Chapter 6 CPR/AED:
Chapter 6 of the first aid guide reviews the aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AEDs in emergencies.
CPR speed
As a first responder, you must know that CPR should be performed at the correct speed and depth of compressions. To sit for the first aid exam, remember that the recommended compression rate is at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Steady and consistent compressions aim to ensure adequate blood flow and oxygenation to the vital organs.
Compression depth
As per compression depth, the professionals suggest that to generate enough pressure to circulate blood effectively, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 centimetres) for adults and children and approximately 1.5 inches (4 centimetres) for infants.
Compression-to-ventilation ratio
Moreover, the guide highlights that to ensure a balance between providing oxygen to the patient’s lungs and maintaining circulation through chest compressions, you must provide 30 compressions to 2 breaths for adults and children.
AED
Recapturing the chain of survival, early defibrillation plays a crucial role in cardiac arrest cases. Thus, going through the clear instructions on how to use AEDs effectively, including the proper placement of electrode pads, following voice or visual prompts and ensuring the rescuer’s safety and the surroundings, are topics you need to remember in the first aid test.
Finally, the guide sustains the importance of continuous assessment and reassessment during CPR and using AEDs. As first aiders, check signs, responsiveness, and breathing while performing CPR.
Chapter 7 Breathing Emergencies:
Understanding emergencies is vital for first aiders to intervene promptly and potentially prevent severe complications. Chapter 7 refers to breathing emergencies, focusing on asthma and anaphylaxis.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the narrowing of airways. The guide highlights this condition’s common signs and symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. To assist a person suffering from an asthma attack, you should look for their prescribed asthma medication, help them get to a comfortable position and try to remain calm. In the case that the patient’s condition is worsened, activate emergency medical services.
Further, the guide addresses anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The signs and symptoms of this reaction could be difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives and a rapid heartbeat. For this case, the first aider is recommended to call emergency services immediately and, in the meantime, help the person use their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, if available.
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Chapter 8 Wound Care:
Regarding wound care, chapter 8 of the Red Cross guide covers many common injuries and conditions that first aiders may encounter, including bandaging guidelines, burns, splinters, nosebleeds, knocked-out teeth, and crush injuries.
This is an essential section for you to review while studying for the First Aid test, and remember the step-by-step instructions on assessing and managing injuries effectively.
Bandaging Guidelines
In this section, the guide highlights the importance of using sterile dressing and applying pressure to control bleeding. As a suggestion, follow the instructions on cleaning and dressing wounds appropriately and securing bandages to provide support and protection.
Burns
Burns can be categorized into first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. The variety of the degrees roots on the severity of the burn, and the guide mentions recommendations for immediate first aid, such as cooling the burn with cold water and covering it with a sterile dressing. As a side note, seek medical attention for severe burns or burns involving sensitive body areas.
Splinters
The guide covers step-by-step instructions for safely removing splinters using tweezers and proper hygiene practices to prevent infections. It also suggests seeking professional medical help.
Nosebleeds
Another point you should write down for your first aid exam is how to manage nosebleeds. According to the guide, you should sit the patient upright, leaning slightly forward and pinching the nostrils together to apply pressure. If the bleeding persists or if there are other concerning symptoms, make sure to seek medical help.
Knocked-out Teeth
For knocked-out teeth, the guide emphasizes addressing the injured patient on time. In these cases, you should carefully handle the tooth without touching the root and preserve it in propolis, egg white, coconut water, whole milk or saline until the patient gets to the dentist.
Crush Injuries
Finally, you should go through the crush injuries section. The guide highlights the importance of removing the person from the crushing force if the object is crushing the person’s head, neck, chest or abdomen. In every case, the first aiders must call EMS while monitoring vital signs.
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Chapter 9 Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries:
Head and neck injuries are considered severe because of their relationship with the spine. Thus, chapter 9 presents some common causes of head, neck and spinal injuries and different ways to prevent them.
How to Care for Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries?
The guide lists some steps to manage these types of injuries, starting with restricting the movement of the affected zone until EMS personnel arrive. The individual must stay in the same position where they were found unless there’s an immediate danger. If fluids start coming out of the ear canal or draining from the ear, let the fluid drain and do not move the person; once it stops draining, cover the ear loosely with a sterile dressing.
In some cases, head, neck and spinal injuries are related to brain injuries. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow or jolt to the head. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion is crucial if you are planning to sit for the first aid test.
Some common signs and symptoms (may appear immediately after the injury or may be delayed) of a concussion include;
- Headache
- Dizzinies
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in mood or behaviour
As first aiders, the guide suggests assessing the person’s condition by asking specific questions about their symptoms and observing their behaviour. It is recommended to keep the person in the same place the accident occurred unless there is further danger and inform immediately to medical professionals. Concussions are serious injuries and should not be taken lightly; the patient should have proper physical and mental rest and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms.
Chapter 10 Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries:
Regarding Chapter 10, first aid students must remember what to look for in bone, muscle and joint injuries. These injuries’ common signs and symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, limited range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb. When moving or manipulating the wounded limb, every first aider is encouraged to assess the injured area with extreme caution. The injury should be treated using the RICE method:
- Rest: Limit the patient’s activities and suggest resting the injured body part.
- Immobilize: Try to immobilize the injured area in the position in which it was found by creating a splint.
- Cool: To reduce swelling and pain, cool the injured area for 20 minutes every hour for up to 48 hours.
- Elevate: Keep the injured area above the level of the heart.
Furthermore, the Red Cross advocates that these types of injuries should be treated by applying splints until the person gets medical help. Commercial splints are always the best option, but other improvised splits, such as rolled-up newspapers, magazines or scarves, are helpful too. Also, the guide outlines how to apply and secure splints and the importance of checking for proper blood circulation and monitoring the patient’s condition.
Chapter 11 Sudden Medical Emergencies:
Chapter 11 of the Red Cross guide covers a variety of sudden medical emergencies that you should study for your test, including diabetic emergencies, seizures, mental health crises and childbirth. This section explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and offers guidance on appropriate first-aid responses.
Diabetic Emergencies
As stated in the guide, there are two types of diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). In most case scenarios, diabetic emergencies happen because of an imbalance between two or more exercises, food intake, medication and insulin production. For you to recognize a diabetic crisis, the signs and symptoms are:
- Changes in the level of responsiveness
- Changes in behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, or aggression
- Rapid breathing
- Cool, sweaty skin
- Skin that is paler than normal
- Appearance of intoxication
- Feeling and looking ill
- Seizures
If you encounter a diabetic emergency, the guide sustains that the first aider should provide the patient with a source of sugar or assist with their insulin administration. If the person’s condition does not improve within 10 minutes of having sugar, you should call the emergency services.
Seizures
Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical signals in the brain that result in temporary and involuntary disturbances in brain functions, shaking or contraction of limbs, changes in sensations, shifts in behaviour, and altered levels of responsiveness.
In general, there are many causes of seizures; one is epilepsy, but others can be fevers or infections, head injuries, heat stroke, and poisons. As a first aider, you can tell a person is having a seizure because they will start hallucinating, their eyes may begin rolling upwards into the head, and they won’t be able to control muscle movement.
The appropriate care for an individual having a seizure is creating a safe environment by moving furniture and other objects that could cause injury and, if possible, rolling the person onto their side. If the patient is having their first seizure or if it lasts longer than five minutes, you must inform medical professionals.
Mental Health Crises
In general terms, mental health conditions are difficult to identify; they may go unrecognized unless the person shares the information with you. Some examples of mental health conditions may be panic attacks or acute anxiety.
If you ever encounter an individual going through a mental health crisis, try to reduce distractions and encourage the person to sit down to promote conversation. You should use your soft skills to keep the person calm, listening empathetically and acknowledging their feelings and emotions without judgment. If the person poses a risk to you or others, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Childbirth Emergencies
As a first aider, you should acknowledge that childbirth is a natural process and the woman’s body knows what to do; your role will be to support the mother’s comfort, recognize signs of complications, and contact emergency medical services for professional assistance.
The signs and symptoms of imminent childbirth include;
- Contractions that are 2 minutes apart or less
- The woman says the baby is coming
- The woman feels the urge to push
- The woman feels like she needs to have a bowel movement
- The baby is crowning
Chapter 12 Environmental Illness:
Chapter 12 of the Red Cross guide covers environmental illnesses such as heat and cold-related emergencies. Understanding how to respond to these emergencies is crucial for first aiders to provide immediate assistance and prevent further harm.
A warm/hot environment may cause an individual to experience heat exhaustion and heatstroke. You should look for signs and symptoms of heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion and potential loss of consciousness. If you ever encounter an individual with heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the guide recommends moving them to a cooler environment, providing them with fluids and loosening any restrictive clothing. If the person’s condition worsens or if they do not improve after primary care, seek medical assistance.
A cool/cold environment may cause a person to experience hypothermia and frostbite. The signs and symptoms you should look for may include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and loss of coordination. For frostbite, the guide points out the presence of pale or blue skin, numbness and a waxy appearance. If you ever encounter an individual with hypothermia or frostbite, move them to a warm environment, removing wet clothing and providing them with warm, non-alcoholic fluids. If you see that the situation doesn’t get better, call 9-1-1.
Some recommendations for preventing heat and cold-related emergencies are:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
- Monitor people in high-risk situations, such as athletes, outdoor workers and the elderly.
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Chapter 13 Poisons:
Finally, chapter 13 of the guide for first aid and CPR covers important topics related to poisons, how to recognize the signs and symptoms and what to do as a first aider.
According to the Red Cross, a poison is a substance that harms the body if it is inhaled, swallowed, absorbed or injected and can be life-threatening if they affect breathing or circulation.
There are four types of poisons;
- Swallowed Poison: Enters the body through the mouth, lips, esophagus or stomach. E.g. drinking bleach.
- Absorbed Poison: Enters the body through the skin. E.g. plants or chemicals.
- Injected Poison: Enters the body through bites, stings or needles.
- Inhaled Poison: Is breathed into the body. E.g. carbon monoxide.
Moreover, the guide recommends preventive measures to avoid poisoning emergencies, such as keeping medications out of the reach of children, wearing appropriate protective clothing while manipulating poisonous substances, run gas and other combustion engines only in open areas, among others.
If the poisoned individual is not breathing, it is recommended to start CPR taking the proper measurements so you don’t contaminate yourself with the poison. If the poison was absorbed through the skin, wash the area with water for at least 15 minutes and remove any clothing covered with poison. In every case scenario, encourage the individual to seek medical attention and call the EMS personnel.
Tick Bites
The guide covers bites and stings from numerous animals and insects, but you should pay special attention to the tick bites while studying for your test. Ticks can be found in wooded, bushy areas, tall grass, and leaf litter on the ground; they can attach themselves to any warm-blooded animal that comes in contact with them. These insects can cause serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease.
The guide emphasizes the safest way to remove attached ticks is using tweezers, grasping the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward slowly and steadily without twisting until the tick releases its hold. Afterwards, wash the area with clean tap water to clean the wound. Save the tick in a resealable bag and record the bite date. Suggest the person monitor the bite for several days in case it gets infected and recommend the person seek medical attention.
Snakebites
Usually, snakes live in rock outcrops, swamps, undergrowth and abandoned human structures. Most Canadian snakes are non-venomous except for the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Massasauga Rattlesnake and Prairie Rattlesnake.
To prevent snakebites, the guide suggests wearing proper footwear, watching where you put your feet when hiking, and not aggravating a snake. If someone gets bitten, you will notice a pair of puncture wounds in the skin, localized redness of the skin and pain and swelling in the area of the bite.
The steps to follow in a snakebite emergency are:
- Keep the injured site still and level with the heart.
- If the bite is on a limb, remove any jewellery before it swells.
- Wash the wound with water.
- Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
- Call 9-1-1 and get an AED if possible.
There may also be additional questions specifically about the Red Cross if you complete your training with Coast2Coast or another Red Cross training partner. Keep in mind that tests do change and course material may be updated as the years go by. First Aid and CPR skills do evolve over time and professionals learn new and improved techniques to help save lives. This is why it is important to complete Recertification courses!
