kelowna first aid

An electrical burn may appear minor or not show on the skin at all, but the damage can extend deep into the tissues beneath your skin. If a strong electrical current passes through your body, internal damage, such as a heart rhythm disturbance or cardiac arrest, can occur. Sometimes the jolt associated with the electrical burn can cause you to be thrown or to fall, resulting in fractures or other associated injuries. ( Kelowna First Aid )

Call 911 or your local emergency number for assistance if the person who has been burned is in pain, is confused, or is experiencing changes in his or her breathing, heartbeat or consciousness.

Kelowna First aid

1. Look first. Don’t touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you. Kelowna First Aid
2. Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from both you and the injured person using a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Kelowna First Aid
4. Prevent shock. Lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk, if possible, and the legs elevated. ( Kelowna First Aid )Kelowna First Aid
5. Cover the affected areas. If the person is breathing, cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don’t use a blanket or towel, because loose fibers can stick to the burns. ( Kelowna First Aid )

Kelowna First Aid

The BVM consists of a flexible air chamber, about the size of a rugby ball, attached to a face mask via a shutter valve. When the air chamber or “bag” is squeezed, the device forces air through into the patient’s lungs; when the bag is released, it self-inflates, drawing in ambient air or a low pressure oxygen flow supplied from a regulated cylinder, while the patient’s lungs deflate to the air through the one way valve. ( Kelowna First Aid )

kelowna first aid

Bag and valve combinations can also be attached to an alternate airway adjunct, such as an endotracheal tube or larengeal mask airway. Often a small HME filter (Heat & Moisture exchanger, or humidifying / bacterial filter) is used. ( Kelowna First Aid )

A bag valve mask can be used without being attached to an oxygen tank to provide air to the patient, often called “room air” in the U.S. Supplemental oxygen increases the partial pressure of oxygen inhaled, helping to increase perfusion in the patient.

Most devices also have a reservoir which can fill with oxygen while the patient is exhaling (a process which happens passively), in order to increase the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the patient to nearly 100%.

Kelowna First Aid Courses – 250.878.6690

Bag valve masks come in different sizes to fit infants, children, and adults.

Most types of the device are disposable and therefore single use, while others are designed to be cleaned and reuse

Kelowna First Aid Courses – 250.878.6690

Kelowna first Aid,Kelowna First Aid Courses,first aid courses kelowna,kelowna first aid training,first aid courses penticton,cpr courses kelowna,first aid training kelowna bc,first aid courses salmon arm,kelowna first aid courses in kelowna,cpr kelowna,,SFA,CCFA,EFA,CPR,EMT,EMR,OFA!,kelowna first aid OFA 1,Kelowna First Aid OFA 2,kelowna first aid OFA 3

Kelowna first aid Kelowna first aid Course Kelowna first aid Courses Kelowna first aid Kelowna first aid Course Kelowna first aid Courses first aid Kelowna CPR Kelowna Kelowna St John Ambulance First Aid Kelowna Kelowna CPR Kelowna St John Ambulance

First Aid Minor Wounds

kelowna first aid

First Aid

One of the first matters to address with minor wounds is cleansing the wound.^[3,8] Cleansing is important for incisions that are caused by sharp objects, such as knives or broken glass. However, it is even more critical in abrasion injuries, in which the skin’s outer layers have been scraped away by abrasion against a rough object, such as when elbows and arms scrape against pavement during a skateboard fall. If the abrasion occurred on a surface that contains loose materials, the wound is likely to be contaminated with gravel, dirt, grass, and other foreign substances. Each foreign object remaining may serve as a source of infection and should be removed.

The wound can be washed with tap water under enough pressure to thoroughly cleanse the wound of foreign materials. Wound Wash Saline is a pressurized sterile 0.9% sodium chloride product that can accomplish this cleansing for minor wounds.

kelowna first aid courses

Valuable information can be gained from looking a victim’s pupils. For this purpose, first aid kits should have a penlight or small torch in them.

Ideally, the pupils of the eye should be equal and reactive to light, usually written down as PEARL.

To check this, ask the victim to look straight at you with both eyes. Look to see if both pupils are the same size and shape (be sensitive to those who may be blind in one eye, or may even have a glass eye, although they will usually tell you).

To check if they are reactive, take the penlight, and ask the victim to look at your nose. Briefly (5 seconds or so) shield their eye with your hand from the light source where they are (sunlight, room lighting etc.), and then turn on the penlight, positioning it off to the side of their head. Move the penlight in over their eye quickly, and watch to see the size change. A normal reaction would be the pupil getting smaller quickly as the light is shone in to it. Repeat on the other eye.

If both pupils are the same, and both react, note this on your form as PEARL, or else note down what you did, or did not see.

The circulatory system distributes blood to all parts of the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.  If the circulatory system fails, and insufficient oxygen reaches the tissues, the medical condition known as shock occurs.  If the condition is not treated quickly, the vital organs can fail, ultimately causing death.  Shock is made worse by fear and pain.

Causes of Shock

Shock can develop when the heart pump fails to work properly, causing a reduction in the pressure of the circulating blood.  The most common cause of this type of shock is a heart attack.

Shock can develop as a result of a reduction in the volume of fluid circulating around the body.  The most common examples of this are external or internal bleeding, or loss of other bodily fluids through severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or burns.  The blood supply is diverted from the surface to the core of the body.  The main symptoms and signs of shock relate to such redistribution of the circulation.

Recognition of Shock

Initially, a flow of adrenaline causes:

• A rapid pulse.
• Pale, grey skin, especially inside the lips.  If pressure is applied to a fingernail or earlobe, it will not regain its colour immediately.
• Sweating, and cold, clammy skin (sweat does not evaporate).

As shock develops, there may be:

• Weakness and giddiness.
• Nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
• Thirst.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• A weak, ‘thready’ pulse.  When the pulse at the wrist disappears, fluid loss may equal half the blood volume.

As the oxygen supply to the brain weakens:

• The casualty may become restless, anxious and aggressive.
• The casualty may yawn and gasp for air (‘air hunger’).
• The casualty will eventually become unconscious.
• Finally, the heart will stop.

Treatment of Shock

DO NOT let the casualty move unnecessarily, eat, drink, or smoke.

DO NOT leave the casualty unattended.  Reassure the casualty constantly.

• Treat any cause of shock which can be remedied (such as external bleeding).
• Lay the casualty down, keeping the head low.
• Raise and support the casualty’s legs (be careful if suspecting a fracture).
• Loosen tight clothing, braces, straps or belts, in order to reduce constriction at the neck, chest and waist.
• Insulate the casualty from cold, both above and below.  Contact the emergency service.
• Check and record breathing, pulse and level of response.  Be prepared to resuscitate the casualty if nec

kelowna first aid course

If an injury needs a splint, apply the splint first, and then apply the sling.

Always check the person’s skin color and pulse (circulation) after the injured body part has been immobilized. If the area becomes cool, turns pale or blue, or if the patient develops numbness or tingling, loosen the splint and bandage.

Care for all wounds first before applying a splint or sling. If bone is visible in the injured site, call your local emergency number (such as 911) or local hospital for further advice.

HOW TO MAKE A SLING

1. You’ll need a piece of cloth that is about 5 feet wide at the base and at least 3 feet long on the sides. (If the sling is for a child, you can use a smaller size.)
2. Cut a triangle out of a piece of this cloth.
3. If you don’t have scissors handy, fold a large square piece of cloth diagonally into a triangle.
4. Place the person’s elbow at the top point of the triangle, and the wrist midway along the triangle’s bottom edge. Bring the two free points up around the front and back of the same (or opposite) shoulder, and pin or tie securely together. Adjust the height of the knot so that the elbow is bent at a right angle.
5. If you do not have material or scissors to make a triangle sling, you can make one using a coat or a shirt. Apply the sling in much the same manner as shown in the pictures “Creating a Sling” associated with this article.
6. You can also make a sling using a belt, rope, vine, or sheet.
7. If the injured arm should be kept still, tie the sling to the body with another piece of cloth wrapped around the chest and tied on the uninjured side.
8. Occasionally check for tightness, and adjust the sling as necessary.

Do NOT try to realign an injured body part unless the skin looks pale or blue or there is no pulse.

Seek medical help if the person has a dislocation, broken bone, or severe bleeding. Also seek professional medical help if you cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself.

Safety is the best way to avoid broken bones caused by falling. Some diseases make bones break more easily, so use caution when assisting a person with fragile bones.

Avoid activities that strain the muscles or bones for long periods of time as these can cause weakness and falls. Also, use appropriate caution when walking on slippery or uneven surfaces.

kelowna first aid

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Sweat evaporates from the skin to cool the body. If this personal cooling system does not work right or fails to work, heat exhaustion or a heat stroke can occursHeat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. With a heat stroke, body organs start to overheat. They will stop working if they get hot enough. I it is not treated, a heat stroke can result in death.

These signs and symptoms can occur suddenly with little warning: Heat stroke

Kelowna first Aid,Kelowna First Aid Courses,first aid courses kelowna,kelowna first aid training,first aid courses penticton,cpr courses kelowna,first aid training kelowna bc,first aid courses salmon arm,first aid courses in kelowna,cpr kelowna,,SFA,CCFA,EFA,CPR,EMT,EMR,OFA!,OFA 1,OFA 2,OFA 3

kelowna first aid

Sunburn treatment starts with prevention. Correctly using sunscreen will help prevent burns. Make sure you know sunscreen myths versus facts when out in the sun.

Sunburns are caused by UV radiation rather than heat (ie, we get sunburns on cold, snowy days).

Sunburns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection.

Remember always, if you think a burn of any type is significant, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

Look for blisters. Blistering means the skin is completely damaged and complications are likely. If the area with blisters is bigger than one entire arm or the whole abdomen, seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the emergency department.

Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain. No more 1/10 th ebody should be cooled at once.

Apply aloe or another cooling agent with parental consent form. Whatever you use - DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL TO ANY BURN!

What is heat rash?

kelowna first aid

Heat rash (prickly heat) is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. Heat rash is most common in babies, but may affect adults in hot, humid climates.

What causes heat rash?

In babies, heat rash can be caused by well-meaning parents who dress their baby too warmly, but it can happen to any baby in very hot weather. A baby should be dressed as an adult would be to be comfortable at the same temperature and activity level. Babies’ hands and feet may feel cool to your touch but that does not mean they need to be dressed too warmly in hot weather.

What are the symptoms of heat rash?

Heat rash looks like dots or tiny pimples. In young children, heat rash can appear on the head, neck, and shoulders. The rash areas can get irritated by clothing or scratching, and, rarely, a secondary skin infection may develop.

How is heat rash diagnosed?

Heat rash can usually be identified by its appearance and does not usually require medical attention. However, if doesn’t go away after 3 or 4 days, or if it appears to be getting worse, or if your child develops a fever, contact your health professional right away.

When you or your child has a rash, it is important to watch for signs of infection, including:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
• Fever of 100° F (37.8° C) or higher, or chills with no other known cause.

If any of these symptoms develop, contact your health professional immediately.

What is the treatment for heat rash?

Most prickly heat rashes heal on their own. The following steps can help relieve symptoms.

• Start by removing or loosening clothing and move him or her to a cool, shady spot.
• Let the skin air-dry instead of using towels.
• If your baby’s skin is irritable to touch, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream may be used with your health professional’s approval.
• Avoid ointments or other lotions because they can irritate the skin.

The following tips can help prevent future episodes of the rash:

• Dress your child in as few clothes as possible during hot weather.
• Keep the skin cool and dry.
• Keep the sleeping area cool.

After the rash is gone, gradually expose your child to warmer temperatures so that his or her skin can acclimate.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxic shock

St john Amvulance Kelowna

with other allergies, anaphylaxis can trigger symptoms in any of these four body systems:

1. skin
2. gastrointestinal system
3. respiratory system
4. cardiovascular system

An allergic reaction may be a medical emergency if it happens in two or more of these systems — hives on the skin, for example, together with stomach pain.

The most common signs that a child who has been exposed to an allergen might have anaphylaxis are:

• difficulty breathing
• tightness in the throat or feeling like the throat or airways are closing
• hoarseness or trouble speaking
• wheezing
• nasal stuffiness or coughing
• nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• fast heartbeat or pulse
• skin itching, tingling, redness, or swelling