HEALTH 9

Vital signs are measures of various physiological statistics taken in order to assess the most basic body
functions. Taking vital signs entails recording of body temperature, pulse rate/heart rate, blood pressure
and respiratory rate. Primary survey of the victim is used when the victim is unconscious, if so, immediately
treat life threatening conditions. To conduct a primary survey, (1) Check for Consciousness, carefully shake
the shoulder while saying “hey, hey, hey, are you okay?” when there is no response, the victim needs an
immediate medical help; (2)Open the Airways, the victim’s unconsciousness maybe due to an obstruction
in his/her airway, which may also cause narrowing of airways making breathing more impossible; (3)Check
for Breathing, put your face near the victim’s mouth and look, listen and feel for breathing. Observe for
chest movement, sound of breathing or feel of breath on your cheek; (4) Check for Circulation, locate pulse
using your middle and index finger. Do not use your thumb it has its own pulse. Pulse indicates blood
circulation, which is essential for the heart and brain function. Poor blood circulation may be reflected on
the pale color of the skin, this is fatal. To revive circulation, perform CPR immediately. Secondary survey is
used when the victim is conscious or has revived. It aims to detect everything about the patient’s
condition. To perform secondary survey,(1)History Taking – take the mnemonic SAMPLE PAIN(page 334) in
order to perform the steps more easily; (2)Check for Vital Signs - Pulse Rate, Temperature, and Skin Color;
(3)Head to Toe Examination – check for lacerations or contusions around the head and the neck. If there is
any fluid in victim’s nose and ears, the victim has a skull fracture.
Example
Ways how to check the status of the victim.
Type of Survey Step to Perform Action
Primary Survey Check for Consciousness “Hey, Hey, Hey, are you
okay? Activity A.
Secondary Survey History taking Use Mnemonic Pattern True or
“SAMPLE PAIN” False. Write
YES if the
statement is correct, and NO if it is not.
___________1. Victims unconsciousness maybe caused by obstruction in his/her mouth. ___________2.
Poor blood circulation can be noticed on the color of the skin.
___________3. Thumbs can give accurate results in getting the pulse rate.
___________4. Applying to much pressure on the carotid may disturb the hearts activity. ___________5.
Body temperature can be measured by using thermometer in rectum. ___________6. It is correct to count
the number of breaths per minute.
___________7. Get the victims pulse especially when he/she is in sitting position.
___________8. Between 40 breaths per minute are normal for adults.
___________9. When there is fluid in victims’ nose and ears, skull maybe is fractured.
___________10. A healthy skin is warm and white because blood flows normally in blood vessels.
Dressing and Bandages
Dressing is a piece of sterile cloth that covers a wound to prevent infection, or to stop bleeding. Cold
Compress is used to reduce swelling and relieve pain, while Hot Compress allows normal blood circulation.
Cold and hot compress are applied alternately for closed wounds or contusions. Moreover, Bandages are
used to apply pressure to bleeding, for covering wounds and burns, and providing support for
immobilization for broken bones, sprains and strains. A wound is a break in the continuity of a tissue in the
body. It can be classified as a close wound which means no break or damage in the skin, and also called
“hematoma” or “contusion”. Wound can also be an open wound, which means there is a break in the skin.
The following are categorized as an open wound. Puncture is a deep wound caused by sharp stubbing
pointed objects such as nails. Abrasion is a caused by rubbing or scraping the skin against rough surface.
Incision is a cut caused by knife or any sharp objects. Laceration is a blunt breaking or tearing of soft tissues
usually resulting from mishandling tools and other accidents. And, Avulsion is a forcible tearing or partial
tearing away of tissues. One should make him/herself familiar of the Application Techniques in order to be
knowledgeable especially in times of emergency.
Example
First Aid application to a type of wound:
LACERATION (Open Wound) - Clean the wound with water and soap, apply pressure to the wound using
the dressing and cover with sterile bandage.
HEMATOMA (Close Wound) – Apply Hot and Cold compress alternately on the affected area
. Activity A: Read the sentence carefully and identify whether the wound is an Open Wound or Close
Wound. Write your answer before the number.
_________________1. A boy had an abrasion after stumbling down on a rough flooring surface.
_________________2. A mother underwent a cesarean operation.
_________________3. The girl bumped and had a clotted blood causing discoloration on her skin.
_________________4. A girl pricked by a needle on her hand.
_________________5. An athlete suffering from mild sprain. B: Identify the wound described in each item.
Write only the letter that contains the correct answer.
(A.) Puncture (B.) Abrasion (C.) Incision (D.) Laceration (E.) Avulsion.
_________6. Bruises on the elbows __________11. Stab wound
_________7. Removal of diseased appendix __________12. Skinned knee
_________8. Fingers cut by knife __________13. Dog bite
_________9. Gunshot wounds __________14. Scratches on the legs
_________10. Undergoing surgical operations __________15. Wound caused by explosions