Remember, the universal sign for choking is mimicking choking yourself. Make sure to ask the patient if he/she is choking because, many times, the person is merely coughing. If the patient is unconscious make sure to call 911.
Infants 12 months or younger: rest the patient on your forearm (face-down), while also resting your forearm, on your thigh. Perform 5 thumps with the heel of your hand upon the infant's back. If the patient is still choking turn the infant over, face up, and with 2 fingers upon the breastplate perform 5 chest compressions. Repeat the process until the object is dislodged.
Children and Adults: when performing the Heimlich maneuver make sure to stand behind the person. Lean the person slightly forward and wrap your arms around his/her waist. Next, press hard with a closed fist into the abdomen then grab your fist with your other hand. Perform 5 quick thrusts. If the object still hasn’t cleared the patient's throat/windpipe, repeat the cycle.
Unconscious Person: when performing the Heimlich maneuver on an unconscious person lay the patient on his/her back. Make sure to clear the patient’s airway, if needed, finger swipe the patient's mouth to pick out any foreign objects. If you can’t see or can’t take the object out of the patient’s mouth, make sure to perform CPR. Chest compressions will most likely clear the patient’s airway.
If you're still unable to clear the patient’s airway and/or if the patient still isn't showing signs of life, make sure to call 911 and continue performing chest compressions.
Frostbite is an injury that occurs when the skin is exposed to freezing temperatures, causing redness, numbness, and paleness. Symptoms include cold skin, white, red, or grayish-yellow skin, clumsiness as a result of muscle and joint stiffness, numbness, hard-looking skin, and blistering after rewarming, usually in severe cases.
Treatment: you can treat mild frostbite by following these steps:
1. Get out of the cold 2. Protect your skin from further damage – If the affected area has thawed, wrap it to prevent refreezing. However, if you suspect they may freeze again, avoid thawing. 3. Gently rewarm the affected areas by soaking them in warm water (105-110 F) for about 20 minutes. 4. Drink warm liquids such as coffee or tea.
Hypothermia is when the body temperature is below 95 F. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than the body can produce energy. Hypothermia often occurs when the body is immersed in cold water. If the patient is left untreated the nervous system will not be able to work properly which will result in organ damage and possibly death.
Treatment: Make sure to remove the patient’s wet clothing and replace it with something warm and dry. Make sure to perform rescue breaths if the patient is unconscious. If rescue breaths aren’t accessible make sure to perform chest compressions. If possible, give the patient a warm beverage and a warm, dry compress (hot water in a bag to hold or cover the patient with). Do NOT apply direct heat.
Exertional Dehydration — usually dehydration occurs with vigorous exercise in hot and humid environments. Dehydration occurs when you lose fluids more than you take in. If loss fluids aren't replaced dehydration will occur.
Treatment: Have patient orally re-hydrate with carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) drinks. Ingestion of fluids: 5-8% will facilitate hydration. Other drinks: coconut water and 2% milk. Alternatively, if drinks aren't available then potable water may be used.
Severe Dehydration Treatment: If the patient is severely dehydrated or is in a life-threatening situation activate the EMS. EMS will be able to provide an Intravenous hydration that consists of essential nutrients.
Heat Exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur through exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with strenuous physical activity and high humidity. However, it’s not as severe as a heatstroke or heat cramp. Symptoms include heavy sweating, faintness, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headache, weakness, and rapid pulse.
Treatment: First, move the person out of the heat and into an air-conditioned or shady area, then lay them down. Ensure their legs and feet are elevated slightly. Second, remove any heavy or tight clothing and give the person cool water or any nonalcoholic drink.
Lastly, cool them by fanning or spraying cool water.
Treatment: If you suspect heatstroke, first move the individual out of the heat and remove any heavy or excess clothing. Second, cool them by spraying cold water, placing them in a cool tub of water, or fanning.
Then, give the person a cool drink to rehydrate. Ensure it’s not alcoholic or caffeinated and avoid cold drinks to prevent stomach cramps. Lastly, perform CPR if they show no signs of breathing.
Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs that causes your airways to narrow and swell, making breathing difficult and trigger coughing. Asthma also results in shortness of breath and wheezing (whistling sounds) when you breathe out. Symptoms include chest tightness and pain, trouble sleeping as a result of wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, wheezing when exhaling, and wheezing or coughing that gets worse during a respiratory virus such as the flu.
Treatment: First, help the person sit in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing. Then, help them take their asthma medication (inhaler). If they don’t have any medication, call 911 immediately.
