SAR Fundamentals/First Aid
From PCSAR
Contents |
Material covered
- SAR Fundamentals Manual:
- Ch.9 "Some Survival First Aid Considerations"
- appendix B
- Basic SAR Skills Manual:
- Ch.11 "First Aid"
- F-9 "Hypothermia"
- Hypothermia
Time alloted
- 1.0 hr
Lesson plan
Outline
[From Jake's outline]
Chapter outlines Chapter 9 Survival First Aid p.121 W/appendix B Don't jeopardize your team by becoming a victim your self. Self first Aid Diagnose your aches and pains before they bring you down. Hypothermia
Freezing injuries. Frost bite Frost nip Trench foot (foot immersion)- exposure of skin to cold wet conditions. Chilblain- exposure of dry skin to cold. Heat related problems.
Heat cramps- profuse sweating and salt depletion.
Heat exhaustion- extreme version of heat cramps. Dehydration, seen with unconsciousness. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea. Cool moist skin
Heat stroke- life threatening.
Can cause brain damage. Skin is hot, reddened, and dry. Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, coma, and seizures. Quickly becomes confused. Treatment is aimed at lowering body temp., as soon as possible. Remove clothing and place the victim in a cool place with low humidity. Solar injuries Sunburn
Snow blindness
Altitude Related Problems
Mountain sickness-MAS- found over 8000 feet, not acclimating to elevation, going up too quick. Fatigue Loss of appetite Sleepiness Weakness Apathy, and headache HAPE- High altitude pulmonary edema, Fluid on the lungs Climbing above 8000 ft too quickly. Lethal if not treated. Same symptoms as MAS White or red(bloody) mucus when coughing. Weakness Short of breath. Can start as low as 4000 ft. called mid altitude sickness. HACE- High altitude cerebral edema Fluid on the brain Inability to walk a straight line Change in consciousness, Impaired judgment. Water Deprivation Dehydration, losing of body water, hypohrdration, levels too low. Thirst may be absent at altitude. Blisters Don't get them, and treat them asap. Snakes- overhead Insects Tick removal Poisonous plants
General Considerations for the SAR Casualty
Use common sense Remain calm Always hope for the best, but presume the worst. Never perform something you are unsure of. Never move a seriously injured person, unless they are in danger from the environment, or for medical reasons. Don't allow a person to "walk it off" Never approach and injured person from above. Re-evaluate at regular intervals. Keep lots of notes. Have a witness to remove restrictive clothing and jewelry, and place the objects in a safe place. Remember: if nothing else, do no more harm.
Aids
- Video projector
- laptop
- computer slides for this section
- non-publishable material
- /Question bank