General Directions for Giving First Aid
Recognizing a Heart Attack What to do in a Medical Emergency
Delay can prove deadly. When someone suffers a heart
attack, minutes --- especially the first few minutes --- Bleeding/Injuries/Fractures
are very important. The most common sign of a heart Call 9-1-1 first
attack is chest pain or discomfort, often described as Control bleeding by pressing on the wound
uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or squeezing. The with a clean cloth
pain is often located in the center of the chest under the Keep the person lying down
breastbone but may also start in or spread to either If you suspect fractures or back injury, do not
shoulder or arm, neck or lower jaw. The pain may move the victim
remain constant or it may come and go.
Chest Pain/Heart Attack/Breathing Problems
Other signs of a possible heart attack include: Call 9-1-1 first
Sweating Keep person comfortable
Nausea If victim is not breathing, perform CPR if you
Difficulty breathing are trained
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Fainting Convulsions/Seizures
Do not restrain person
Call 9-1-1
Recognizing Other Medical Emergencies... Protect person from harm
Turn person on side after seizure stops to
Know which symptoms to watch for. The warning allow drainage from the mouth
signs of a medical emergency are:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure Choking/Airway Obstructions
Fainting Call 9-1-1 first.
Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision If person cannot speak or cough, perform
Change in mental status (such as unusual Heimlich Maneuver if you are trained
behavior, confusion or difficulty waking up) If airway clears, keep victim calm until
Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body paramedics arrive
Bleeding that won't stop
Severe or continuous vomiting
Coughing up or vomiting blood Ingestion Poisoning
Suicidal or homicidal feelings Give nothing by mouth
Call Poison Control Center, 1-313-745-5711
If directed, call 9-1-1
Calling for Medical Help...
Emergency Number: 9-1-1 for Ambulance, Fire or Serious Burns
Police Remove source of the burn
Stay calm and dial 9-1-1 Call 9-1-1
Stay on the line and answer all questions Cover area lightly with thick layers of clean
Follow the directions of the 9-1-1 operator cloth
If possible, send someone outside to direct the
ambulance
Points to Remember When Giving First Aid
Burns
1st degree - skin red & swollen
DO immerse in cold water or apply cold compress DON'T apply ointments, fats or butter.
until pain subsides.
DO see physician if pain persists or if injury does
not begin to heal.
2nd degree - skin blistered or white
DO remove or cut away clothing, immerse injured DON'T break blisters and do not use antiseptic
area in cold water or apply cold compress. ointments, sprays or home remedies.
DO cover with wet dressing under plastic.
DO seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3rd degree -
skin white or charred with damage to underlying tissue
DO cover with thick sterile dressing, clean sheet or DON'T remove particles of burned clothing.
other clean household linen.
DO call ambulance immediately.
DO elevate hands and feet if they are involved.
Choking
DO begin Heimlich maneuver to dislodge object if DON'T interfere if person can cough, speak or
necessary. breathe.
DO see physician immediately for follow-up
exam.
Cuts
DO apply pressure to stop bleeding.
DO wash abrasions and lacerations with warm, soapy water and soak puncture
wounds.
DO cover wound with a sterile bandage and change whenever it gets dirty or wet.
DO seek medical attention if bleeding won't stop, if stitches are needed or if
wound becomes infected.
Eye Injury (object in eye)
DO try to locate object on white of eye or inside DON'T use a dry cotton swab or handkerchief,
the upper or lower lid. don't probe or rub eye.
DO try to gentle remove object with moist cotton
swab or moistened corner of handkerchief.
DO seek immediate medical aid if object cannot be
easily removed or if eye has been penetrated or
injured by strong light or chemicals.
Fever
DO keep a thermometer in your home first aid kit DON'T give aspirin to a child under 15 years of
to accurately check for fever. age. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) per label
DO encourage frequent amounts of cool liquids directions.
and remove extra clothing.
DO consult a physician when fever is higher than
101 F or child won't take fluids.
Head Injuries
DO apply a clean pad or handkerchief to wound DON'T give alcohol, stimulants, sedatives or
with steady pressure to control bleeding (almost all narcotics.
head wounds bleed profusely, even superficial
ones).
DO seek immediate medical attention.
Nosebleeds
DO sit in a chair with head tipped forward. DON'T lie down or pack nose with any type of
DO tie a clean pad lightly over the wound-without dressing.
pressure-if you suspect a serious head injury.
DO place ice pack on nape of neck for 15-20
minutes.
DO seek medical help if bleeding does not stop in
20 minutes.
Poisoning
DO call for poison treatment information 1-800- DON'T induce vomiting unless told to do so...
942-5969. never induce vomiting if patient is drowsy or
DO follow instructions and keep patient at rest. unconscious.
DO take the victim to a hospital as soon as
possible.
Sprains
DO elevate joint as much as possible and apply ice
packs 20 minutes each hour for 1st 24 hours (put
crushed ice in plastic bag, cover skin with cloth).
DO apply warm packs after 24 hours.
DO use an elastic bandage, being careful not to
wrap too tightly.
DO report to doctor if pain becomes more severe
or injury does not improve within a few days.
Sunburn
DO stay out of sun or protect skin by wearing DON'T puncture blisters-if a blister breaks,
clothing or applying a sunscreen or sun block remove the dead skin.
lotion.
DO apply cool wet compresses.
DO consult a physician if the sunburn is very
painful.
