ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION RESCUE BREATHING TECHNIQUE

To be used for a person who has CEASED BREATHING due to drawing, choking, electric shock or other causes.

  1. Wipe out any fluid vomitus, mucus or other object from mouth with fingers. Be certain to reach into the throat with fingers in case there is an object blocking the throat. Remove clothing to expose chest.
  2. Place person on his back, place hand or soft object under neck, keep head tilted back as far as possible.
  3. Grasp the angles of the jaw below the ears and lift the jaw so that it juts forward. This will keep the tongue away from the back of the throat so that air can get in.
  4. Pinch nose with your fingers and blow breath into mouth with smooth, steady action until the chest is felt or seen to rise.
  5. Remove your mouth. Allow lungs to empty. This action should be repeated at the normal breathing rate, i.e. 12-15 times a minutes.
  6. This is to make the chest moves it would normally.
  7. Have someone contact physician.

BURNS

Burns are caused by dry heat such as fire, electricity, strong acids and alkalies.

Burns Covering Small Area

  1. Allow tap water to run gently over the area or immerse in cold water.
  2. It may be necessary to cover with gauze or a clean handkerchief and bandage.

Note: Do not use ointments, greases, pastes or powder on burned area. Do not prick the blister caused by burns

Burns Covering Extensive Area

  1. Allow person to lie down.
  2. Cover burned areas with sterile dressing or clean cloth and lightly bandage.
  3. If clothing is adhering, do not disturb, leave the clothing alone.
  4. Keep person warm. If person is not nauseated, he may have sips of water.
  5. Arrange for immediate medical care.

Note: Do not use ointment, greases, pastes or powder on burned area. Do not prick the blister caused by burns.

 

TETANUS IMMUNISATION

Protection against tetanus should be considered whenever the skin is broken by injuries.

  1. Run water over area for 20 minutes to neutralise or dilute chemicals.
  2.  Cover with gauze or a clean handkerchief and bandage.

CHOKING

  1. If a person chokes on food or other objects and stops breathing, proceed as under "Artificial Respiration".
  2. Be certain to reach into the throat with a finger or fingers to remove any object blocking the throat.
  3. Remove any clothing to expose chest.
  4. Follow with instructions ii, iii, iv, v, vi and vii of Artificial Respiration.

Note: If he can breathe readily even though coughing, # iv above is not necessary.

 

ELECTRIC SHOCK

  1. If possible switch off current.
  2. If not, remove casualty from contact with electric source using non-conductive articles like a dry broom handle or dry rope.
  3. Do not touch patient directly nor with object that will conduct electricity.
  4. Give Rescue Breathing Technique if breathing has stopped. Refer "Artificial Respiration" Instructions ii, iii, iv, v and vi.
  5. Arrange for emergency medical care.

HEART ARREST

  • Heart-Lung Resuscitation
  • Summon a medical officer as soon as possible in every case.
  • Feel pulse. Listen for heartbeat with ear against chest.
  • If no heartbeat is heard, start Heart-Lung Resuscitation as follows:-
  • Place person on his back on a firm surface. Extend his head backwards so his chin points straight upwards.
  • Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest over the lower one-half of the breastbone and place the heel of the other hand on top of it. The fingers must be lifted so they do not touch the ribs. Pressure on ribs may break them.
  • Rock forward and use the weight of your body to press the breastbone vertically downwards 1.5 to 2 inches. This compresses the heart between breastbone and backbone and propels blood out of the heart into the lungs and body.
  • Release the pressure for just as long as you pressed. The chest will expand and the heart will fill with blood.
  • Repeat this pressure once every second.
  • A second person should give Rescue Breathing, blowing a breath in once between each 5 to 8 compressions of the heart, with the least possible pause in heart compressions.
  • If only one rescuer is present he should inflate the lungs with two or three quick breaths after every 10 to 15 heart compressions.