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| First Aid Skills (Item 5 on NLS Test Sheet) The following information comes directly from the NLS Standards Manual. |
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| Demonstrate the following: a. assessment of an injured victim b. treatment of an injured victim |
| Purpose To preserve life, prevent further injury and maximize victim comfort while ensuring meaures have been taken to obtain assistance from emergency medical services. |
| 5a Assessment of An Injured Victim � assessment of environmental hazards � removal of/from dangers � airway and breathing check � pulse check � check for major (life-threatening) bleeding � evaluate level of consciousness/response to stimuli � assess for spinal cord injury � systematic secondary assessment (head to toe, vital signs, history) � life threatening conditions treated before minor conditions � entry into EMS � Have candidates identify mechanism of injury |
| 5b Treatment Of An Injured Victim Respiratory Emergencies � ABCs � Establishment of nature of complaint � Reassurance for victim � Proper positioning � Monitoring of vital signs and treatment for shock � Appropriate use of any equipment used � Determination of history � Assistance with medication if appropriate and requested � Appropriate response to complications � Entry into EMS Circulatory Emergencies � ABCs � Identification and control of bleeding by direct pressure to extent possible � Reassurance for victim and treatment for shock � Placement in appropriate position (position of body parts and position of victim) � Monitoring of vital signs � Appropriate use of any equipment used � Determination of history � Assistance with medication if appropriate and requested � Appropriate response to complications � Identification of need for chest compressions � Entry into EMS Head and Spine � ABCs � Identification and treatment as spinal injury � Evaluation of level of consciousness � Monitoring of vital signs (rechecking) � Appropriate use of any equipment used � No movement unless required � Effective response to complications � Entry into EMS Medical Emergencies � ABCs � Identification and assessment of signs and symptoms � Assistance with medication if appropriate and requested � Appropriate use of any equipment used � Contact with poison control if possible � Entry into EMS if necessary |
| Hypothermia � ABCs � Identification and assessment of signs and symptoms � Warming of victim as soon as possible concentrating efforts on core temperature � Entry into EMS Heat Stroke and Exhaustion � ABCs � Recognition of difference between heat stroke and exhaustion � Removal from source � Encouragement of fluids for heat exhaustion victims � Cooling of victims � Entry into EMS for heat stroke victims Fractures, Sprains, and Dislocations � Assessment of condition (check for sensation above and below injury) � Immobilization of injury site � Circulation check below injury; if possible, check pulse � Effective immobilization prior to movement of victim � Entry into EMS if necessary � Candidate should apply ice or cold compress to injured area Burns � Determination of severity of burn � Immediate immersion in cold water if present at time of injury and the injury is a localized burn � Flushing with water for wet chemical burn � Dusting for dry chemical burns � Covering with dry sterile dressing � Entry into EMS if necessary Eye, Ear, Nose, and Mouth � Assessment and determination of severity of injury � Treatment in line with priorities � Entry into EMS if necessary Pressure-related Injuries � ABCs � Determination of history � Elevation of lower extremities higher than head and heart � Stabilization, monitoring of vital signs, reassurance, treatment for shock � Appropriate use of any equipment used � Entry into EMS if necessary |