Mountain First Aid

1. Mountain First Aid Nick Wright

2. RESPONSE Read the wreckage. What is the casualty’s level of consciousness? Stabilise head before checking. A- Alert and orientated V- Voice P- Pain U- Unresponsive

3. Cardiac Arrest Treatment: 999 – Defibrillator Aspirin 300mg/GTN Reassure/remove from stress CPR??

4. BASIC LIFE SUPPORT Summary: CPR- 30:2 1/3 of chest depth. Comp @ 100 per min. 2 cycles in one min. Continue until victim shows signs of life, EMS arrive or you become exhausted. (chest compressions only) Infant/Child/Drown Rescue Breathing- Every 10 breaths check for signs of circulation. (1 breath every 4 secs)

5. VITAL SIGNS Pulse- Sites (Brachial, radial, carotid) Rate, Strength, Rhythm 60-80 adults 80-110 child 110-160 baby FIND ON EACH OTHER

6. HEAD INJURIES Skull Fracture Recognition • Wound to head • Depression on scalp • Bruising around eyes • Clear fluid or watery blood from nose or ears • Blood in white of the eye • Distortion of the head or face • Deteriorating L.O.C Treatment • Treat for neck/spine injury • Control any bleeding • Send for help • Reassure and monitor vital signs.

7. FRACTURES Practical demo: • Dislocated shoulder/fractured collar bone/hand injury • Upper arm/forearm arm • Fractured pelvis • Lower leg

8. HYPOTHERMIA The causes of hypothermia are cold, wet, windy conditions, fatigue, hunger, dehydration and inappropriate clothing. Mild Hypothermia (35oC-32oC) Recognition • Tired and cold • Shivering • Stumbling • Out of character • Ultimately collapsing Treatment • Protect from cold/wet/windy conditions • Insulate from ground • Remove wet clothing • Increase insulation • Warm food and drinks • Descend (lapse rate)

9. DROWNING Treatment • Safety • Impossible to manage cas in water • Keep horizontal • Other injuries (C-Spine) • ABCs • CPR? (prolonged – hypothermia?) • Insulation • Hospital (secondary drowning)