[Cycling] First Aid

[jasmin]

First Aid - The Essential Basics

First Aid skills are very important to have in any activity, especially in those activities where there is an increased chance of injury such as mountain biking. Y

The Basics

Their are a couple of ground rules when it comes to first aid and emergency situations.

* The first and i guess most important step when faced with an emergency situation is to , Remain Calm and in Control
Do nothing to add further tension to the situation. The victim and the events will already cause a tense situation, while it may be hard to keep a straight mind , but it is important so that you can ascertain the situation

* Send for Professional Help
If you are with multiple people assign one person to call for aid. If you have a mobile phone or other way of reaching the outside world, use it. Explain calmly and clearly the location of the accident and the condition of the victim or victims


DR. ABC
The letters in the acronym DR.ABC tell you the basics of what you should do in a First Aid situation:
* D stands for Danger - always be aware of danger and ensure you do not put yourself in danger when going to the assistance of another person.
* R stands for Response - is the person conscious? Do they respond when you squeeze their shoulder and shout their name?
* A stands for Airway - clear the airway of any obstruction (for example, the tongue rolled back and blocking the airway, vomit or food) and keep it clear by placing the person on their side with their chin tilted back. This can be enough to save a person's life.
* B stands for Breathing - check if a person is breathing with the look, listen and feel technique. Look to see if the chest rises; listen for the sound of breathing from the mouth or nose; and feel for the rise of the chest or breath against your cheek. Learn how to use Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR) or the Kiss of Life, to help a person who is not breathing.
* C stands for Circulation - learn how to check for a pulse. Practise on yourself, friends and family. Feel for the carotid pulse on the neck, below the jaw line next to the Adams Apple.

* Send for Professional Help
If you are with multiple people assign one person to call for aid. If you have a mobile phone or other way of reaching the outside world, use it. Explain calmly and clearly the location of the accident and the condition of the victim or victims

You should also learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to keep vital blood flow and oxygen getting to the brain. Many disorganizations in your state or territory offer classes on CPR , but here is the instructions for performing, but it is recommended that everybody shouldtake a CPR course and get an official certificate. Reading the description of CPR below is not enough

Use mouth-to-mouth – if the person is not breathing normally, make sure they are lying on their back and:

* Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting their chin.
* Close their nostrils with your finger and thumb.
* Put your mouth over the person’s and blow into their mouth.
* Give 2 full breaths to the person (this is called ‘rescue breathing’).
* Make sure there is no air leak and the chest is rising and falling. If their chest does not rise and fall, check that you’re pinching their nostrils tightly and sealing your mouth to theirs. If still no luck, check their airway again for any obstruction.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
* Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the person’s breastbone.
* Place the other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
* Press down firmly and smoothly (compressing to 1/3 of chest depth) 30 times.
* Administer 2 breaths.
* The ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths is the same, whether CPR is being performed alone or with the assistance of a second person.
* Aim for a compression rate of 100 per minute.

Maintain CPR – continue, repeating the cycle of 30 compressions then 2 breaths. Keep going until professional help arrives.

In Australia, Nationally recognised First Aid certificates may only be issued by Registered training organisations who are accredited on the National Training Information System (NTIS). Most First Aid certificates are issued at one of 3 levels:

* Level 1 (or “Basic First Aid”, or “Basic Life Support”): is a 1-day course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: CPR, bleeding, chocking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
* Level 2 (“Senior First Aid”) is a 2 day course that covers all the aspects of training in Level 1, as well as specialised training for treatment of burns, bites, stings, electric shock and poisons. Level 2 reaccreditation is a 1 day course which must be taken every 3 years.
* Level 3 (“Occupational First Aid”) is a 4-day course covering advanced first aid, use of oxygen and Automated external defibrillators and documentation. It is suitable for workplace First Aiders and those who manage First Aid facilities.

 

[jasmin]

First Aid - Bleedings & Applying a Tourniquet

Often bleeding can cause panic to both the victim and also to those trying to help. It is important to remain calm and comfort the victim.

There are two kinds of bleedings:

External Bleeding

Bleedings can range from a small cut to severed arteries. First step is to Analyse the bleeding:

* If you see a Dark red colored blood coming out in a steady slow flow this indicates that there is a severed vein.
* While a Bright red colored blood coming out in spurts or in a heavy steady flow indicates a severed artery. This is quite a serious form of bleeding, if it isn;t stop fast enough the victim can loose lots of blood quite rapidly.

In the case of bleed Do the following:

* Place a clean cloth over the wound and firmly apply pressure. a clean sterilized cloth should be used but when faced with an emergency just a clean cloth will suffice. If the blood socks through the cloth, the first reaction is to replace it , do not replace the blood soaked cloth but add more cloth to the cloth already placed. Apply pressure for 7-10 minutes.

* elevate the wound and position it above the level of the heart, using anything availble , bike, bags etc
* Apply pressure to a pressure point of a major artery using your fingers, handor the heel of your foot. Pressure the artery between your fingers and the bone behind the artery.
* If all above methods do not stop the bleeding apply a tourniquet,otherwise there is a chance that the victim could dies of blood loss
* Get the victim to medical professional as soon as possible.

Applying a Tourniquet

* Find a strip of cloth, belt or any other piece of flat flexible material that is at least two inches wide and long enough to be wrapped around the limb twice. This will form the tourniquet.
* Place the tourniquet just above the wound. Wrap it twice around the limb.
* Tie a knot in the tourniquet with a stick or any other straight object in the middle of the knot.
* The stick is used to Twist the tourniquet making it tighter around the limb. Keep on turning untill the bleeding ceases. Secure the stick in place with rope, sticky tape, zip ties or anything else you can find
* Do not loosen or remove the tourniquet untill the victim has reached professional medical help
* Make sure to write down the exact time the tournequet was applied so medical professionals will know how long it has been in place. Do not cover the tourniquet and tell the medical professionals of its placement.


Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is more difficult and harder to recognize. Some symptoms of internal bleeding could include
* Vomiting or coughing up blood
* Blood in the stools or urine
* Blood from the ears, nose or mouth
* Abdominal swelling and/or pain and tenderness in the abdomen
* Pale skin
* Excessive thirst
* Possible restlessness, apprehension and mental confusion
* Shock

There isn't much that you can do with internal bleeding , you will need to wait until profession help arrived. All you can really do while your waiting is :

* Keep the victim lying down flat with the head elevated. If the victim needs to vomit turn the head sideways.
* Keep the victim covered and warm
* Check the victims vital signs and wait for the medical professionals to arrive

 

[jasmin]

First Aid - Snake Bite

The first aid for snake bite is relatively simple.

*
Compression Bandage: The use of a compression bandage is paramount; beginning at the bite site and continuing down the limb and then back to the top.
*
Lock out the joints and bandage as firmly as that for a sprain.
* Splint the limb: A Splint is also recommended to prevent peristaltic return; venom is transported around the body in our lymphatic system not the blood stream. This is controlled by muscle movement, the use of a compression bandage and a splint reduces muscle movement and slows the progression of the venom.
*
Remain calm and still; phone for an ambulance using For australian '000' or in the case of remote areas '112'.

 

[jasmin]

First Aid - Fractures & Applying Splints

If the victim complains about extreme pain in a certain area you should check to make sure that there isn't a fracture:

* Ask if the victim heard or felt a bone snap
* Check if the victim is able to move the inflicted body part
* Check for deformities
* Check for swelling
* Check for any discoloration of the skin

If the bone is sticking out of the skin, then you are dealing with a compound fracture.
Compound fractures are very serious injuries that can result in some serious bleeding.

* Do not apply too much pressure to stop the bleeding, to much pressure to the wound can cause more problems
* Cover the wound with a sterile pad or clean cloth
* Do not push the bone back in or try to re-allign the fracture. Instead apply a splint to prevent movement of the bone
* Do not move the victim, Keep the victim warm and reassure the victim that every is ok , wait for professional assistance

Applying a Splint

* Find a rigid straight object for a splint, it shpuld be longer than the bone and joint that you are going to support.
* Cover any broken skin with a sterile clean cloth. Pad the splint with softer materials.
* Tie the splint to the injured limb. The splint should be tight but not so tight that it cuts of the blood circulation of the victim. Make sure the splint is applied in a way that prevents the limb from further movement or strain.
* If available, place an ice bag over the splinted break area. The icebag should not be be placed directly on the skin or wound, it should be first first covered in cloth.

 

[jasmin]

First Aid - Sprains & Strains

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments at or near a joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another and so help to hold joints together. In a sprain, the ligaments may have been overstretched, twisted or torn. It is often hard to distinguish between a bone fracture, ligament sprain or muscle strain.

Assess the seriousness of the injury:

* Did the victim hear a snapping sound or feel the breaking of a bone?
* Are there any visible deformities?
* Are there signs of hemorrhaging?
* Is there any increased joint laxity of the injured body part?
* Is the patient able to move the injured body part?
* How bad of a pain is the victim is experiencing?
* How bad is the de-colouring of the area and the swelling?

These questions will help you determine how serious the injury is and if you are dealing with a fracture, strain or sprain.

Initial Care
The RICE method often helps with many types of joint and muscle injuries. The method will ease pain and help speed recovery. The RICE method is very helpful if you use it right away after an injury.

* REST the injured area. If moving the injured area causes pain, your body is telling you to stop.
ICE applied to the injured area will help to reduce swelling. Swelling causes more pain and slows healing. A package of frozen corn or peas makes a good ice pack. It is lightweight, conforms to the injured area, and is inexpensive and reusable. Cover the ice pack with a wet cloth and apply the ice for 10 to 30 minutes intermittently for 48 to 72 hours.
* COMPRESSION, or use of a pressure bandage, also helps to prevent or reduce swelling. Use an elastic bandage. Wrap the injured area with the bandage, but not so tightly that the blood is cut off. It should not be painful. Fingers or toes beyond the bandage should remain pink and not become "tingly."
* ELEVATION means raising the injured area above the level of the heart. Prop up a leg or arm while resting it. You may need to lie down to get your leg above your heart level. Elevation may also reduce the throbbing pain that may be present.
* Warm Compresses
The ice will numb the pain and reduce the initial swelling. After the first 72 hours you should use warmth instead of cold. Warmth will help the healing process. Use warm compresses.

Recovery

* Normal Activity
Try to maintain normal activity during recovery. Circulation and movement will help the healing process. Slight discomfort is alright but make sure not to push it.
* Follow up Treatment
Make sure that there are signs of healing. If the injured body part remains painfull and swolen seek medical advise.

 

[jasmin]

First Aid - Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Our bodies are able to naturally cool down using a system of sweating and radiating heat through the skin. In extreme conditions such as high temperatures in combination with exercise this can cause the body to be unable to loose all the heat fast enough. As the body head builds up heat illnesses can occur. To Avoid heat illnesses one should avoid the combination of high temperatures and body excercise.

You should also drink more fluids than you are losing.

Heat illnesses develop in the following stages:

* Heat Cramps
Heat cramps occur as brief but severe cramps in the leg, arm or abdomen muscles, although heat cramps may involve any muscle group involved in the exercise. They are painfull but aren't all that serious. If you suspect heat cramps Cool down by resting in the shade and drinking cool water or an electrolyte-containing sports drink. Practice gentle, range-of-motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group.

*Heat Exhaustion
If the temperature of the body continues to rise, a person can suffer from heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting and hyperventilation. Heat Exhaustion can get very serious. Get away from the heat as soon as possible. Drink cool non alcoholic beverages. If seriously overheated, remove all clothes and bathe in cool, not cold, water. Visit a doctor for serious cases.

*Heat Stroke
If the situation becomes worse, a person might suffer from heat stroke. The body is no longer able to control the body's temperature and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels
Some symptoms of a heat stroke are: hot and dry skin, severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, disorientation, fatigue, seizure, loss of consciousness.

To avoid brain damage or in the worst case scenario even death you should get the body temperature down as quickly as possible. Take of all the victim's clothes and if possible submerge the victim in cool water or cover the victim with ice bags. Keep the victim cooled down using what ever methods are available

 

[jasmin]

First Aid - Neck & Spinal Injuries

Neck and spine injuries are quite serious injuries that can lead to paralysis or even death. If you are in a first aid situation where the victim has possible neck and/or spine injuries be very careful.If you suspect a back or neck (spinal) injury, do not move the affected person. Permanent paralysis and other serious complications can result. In serious cases damage to the spinal cord could result in paralysis. The extent of paralysis will depend upon the height of the spinal injury. The closer to the neck, the more extensive the paralysis.

Signs of neck and/or spinal injury:

* There's evidence of a head injury with an ongoing change in the person's level of consciousness.
* The person complains of severe pain in his or her neck or back.
* The person won't move his or her neck.
* An injury has exerted substantial force on the back or head.
* The person complains of weakness, numbness or paralysis or lacks control of his or her limbs, bladder or bowel.
* The neck or back is twisted or positioned oddly.
* Check if the victim is feeling numbness, tingling or weakness in legs, arms or other body parts. These are a clear sign of spinal injury.
* Check for paralysis by actually pinching extremities such as finger and toes to check that the victim has feeling in those body parts. Ask the victim to squeeze your hand, move his feet, etec. If the victim is able to perform these operations then there is probably no spinal injury.
* If there is the slightest chance of spinal injury, take all precautions,do not move the affected person and assume the worst.

Neck & Spinal InjuryTreatment

* Send for professional medical assistance as soon as possible.
* Do not move the victim in any way and restrict the victim from moving. Even if the victim is in the water, try to stabilize the neck and back without moving the victim. If there is time wait for the medical assistance to arrive and let them take over. If this is not possible immobilize the neck and back using any tools that you might have to your disposal. Keep the head from making any rolling, sideways or up and down movement.
* Check constantly for vital signs and signs of shock. Keep the victim warm.

 

[Admin]

while above does guide you to performing first aid are post , please be advised that it is only a guide

it is recommended that everybody should take a CPR course and get an official certificate. Reading the description of CPR is not enough