PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

If possible, attempt to decontaminate the casualty. If the poison was swallowed, you can do this by giving sips of water to wash the mouth but DO NOT try to make them vomit. If the poison was inhaled, get the person to the fresh air and avoid breathing the fumes, open doors and windows. If the poison enters the eye, flood the eye with saline or cold water and continue flushing for 15 minutes while keeping the eyelids open. If the poison still contacts the skin, remove any contaminated clothing, flood the skin with running cold water, wash gently with soap and water then rinse well. Continue the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS) until EMS personnel arrive. Call the national Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26). Seizures, incl. epilepsy When does a seizure occur? A seizure may occur in a person diagnosed with epilepsy, or in almost any condition affecting the brain, e.g. head injury, stroke, meningitis, brain tumour, hypoxia (lack of oxygen supply). It may also occur in association with some poisons and drugs during withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs of dependence, in children under five years, or in association with fever. What is a major seizure? A major seizure occurs when there is a sudden spasm of muscles producing rigidity and the casualty will fall down (tonic phase). Jerking movements of the head, arms and legs may also occur (clonic phase). The person can become unconscious which may be accompanied by noisy breathing, salivation and urinary incontinence. How do you manage seizures? The casualty should be managed as for any unconscious person. Remove the person from danger or remove any dangerous objects which might cause injury to the casualty. Avoid restraining the person during the seizure, unless this is essential to avoid injury. Do not force the casualty’s mouth open, nor attempt to insert anything into the mouth. Try to lay the casualty down and turn them on the side as soon as possible to establish and maintain an airway. Then check for normal breathing and, if resuscitation is needed, give care and continue the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS), reassure the person as they may be dazed, confused or drowsy. Seek medical advice as soon as possible, preferably calling EMS (dial Triple Zero - 000) especially if it is the first seizure in a persons life, if the seizure lasts more the 5 mins or if the casualty is recovering but has a second seizure. Soft tissue Injuries, incl. strains and sprains What are soft tissue injuries and how do you manage them? Soft tissues injuries include injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments (not bone). To manage soft tissue injuries you should encourage the casualty to follow the steps of RICE: R est, I ce, C ompression and E levation. Unconsciousness What are the four broad groups of unconsciousness? Unconsciousness can be broadly grouped into four groups: low brain oxygen levels, heart and circulation problems (e.g. fainting, abnormal heart rhythms), metabolic problems (e.g. overdose, intoxication, low blood sugar) or brain problems (e.g. head injury, stroke, epilepsy). How do you manage unconsciousness? You manage unconsciousness by following DRSABCDS, assisting the casualty to the ground and positioning the person in the recovery position. Make sure the airway is open and that EMS has been called then continue the Cycle of Care until EMS personnel arrive.

PADI RTO HLTAID003 - PROVIDE FIRST AID How do you manage nose bleeds? If the casualty has a nose bleed, remember to protect yourself and apply direct pressure below the nose bridge. Have the person sit, head leaning slightly forward and not backwards; ensure the person remains seated at total rest for 10-20 mins. Needle stick injury What are needle stick injuries and what risks are associated with them? Some people, such as health care workers, are at increased risk of needle stick injury, which occurs when the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle. Blood-borne pathogens could be transmitted by such an injury; they include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). How do you manage needle stick injuries? Always protect yourself first. Then, if safe to do so, wash the wound with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand rubs or solutions. If you are at work, notify your supervisor or occupational health and safety officer – you will need to fill out an incident report form. The casualty should go straight to their doctor, or to the nearest hospital emergency department. Poisoni g and toxic substances What are different types of poisoning? Poisons may have been ingested (e.g. medications, chemicals, cleaners, solvents, pesticides and plant material), inhaled (e.g. carbon monoxide, gases and toxic fumes), absorbed (e.g. poison ivy, oak or sumac and chemical sprays), or ingested by food. Food poisoning occurs when people eat foods contaminated by bacteria or eat food that is toxic, such as certain mushrooms, fish or shellfish. Poisons may also be injected through unintentional or deliberate overdose. Poisoning can occur through inhalation from industrial use, or from the burning of plastics, acrylics, synthetic rubber, carpets or upholstery. Poisoning can also occur either by ingesting cyanide compounds or by absorbing them through the skin. What are the common indications of poisoning? Common indications that a casualty has ingested poison may include burns or stains around the mouth, excessive salivation, sweating, nausea, tears, chemical along with smell on breath, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, drowsiness, unconsciousness. Indications of inhaled poisons may include headache, dizziness, nausea, tight chest, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, pale along with skin going bluish, cherry-red lips and nail beds. Absorbed poison indications include skin swelling, rash, itching, burning, blisters (symptoms may be delayed). Indications can also include severe difficulty breathing, headache, weakness. How do you manage poisoning? It is important to prevent poisoning the rescuer; use barriers and try to identify the possible cause. If possible, save the food or other item for emergency services.

HLTAID003 - PROVIDE FIRST AID

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PADI RTO