These notes would be concise and practical, helping others easily understand the key actions in a first aid emergency. They outline a clear approach to assessing casualties and managing a scene effectively, while emphasizing safety and proper communication.
MANAGING AN INCIDENT * ASSESING THE SICK OR INJURED
Action at an Emergency
Car Incidents
Park safely-set hazard lights.
Make the area safe (e.g. Switch off the car, as a last resort move the casualty out of
it, where visible colour vests, put triangles at least 45 metres away).
Enlist people to help you.
If possible, leave the casualties as you find them.
Fire Incidents
Stop.
Drop - If possible, wrap with them tightly in a fire blanket or heavy fabric (e.g. coat)
Roll.
Close the doors behind you.
If there are fumes stay low, close the lower part of doors with rug to avoid entering smoke or fumes.
Electrical Incidents
In an electrocuted person possibly breath and heart stops. Usually burns where
enters and where comes out (visible or not).
Do not touch the casualty if they are in contact with the electrical current.
Do not use any metallic to break the electrical contact.
Do not approach high-voltage wires until power is turned off.
Do not remove a person with electrical injury unless they are immediate danger and
they are no longer in contact with the electricity.
Switch off the mains or meter point, remove the plug.
Alternatively remove the source with wooden and dry stick. Always wearing shoes or
stand on a plastic or books.
Water Incidents
Major Incidents
Emergency-security services create two zone: first or inner cordon directly around
the incident and second Outer cordon to establish minimum safe area for emergency
personnel (police, fire-brigade, ambulances)
“Triage Sieve”-Prioritize casualties needing emergency treatment
, MANAGING AN INCIDENT * ASSESING THE SICK OR INJURED
Casualties who cannot walk undergo Primary assessment ABC –to establish
treatment priorities. Then move them to clearing station for further treatment
Casualties who can walk get treatment to clearing stations
THREE ASPECTS OF MANAGING THE SICK OR INJURED
(work quickly and systematically)
First - find what is wrong with the casualty.
Second - treat conditions found in order of severity - life-threatening ones first.
Third - arrange for the next step of casualty's care.
METHODS OF ASSESMENT
Primary Survey – An initial rapid assessment of a casualty to establish and treat conditions
that are imitate threat to life.
THE PRIMARY SURVEY
If a casualty is suffering from minor injuries and responding to you, for example, talking,
then this survey will be completed very quickly.
If, however, a casualty is more seriously injured and/or not responding to you
(unresponsive), the assessment may take longer.
Danger – make the area safe. Remove any objects that can harm the casualty or you.
Response - Introduce yourself, ask casualty questions like” what happened?”, “Are you all
right” give commands “Open your Eyes”. If no response gently shakes the casualty’s
shoulders, If the casualty is child tap their shoulder, if is infant tap their foot.
Follow the ABC principle: Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
• Airway Is the airway open and clear?
The airway is not open and clear if the casualty is unable to speak. An obstructed airway will
prevent breathing, causing hypoxia (p.94) and ultimately death.
The airway is open and clear if the casualty is talking to you. Look, Listen and Feel
• Breathing Is the casualty breathing normally? If the casualty is not breathing normally, call
999/112 for emergency help, then start chest compressions with rescue breaths.
If the casualty is breathing, check for and treat any breathing difficulty such as asthma, then
move on to the next stage: circulation.
• Circulation Is the casualty bleeding severely?
If they are bleeding this must be treated immediately since it can lead to the life-threatening
condition, shock (pp.114-115).
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