First aid emergency guide

First aid emergency guide Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 1 06/04/2016 11:23

Contents First aid made easy... 3 Asthma attack... 4 Bleeding heavily... 5 Bleeding: shock... 6 Broken bone... 7 Burns... 8 Choking (adult and child)... 9 Choking (baby)... 10 Diabetic emergency... 11 Head injury... 12 Heart attack... 13 Heart disorders: angina attack... 14 Seizure... 15 Severe allergic reaction... 16 Strains and sprains... 17 Stroke... 18 Unresponsive and breathing... 19 Unresponsive and not breathing (adult)... 20 Unresponsive and not breathing (child)... 21 Unresponsive and not breathing (baby)... 22 Ways to learn... 23 2 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 2 06/04/2016 11:23

First aid made easy Learning first aid is easy. You d be surprised at just how simple it is to pick up the basic knowledge. As the examples in this guide show, it only takes a few minutes to learn skills that could make all the difference in an emergency. If you would like to learn more, you ll find further information about our range of first aid products and training options at the back of this booklet. How to deal with an emergency > Keep calm and look out for any dangers to yourself or to the injured person. > Find out what happened and how. > Is there anyone around who can help you? > Do you need an ambulance? Treat serious injuries first There are three conditions that immediately threaten life: > breathing problems > heart problems > serious bleeding. When there is more than one injured person, go to the quiet one first. They may be unresponsive and need immediate attention. 3 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 3 06/04/2016 11:23

Asthma attack Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways. When someone has an asthma attack, their airways become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe in and out. An asthma attack could be triggered by a cold, exercise, smoke or allergies; sometimes there is no obvious cause. People with asthma usually carry an inhaler to use during an attack. The person may: > be wheezing and have difficulty breathing > be unable to speak or cough > have greyish-blue lips > appear distressed and anxious > be able to tell you or indicate what medication they have and where it is. 1. Help them to sit in a comfortable position and take their medication. 2. Stay with them and reassure them until they are completely recovered. If the attack becomes severe or they don t have their medication, call 999 or get someone else to do it. 4 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 4 06/04/2016 11:23

Bleeding heavily Blood loss can be serious and should be treated as quickly as possible. Your main aim is to stop or slow the flow of blood from the wound. > Blood is flowing from a large or deep wound. 1. Put pressure on the wound with whatever is available. 2. Call 999 as soon as possible or get someone else to do it. 3. Keep pressure on the wound and if possible apply a bandage. If there is an object embedded in the wound do not remove it. The object is helping to plug the hole and stop the blood flow. Removing it from the wound could make the bleeding much worse. Instead, apply pressure around the object. 5 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 5 06/04/2016 11:23

Bleeding: shock Shock is a life-threatening condition which occurs when vital organs do not get enough oxygen due to reduced blood circulation. The most common cause of shock is severe blood loss. A person in shock may be bleeding heavily from a wound. They could have a history of a recent accident, surgery or medical conditions that could cause internal bleeding. > They will look pale and feel cold and dizzy. 1. if you are able to, treat the cause of the shock. > if caused by blood loss, put pressure on the wound. 2. Call 999 immediately or get someone else to do it. 3. Help them to lie down and lift their feet higher than their heart. 4. Reassure them and wrap them in a blanket to keep them warm. 6 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 6 06/04/2016 11:23

Broken bone If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will break. Someone could break a bone if they fall from a height or if they are hit by an object. You may also hear the words fractured or cracked used to describe a broken bone. > The person has pain and difficulty moving the area and they may have bruising or swelling. > In severe cases, they may be lying in an unnatural position following a fall or a blow from an object. 1. support the injury with your hand, or use a cushion or item of clothing, to prevent unnecessary movement. 2. If necessary, call 999 or get someone else to do it. Everyone with a suspected broken bone needs to go to hospital. Sometimes calling 999 may not be necessary depending on where the broken bone is and how well the casualty is feeling. If in any doubt, call 999 for emergency help. 7 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 7 06/04/2016 11:23

Burns Burns and scalds are among the most common injuries requiring emergency treatment in the UK. The faster and longer a burn is cooled, the lower the risk of being scarred. > The site of the burn will be red, painful and may have a blister. > Serious burns may have a burning smell. 1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes. 2. After the burn has cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag. 3. Call 999 if the burn is severe. 1 2 8 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 8 06/04/2016 11:23

Choking (adult and child) Choking occurs when an object obstructs a person s airway and stops them from being able to breathe. It normally occurs when someone is eating. > Someone who is choking may be clutching at their chest or neck. > They won t be able to speak, breathe or cough. 1. Give up to five back blows. > Lean them forwards and hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades. 2. give up to five abdominal thrusts. > Continue to lean them forward, Hold the casualty around their waist and place your clenched fist between their belly button and the bottom of their breast bone. Pull your clenched fist inwards and upwards up to five times. 3. call 999 if the object does not dislodge. > Continue with cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, until the object dislodges, help arrives or the person becomes unresponsive. 1 2 9 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 9 06/04/2016 11:23

Choking (baby) Newborn babies can choke on curdled milk, mucus or vomit. Once babies start to wean onto solids and explore by putting things into their mouth, food or small toys can get stuck in their airway. > A baby who is choking won t be able to breathe, cough or cry. 1. Give up to five back blows. > Hold the baby face down along your thigh with their head lower than their bottom. Hit them firmly on their back between their shoulder blades. Support their head while you hold them in this position. 2. Give up to five chest thrusts. > Turn the baby over onto their back and place two fingers in the middle of their chest just below the nipples. Push sharply downwards. 3. call 999 if the object does not dislodge. > Continue with cycles of back blows and chest thrusts, until the object dislodges, help arrives or the baby becomes unresponsive. 1 2 10 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 10 06/04/2016 11:23

Diabetic emergency Diabetes is a medical condition that affects blood sugar levels. In most cases of diabetic emergency, the person s blood sugar levels become too low. This can happen when the person has not eaten for a while or used more energy than usual. If someone is experiencing a diabetic emergency they will usually know what is happening and be able to tell you how to help them. The person may: > sweat a lot or say they feel faint or weak > be drowsy, confused or appear drunk > have a card, bracelet or necklace that gives you information about their condition. 1. Give them a sweet, sugary drink or something sweet to eat. 2. Stay with them to make sure they respond to the sugar. If there is no improvement, call 999 for emergency help. 11 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 11 06/04/2016 11:23

Head injury Head injuries are common and usually caused by a fall or a bang to the head, for example a sporting accident, banging your head on a low beam or falling down stairs. Most head injuries are minor and may not need emergency medical attention. > The person has just had an accident where they have banged their head. > They may have pain or a headache. > There may be a lump on their head. 1. ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury. 2. if they become drowsy, vomit or their condition deteriorates, call 999. > This could be a sign of a more serious head injury. 12 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 12 06/04/2016 11:23

Heart attack A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is blocked. This means the heart is starved of oxygen and can t work properly, so heart attacks can be very serious. > The person may have persistent vice-like chest pain, which may spread to their arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. > The pain will not ease with rest. > They may be breathless, feeling unwell and sweating. 1. Call 999 immediately. 2. ensure they are sitting comfortably and give constant reassurance while waiting for help to arrive. 3. Help the casualty to take an aspirin tablet, if available. 13 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 13 06/04/2016 11:24

Heart disorders: angina attack An angina attack happens when someone with angina experiences pain and discomfort as a result of the heart demanding more blood than can be delivered. Many of the signs and symptoms of angina are similar to those of a heart attack. However, the pain associated with angina tends to ease once the person has rested. Someone having an angina attack will have been diagnosed with angina, and will be able to tell you what medication they have and where it is. If they have not been diagnosed with angina then you should treat the pain as a heart attack. > They may have vice-like chest pain that may spread to the jaw, abdomen or arms, shortness of breath, tiredness (often sudden and extreme) and anxiety. > These symptoms should ease with rest. 1. Help them to rest by sitting down in a comfortable position. 2. if they have medication, help them to take it. 3. Stay with them and reassure them until they have completely recovered. Call 999 if the pain persists as they may be having a heart attack. 14 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 14 06/04/2016 11:24

Seizure The most common reason a person may be having a seizure is because they have epilepsy. Seizures can also be caused by a head injury, very high fever or a reaction to medications or drugs. > The person will have collapsed. > They may be making sudden jerky movements. > They may also have froth around their mouth. > They may have a card, bracelet or necklace that will give you information about their condition. 1. protect them from injury. Do not restrain them. 2. After the seizure, help them to rest on their side with their head tilted back. 3. Call 999 if necessary. 1 2 15 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 15 06/04/2016 11:24

Severe allergic reaction A severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock can quickly affect someone and make it difficult for them to breathe. Common causes are foods such as peanuts and shellfish, as well as bee or wasp stings and latex. If someone has a known allergy they may have an auto-injector which will help them in case something triggers a severe allergic reaction. > They may develop a rash, itchiness or swelling of their hands, feet or face, a swollen tongue or lips and puffiness around their eyes. > Their breathing may slow down or become difficult; they may be wheezing or gasping for air. 1. Call 999 immediately or get someone else to do it. 2. If the casualty has an auto-injector, help them to use it by following the instructions on the side. 3. reassure them and make them comfortable while you wait for the ambulance to arrive. 1 2 16 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 16 06/04/2016 11:24

Strains and sprains These are common injuries where there has been a very sudden movement to part of the body. The injury could result from a trip, slip or fall. It can be difficult to identify the difference between a sprain, strain or broken bone. > The person may have pain and tenderness, difficulty moving the injured part of the body, and swelling and bruising. 1. Apply an ice pack to the injury. 2. get them to rest the injured part of the body in a raised, comfortable position. If there is no improvement, seek medical advice. 17 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 17 06/04/2016 11:24

Stroke A stroke is caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the brain. Part of the brain becomes damaged and this can affect a person s appearance, bodily functions, speech and sight. A stroke needs immediate attention. The faster the person receives medical help, the less damage is caused. > think FAST Face: is there weakness on one side of their face? arms: can they raise both arms? Is there weakness on one side? Speech: is their speech easily understood? Time: to call 999 1. Call 999 immediately or get someone else to do it. 2. Help them to rest while waiting for help to arrive. 18 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 18 06/04/2016 11:24

Unresponsive and breathing A person who is not moving or responding to you should be treated as unresponsive. They may have had an accident or a medical condition that has caused them to become unresponsive. > The person is not moving and does not respond when you call their name or gently shake their shoulders. > Check for normal breathing: tilt their head back and look at their chest or stomach to see if it is moving; listen and feel for breaths on your cheek. If they are breathing, their chest or stomach will be moving and you should also hear or feel signs of breaths. 1. Move them onto their side and tilt their head back. > This is sometimes called the recovery position. 2. Call 999 immediately or get someone else to do it. If a baby is unresponsive and breathing hold them on their side with their head slightly tilted back. Call 999. 19 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 19 06/04/2016 11:24

Unresponsive and not breathing (adult) Someone who is unresponsive and not breathing is in cardiac arrest: their heart is not pumping blood around their body. They will not be moving and won t respond to you. > The person is not moving and does not respond when you call their name or gently shake their shoulders. > Check for normal breathing: tilt their head back and look at their chest or stomach to see if it is moving, listen and feel for breaths on your cheek. If they are not breathing, their chest or stomach will not be moving normally and you won t hear or feel signs of normal breaths. > They may also look pale and blue. 1. call 999 immediately or ask someone else to do it. 2. Give 30 chest compressions. > Push firmly in the middle of their chest and then release. 3. give two rescue breaths. > Seal your mouth over their mouth or nose, closing the other, and blow air into them with two steady breaths. 4. continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives. 2 3 20 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 20 06/04/2016 11:24

Unresponsive and not breathing (child) A child who is unresponsive and not breathing is in cardiac arrest: their heart is not pumping blood around their body. They will not be moving and won t respond to you. > The child is not moving and does not respond when you call their name or tap their shoulders. > Check for normal breathing: tilt their head back and look at their chest or stomach to see if it is moving, listen and feel for breaths on your cheek. If they are not breathing, their chest or stomach will not be moving normally and you won t hear or feel signs of normal breaths. > They may also look pale and blue. 1. Tell someone to call 999. 2. Give five rescue breaths. > Tilt their head back and lift their chin, seal your mouth over their mouth and pinch their nose, and then blow steadily until you see their chest rise. 3. give 30 chest compressions. > Push firmly in the middle of their chest with one hand so that the chest goes inwards, then release. 4. Give two rescue breaths then continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives. 2 3 If you are on your own carry out rescue breaths and chest compressions for one minute, and then call 999. 21 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 21 06/04/2016 11:24

Unresponsive and not breathing (baby) A baby who is unresponsive and not breathing is in cardiac arrest: their heart is not pumping blood around their body. They will not be moving and won t respond to you. > The baby is not moving and does not respond when you call their name or tap their foot. > Check for breathing: tilt their head back slightly and look at their chest or stomach to see if it is moving, listen and feel for breaths on your cheek. If they are not breathing, their chest or stomach will not be moving normally and you won t hear or feel signs of normal breaths. > They may also look pale and blue. 1. Tell someone to call 999. 2. Give five rescue breaths. > Tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin, seal your mouth over their mouth and nose and blow steadily until you see their chest rise. 3. Give 30 chest compressions. > Push firmly in the middle of their chest with two fingers and then release. 4. Give two rescue breaths then continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives. If you are on your own carry out rescue breaths and chest compressions for one minute, and then call 999. 2 3 22 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 22 06/04/2016 11:24

Ways to learn Online and mobile It s never been simpler to learn first aid. Learn first aid any time, anywhere with the Red Cross award winning first aid app, and baby and child first aid app. Our apps are free and packed with useful videos, animations and tips. They provide simple advice and each skill only takes minutes to learn. You can also test your first aid knowledge using the quizzes. The essential apps include simple step-by-step advice. Over a million people have already downloaded our apps. Download yours today from redcross.org.uk/app and redcross.org.uk/babyandchildapp Available at Alternatively, go online to learn more first aid skills: redcross.org.uk/firstaid Face to face We offer a range of first aid courses. From basic everyday skills to coping with an emergency and first aid at work, we can arrange sessions to match the specific needs and interests of your group. We have an unrivalled reputation for quality and excellence built up over 30 years. Our face-to-face courses provide a practical, hands-on and enjoyable approach to learning that will give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. To find out more, visit redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk or call 0844 871 8000. 23 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 23 06/04/2016 11:24

British Red Cross Bradbury House Ohio Avenue Salford Quays Manchester M50 2GT Tel 0844 871 8000 Email firstaidtraining@redcross.org.uk redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk Product code FFK1009 Published 2016 The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SC037738) and Isle of Man (0752). Photo credits: Front cover, page 4 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20 Tracey Gibbs/BRC. Page 12 Alex Rumford/ BRC, Page 15 Lloyd Sturdy/ BRC. Page 17 Jonathan Banks/BRC. Page 21 and 22 Bob Collier/BRC. Email: production@redcross.org.uk Tel: 020 7877 7029 Emergency_first_aid_guide_AW.indd 24 06/04/2016 11:24