Table f Cntents Emergency Tips/First Aid..2 First Aid Situatins....3 Anaphylaxis..4 Burns..5 CPR...7 Chemical Burns. 12 Chemical Splash in Eye...13 Crneal Abrasin. 14 Cuts and Scrapes.. 15 Dislcatin 16 Electrical Burns 17 Electrical Shck 18 Fractures.19 Nsebleeds. 20 Puncture Wunds. 21 Severe Bleeding. 22 Spinal Injury. 23 Sprain. 24 General Safety in Pit 25 Prtable Drill Safety 27 Set Up Yur Own Safety...28 Emergency Cntact Sheet.29 Credits... 30 Page 1 f 30
Emergency Tips/First Aid Page 2 f 30
Emergency Actin Principles These are the steps that yu shuld always fllw during a MEDICAL emergency. 1. Make sure the area is safe t apprach the victim. Failure t d this can lead t yu becming injured. 2. Activate the Emergency Medical System. Call 9-1-1. 3. Perfrm the Primary Survey. a. Open the airway. b. Check fr breathing. c. Start CPR (and check fr severe bleeding). 4. Perfrm a Secndary Survey: check fr nn-life threatening cnditins. 5. Rest and reassure the victim. 6. Mnitr and treat fr shck. Befre entering a situatin yu must make sure that there are nt dangers that can harm yu, ther bystanders, r the victim. Sme things t check fr include: Fires r ptential fires Fumes r smke Falling bjects Brken glass n the flr where yu ll be leaning Electric wires/surces Page 3 f 30
Anaphylaxis What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type f allergic reactin. Symptms and signs f anaphylaxis include: Symptms Skin reactins including hives, itching, and flushed r pale skin Swelling f the face, eyes, lips r thrat Cnstrictin f the airways, leading t wheezing and truble breathing A weak and rapid pulse Nausea, vmiting r diarrhea Dizziness, fainting r uncnsciusness Triggers Medicatins (especially penicillin) Fds such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish Insect stings frm bees, yellw jackets, wasps, hrnets and fire ants If yu've had any kind f severe allergic reactin in the past, ask yur dctr if yu shuld be prescribed an epinephrine autinjectr t carry with yu. If yu're with smene having an allergic reactin with signs f anaphylaxis: 1. Immediately call 9-1-1 r yur lcal medical emergency number. 2. Ask the persn if he r she is carrying an epinephrine autinjectr t treat an allergic attack (fr example, EpiPen, Twinject). 3. If the persn says he r she needs t use an autinjectr, ask whether yu shuld help inject the medicatin. This is usually dne by pressing the autinjectr against the persn's thigh. 4. Have the persn lie still n his r her back. 5. Lsen tight clthing and cver the persn with a blanket. Dn't give the persn anything t drink. 6. If there's vmiting r bleeding frm the muth, turn the persn n his r her side t prevent chking. 7. If there are n signs f breathing, cughing r mvement, begin CPR. Perfrm uninterrupted chest presses f abut tw a secnd until paramedics arrive. 8. Get emergency treatment even if symptms start t imprve. After anaphylaxis, it's pssible fr symptms t recur. Mnitring in a hspital setting fr several hurs is usually necessary. If yu're with smene having signs f anaphylaxis, dn't wait t see whether their symptms get better. Seek emergency treatment right away. In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxis can lead t death within half an hur. An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc.), isn't sufficient t treat anaphylaxis. These medicatins can help relieve allergy symptms, but wrk t slwly in a severe reactin t help. Page 4 f 30
Burns T distinguish a minr burn frm a serius burn, the first step is t determine the extent f damage t bdy tissues. The three burn classificatins f first-degree burn, secnd-degree burn and thirddegree burn will help yu determine emergency care: First-degree burn The least serius burns are thse in which nly the uter layer f skin is burned, but nt all the way thrugh. The skin is usually red, with swelling, and pain smetimes is present. Treat a first-degree burn as a minr burn unless it invlves substantial prtins f the hands, feet, face, grin r buttcks, r a majr jint, which requires emergency medical attentin. Secnd-degree burn When the first layer f skin has been burned thrugh and the secnd layer f skin (dermis) als is burned, the injury is called a secnd-degree burn. Blisters develp and the skin takes n an intensely reddened, spltchy appearance. Secnd-degree burns prduce severe pain and swelling. If the secnd-degree burn is n larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minr burn. If the burned area is larger r if the burn is n the hands, feet, face, grin r buttcks, r ver a majr jint, treat it as a majr burn and get medical help immediately. Third-degree burn The mst serius burns invlve all layers f the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bne may be affected. Areas may be charred black r appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbn mnxide pisning, r ther txic effects may ccur if smke inhalatin accmpanies the burn. Page 5 f 30
Fr minr burns, including first-degree burns and secnd-degree burns limited t an area n larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, take the fllwing actin: Cl the burn. Hld the burned area under cl (nt cld) running water fr 10 r 15 minutes r until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cl water r cl it with cld cmpresses. Cling the burn reduces swelling by cnducting heat away frm the skin. Dn't put ice n the burn. Cver the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Dn't use fluffy cttn, r ther material that may get lint in the wund. Wrap the gauze lsely t avid putting pressure n burned skin. Bandaging keeps air ff the burn, reduces pain and prtects blistered skin. Take an ver-the-cunter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprfen (Advil, Mtrin, thers), naprxen (Aleve) r acetaminphen (Tylenl, thers). Use cautin when giving aspirin t children r teenagers. Thugh aspirin is apprved fr use in children lder than age 2, children and teenagers recvering frm chickenpx r flu-like symptms shuld never take aspirin. Talk t yur dctr if yu have cncerns. Minr burns usually heal withut further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different clr frm the surrunding skin. Watch fr signs f infectin, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling r zing. If infectin develps, seek medical help. Avid re-injuring r tanning if the burns are less than a year ld ding s may cause mre extensive pigmentatin changes. Use sunscreen n the area fr at least a year. Cautin Dn't use ice. Putting ice directly n a burn can cause a burn victim's bdy t becme t cld and cause further damage t the wund. Dn't apply butter r intments t the burn. This culd cause infectin. Dn't break blisters. Brken blisters are mre vulnerable t infectin. Fr majr burns (Third Degree Burns), call 911 r emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, fllw these steps: 1. Dn't remve burned clthing. Hwever, d make sure the victim is n lnger in cntact with smldering materials r expsed t smke r heat. 2. Dn't immerse large severe burns in cld water. Ding s culd cause a drp in bdy temperature (hypthermia) and deteriratin f bld pressure and circulatin (shck). 3. Check fr signs f circulatin (breathing, cughing r mvement). If there is n breathing r ther sign f circulatin, begin CPR. 4. Elevate the burned bdy part r parts. Raise abve heart level, when pssible. 5. Cver the area f the burn. Use a cl, mist, sterile bandage; clean, mist clth; r mist twels. Get a tetanus sht. Burns are susceptible t tetanus. Dctrs recmmend yu get a tetanus sht every 10 years. If yur last sht was mre than five years ag, yur dctr may recmmend a tetanus sht bster. Page 6 f 30
Cardipulmnary Resuscitatin (CPR) Cardipulmnary resuscitatin (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack r near drwning, in which smene's breathing r heartbeat has stpped. In 2010, the American Heart Assciatin updated its guidelines t recmmend that everyne untrained bystanders and medical persnnel alike begin CPR with chest cmpressins. It's far better t d smething than t d nthing at all if yu're fearful that yur knwledge r abilities aren't 100 percent cmplete. Remember, the difference between yu ding smething and ding nthing culd be smene's life. Here's advice frm the American Heart Assciatin: Untrained. If yu're nt trained in CPR, then prvide hands-nly CPR. That means uninterrupted chest cmpressins f abut 100 a minute until paramedics arrive (described in mre detail belw). Yu dn't need t try rescue breathing. Trained, and ready t g. If yu're well trained and cnfident in yur ability, begin with chest cmpressins instead f first checking the airway and ding rescue breathing. Start CPR with 30 chest cmpressins befre checking the airway and giving rescue breaths. Trained, but rusty. If yu've previusly received CPR training but yu're nt cnfident in yur abilities, then just d chest cmpressins at a rate f abut 100 a minute. (Details described belw.) The abve advice applies t adults, children and infants needing CPR, but nt newbrns. CPR can keep xygenated bld flwing t the brain and ther vital rgans until mre definitive medical treatment can restre a nrmal heart rhythm. When the heart stps, the absence f xygenated bld can cause irreparable brain damage in nly a few minutes. A persn may die within eight t 10 minutes. T learn CPR prperly, take an accredited first-aid training curse, including CPR and hw t use an autmatic external defibrillatr (AED). Page 7 f 30
Befre yu begin Befre starting CPR, check: Is the persn cnscius r uncnscius? If the persn appears uncnscius, tap r shake his r her shulder and ask ludly, "Are yu OK?" If the persn desn't respnd and tw peple are available, ne shuld call 911 r the lcal emergency number and ne shuld begin CPR. If yu are alne and have immediate access t a telephne, call 911 befre beginning CPR unless yu think the persn has becme unrespnsive because f suffcatin (such as frm drwning). In this special case, begin CPR fr ne minute and then call 911 r the lcal emergency number. If an AED is immediately available, deliver ne shck if instructed by the device, then begin CPR. Remember t spell C-A-B In 2010, the American Heart Assciatin changed its lng-held acrnym f ABC t CAB circulatin, airway, breathing t help peple remember the rder t perfrm the steps f CPR. This change emphasizes the imprtance f chest cmpressins t help keep bld flwing thrugh the heart and t the brain. Circulatin: Restre bld circulatin with chest cmpressins 1. Put the persn n his r her back n a firm surface. 2. Kneel next t the persn's neck and shulders. 3. Place the heel f ne hand ver the center f the persn's chest, between the nipples. Place yur ther hand n tp f the first hand. Keep yur elbws straight and psitin yur shulders directly abve yur hands. 4. Use yur upper bdy weight (nt just yur arms) as yu push straight dwn n (cmpress) the chest at least 2 inches (apprximately 5 centimeters). Push hard at a rate f abut 100 cmpressins a minute. 5. If yu haven't been trained in CPR, cntinue chest cmpressins until there are signs f mvement r until emergency medical persnnel take ver. If yu have been trained in CPR, g n t checking the airway and rescue breathing. Page 8 f 30
Airway: Clear the airway 1. If yu're trained in CPR and yu've perfrmed 30 chest cmpressins, pen the persn's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put yur palm n the persn's frehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the ther hand, gently lift the chin frward t pen the airway. 2. Check fr nrmal breathing, taking n mre than five r 10 secnds. Lk fr chest mtin, listen fr nrmal breath sunds, and feel fr the persn's breath n yur cheek and ear. Gasping is nt cnsidered t be nrmal breathing. If the persn isn't breathing nrmally and yu are trained in CPR, begin muth-t-muth breathing. If yu believe the persn is uncnscius frm a heart attack and yu haven't been trained in emergency prcedures, skip muth-t-muth rescue breathing and cntinue chest cmpressins. Breathing: Breathe fr the persn Rescue breathing can be muth-t-muth breathing r muth-t-nse breathing if the muth is seriusly injured r can't be pened. 1. With the airway pen (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nstrils shut fr muth-t-muth breathing and cver the persn's muth with yurs, making a seal. 2. Prepare t give tw rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath lasting ne secnd and watch t see if the chest rises. If it des rise, give the secnd breath. If the chest desn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the secnd breath. Thirty chest cmpressins fllwed by tw rescue breaths is cnsidered ne cycle. 3. Resume chest cmpressins t restre circulatin. 4. If the persn has nt begun mving after five cycles (abut tw minutes) and an autmatic external defibrillatr (AED) is available, apply it and fllw the prmpts. Administer ne shck, then resume CPR starting with chest cmpressins fr tw mre minutes befre administering a secnd shck. If yu're nt trained t use an AED, a 911 peratr may be able t guide yu in its use. Use pediatric pads, if available, fr children ages 1 thrugh 8. D nt use an AED fr babies yunger than age 1. If an AED isn't available, g t step 5 belw. 5. Cntinue CPR until there are signs f mvement r emergency medical persnnel take ver. Page 9 f 30
T perfrm CPR n a child The prcedure fr giving CPR t a child age 1 thrugh 8 is essentially the same as that fr an adult. The differences are as fllws: If yu're alne, perfrm five cycles f cmpressins and breaths n the child this shuld take abut tw minutes befre calling 911 r yur lcal emergency number r using an AED. Use nly ne hand t perfrm heart cmpressins. Breathe mre gently. Use the same cmpressin-breath rate as is used fr adults: 30 cmpressins fllwed by tw breaths. This is ne cycle. Fllwing the tw breaths, immediately begin the next cycle f cmpressins and breaths. After five cycles (abut tw minutes) f CPR, if there is n respnse and an AED is available, apply it and fllw the prmpts. Use pediatric pads if available. If pediatric pads aren't available, use adult pads. Cntinue until the child mves r help arrives. T perfrm CPR n a baby Mst cardiac arrests in babies ccur frm lack f xygen, such as frm drwning r chking. If yu knw the baby has an airway bstructin, perfrm first aid fr chking. If yu dn't knw why the baby isn't breathing, perfrm CPR. T begin, examine the situatin. Strke the baby and watch fr a respnse, such as mvement, but dn't shake the baby. If there's n respnse, fllw the CAB prcedures belw and time the call fr help as fllws: If yu're the nly rescuer and CPR is needed, d CPR fr tw minutes abut five cycles befre calling 911 r yur lcal emergency number. If anther persn is available, have that persn call fr help immediately while yu attend t the baby. Page 10 f 30
Circulatin: Restre bld circulatin 1. Place the baby n his r her back n a firm, flat surface, such as a table. The flr r grund als will d. 2. Imagine a hrizntal line drawn between the baby's nipples. Place tw fingers f ne hand just belw this line, in the center f the chest. 3. Gently cmpress the chest abut 1.5 inches (abut 4 cm). 4. Cunt alud as yu pump in a fairly rapid rhythm. Yu shuld pump at a rate f 100 cmpressins a minute. Airway: Clear the airway 1. After 30 cmpressins, gently tip the head back by lifting the chin with ne hand and pushing dwn n the frehead with the ther hand. 2. In n mre than 10 secnds, put yur ear near the baby's muth and check fr breathing: Lk fr chest mtin, listen fr breath sunds, and feel fr breath n yur cheek and ear. Breathing: Breathe fr the infant 1. Cver the baby's muth and nse with yur muth. 2. Prepare t give tw rescue breaths. Use the strength f yur cheeks t deliver gentle puffs f air (instead f deep breaths frm yur lungs) t slwly breathe int the baby's muth ne time, taking ne secnd fr the breath. Watch t see if the baby's chest rises. If it des, give a secnd rescue breath. If the chest des nt rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the secnd breath. 3. If the baby's chest still desn't rise, examine the muth t make sure n freign material is inside. If the bject is seen, sweep it ut with yur finger. If the airway seems blcked, perfrm first aid fr a chking baby. 4. Give tw breaths after every 30 chest cmpressins. 5. Perfrm CPR fr abut tw minutes befre calling fr help unless smene else can make the call while yu attend t the baby. Cntinue CPR until yu see signs f life r until medical persnnel arrive. Page 11 f 30
If a chemical burns the skin, fllw these steps: Chemical Burns 1. Remve the cause f the burn by first brushing any remaining dry chemical and then rinsing the chemical ff the skin surface with cl, gently running water fr 20 minutes r mre. 2. Remve clthing r jewelry that has been cntaminated by the chemical. 3. Wrap the burned area lsely with a dry, sterile dressing r a clean clth. 4. Rewash the burned area fr several mre minutes if the persn experiences increased burning after the initial washing. 5. Take an ver-the-cunter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprfen (Advil, Mtrin, thers), naprxen (Aleve) r acetaminphen (Tylenl, thers). Use cautin when giving aspirin t children r teenagers. Thugh aspirin is apprved fr use in children lder than age 2, children and teenagers recvering frm chickenpx r flu-like symptms shuld never take aspirin. Talk t yur dctr if yu have cncerns. Get a tetanus sht. All burns are susceptible t tetanus. Dctrs recmmend yu get a tetanus sht every 10 years. If yur last sht was mre than five years ag, yur dctr may recmmend a tetanus sht bster. Minr chemical burns usually heal withut further treatment. Seek emergency medical assistance if: The persn shws signs f shck, such as fainting, pale cmplexin r breathing in a ntably shallw manner. The chemical burn penetrated thrugh the first layer f skin, and the resulting secnd-degree burn cvers an area mre than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter. The chemical burn ccurred n the eye, hands, feet, face, grin r buttcks, r ver a majr jint. The persn has pain that cannt be cntrlled with ver-the-cunter pain relievers. If yu're unsure whether a substance is txic, call the pisn cntrl center at 800-222-1222. If yu seek emergency assistance, take the chemical cntainer r a cmplete descriptin f the substance with yu fr identificatin. Page 12 f 30
Chemical Splash in Eye If a chemical splashes int yur eye, take these steps immediately: Flush yur eye with water. Use clean, lukewarm tap water fr at least 20 minutes, and use whichever f these appraches is quickest: Get int the shwer and aim a gentle stream f lukewarm water n yur frehead ver yur affected eye. Or direct the stream n the bridge f yur nse if bth eyes are affected. Hld yur affected eye r eyes pen. Put yur head dwn and turn it t the side. Then hld yur affected eye pen under a gently running faucet. Yung children may d best if they lie dwn in the bathtub r lean back ver a sink while yu pur a gentle stream f water n the frehead ver the affected eye r n the bridge f the nse fr bth eyes. Wash yur hands with sap and water. Thrughly rinse yur hands t be sure n chemical r sap is left n them. Yur first gal is t get the chemical ff the surface f yur eye, but then yu must remve the chemical frm yur hands. Remve cntact lenses. If they dn't cme ut during the flush, then take them ut. Cautin: Dn't rub the eye this may cause further damage. Dn't put anything except water r cntact lens saline rinse in the eye, and dn't use eyedrps unless emergency persnnel tell yu t d s. Seek emergency medical assistance After fllwing the abve steps, seek emergency care r, if necessary, call 911 r yur lcal emergency number. Take the chemical cntainer r the name f the chemical with yu t the emergency department. If readily available, wear sunglasses because yur eyes will be sensitive t light. Page 13 f 30
Crneal Abrasin The mst cmmn types f eye injury invlve the crnea the clear, prtective "windw" at the frnt f yur eye. Cntact with dust, dirt, sand, wd shavings, metal particles r even an edge f a piece f paper can scratch r cut the crnea. Usually the scratch is superficial, and this is called a crneal abrasin. Sme crneal abrasins becme infected and result in a crneal ulcer, which is a serius prblem. Crneal abrasins caused by plant matter (such as a pine needle) can cause a delayed inflammatin inside the eye (iritis). Crneal abrasins can be painful. If yur crnea is scratched, yu might feel like yu have sand in yur eye. Tears, blurred visin, increased sensitivity r redness arund the eye can suggest a crneal abrasin. Yu may get a headache. In case f crneal abrasin, seek prmpt medical attentin. Other immediate steps yu can take fr a crneal abrasin are t: Rinse yur eye with clean water (use a saline slutin, if available). Yu can use an eyecup r small, clean drinking glass psitined with its rim resting n the bne at the base f yur eye scket. If yur wrk site has an eye-rinse statin, use it. Rinsing the eye may wash ut a freign bject. Blink several times. This mvement may remve small particles f dust r sand. Pull the upper eyelid ver the lwer eyelid. The lashes f yur lwer eyelid can brush a freign bject frm the undersurface f yur upper eyelid. Take cautin t avid certain actins that may aggravate the injury: Dn't try t remve an bject that's embedded in yur eyeball. Als avid trying t remve a large bject that makes clsing the eye difficult. Dn't rub yur eye after an injury. Tuching r pressing n yur eye can wrsen a crneal abrasin. Dn't tuch yur eyeball with cttn swabs, tweezers r ther instruments. This can aggravate a crneal abrasin. Page 14 f 30
Cuts and Scrapes Minr cuts and scrapes usually dn't require a trip t the emergency rm. Yet prper care is essential t avid infectin r ther cmplicatins. These guidelines can help yu care fr simple wunds: 1. Stp the bleeding. Minr cuts and scrapes usually stp bleeding n their wn. If they dn't, apply gentle pressure with a clean clth r bandage. Hld the pressure cntinuusly fr 20 t 30 minutes and if pssible elevate the wund. Dn't keep checking t see if the bleeding has stpped because this may damage r disldge the clt that's frming and cause bleeding t resume. If bld spurts r cntinues flwing after cntinuus pressure, seek medical assistance. 2. Clean the wund. Rinse ut the wund with clear water. Sap can irritate the wund, s try t keep it ut f the actual wund. If dirt r debris remains in the wund after washing, use tweezers cleaned with alchl t remve the particles. If debris still remains, see yur dctr. Thrugh cleaning reduces the risk f infectin and tetanus. T clean the area arund the wund, use sap and a washclth. There's n need t use hydrgen perxide, idine r an idine-cntaining cleanser. 3. Apply an antibitic. After yu clean the wund, apply a thin layer f an antibitic cream r intment such as Nesprin r Plysprin t help keep the surface mist. The prducts dn't make the wund heal faster, but they can discurage infectin and help yur bdy's natural healing prcess. Certain ingredients in sme intments can cause a mild rash in sme peple. If a rash appears, stp using the intment. 4. Cver the wund. Bandages can help keep the wund clean and keep harmful bacteria ut. After the wund has healed enugh t make infectin unlikely, expsure t the air will speed wund healing. 5. Change the dressing. Change the dressing at least daily r whenever it becmes wet r dirty. If yu're allergic t the adhesive used in mst bandages, switch t adhesive-free dressings r sterile gauze held in place with paper tape, gauze rll r a lsely applied elastic bandage. These supplies generally are available at pharmacies. 6. Get stitches fr deep wunds. A wund that is mre than 1/4-inch (6 millimeters) deep, gaping, jagged edged and has fat, r muscle prtruding usually requires stitches. Adhesive strips r butterfly tape may hld a minr cut tgether, but if yu can't easily clse the wund, see yur dctr as sn as pssible. Prper clsure within a few hurs reduces the risk f infectin. 7. Watch fr signs f infectin. See yur dctr if the wund isn't healing r yu ntice any redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth r swelling. 8. Get a tetanus sht. Dctrs recmmend yu get a tetanus sht every 10 years. If yur wund is deep r dirty and yur last sht was mre than five years ag, yur dctr may recmmend a tetanus sht bster. Get the bster as sn as pssible after the injury. Page 15 f 30
Dislcatin A dislcatin is an injury in which the ends f yur bnes are frced frm their nrmal psitins. The cause is usually trauma, such as a blw r fall, but dislcatin can be caused by an underlying disease, such as rheumatid arthritis. Dislcatins are cmmn injuries in cntact sprts, such as ftball and hckey, and in sprts that may invlve falls, such as dwnhill skiing and vlleyball. Dislcatins may ccur in majr jints, such as yur shulder, hip, knee, elbw r ankle r in smaller jints, such as yur finger, thumb r te. The injury will temprarily defrm and immbilize yur jint and may result in sudden and severe pain and swelling. A dislcatin requires prmpt medical attentin t return yur bnes t their prper psitins. If yu believe yu have dislcated a jint: 1. Dn't delay medical care. Get medical help immediately. 2. Dn't mve the jint. Until yu receive help, splint the affected jint int its fixed psitin. Dn't try t mve a dislcated jint r frce it back int place. This can damage the jint and its surrunding muscles, ligaments, nerves r bld vessels. Put ice n the injured jint. This can help reduce swelling by cntrlling internal bleeding and the buildup f fluids in and arund the injured jint. Page 16 f 30
Electrical Burns An electrical burn may appear minr r nt shw n the skin at all, but the damage can extend deep int the tissues beneath yur skin. If a strng electrical current passes thrugh yur bdy, internal damage, such as a heart rhythm disturbance r cardiac arrest, can ccur. Smetimes the jlt assciated with the electrical burn can cause yu t be thrwn r t fall, resulting in fractures r ther assciated injuries. Call 911 r yur lcal emergency number fr assistance if the persn wh has been burned is in pain, is cnfused, r is experiencing changes in his r her breathing, heartbeat r cnsciusness. While helping smene with an electrical burn and waiting fr medical help, fllw these steps: 1. Lk first. Dn't tuch. The persn may still be in cntact with the electrical surce. Tuching the persn may pass the current thrugh yu. 2. Turn ff the surce f electricity if pssible. If nt, mve the surce away frm bth yu and the injured persn using a dry, nn-cnducting bject made f cardbard, plastic r wd. 3. Check fr signs f circulatin (breathing, cughing r mvement). If absent, begin cardipulmnary resuscitatin (CPR) immediately. 4. Prevent shck. Lay the persn dwn with the head slightly lwer than the trunk, if pssible, and the legs elevated. 5. Cver the affected areas. If the persn is breathing, cver any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, r a clean clth. Dn't use a blanket r twel, because lse fibers can stick t the burns. Page 17 f 30
Electrical Shck The danger frm an electrical shck depends n the type f current, hw high the vltage is, hw the current traveled thrugh the bdy, the persn's verall health and hw quickly the persn is treated. Call 911 r yur lcal emergency number immediately if any f these signs r symptms ccurs: Cardiac arrest Heart rhythm prblems (arrhythmias) Respiratry failure Muscle pain and cntractins Burns Seizures Numbness and tingling Uncnsciusness While waiting fr medical help, fllw these steps: 1. Lk first. Dn't tuch. The persn may still be in cntact with the electrical surce. Tuching the persn may pass the current thrugh yu. 2. Turn ff the surce f electricity, if pssible. If nt, mve the surce away frm yu and the persn, using a nn-cnducting bject made f cardbard, plastic r wd. 3. Check fr signs f circulatin (breathing, cughing r mvement). If absent, begin cardipulmnary resuscitatin (CPR) immediately. 4. Prevent shck. Lay the persn dwn and, if pssible, psitin the head slightly lwer than the trunk, with the legs elevated. After cming int cntact with electricity, the persn shuld see a dctr t check fr internal injuries, even if he r she has n bvius signs r symptms. Cautin: Dn't tuch the persn with yur bare hands if he r she is still in cntact with the electrical current. Dn't get near high-vltage wires until the pwer is turned ff. Stay at least 20 feet away farther if wires are jumping and sparking. Dn't mve a persn with an electrical injury unless the persn is in immediate danger. Page 18 f 30
Fractures A fracture is a brken bne. It requires medical attentin. If the brken bne is the result f majr trauma r injury, call 911 r yur lcal emergency number. Als call fr emergency help if: The persn is unrespnsive, isn't breathing r isn't mving. Begin cardipulmnary resuscitatin (CPR) if there's n respiratin r heartbeat. There is heavy bleeding. Even gentle pressure r mvement causes pain. The limb r jint appears defrmed. The bne has pierced the skin. The extremity f the injured arm r leg, such as a te r finger, is numb r bluish at the tip. Yu suspect a bne is brken in the neck, head r back. Yu suspect a bne is brken in the hip, pelvis r upper leg (fr example, the leg and ft turn utward abnrmally). Dn't mve the persn except if necessary t avid further injury. Take these actins immediately while waiting fr medical help: Stp any bleeding. Apply pressure t the wund with a sterile bandage, a clean clth r a clean piece f clthing. Immbilize the injured area. Dn't try t realign the bne r push a bne that's sticking ut back in. If yu've been trained in hw t splint and prfessinal help isn't readily available, apply a splint t the area abve and belw the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discmfrt. Apply ice packs t limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency persnnel arrive. Dn't apply ice directly t the skin wrap the ice in a twel, piece f clth r sme ther material. Treat fr shck. If the persn feels faint r is breathing in shrt, rapid breaths lay the persn dwn with the head slightly lwer than the trunk and, if pssible, elevate the legs. Page 19 f 30
Nse Bleeds T take care f a nsebleed: Sit upright and lean frward. By remaining upright, yu reduce bld pressure in the veins f yur nse. This discurages further bleeding. Sitting frward will help yu avid swallwing bld, which can irritate yur stmach. Pinch yur nse. Use yur thumb and index finger t pinch yur nstrils shut. Breathe thrugh yur muth. Cntinue t pinch fr five t 10 minutes. This maneuver sends pressure t the bleeding pint n the nasal septum and ften stps the flw f bld. T prevent re-bleeding after bleeding has stpped, dn't pick r blw yur nse and dn't bend dwn until several hurs after the bleeding episde. Keep yur head higher than the level f yur heart. If re-bleeding ccurs, blw ut frcefully t clear yur nse f bld clts and spray bth sides f yur nse with a decngestant nasal spray cntaining xymetazline (Afrin, thers). Pinch yur nse in the technique described abve and call yur dctr. Seek medical care immediately if: The bleeding lasts fr mre than 20 minutes The nsebleed fllws an accident, a fall r an injury t yur head, including a punch in the face that may have brken yur nse Fr frequent nsebleeds If yu experience frequent nsebleeds, make an appintment with yur dctr. Yu may need a bld vessel cauterized. Cautery is a technique in which the bld vessel is burned with electric current, silver nitrate r a laser. Smetimes yur dctr may pack yur nse with special gauze r an inflatable latex balln t put pressure n the bld vessel and stp the bleeding. Als call yur dctr if yu are experiencing nasal bleeding and are taking bld thinners, such as aspirin r warfarin (Cumadin). Yur dctr may advise adjusting yur medicatin intake. Using supplemental xygen administered with a nasal tube (cannula) may increase yur risk f nsebleeds. Apply a water-based lubricant t yur nstrils and increase the humidity in yur hme t help relieve nasal bleeding. Page 20 f 30
Puncture Wunds A puncture wund desn't usually cause excessive bleeding. Often the wund seems t clse almst instantly. But these features dn't mean treatment isn't necessary. A puncture wund such as frm stepping n a nail can be dangerus because f the risk f infectin. The bject that caused the wund may carry spres f tetanus r ther bacteria, especially if the bject has been expsed t the sil. Puncture wunds resulting frm human r animal bites, including thse f dmestic dgs and cats, may be especially prne t infectin. Puncture wunds n the ft als are mre vulnerable t infectin. If the bite was deep enugh t draw bld and the bleeding persists, seek medical attentin. Otherwise, fllw these steps: 1. Stp the bleeding. Minr cuts and scrapes usually stp bleeding n their wn. If they dn't, apply gentle pressure with a clean clth r bandage. If bleeding persists if the bld spurts r cntinues t flw after several minutes f pressure seek emergency assistance. 2. Clean the wund. Rinse the wund well with clear water. Use tweezers cleaned with alchl t remve small, superficial particles. If debris still remains in the wund, see yur dctr. Thrugh wund cleaning reduces the risk f tetanus. T clean the area arund the wund, use sap and a clean clth. 3. Apply an antibitic. After yu clean the wund, apply a thin layer f an antibitic cream r intment such as Nesprin r Plysprin t help keep the surface mist. These prducts dn't make the wund heal faster, but they can discurage infectin and allw yur bdy t clse the wund mre efficiently. Certain ingredients in sme intments can cause a mild rash in sme peple. If a rash appears, stp using the intment. 4. Cver the wund. Expsure t air speeds healing, but bandages can help keep the wund clean and keep harmful bacteria ut. 5. Change the dressing. D s at least daily r whenever it becmes wet r dirty. If yu're allergic t the adhesive used in mst bandages, switch t adhesive-free dressings r sterile gauze and hypallergenic paper tape, which dn't cause allergic reactins. These supplies are generally available at pharmacies. 6. Watch fr signs f infectin. See yur dctr if the wund desn't heal r if yu ntice any redness, drainage, warmth r swelling. If the puncture is deep, is in yur ft, is cntaminated r is the result f an animal r human bite, see yur dctr. He r she will evaluate the wund, clean it and, if necessary, clse it. If yu haven't had a tetanus sht within five years, yur dctr may recmmend a bster within 48 hurs f the injury. Page 21 f 30
Severe Bleeding If pssible, befre yu try t stp severe bleeding, wash yur hands t avid infectin and put n synthetic glves. Dn't repsitin displaced rgans. If the wund is abdminal and rgans have been displaced, dn't try t push them back int place cver the wund with a dressing. Fr ther cases f severe bleeding, fllw these steps: 1. Have the injured persn lie dwn and cver the persn t prevent lss f bdy heat. If pssible, psitin the persn's head slightly lwer than the trunk r elevate the legs. This psitin reduces the risk f fainting by increasing bld flw t the brain. If pssible, elevate the site f bleeding. 2. While wearing glves, remve any bvius dirt r debris frm the wund. Dn't remve any large r mre deeply embedded bjects. Dn't prbe the wund r attempt t clean it at this pint. Yur principal cncern is t stp the bleeding. 3. Apply pressure directly n the wund until the bleeding stps. Use a sterile bandage r clean clth and hld cntinuus pressure fr at least 20 minutes withut lking t see if the bleeding has stpped. Maintain pressure by binding the wund tightly with a bandage (r a piece f clean clth) and adhesive tape. Use yur hands if nthing else is available. If pssible, wear rubber r latex glves r use a clean plastic bag fr prtectin. 4. Dn't remve the gauze r bandage. If the bleeding cntinues and seeps thrugh the gauze r ther material yu are hlding n the wund, dn't remve it. Instead, add mre absrbent material n tp f it. 5. Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding desn't stp with direct pressure, apply pressure t the artery delivering bld t the area f the wund. Pressure pints f the arm are n the inside f the arm just abve the elbw and just belw the armpit. Pressure pints f the leg are just behind the knee and in the grin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bne. Keep yur fingers flat. With yur ther hand, cntinue t exert pressure n the wund itself. 6. Immbilize the injured bdy part nce the bleeding has stpped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured persn t the emergency rm as sn as pssible. If yu suspect internal bleeding, call 911 r yur lcal emergency number. Signs f internal bleeding may include: Bleeding frm bdy cavities, such as the ears, nse, rectum r vagina Vmiting r cughing up bld Bruising n neck, chest, abdmen r side (between ribs and hip) Wunds that have penetrated the skull, chest r abdmen Abdminal tenderness, pssibly accmpanied by rigidity r spasm f abdminal muscles Fractures Shck, indicated by weakness, anxiety, thirst r skin that's cl t the tuch Page 22 f 30
Spinal Injury If yu suspect a back r neck (spinal) injury, d nt mve the affected persn. Permanent paralysis and ther serius cmplicatins can result. Assume a persn has a spinal injury if: There's evidence f a head injury with an nging change in the persn's level f cnsciusness. The persn cmplains f severe pain in his r her neck r back. The persn wn't mve his r her neck. An injury has exerted substantial frce n the back r head. The persn cmplains f weakness, numbness r paralysis r lacks cntrl f his r her limbs, bladder r bwels. The neck r back is twisted r psitined ddly. If yu suspect smene has a spinal injury: Call 911 r emergency medical help. Keep the persn still. Place heavy twels n bth sides f the neck r hld the head and neck t prevent mvement. The gal f first aid fr a spinal injury is t keep the persn in much the same psitin as he r she was fund. Prvide as much first aid as pssible withut mving the persn's head r neck. If the persn shws n signs f circulatin (breathing, cughing r mvement), begin CPR, but d nt tilt the head back t pen the airway. Use yur fingers t gently grasp the jaw and lift it frward. If the persn has n pulse, begin chest cmpressins. If the persn is wearing a helmet, dn't remve it. If yu abslutely must rll the persn because he r she is vmiting, chking n bld r in danger f further injury, yu need at least ne ther persn. With ne f yu at the head and anther alng the side f the injured persn, wrk tgether t keep the persn's head, neck and back aligned while rlling the persn nt ne side. Page 23 f 30
Sprain Of all sprains, ankle and knee sprains ccur mst ften. Sprained ligaments swell rapidly and are painful. Generally, the greater the pain, the mre severe the injury is. Fr mst minr sprains, yu prbably can treat the injury yurself. Fllw the instructins fr P.R.I.C.E. 1. Prtect the injured limb frm further injury by nt using the jint. Yu can d this using anything frm splints t crutches. 2. Rest the injured limb. But dn't avid all activity. Even with an ankle sprain, yu can usually still exercise ther muscles t minimize decnditining. Fr example, yu can use an exercise bicycle with arm exercise handles, wrking bth yur arms and the uninjured leg while resting the injured ankle n anther part f the bike. That way yu still get three-limb exercise t keep up yur cardivascular cnditining. 3. Ice the area. Use a cld pack, a slush bath r a cmpressin sleeve filled with cld water t help limit swelling after an injury. Try t ice the area as sn as pssible after the injury and cntinue t ice it fr 10 t 15 minutes fur times a day fr 48 hurs. If yu use ice, be careful nt t use it t lng, as this culd cause tissue damage. 4. Cmpress the area with an elastic wrap r bandage. Cmpressive wraps r sleeves made frm elastic r neprene are best. 5. Elevate the injured limb abve yur heart whenever pssible t help prevent r limit swelling. After tw days, gently begin using the injured area. Yu shuld feel a gradual, prgressive imprvement. Over-the-cunter pain relievers, such as ibuprfen (Advil, Mtrin, thers) and acetaminphen (Tylenl, thers), may be helpful t manage pain during the healing prcess. See yur dctr if yur sprain isn't imprving after tw r three days. Get emergency medical assistance if: Yu're unable t bear weight n the injured leg, the jint feels unstable r yu can't use the jint. This may mean the ligament was cmpletely trn. On the way t the dctr, apply a cld pack. Yu have a fever higher than 100 F (37.8 C), and the area is red and ht. Yu may have an infectin. Yu have a severe sprain. Inadequate r delayed treatment may cause lng-term jint instability r chrnic pain. Page 24 f 30
Pit Safety Page 25 f 30
Prper Pit Prcedures Have a strng, structurally sund pit. Use cautin when assembling and dismantling the pit in rder t avid accidents. Keep the amunts f peple ccupying the pit lw in rder t minimize the chances f an accident ccurring. Always keep a clean pit. When using pwer tls in the pit, always use the prper prcedures. Keep all safety equipment ready and available in case f an accident. (see belw) When using ladders, always make sure that a sptter is present. Stre heavy bjects n the lwest shelves r the flr, if pssible. Make sure that all walkways are clear. When wrking within the pit, be cautius f any pinch pints n the shelves r the rbt. Keep all fd and drinks ut f the pit. T avid hazards, keep all tls disengaged while they are nt in use. Eliminate fire hazards by remving them frm the pit (ideal), r keeping ptential fire hazard tls clearly marked and mnitred at all times. Always use cautin when mving abut the pit. Pit Safety Equipment First Aid Kit Fire Extinguisher/Fire Blanket Baking Sda Extra Safety Glasses Eye Wash Glves Knee Pads Ear Plugs Page 26 f 30
Prtable drills Safety Rules: Crded Drills 1. Always discnnect the pwer frm the drill befre changing the bits r tightening the chuck. 2. Always remve the chuck key after installing the drill bit. 3. Clamp dwn small pieces f stck. D nt hld the stck by hand. 4. Grip the drill with bth hands t maintain cntrl. 5. Keep the crd clear f the bit drilling area. 6. Keep fingers and lse clthing away frm the drill bit. Crdless Drills 1. Clamp dwn small pieces f stck. D nt hld the stck by hand. 2. Grip the drill with bth hands t maintain cntrl. 3. Keep the crd clear f the bit drilling area. 4. Keep fingers and lse clthing away frm the drill bit. Terms and parts t knw 1. Pistl grip handle 2. On ff switch 3. Pwer lck 4. Chuck 5. Chuck keyhle 6. Frward reverse switch 7. Battery/ pwer crd. Page 27 f 30
A safety Manual shuld Include: Set Up Yur Own Safety Manual First Aid Shp Safety Rules fr Tls Examples f Prper Prcedures List f Safety Equipment Material safety Data Sheets Emergency Plan fr Shp Area Prcedures fr Cmmn Injuries Page 28 f 30
Emergency Cntact Sheet Name Telephne Number Lcal Emergency 911 Pisn Cntrl 1-800-222-1222 Page 29 f 30
We thank Mentrs Caches Safety Captains Students Safe-Practicing Teams Judges Medical Advisrs First Aid Recmmendatins: May Clinic Staff Writers, May Clinic, http://www.mayclinic.cm/health/firstaidindex/firstaidindex Page 30 f 30