Lesson 1: GENERAL EMERGENCY INSTRUCTION
LIFE-THREATENING CONDITIONS
When caring for accident victims, ALWAYS care first for life-threatening conditions. For instance, an unconscious victim would take precedence over a conscious victim who has a broken arm. In the case of multiple victims with life-threatening injuries, you will have to use your best judgement and prioritize according to injury. For example, a victim with a severed leg who is bleeding profusely would take precedence over a victim who is unconscious but still breathing and has a pulse. Unconsciousness is a life-threatening injury, but in this case, the blood loss from the severed leg presents a much more critical situation.
Given the right circumstances, almost any injury can become life-threatening, but for now we’re going to look at four conditions that constitute an immediate threat to life, their symptoms, and first aid for these conditions. The conditions we’re going to look at are: unconsciousness, shock (please read Anaphylaxis for information on Anaphylactic shock, a type of allergic reaction), and severe bleeding.
UNCONSCIOUSNESS: When a person loses consciousness, they cannot speak or move. Unconsciousness is considered a life-threatening condition because it is usually precipitated by an event that can become very serious in a short period of time, such as a blow to the head or an overdose of medication. First aid for unconsciousness is primarily aimed at monitoring the victim for changes in, or ceasing of, breathing and pulse. To keep the victim's airway open, tilt the head back (if there is no neck injusry present or suspected). Check for breathing and pulse often. If you do not know how to check for the presence or absence or breathing and pulse, go here to learn how to check for a pulse, and here to learn how to check for breathing.
SHOCK: Shock occurs when there is severe bleeding (either external or internal) present, and the victim’s circulatory system is unable to provide adequate blood flow to all parts of the body. You must assume anyone with severe bleeding (or signs of internal bleeding) is in shock, or will be shortly. Other indicators of shock:
*Changes in consciousness.
*Cool, moist, pale skin.
*Rapid breathing and pulse.
*Restlessness and irritability.
First aid for shock:
*Make sure 911 has been called.
*Control any external bleeding.
*Have the victim lie in the most comfortable position possible. Pain may accelerate the shock process.
*Elevate the victim’s legs about 12 inches. Do not elevate the legs if back, neck, or head injuries are present or suspected, or if bone fractures to the hips or legs are present or suspected.
*Cover the victim to prevent chilling.
*Don’t give the victim anything to eat or drink.
*Monitor for changes in consciousness.
SEVERE BLEEDING: Severe bleeding is most certainly a life-threatening condition, as death can occur within minutes if the bleeding is severe enough.
Severe bleeding can occur if:
*There are multiple wounds present in the victim, causing a large amount of blood to be lost from more than one area.
*An artery is cut. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body, and the force with which this blood is pumped is very strong. If an artery is cut, blood is pumped out of the artery with each beat of the heart. Spurting blood isn’t just TV dramatics—a cut artery will literally jet blood.
Internal bleeding is as life-threatening as external bleeding, just not as noticeable. Symptoms of internal bleeding are:
*An area of the body (like the stomach area) is very tender or feels very hard, and is swollen and/or bruised.
*Skin over the entire body may appear very pale or bluish, and may feel cool and moist.
*The victim is coughing up or vomiting blood.
*The victim may be very thirsty.
*The victim may feel drowsy, confused, faint, or may even be unconscious.
First aid for EXTERNAL bleeding:
*Cover the bleeding area with a clean cloth or gauze and apply pressure.
*Elevate the bleeding area above the level of the heart.
*Use a strip of cloth to secure the cloth or gauze covering the wound. Do not remove the original covering. If blood is soaking through the covering, apply more layers of covering and secure in place.
First aid for INTERNAL bleeding:
*Keep the victim as calm and still as possible. There isn't a thing you can do except monitor the victim, and wait for EMS.
