Chapter Seven: Traumatic Emergencies
This chapter is broken off into several sections, depending on the traumatic emergency which you may encounter. The sections are described below:
1. Burns
2. Trauma
3. Bites/Stings
I. Burns
Definition, Prevention & Causes
- Safely Handle Fire
- Avoid Fire if Possible
- Chemicals May Cause Burns As Well
Signs & Symptoms
- 1st Degree Burns
o Reddened, Superficial Skin
o Mild Pain
o Small Surface Area
- 2nd Degree Burns
o Deeper Involvement of Skin & Below
o May Bubble
o Greater Surface Area
o Moderate-Severe Pain
- 3rd Degree Burn
o Deepest Tissue Involvement
o Bubbles & Chars
o Very High Surface Area
o Severe Pain Around Burn
o Dead Tissue (Skin & Muscle)
How It Happens
- From Excessive Heat
- Fire
- Chemicals
- Electrical Burns
What To Do
- Stop the Burning Process
- Extinguish the Person in Case of Fire
- Running Water for Most Chemical Injuries
- Running Water for At Least 20 Minutes for Chemicals
- Don't Touch Victim of Electrocution
- Shut Off Power if Possible
When To Call 9-1-1
- 3rd Degree & Bad 2nd Degree Burns
- Breathing Difficulty
- Blackened Skin
- Severe Pain of Injured Person
II. Trauma
Definition, Prevention & Causes
- Accidents Happen
- Avoid Dangerous Situation
- From Mild to Severe
- Try Not To Be Clumsy
Signs & Symptoms
- Laceration
o Described as a Slice
- Abrasion
o Shaving Off of Skin
- Avulsion
o Removal of Area of Skin
- Bruising
o Bluish, Yellowish Discoloration of Skin
o Mass Under Skin as a Result of Trauma
- Broken Bones
o Open Fracture
o Closed Fracture
- Dislocation
- Signs of Shock (Severe Cases)
o Pale
o Sweaty
o Fast Heartbeat ('Palpitations')
o Thirst
o Excessive Blood Loss
o Unconscious
How It Happens
- Breakage or Damage to Skin
- Trauma to Skin or Bones
What To Do
- Always Consider ABCs First
- Bleeding and Other Trauma Usually Affect C (Circulation)
- For Bleeding
o Stop Bleeding With Direct Pressure
o Raise Injury Site Above Heart
o Pressure Point
o A Word About Tourniquets
o Bandage
- For Bruising
o Apply Cold Compress or Ice Wrapped in Towel
o If Severe, Call 9-1-1
- For Broken Bones/Dislocations
o Do Not Attempt to Reset
o Place in Position of Function and Bandage
o If Above Not Possible, Position of Comfort
o Seek Medical Attention
o Call 9-1-1 for Open Fractures
When to Call 9-1-1
- Severe Bleeding
- Open Fractures
- Car Accidents
- When the Person is Acting Strange
- Unconscious
- Slow Breathing
- Very Rapid Breathing
V. Bites & Stings
Definition, Prevention & Causes
- Bees
- Spiders
- Snakes
- Ants
- Wasps
- Other Insects
Signs & Symptoms
- Redness & Irritation
- Bumps
- Hives
- Numbness/Tingling Sensation
- Burning Sensation
- Skin Discoloration
- Fever
- Chills
- Dizzy/Lightheaded
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Difficulty Breathing
- Anaphylaxis (Severe)
How It Happens
- Various Methods Depending on Culprit
What To Do
- Remove From Danger
- Don't Become a Victim
- For Bees
o Remove Stinger with Fingernail or Credit Card in Sweeping Motion Away from Skin Area
- For Other Insects
o Call 9-1-1 for Severe Reactions
When To Call 9-1-1
- Severe Reactions
- Difficulty Breathing
- Anaphylaxis
- When Person Requests Help
