PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID006 - PROVIDE ADVANCED FIRST AID 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. Priorities and procedures of first aid management Life-threatening conditions What are the priorities of first aid management when dealing with life-threatening conditions? Early recognition is a key step in initiating early management of an emergency situation. In all emergencies, the rescuer should assess the situation quickly to ensure safety for the rescuer, any casualty and bystanders (this may mean moving the casualty) and send for help (call EMS). If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, remember the Cycle of Care (DRSABCDS). Where there is more than one casualty, the care of an unconscious casualty has priority. Aged casualties

What are the procedures for dealing with casualties who are aged? There are no special skills required when dealing with aged casualties in a first aid situation. It is important to remember that the elderly are more susceptible to certain illnesses or injuries, incl. falls which are related to conditions that cause poor balance and can result in hip or other fractures, head injury, circulatory problems (as age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels put the elderly at a greater risk of heart attacks); strokes,; heat and cold related problems (aged people are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that impair temperature regulation). Also remember the possibility that any prescribed medication may disturb temperature balance (therefore it is important to be aware of any prescribed medication the person may be taking). Infirmed casualties What is important to know when dealing with casualties who are infirmed? If a casualty is infirmed or has a pre-existing condition it is important to find out the person’s current medication and dosage, whether it’s been taken as prescribed and if there are any side effects. Check to see if there are any limitations of movement for the casualty and provide EMS with all the information gathered.

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PADI RTO