Question

19. Briefly describe the specific first aid management of the following scenarios adequately referring to the ARC guidelines.

19.1 An adult casualty suffering thermal burns from a direct heat contact (in 60-80 words): The burns need to be assessed, following the cool up to 20 minutes (PFA: slide 207) 19.2 An adult casualty suffering from crush injury on the chest (due to heavy falling debris) (in 60-80 words each): 19.3 An adult casualty with a medical warning bracelet for diabetes mellitus and presenting with symptoms of hypoglycaemia (in 50-70 words): 19.4 Dislocations:(50-70 words) (Provide First Aid: Slide 215) 19.5 A drowning adult casualty:(50-70 words) 19.6 Hypothermia:(50-70 words) 19.7 A conscious casualty suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration: (50-100 words) 19.8 Heat stroke: (50-100 words) 19.9 Scald injury of eyes: (50-80 words) 19.10 Bleeding left ear after diving: (50-100 words) 19.11 A child experiencing febrile convulsions:( 50-100 words) 19.12 Management of epilepsy (the first seizure episode lasted for five or more minutes and a second seizure quickly followed the first): (50-100 words) 19.13 A casualty in shock following severe bleeding: (50-100 words) 19.14 Casualties suffering from sprain, bruise and strain (50-80 words) 19.15 A casualty presenting with sudden (acute) facial weakness, arm weakness, difficulty in speaking: (50-100 words) 19.16 A casualty who is found in a confused state following a fall (suspected head injury):(50-100 words) 19.17 A conscious casualty suffering neck and spinal injuries following a bicycle incident: (50-100 words) 19.18 A casualty suffering from an accidental needle stick injury from a syringe used by another person: (50- 100 words) 19.19 A conscious casualty who mistakenly ingested a poisonous substance: (50-80 words) 19.20 A conscious casualty who has inhaled a toxic substance (50-80 words):

Answer 1

19.1

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat. Both are treated in the same way.

A burn is caused by dry heat – by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.

Burns can be very painful and may cause:

red or peeling skin

blisters

swelling

white or charred skin

The amount of pain you feel isn't always related to how serious the burn is. Even a very serious burn may be relatively painless.

Treating burns and scalds

To treat a burn, follow the first aid advice below:

immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning

cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes – don't use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances such as butter

remove any clothing or jewellery that's near the burnt area of skin, including babies' nappies - but don't move anything that's stuck to the skin

make sure the person keeps warm – by using a blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it against the burnt area

cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand

use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain

if the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible, rather than lying down - this helps to reduce swelling

19.2

Steps for first aid treatment of a crush injury are:

Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure.

Cover the area with a wet cloth or bandage. Then, raise the area above the level of the heart, if possible.

If there is suspicion of a head, neck, or spinal injury, immobilize those areas if possible and then limit movement to only the crushed area.

Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or local hospital for further advice.

Crush injuries most often need to be evaluated in a hospital emergency department. Surgery may be needed.

19.3

Raise Blood Sugar Level

Give the person a high-sugar food such as:

½ cup fruit juice

½ cup regular (non diet) soda pop

3 glucose tablets

Then follow with a more substantial food like a sandwich that offers protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates.

2. Follow Up

If non-diabetic hypoglycemia is recurrent, see a health care provider. The health care provider will do tests to help determine the cause.