FIRST

AID
First aid refers to the emergency or immediate care you should provide when a person is injured or ill
until full medical treatment is available. For minor conditions, first aid care may be enough. For serious
problems, first aid care should be continued until more advanced care becomes available.

The decision to act appropriately with first aid can mean the difference between life and death. Begin by
introducing yourself to the injured or ill person. Explain that you are a first aid provider and are willing to
help. The person must give you permission to help them; do not touch them until they agree to be
helped. If you encounter a confused person or someone who is critically injured or ill, you can assume
that they would want you to help them. This is known as “implied consent.”

FIRST AID BASICS

The first step in any emergency is the recognition of the problem and providing help. When in doubt or
when someone is seriously injured or ill, you should always activate the emergency response system by
calling 911. If you’re not sure how serious the situation is, the 911 operator will ask you a series of
questions to determine the seriousness of it.

Remain on the line until additional help arrives, or until the 911 operator tells you to hang up.
Emergency system dispatchers can guide you through the steps of performing cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), using an automatic external defibrillator (AED), or delivering basic care until
additional help arrives.

Whether you are at home, work, or school, know where the first aid kit and the AED are kept and be
familiar with their contents. Know how to activate the emergency response system (by calling 911 if in
the United States). Be aware of any policies in the workplace regarding medical emergencies.

After determining the problem, the next step in providing help is to determine the unresponsiveness of
the injured or ill person. The best way to determine this is to tap the person and talk loudly to them:
“Are you okay?” After determining unresponsiveness, yell for help. Look for any medical identifications,
such as a necklace or a bracelet. This may provide a valuable clue to the cause of the situation.

SCENE SAFETY

Assessing the safety of the surroundings is critical when approaching any scene. You do not want to
become another person who is injured or ill so look for any potential dangers. Remove the person from
any dangers, such as presence of water at the scene. Be especially alert to avoid danger from
automobile traffic.
HANDWASHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR

Handwashing is essential in prevention of disease and illness. Wash your hands after each episode of
care and after taking off gloves. Also, be sure to wash the injured/ill person’s hands at the first
opportunity. When a sink is not available, use hand sanitizers. (Most hand sanitizers are alcohol-based
and are substitute for hand washing when needed.)

Proper hand washing technique is fairly simple:

 Completely wet your hands and generously apply soap.

 Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds (Figure 1).
 Rinse your hands with plenty of running water.
 Dry your hands with a towel or air dryer.

Using personal protective gear is an important strategy to minimize the risk of blood and
bodily fluid exposure. If the person is bleeding, always wear gloves and protective
eyewear when giving first aid care. The universal precaution is to use personal
protective equipment whenever there is possible exposure to blood or bodily fluids; it
reduces the risk for both the rescuer and the injured/ill person to be exposed to a blood
borne disease. Gloves protect your hands from exposure to blood and other bodily
fluids while eye protection prevents accidental exposure from splashing fluids.

Consider a pocket mask as part of your personal protective gear as it provides safety
during rescue breathing. Be sure to dispose of all equipment that has touched bodily
fluids in a biohazard bag when available.

Figure 2a
 Figure 2b

Figure 2c
When taking off the gloves, avoid touching the outer contaminated surface. Slowly pull
one glove off while turning it inside out (Figure 2a). Place the glove in the palm of the
other gloved hand. Place the glove in the palm of the other gloved hand (Figure 2b),
and then remove the second glove while turning it inside out (Figure 2c).

Introduction to first aid

At any moment, you or someone around you could experience an injury or illness. Using basic first aid,
you may be able to stop a minor mishap from getting worse. In the case of a serious medical emergency,
you may even save a life.

That’s why it’s so important to learn basic first aid skills. To build on the information you learn here,
considering taking a first aid course. Many organizations offer first aid training, including the American
Red Cross and St. John Ambulance.

Definition of first aid

When you provide basic medical care to someone experiencing a sudden injury or illness, it’s known as
first aid.
In some cases, first aid consists of the initial support provided to someone in the middle of a medical
emergency. This support might help them survive until professional help arrives.

In other cases, first aid consists of the care provided to someone with a minor injury. For example, first
aid is often all that’s needed to treat minor burns, cuts, and insect stings.

3 steps for emergency situations

If you encounter an emergency situation, follow these three basic steps:

1. Check the scene for danger

Look for anything that might be dangerous, like signs of fire, falling debris, or violent people. If your
safety is at risk, remove yourself from the area and call for help.

If the scene is safe, assess the condition of the sick or injured person. Don’t move them unless you must
do so to protect them from danger.

2. Call for medical help, if needed

If you suspect the sick or injured person needs emergency medical care, tell a nearby person to call 911
or the local number for emergency medical services. If you’re alone, make the call yourself.

3. Provide care

If you can do so safely, remain with the sick or injured person until professional help arrives. Cover them
with a warm blanket, comfort them, and try to keep them calm. If you have basic first aid skills, try to
treat any potentially life-threatening injuries they have.

Remove yourself from danger if at any point in the situation you think your safety might be at risk.
 FIRST
AID KIT
FIRST AID KIT

Figure 3

Consider purchasing a commercially available first aid kit or making your own. Having
one available around the house, in your car, and at your place of work is essential.

Common items found in a first aid kit are:

 Bandages, roller bandages and tape

 (Sterile) Gauze
 Antiseptic wipes and swabs
 Absorbent compresses
 Antibiotic cream
 Burn ointment
 Mask for breathing (rescue breathing/CPR)
 Chemical cold pack
 Eye shield and eye wash
 First aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers
First aid kit list

You never know when you might need to provide basic first aid. To prepare for the unpredictable,
considering storing a well-stocked first aid kit in your home and car. It’s also a good idea to have a first
aid kit available at work.

You can buy preassembled first aid kits from many first aid organizations, pharmacies, or outdoor
recreation stores. Alternatively, you can create your own first aid kit using products purchased from a
pharmacy.

A standard first aid kit should include:

adhesive bandages of assorted sizes

roller bandages of assorted sizes

absorbent compress dressings

sterile gauze pads

adhesive cloth tape

triangular bandages

antiseptic wipes

aspirin

acetaminophen or ibuprofen

antibiotic ointment

hydrocortisone cream

calamine lotion

nitrile or vinyl gloves

safety pins

scissors

tweezers

thermometer

breathing barrier

instant cold pack

blanket

first aid manual

It’s also smart to include a list of your healthcare providers, emergency contact numbers, and prescribed
medications in your first aid kits.

Outlook

It’s important to protect yourself from contagious illnesses and other hazards when providing first aid.
To help protect yourself:

Always check for hazards that could put your safety at risk before approaching a sick or injured person.

Avoid direct contact with blood, vomit, and other bodily fluids.

Wear protective equipment, such as nitrile or vinyl gloves when treating someone with an open wound
or a breathing barrier when performing rescue breathing.

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after providing first aid care.

In many cases, basic first aid can help stop a minor situation from getting worse. In the case of a medical
emergency, first aid might even save a life. If someone has a serious injury or illness, they should receive
follow-up care from a medical professional.

A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies:

Keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car.

Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one.

Find out the location of first aid kits where you work.

First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from the Red Cross Store. Your local
drug store may sell them. You can also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities,
such as hiking, camping or boating.
Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need:

Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your
health-care provider may suggest.

Check the kit regularly.

Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), also found within our Family First Aid Kit (Similar item available in
the Red Cross Store)

1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

5 antiseptic wipe packets (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

1 emergency blanket

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress, also found within our First Aid Kit

2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) (Similar item found within the Be Red
Cross Ready First Aid Kit)

1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches) (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass), also within the Deluxe All Purpose First Aid Kit

2 triangular bandages (Similar item available in the Red Cross Store)

Tweezers

Emergency First Aid guide

First aid kit for babies

To prepare for potential emergencies, it’s a good idea to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home
and car. You can buy preassembled first aid kits or make your own.

If you have a baby, you might need to replace or supplement some of the products in a standard first aid
kit with infant-appropriate alternatives. For example, your kit should include an infant thermometer and
infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

It’s also important to store the kit in a place where your baby can’t reach it.

Ask your pediatrician or family doctor for more information about infant-friendly first aid.

SNAKE
BITE
This is an article belonging to the ‘climb health‘ category in PinoyMountaineer. Information provided in
this article are based on research and are not meant as a substitute to actual medical advice and
healthcare.

Alongside with such nonsense questions like “How do you unload your stomach when you’re up there?”
and “Why climb, you’ll just get tired?!”, a favorite question of nonhikers is, “Aren’t there snakes? What
if you get bitten by a snake?”

There is a need to address this question, because most climbers actually don’t know what to do! The
reason is, most climbers actually don’t get to experience seeing up close, let alone being bitten by a
snake. There is a Tagalog saying, “Mas takot ang ahas sa tao, kaysa tao sa ahas.” – A snake is more afraid
of men, than the other way around. This statement echoes human experience worldwide. But
sometimes, instead of escaping, they turn defensive, and aggressive.
And there are indeed many snakes in the Philippines. Out of a few hundred species, there are 30
poisonous snakes in the archipelago. Most of them stay in rural areas, preying on small mammals such
as rats and mice. Usually they prefer moist areas such as rivers, being cold-blooded animals.

So what do you do when you’re bitten by a snake? What do you do if someone in your climbing team is
bitten by one? And is there a way to prevent yourself from bitten by one?

PREVENTION

Many folk would swear on the efficacy on garlic as a snake repellant. This is not without basis; the aroma
of garlic is said to put away snakes. In fact Chinese medicine names garlic as an antidote for snake
poison. But more reassuring than garlic would be physical measures to prevent snake bites. These
include avoiding, as much as possible, night trekking in areas where snakes are known to be a menace.
Snakes are active between dusk and dawn. Also, take the clearest, most open path on any trail, avoiding
any loose rocks, bushes, etc.

SYMPTOMS AND FIRST AID

The principles of snake bite first aid is a mixture of common sense and logic.

The first step is to ‘diagnose’ a snake bite. Is it really a snake bite? Of course if you actually saw the
snake bite the victim, you can proceed with the next step. Otherwise, look for the telltale bite marks of
two fangs. A snake bite would moderate to severe pain on the site, together with swelling. There could
likewise be skin discoloration (a sign of venom) and twitching skin at the site of the bite. Looking at the
whole body, there could be symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, sweating, slurred speech,
mental status changes, among others. If you — or your teammate – is experiencing such — then
proceed to the next step.

Immediately call for emergency help.

Then, keep the victim calm and still. Immobilize him as much as you can. Don’t let him walk and if
possible put a splint on the area of the bite. Place the bite below the victim’s heart level. Place a
bandage or any constricting band – 2-4 inches above the bite and, if possible, another below it. But do
not do so too tightly. All these will have the effect of preventing venom from getting into bloodstream
and lymphatic system.

If possible, try to identify the snake (note the color, size, pattern, etc.)

Clean the wound with soap and water.

Bring the patient to the nearest hospital. Continue monitoring him for any danger signs and symptoms.
Perform CPR if warranted.

Throughout the ordeal, the important thing is not to panic – this goes for the victim and his teammates.
There is also a great need to monitor the victim always for changes in the wound site and the victim as a
whole.

WHAT NOT TO DO

DO NOT attempt to cut open the bite nor suck out the venom. If the venom should seep through any
damaged or lacerated tissues in your mouth, you could immediately lose consciousness or even die.
Do not apply any ointment to the patient, or give him alcohol to drink. Simple soap and water ought to
be used in cleaning the wound.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

In most of the cases, venom isn’t actually injected by the snake into the bite, and more commonly, the
snake is nonpoisonous to begin with. Still, snakes may carry tetanus and thus hospital management is
still required to administer tetanus vaccine and treat the wound.

If the snake proves to be poisonous and if venom is clincally proven to have been injected with the bite,
then ideally, antivenom is administered immediately at the nearest hospital. However, in the Philippines
it is not routine for hospitals to have antivenom. Still, first aid can be lifesaving especially if it can buy
time for the victim to be brought to a specialized center that can deal with snake bites. Right now in
Metro Manila two such centers are avaialable:

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine

DOH Compound, Filinvest Corporate City

Alabang, Muntinlupa

San Lazaro Hospital

Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Mania

(02)7323776

When climbing in ethnic territories with tribal or even local guides, you might be offered traditional
medicines / herbs for snake bites. PinoyMountaineer does not have enough information to recommend
or reject such, and they may be dealt with on a case-to-case basis. If the nearest hospital is really too far,
then such alternative therapies may be an option. But even so, insist on doing all the first aid measures
listed above. Local herbs may have antivenom properties that local healers understand.

CONCLUSION

While climbing mountains, the chance of getting bitten by a snake is very small. However, there are
precautions that can be done to further lessen the chance, and if a snake bite still happens, there are
principles of first aid that if carried out, can greatly reduce the risks of mortality and morbidity
associated with snake envenomation. Understanding these statistics and principles can help allay fears
of hikers and their loved ones.

TRIVIA

When you see a dead snake, handle it with care just the same! Dead snakes still have venom, and they
can still actually inflict fatal bites by reflex action even after death!

The blogger is currently a fourth year medical student at the University of the Philippines – Philippine
General Hospital under the INTARMED program.
Why do snakes bite? Who do snakes bite? And what should be done when bitten by a snake? We don't
often hear questions like these asked in normal conversation. This is because snakes are not very
common animals like dogs and cats that can be easily spotted in households.

In the Philippines, out if the few hundred species of snakes, there are thirty poisonous snakes that can
be identified. Snakes can be found in rural areas, especially farmlands and rivers where they can easily
prey on smaller animals and live in the moist. This also makes people in rural areas prone to snake
encounters and snake bites something that should not be taken lightly, even from non-venomous
snakes.

Five million snake bites are recorded worldwide yearly and causes about 125,000 deaths. This number
should not be taken lightly, considering that snakes are only common in tropical regions and in
agricultural areas.

Snakes bite when they are attacked. Most people who encounter snakes commit the mistake of
engaging the snake and turning aggressive towards it making the snake defensive. When you encounter
a snake in the wilderness, it if doesn't harm you first, it's best to just keep away from the snake instead
of trying to kill it.

Snake bites that lead to deaths are not only caused by the venom from the snake. Infection, tetanus, as
well as improper handling or treatment of the bite can lead to more deaths. So when faced with this
problem, one must be able to provide first-aid as well a treatment to lessen the harm that can result
from the bite.

However, not all snake bites are fatal. A majority of snakes are not poisonous.

Poisonous Snakes

• Cobra

• Copperhead

• Coral snake

• Cottonmouth (water moccasin)

• Rattlesnake

• Various snakes found in zoos

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Depend on the type of snake, but may include:

• Bleeding from wound

• Blurred vision
• Burning of the skin

• Convulsions

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating

• Fainting

• Fang marks in the skin

• Fever

• Increased thirst

• Collapse (hypotension, shock)

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Severe headache

• “Heaviness” of the eyelids

• Inappropriate drowsiness

TREATMENT

First aid treatment is carried out immediately or very soon after the bite before the patient reaches a
dispensary or hospital.

• Reassure the victim who may be very anxious.

• Immobilize the whole of the patient’s body by laying him/her down in a comfortable and safe
position. Make sure to immobilize the bitten limb with a splint or sling.

• Apply pressure if necessary.

• Avoid any interference with the bite wound (incisions, rubbing, vigorous cleaning, massage,
application of herbs or chemicals) as this may introduce infection, increase absorption of the venom,
and increase local bleeding.

• Bring the patient to the hospital.

• Antivenom is the only effective antidote for snake venom.

DON'T s

• Do not make the patient tired.

• Do not use tourniquet.

• Do not use ice pack on the bite marks.

• Do not puncture, pinch, or scrape bitten area.

• Do not suck in venom from the patient’s open wound.

• Do not give medication not prescribed by the doctor.

• Do not elevate the wound at the same level or higher than the chest/heart area..

https://disasters2.jimdo.com/snakebite/
 DROWN
ING
First Things First:

If you suspect someone is drowning, notify a lifeguard and call for help. Do not waste anytime.

Rescue is only half the job. Reviving someone who has drowned or swallowed water is the other half,
and it's equally important when it comes to saving a life.

More: Pool Safety for Kids

If you've pulled a drowning person back to dry land, the next step to reviving them is performing mouth-
to-mouth resuscitation. As always, call for help before beginning these important first aid emergency
measures.

You should implement universal safety guidelines whenever possible. If you have an airway bag in your
first aid kit, use it! It will provide safety during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, keeping HIV and other
infections at bay.

Steps for Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

1. Turn the drowning person's head to the side, allowing any water to drain from his or her mouth
and nose. Turn the head back to the center.

2. Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on land, if possible, or in the water if the injured person
needs immediate life-and-death measures.

3. Strongly breathe four times into the mouth of the injured person as you pinch his or her nose.
This helps air get past any water that is clogging the breathing passageways and the lungs.

4. After four strong breaths, put your ear near the mouth and watch the chest for any breathing
movement.

5. Check the pulse for signs of life.

6. Repeat the cycle.

What to Worry About Next:

You're not out of the water once the drowning victim starts to breathe and choke. In fact, the first 48
hours after a drowning incident can be the most dangerous. Complications resulting from water
exposure—pneumonia, infection, heart failure—can all occur during this time. Therefore, you should
always take a drowning victim to the hospital.

More: Taking a Child and Infant CPR Class Might Just Help You Save a Life
Babies and Drowning

Babies are particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents, even in wading pools because they sometimes
don't have enough strength to pick up their heads. If you must perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
on a baby, don't use forceful breaths. Instead, breathe gentle puffs of air into the baby's mouth and
nose four times.

If you own a home pool or hot tub, the Red Cross recommends that you enroll in home pool safety,
water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Learn the ABC's of CPR and you might save someone's life.

Someone is drowning

1. Get Help

Notify a lifeguard, if one is close. If not, ask someone to call 911.

If you are alone, follow the steps below.

2. Move the Person

Take the person out of the water.

3. Check for Breathing

Place your ear next to the person's mouth and nose. Do you feel air on your cheek?

Look to see if the person's chest is moving.

4. If the Person is Not Breathing, Check Pulse

Check the person's pulse for 10 seconds.

5. If There is No Pulse, Start CPR

Carefully place person on back.

For an adult or child, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest at the nipple line. You can
also push with one hand on top of the other. For an infant, place two fingers on the breastbone.

For an adult or child, press down at least 2 inches. Make sure not to press on ribs. For an infant, press
down about 1 and 1/2 inches. Make sure not to press on the end of the breastbone.
Do chest compressions only, at the rate of 100-120 per minute or more. Let the chest rise completely
between pushes.

Check to see if the person has started breathing.

Note that these instructions are not meant to replace CPR training. Classes are available through the
American Red Cross, local hospitals, and other organizations.

6. Repeat if Person Is Still Not Breathing

If you've been trained in CPR, you can now open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.

Pinch the nose of the victim closed. Take a normal breath, cover the victim's mouth with yours to create
an airtight seal, and then give 2 one-second breaths as you watch for the chest to rise.

Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions.

Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts breathing or emergency
help arrives.

Drowning First Aid

Remove the casualty from the water ASAP. DO NOT ENDANGER YOURSELF. Throw a rope or use a
buoyancy aid to affect the

rescue. Call for help.

In minor incidents, following removal from the water, coughing may occur followed by spontaneous
breathing.

In serious incidents, if the patient is unconscious and not breathing, follow your Emergency Action Plan
of DRSABCD.

Assess the patient with their head level with the rest of their body. This decreases the chances of
vomiting or regurgitation.

The airway of the patient can be assessed whilst they are lying on their back. The exception to this is if
there is obvious water,

blood, vomit or sand in their mouth. If this were the case, the patient should be promptly rolled to their
side and the airway cleared.

If CPR is required, carry out as per training. If clear or frothy fluid accumulates in the upper airway
during resuscitation, continue

CPR and do not attempt to drain fluid.

Continually monitor patient if successfully resuscitated. Patient should be transported to hospital.

So why are compressions only CPR so useless? The primary cause of cardiac arrest in drowning is lack of
breathing. This then results in no oxygen in the blood and an increase in carbon dioxide. By doing
compressions only, all we are doing is circulating oxygen poor blood around the body. This is pointless
and doesn’t assist the patient at all. If done at all, it should only be done briefly prior to the arrival of a
barrier device, face mask or bag valve mask. The use of oxygen is beneficial, however resuscitation
should not be delayed awaiting the arrival of oxygen equipment. As always, the use of an Automated
External Defibrillator (AED) is highly recommended. Most times, the patient who drowns will not be in a
shockable rhythm, however if the drowning occurs due to a pre-existing medical condition, the use of a
defibrillator will be advantageous.

How do we slow down the number of drownings? The simple answer is prevention. Teach your kids to
swim. Don’t wait until they’re in school to learn, get them in the water and comfortable with it as
babies. Keep in contact with them when they’re young, keep a close eye on them when they’re older.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags when at the beach. Always empty the bath of water.
Never leave buckets of water lying around the house (nappy or clothes soaking buckets). If you have to
soak something, put the bucket in the laundry tub. Keep pool fences and gates maintained. Establish
some ground rules around pool for kids.

The best thing you can do is prepare for the worst by doing a first aid course. Provide first aid covers
CPR, teaching you how to effectively and efficiently perform compressions and rescue breaths. We can
do this at either of our two training locations in Helensvale or Mermaid Beach, or we can come to you
onsite. Stay safe folks.
 CPR IN
DROWN
First aid CPR

If you see someone collapse or find someone unconscious, call 911. If the area around the unconscious

ING
person seems safe, approach them and begin CPR.

Even if you don’t have formal training, you can use hands-only CPR to help keep someone alive until
professional help arrives.

Here’s how to treat an adult with hands-only CPR:

Place both hands on the center of their chest, with one hand on top of the other.

Press straight down to compress their chest repeatedly, at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per
minute.

Compressing e.

Continue performing chest compressions until professional help arrives.

Learn how to treat an infant or child with CPR and how to combine chest compressions with rescue
breathing.

Is having problems breathing or has stopped breathing as a result of being immersed or submerged in
liquid. (Remember, children can drown in as little as one inch of water.)

Has had a near-drowning episode

This article is meant to be used as a guideline. It is important for parents and caretakers to learn CPR and
how to do it correctly. To find a CPR course, go to redcross.org or heart.org.

1. Take the Child Out of the Water

2. Get Help, if You Are Not Alone

Starting CPR immediately is the most important thing you can do to prevent a child from dying.

If you are alone, follow the steps below before stopping to call 911.

If you are not alone, while you start the steps below, ask someone to call 911 and to notify a lifeguard, if
one is close.
3. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness

See whether the child is breathing. Place your ear near the child’s mouth and nose. Do you feel air on
your cheek? Is the child’s chest moving? (Gasping is not breathing.) While checking for breathing, you
can also call the child's name to see if the child responds.

4. If the Child Is Not Breathing, Start Rescue Breathing

You do not need to remove water from the child's throat to start CPR.

Carefully place the child on his or her back on a firm surface.

If you suspect a neck or head injury, roll the child over by moving the entire body (head, neck, spine, and
hips) together, keeping them all aligned.

Tilt the child's head back and lift the chin. If you suspect a neck injury, do not tilt the head, just open the
jaw. For a baby, be careful not to tilt the head back too far.

With an infant, place your mouth over the baby's nose and mouth to form a tight seal.

With an older child, pinch the nose closed and put your mouth over the child's mouth, forming a tight
seal.

Blow into the child's mouth for 1 second. The child's chest should rise when you do this.

Repeat the breath a second time.

5. Begin Chest Compressions

For a baby

Place two fingers on the breastbone.

Begin rapidly pressing down on the chest about 11/2 inches deep and then releasing the pressure. Make
sure you're not pressing on the end of the breastbone.

Do 30 chest compressions, at the rate of 100 per minute. Let the chest rise completely between pushes.

Check to see if the baby has started breathing. (Watch to see if the chest rises and falls on its own.)

For a child

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest in line with the nipples. You can put your other
hand on top of that hand to help push.

Begin rapidly pressing down on the chest about 2 inches deep and then releasing the pressure. Make
sure you're not pressing down on the child's ribs.

Do 30 chest compressions, at the rate of 100 per minute. Let the chest rise completely between pushes.
Check to see if the child has started breathing. (Watch to see if the chest rises and falls on its own.)

6. Repeat the Process

Give 2 breaths, followed by 30 chest compressions.

Continue this cycle of 2 breaths and 30 compressions until the child starts breathing or until emergency
help arrives.

FAINTIN
G Fainting occurs when your brain temporarily doesn't receive enough blood supply, causing you
to lose consciousness. This loss of consciousness is usually brief.

Fainting might have no medical significance. Or the cause can be a serious disorder, often
involving the heart. Therefore, treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the signs and
symptoms are relieved, and the cause is known. Talk to your doctor if you faint more than once.

If you feel faint

Lie down or sit down. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get up too quickly.

Place your head between your knees if you sit down.

If someone else faints

Position the person on his or her back. If there are no injuries and the person is breathing, raise
the person's legs above heart level — about 12 inches (30 centimeters) — if possible. Loosen belts,
collars or other constrictive clothing.

To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the person up too quickly. If the person doesn't
regain consciousness within one minute, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Check for breathing. If the person isn't breathing, begin CPR. Call 911 or your local emergency
number. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person begins to breathe.

If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat bumps, bruises or cuts
appropriately. Control bleeding with direct pressure.
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness. Someone who faints may pass out for several
seconds or up to an hour.

There are many reasons people faint. Medical reasons include:

 Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which is common in early pregnancy.

 Anemia.
 Any condition in which there is a rapid loss of blood.
 Heart and circulatory problems such as abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack or
stroke.
 Heat stroke or heat exhaustion
 Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia.
 Toxic shock syndrome.

Other things that can lead to feeling faint or fainting include:

 A sudden change in body position like standing up too quickly (postural

hypertension).
 Extreme pain.
 Any procedure in women that stretches the cervix such as having an IUD
inserted, especially in women who have never been pregnant.
 Sudden emotional stress or fright.
 Anxiety
 Taking some prescription medicines. Examples are: some that lower high blood
pressure, tranquilizers, antidepressants, or even some over-the-counter
medicines when taken in excessive amounts.

Know, also, that the risk for fainting increases if you are in hot, humid weather, are in
a stuffy room or have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.

Just before fainting, a person may:

 Feel a sense of dread

 Feel dizzy
 See spots before his or her eyes
 Have nausea

Here are some dos and don'ts to remember if someone is about to faint or faints:

Do's:
  Catch the person before he or she falls.
 Have the person lie down with the head below the level of the heart. Raise the
legs 8 to 12 inches. This promotes blood flow to the brain. If a victim who is
about to faint can lie down right away, he or she may not lose consciousness.
 Turn the victim's head to the side so the tongue doesn't fall back into the throat.
 Loosen any tight clothing.
 Apply moist towels to the person's face and neck.
 Keep the victim warm, especially if the surroundings are chilly.

Don'ts:

 Don't slap or shake anyone who's just fainted.

 Don't try to give the person anything to eat or drink, not even water, until they
are fully conscious.

Don't allow the person who's fainted to get up until the sense of physical weakness
passes. Then be watchful for a few minutes to be sure he or she doesn't faint again.

Questions to Ask

Is the person who fainted

not breathing and does
he/she not have a pulse?

Do CPR and Get Emergency Care. (See CPR.)

Are signs of a heart attack

also present with the
fainting?

 Chest pain or
pressure.
 Pain that spreads to
the arm, neck or
jaw.
 Shortness of breath
or difficulty
breathing.
 Nausea and/or
vomiting.
 Sweating.
 Rapid, slow or
irregular heartbeat.
 Anxiety.
 Get Emergency Care and give first aid before
emergency care. (See "Chest Pain".)

Are signs of a stroke also

present with the fainting?

 Numbness or
weakness in the
face, arm or leg.
 Temporary loss of
vision or speech,
double vision.
 Sudden, severe
headache.

Did the fainting come after

an injury to the head?

Get Emergency Care and give first aid before

emergency care. (See "Head Injuries".)

Do you have any of these

with the fainting?

 Pelvic pain.
 Black stools.

Have you fainted more than

once?

Do any of these apply?

 You are take high

blood pressure
medicine.
 You started taking a
new medicine.
  You increased the
dose of a medicine
you take.

Self-Care/First Aid

Do these things when you feel faint:

 Sit down, bend forward and put your head between your knees, or
 Lie down and elevate both legs 8 to 12 inches.

If you faint easily:

 Get up slowly from bed or from a sitting position.

 Follow your doctor's advice to treat any medical condition which may lead to
fainting. Take medicines as prescribed, but let your doctor know about any side
effects so he/she can monitor your condition.
 Don't wear tight-fitting clothing around your neck.
 Avoid turning your head suddenly.
 Stay out of stuffy rooms and hot, humid places. If you can't, use a fan.
 Avoid activities that can put your life in danger if you have frequent fainting
spells.

Other
first aid
First aid bandage

In many cases, you can use an adhesive bandage to cover minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. To cover and
protect larger wounds, you might need to apply a clean gauze pad or roller bandage.

To apply a roller bandage to a wound, follow these steps:

Hold the injured area steady.

Gently but firmly wrap the bandage around the injured limb or body part, covering the wound.

Fasten the bandage with sticky tape or safety pins.

The bandage should be wrapped firmly enough to stay put, but not so tightly that it cuts off blood flow.

To check the circulation in a bandaged limb, pinch one of the person’s fingernails or toenails until the
color drains from the nail. If color doesn’t return within two seconds of letting go, the bandage is too
tight and needs to be adjusted.

First aid for burns

If you suspect that someone has a third-degree burn, call 911. Seek professional medical care for any
burns that:

cover a large area of skin

are located on the person’s face, groin, buttocks, hands, or feet

have been caused by contact with chemicals or electricity

To treat a minor burn, run cool water over the affected area for up to 15 minutes. If that’s not possible,
apply a cool compress to the area instead. Avoid applying ice to burned tissue. It can cause more
damage.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve pain. Applying lidocaine or an aloe vera gel or cream
can also reduce discomfort from minor burns.

To help prevent infection, apply an antibiotic ointment and loosely cover the burn with clean gauze. Find
out when you should contact a doctor for follow-up care.

the chest to the beat of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees or “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé can help you
count at the correct rat

First aid for bee sting

For some people, a bee sting is a medical emergency. If a person is having an allergic reaction to a bee
sting, call 911. If they have an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen), help them find and use it.
Encourage them to remain calm until help arrives.

Someone who’s stung by a bee and showing no signs of an allergic reaction can usually be treated
without professional help.

If the stinger is still stuck under the skin, gently scrape a credit card or other flat object across their skin
to remove it. Then wash the area with soap and water and apply a cool compress for up to 10 minutes at
a time to reduce pain and swelling.

To treat itching or pain from the sting, consider applying calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and
water to the area several times a day.

Get the information you need to recognize and treat other types of stings and bites.

First aid for nosebleed

To treat someone with a nosebleed, ask them to:

Sit down and lean their head forward.

Using the thumb and index finger, firmly press or pinch the nostrils closed.
Continue to apply this pressure continuously for five minutes.

Check and repeat until the bleeding stops.

If you have nitrile of vinyl gloves, you can press or pinch their nostril closed for them.

If the nosebleed continues for 20 minutes or longer, seek emergency medical care. The person should
also receive follow-up care if an injury caused the nosebleed.

Learn when professional care is needed for a nosebleed.

First aid for heatstroke

When your body overheats, it can cause heat exhaustion. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to
heatstroke. This is a potentially life-threatening condition and medical emergency.

If someone is overheated, encourage them to rest in a cool location. Remove excess layers of clothing
and try to cool their body down by doing the following:

Cover them with a cool, damp sheet.

Apply a cool, wet towel to the back of their neck.

Sponge them with cool water.

Call 911 if they develop signs or symptoms of heatstroke, including any of the following:

nausea or vomiting

mental confusion

fainting

seizures

a fever of 104°F (40°C) or greater

If they’re not vomiting or unconscious, encourage them to sip cool water or a sports drink. Take a
moment now to learn about other strategies to help someone with heat exhaustion or heatstroke
recover.
First aid for heart attack

If you think someone might be experiencing a heart attack, call 911. If they’ve been prescribed
nitroglycerin, help them locate and take this medication. Cover them with a blanket and comfort them
until professional help arrives.

If they have difficulty breathing, loosen any clothing around their chest and neck. Start CPR if they lose
consciousness.

The Difference Between a Cut, a Bump, and a Bruise

A cut and a bruise, with or without swelling, are basically the same thing, except that one occurs at the
body's surface, and the other occurs under the surface, in the soft tissue below the skin.

Bumps and bruises are damage that occurs in the soft tissue under the skin. In fact, the ugly black and
blue marks you see when you bruise are really blood clots that form under the skin. The worse they
look, the more they are clotting and healing.

More: First Aid for Children

Under the following conditions, there is no need to call for medical assistance when a person suffers a
cut, scrape, bump, or bruise:

The injury is small (less than 1/2 inch around).

There is no bleeding, or only slight bleeding. Make sure you follow the universal guidelines, such as
wearing protective gloves, to prevent the spread of HIV or any other dangerous infections. (See How to
Treat Wounds and Stop Bleeding

for first aid care for bleeding.)

The victim is not in excessive pain.

The victim does not feel numbness or tingling.

The person is not suffering any paralysis.

The victim does not seem to have any broken bones or dislocation at the joints. (If the victim is in a great
amount of pain and the shoulder, leg, arm, or ankle appears to be lying or hanging at an awkward ankle,
there is a good chance he or she has a broken bone or a dislocation.)

First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes

First aid for cuts and scrapes

Here are simple first aid procedures for treating minor scrapes and cuts:

If the injured area has a skin scrape, wash it with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Apply Bacitracin or some other type of antibacterial cream or spray to prevent infection.

Cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad and tape or a simple Band-Aid.

First Aid for Bruises

first aid for bruises

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Bruises on the hands, fingers, feet, and toes can cause more problems than those that occur on knees,
shins, or arms. Your hands and feet are a complicated network of motor functions, nerve endings, and
flexibility. Any problems in these areas can cause a disability. For example, stubbing a toe might make
walking difficult, or a damaged finger might keep you away from the computer. If you or someone
around you experiences more than minor swelling or bruising after bumping into something or falling
down, call your physician.

More: First Aid for Burns

Since bruises (and their potential partner, swelling) don't break through the skin, there is a difference in
first aid treatment. Follow these steps for treating different types of bruises:

First Aid for Blisters

A blister is a built-up, fluid-filled irritation under the surface of the skin. A blood blister is a red blister
that contains blood. A fever blister is another name for a cold sore or a herpes simplex at the lips. None
of these are dangerous, but if they are accompanied by excessive pain or fever or if they grow larger,
you should see your physician for proper drainage and possible medication.

Immediately apply an ice pack to the bruise to reduce swelling. (If an ice pack isn't available, use ice
wrapped in a cloth or as cold a compress as you can make.)

If possible, elevate the bruised area so that it is higher than the heart. This keeps blood from “pooling”
in the affected area (and thus creating more internal bleeding and swelling).

Keep the bruise elevated for approximately 15 minutes if the wound is minor. If the bruise is severe and
it covers a large portion of the body, call for help. (See Bandaging Wounds for immobilizing techniques.
Keep a severe bruise elevated for at least an hour or until a trained emergency care team arrives.

If the bruise doesn't appear to be getting any better and more than 24 hours have passed, see your
physician.

Seek prompt medical help if there is any swelling around the bruise, especially if it occurs at a joint. This
can signal danger to nerves, muscles, and bones, all of which require a trained physician's attention.

For more tips on kids' health and safety:

FamilyEducationKids' Health & Safety

Follow On

First Aid for Hemorrhaging and Internal Bleeding

Hemorrhaging is another word for uncontrollable bleeding. Because it is caused by breakage in blood
vessel walls, it is usually internal, which means you can't always tell that a person is (literally) bleeding to
death!

Unfortunately, first aid procedures will not stop internal bleeding. The best thing to do is to call for help
immediately. Then proceed with the first aid steps for shock (see Performing Mouth-to-Mouth
Resuscitation).

The Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding

A slight amount of bleeding that creates a bruise under the skin is one thing, but hemorrhaging is quite
another. Internal bleeding can be serious and can affect one's vital organs. The symptoms of internal
bleeding are similar to those of shock:
Pale, clammy skin

Chills

Cold hands and feet

Dilated pupils

Rapid, weak pulse

Major swelling at the injury site

Major or immediate black and blue marks at the wound

FIRST
AID
Any of these symptoms or a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), even if there are no
symptoms:

STING
Trouble breathing or wheezing

Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing

Hives BEE
Swelling away from the area of the sting, especially swelling of the face, tongue, or hands

Hoarseness or trouble speaking

Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, or vomiting

Fast heartbeat or pulse

Skin that severely itches, tingles, swells, or turns red

Anxiety, feelings of faintness, or dizziness

Loss of consciousness

Do not hesitate to inject the epinephrine if you are unsure the symptoms are allergy related. It will not
hurt the person and could save his or her life. If the person has an anaphylaxis action plan from a doctor
for injecting epinephrine and other emergency measures, follow it. Otherwise, if the person carries an
epinephrine shot (it's a good idea to always carry two) do the following:

Inject epinephrine if the person is unable to.

If the person has a history of anaphylaxis, don't wait for signs of a severe reaction to inject epinephrine.

Read and follow patient instructions carefully.

Inject epinephrine into outer muscle of the thigh. Avoid injecting into a vein or buttock muscles.

Do not inject medicine into hands or feet, which can cause tissue damage. If this happens, notify
emergency room staff.

The person may need more than one injection if there's no improvement after the first. If needed, inject
again after 5 to 15 minutes.

Any more than 2 doses of epinephrine should not be adminsistered unless it's done under direct medical
supervision.

A person should always go to the ER after an epinephrine injection, even if the symptoms go away.

Do CPR if the person stops breathing.

For a child, start CPR for children.

For an adult, start adult CPR.

Follow Up

Make sure that someone stays with the person for 24 hours after anaphylaxis in case of another attack.

Report the reaction to the person's doctor.

If the person does not have severe allergy symptoms:

Remove the Stinger

Scrape the area with the edge of a credit card or straight edge object to remove it.

Don't pinch the stinger or use tweezers -- that can inject more venom.

2. Control Swelling

Ice the area.

If you were stung on your arm or leg, elevate it.

Remove any tight-fitting jewelry from the area of the sting. As it swells, rings or bracelets might be
difficult to remove.

Treat Symptoms
For pain, take an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to
anyone under age 19.

For itchiness, take an antihistamine. You can also apply a mixture of baking soda and water or calamine
lotion.

4. Follow-Up

It might take 2-5 days for the area to heal. Keep it clean to prevent infection.