply embedded objects. Don't probe the wound or attempt to clean it at this point. Your principal concern is to stop the bleeding.
3. Apply pressure directly on the wound. Use a sterile bandage, clean cloth or even a piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand.

4. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding stopped. You can maintain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage (or even a piece of clean clothing) and adhesive tape.
5. Don't remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, don't remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.
6. Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding doesn't stop with direct pressure, apply pressure to the artery delivering blood to the area of the wound. Pressure points of the arm are on the inside of the arm just above the elbow and just below the armpit. Pressure points of the leg are just behind the knee and in the groin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bone. Keep your fingers flat. With your other hand, continue to exert pressure on the wound itself.
7. Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible.

If you suspect internal bleeding, seek emergency help. Signs of internal bleeding may include:

§ Bleeding from body cavities (such as the ears, nose, rectum or vagina)

§ Vomiting or coughing up blood

§ Bruising on neck, chest, abdomen or side (between ribs and hip)

§ Wounds that have penetrated the skull, chest or abdomen

§ Abdominal tenderness, possibly accompanied by rigidity or spasm of abdominal muscles

§ Fractures

§ Shock, indicated by weakness, anxiety, thirst or skin that's cool to the touch

Burns: First aid

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the degree and the extent of damage to body tissues. The three classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.

Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is termed a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, get medical help immediately.

For minor burns, including second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:

§ Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.

§ Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.

§ Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Caution

· Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.

· Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.

Third-degree burn
The most serious burns are painless and involve all layers of the skin. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

For major burns, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse severe large burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

4.Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.

Electrical burns: First aid

An electrical burn may appear minor or not show on the skin at all, but the damage can extend deep into the tissues beneath your skin. If a strong electrical current passes through your body, internal damage, such as a heart rhythm disturbance or cardiac arrest, can occur. Sometimes the jolt associated with the electrical burn can cause you to be thrown or to fall, resulting in fractures or other associated injuries.

Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if the person who has been burned is in pain, is confused, or is experiencing changes in his or her breathing, heartbeat or consciousness.

While helping someone with an electrical burn and waiting for medical help, follow these steps:

1. Look first. Don't touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you.
2. Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from both you and the injured person using a nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
4. Prevent shock. Lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and the legs elevated.
5. Cover the affected areas. If the person is breathing, cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel. Loose fibers can stick to the burns.

First-aid kits: Stock supplies that can save lives

A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. Keep at least one first-aid kit in your home and one in your car. Store your kits in easy-to-retrieve locations that are out of the reach of young children. Children old enough to understand the purpose of the kits should know where they are stored.

You can purchase first-aid kits at many drugstores or assemble your own. Contents of a first-aid kit should include:

Basic supplies

§ Adhesive tape

§ Aluminum finger splints

§ Antibiotic ointment

§ Antiseptic solution or towelettes

§ Bandages, including a roll of elastic wrap (Ace, Coban, others) and bandage strips (Band-Aid, Curad, others) in assorted sizes

§ Instant cold packs

§ Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs

§ Disposable latex or synthetic gloves, at least two pair

§ Gauze pads and roller gauze in assorted sizes

§ Eye goggles

§ First-aid manual

§ Petroleum jelly or other lubricant

§ Plastic bags for the disposal of contaminated materials

§ Safety pins in assorted sizes

§ Save-A-Tooth storage device containing salt solution and a travel case

§ Scissors, tweezers and a needle

§ Soap or instant hand sanitizer

§ Sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution

§ Thermometer

§ Triangular bandage

§ Turkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing out wounds

Medications

§ Activated charcoal (use only if instructed by Poison Control Center)

§ Anti-diarrhea medication

§ Over-the-counter oral antihistamine (Benadryl, others)

§ Aspirin and nonaspirin pain relievers (never give aspirin to children)

§ Calamine lotion

§ Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream

§ Personal medications

§ If prescribed by your doctor, drugs to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (EpiPen)

§ Syringe, medicine cup or spoon

Emergency items

§ Cell phone and recharger that utilizes the accessory plug in your car dash

§ Emergency phone numbers, including contact information for your family doctor and pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers and the regional Poison Control Center

§ Small, waterproof flashlight and extra batteries

§ Candles and matches for cold climates

§ Sunscreen

§ Mylar emergency blanket

Give your kit a checkup
Check your first-aid kits regularly, at least every three months, to be sure the flashlight batteries work and to replace supplies that may have expired.

In addition, take a first-aid course to prepare for a possible medical emergency. Be sure the course covers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Renew your CPR certification at least every two years.

Prepare children for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways. The American Red Cross offers a number of helpful resources, including classes designed to help children understand and use first-aid techniques.

Poisoning: First aid

Many conditions mimic the signs and symptoms of poisoning, including seizures, alcohol intoxication, stroke and insulin reaction. So look for the signs and symptoms listed below if you suspect poisoning, but check with the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 (in the United States) before giving anything to the affected person.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning:

§ Burns or redness around the mouth and lips, which can result from drinking certain poisons

§ Breath that smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner

§ Burns, stains and odors on the person, on his or her clothing or on the furniture, floor, rugs or other objects in the surrounding area

§ Empty medication bottles or scattered pills

§ Vomiting, difficulty breathing, sleepiness, confusion or other unexpected signs

When to call for help:

Call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately if the person is:

§ Drowsy or unconscious

§ Having difficulty breathing or has stopped breathing

§ Having seizures

If the person seems stable and has no symptoms, but you suspect poisoning, call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. Provide information about the person's symptoms and, if possible, information about what he or she ingested, how much and when.

What to do while waiting for help:

• If the person has been exposed to poisonous fumes, such as carbon monoxide, get him or her into fresh air immediately.
• If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning. If the product is toxic, the label will likely advise you to call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. Also call this 800 number if you can't identify the poison, if it's medication or if there are no instructions.
• Follow treatment directions that are given by the Poison Control Center.
• If the poison spilled on the person's clothing, skin or eyes, remove the clothing. Flush the skin or eyes with cool or lukewarm water, such as by using a shower for 20 minutes or until help arrives.
• Take the poison container (or any pill bottles) with you to the hospital.