PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

You examine the head and face for possible fractures, eye trauma or head injuries (be careful to not move the head if spinal injury is suspected); if eyes are closed, open or ask the casualty to open their eyes and check the pupil for size and if it reacts to light; check the chest movements (look for rise and fall, assess for slow or fast breathing, gasping for breath or noisy breathing); check for penetrating injuries (do not remove any penetrating objects); press gently against the chest and abdomen with flat palm of your hand(s) to assess pain response from casualty; visually observe all limbs to see if there is any spontaneous movement; if conscious, ask casualty to wriggle their fingers and toes and to squeeze your hand with each hand. You also look at the skin and note its colour (pale, pink, red etc.) then feel the skin for temperature (compare with temperatur of your own skin if needed; note if it is hot, cold or clammy); pat down the body and limbs to check for wetness that may suggest bleeding and deformities (e.g. swelling, crooked limb, protruding bone to indicate area of injury). Note down all findings and continue the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS) and the casualty’s mental status. Vital signs How do you assess and interpret vital signs, including respirations, temperature and pulse? Respirations You assess a casualty’s respiration by counting the number of breaths per minute measured at rest. You do this by counting how many times the chest rises per minute. Bear in mind that the breathing rate may increase with fever, illness, and with other medical conditions. Note whether the casualty has difficulty breathing. Normal respiration rates for an adult person at rest range from 12 and 20 breaths per minute. A casualty who takes less than 8 breaths per minute, or more than 24 breaths per minute, probably needs immediate medical care. Temperature Body temperature varies depending on gender, recent activity, food and fluid consumption, time of day, and (in women) the stage of the menstrual cycle. Normal body temperature can range from 36.5 to 37.2 degrees Celsius for a healthy adult. Temperature can be measured orally, rectally, axillary (in armpit), by ear, by skin. Body temperature may be abnormal due to fever (high temperature) or hypothermia (low temperature). Average skin temperature is warm and skin should feel dry to the touch. Noticeable skin colour changes may indicate heart, lung or circulation problems. Pulse Pulse is the measurement of the number of times the heart beats per minute. As the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract with the flow of the blood. Taking a pulse can also indicate the heart rhythm and strength of the pulse. The normal pulse for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A person’s pulse can be found on the side of the neck, on the inside of the arm, or at the wrist. For most people, it is easiest to take a casualty’s pulse at the wrist. You do this by using your first and second fingertips (do not use your thumb); press firmly but gently on the artery until you feel a pulse and then count the pulse for 60 seconds. Also determine whether the pulse may be described as rapid, strong or weak.

HLTAID005 - PROVIDE FIRST AID IN REMOTE SITUATIONS

HLTAID005 - PROVIDE FIRST AID IN REMOTE SITUATIONS

Remote considerations in the provision of first aid This section will introduce you to typical hazards and strategies for preparing supplies to address contingencies; management options relating to transporting casualty, including aero-medical evacuation along with how to identify and prepare areas for safe evacuation, including aero-medical evacuation; how and when to access emergency response services; communication systems, equipment and methods available in remote situations and priorities of management in first aid when dealing with life-threatening conditions along with specific considerations contextualised to alpine, desert, marine, rural/remote settings and tropical environments. What are typical hazards in remote areas? Typical hazards may include injury or illness, becoming lost or separated, a change in weather or a trip that takes longer than planned. What are the strategies for preparing supplies to address contingencies? Contingency strategies depend on group size, planned duration and likely conditions. Start considering contingencies during the planning stage and include adequate provision of food and water, and suitable clothing, along with adequate shelter and what to do in case of fire or first aid emergencies which may include reviewing communication devices. You also need to look at the fitness level and ability of team members (are they up to the task?) and be aware of the medical history of team members. What are the management options relating to transporting a casualty, incl. aero-medical evacuation? Remember you don’t move a casualty unless there is a hazard. If it is required, move casualty carefully, considering their size, the number of rescuers and the type of injuries. Also take into consideration bleeding control techniques, spinal and neck stabilisation, fracture immobilisation and airway management. Furthermore, you will have to consider the terrain to be crossed along with patient safety. If stretchers are not available you may want to look at the use of improvised stretchers to use during transportation. Depending on the situation, evacuation methods may vary; they can include fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft (helicopter), foot patrols, ambulance or other road emergency service vehicle, or by water vessel. In all situations it is important that you signal for help and keep all signals clear and visible. How can you identify and prepare areas for safe evacuation, incl. aero-medical evacuation? For a rotary-wing aircraft (helicopter), you will need a landing space of at least 30x30m, clear of debris and as flat as possible. Wind direction is essential to pilots so use windsock or fire to indicate direction. Ensure all vehicles and people are at least 20m away as the helicopter approaches while everyone turns their back to helicopter to avoid eye injury from flying dust, sand, etc. Upon landing wait for the pilot to signal before approaching.

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PADI RTO

PADI RTO

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