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WRITTEN NOTES ON CLASSES
LESSON 13–BASIC FIRST AID: REMEMBER THE GOLDEN HOUR OF TRIAGE!
BUY the (U.S. Army) FM 21-1 “First Aid for Soldiers” or any other first aid book.
LESSON 13A– CPR–Cardio-Pulmonary Recusation: Since March 2010, there have been commercials or PSAs on the radio about a new CPR protocol from the American Heart Association (AHA). They call it, “Hands Only CPR”. Place both palms over the center chest (sternum) and constantly give long and fast extra pressure repetitions until EMS or a First Responder arrives. If possible trade off to other people to continue constant pressure. If some one else is available, try to clear the victim’s throat, pinch the nose, raise the chin and neck and do mouth to mouth recusation. But is vital that he heart continues to pump blood even though there may be not enough oxygen to the victim’s blood.
On babies and small children clear their throat and mouth and place your mouth over the child’s nose and mouth and blow gently. Use two or three fingers to CPR pressure the heart.
This Lesson is provided to give you as much very basic education in some of the possible types of emergencies. These are not "Cure-all" measures– they are only to be used in case of an emergency situation and only until medical help has arrived. Although there is considerably more to each of theses situations, this is a beginning to learn how to help someone that is injured. Go ask the Red Cross for First Aid classes.
A lot of rural volunteer fire departments or your local American Red Cross Chapter or the Salvation Army or other NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) as well as local chapters in the International Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies are seeking EMTs, first responders (basic course), rescue and diving squads, firefighters, higher level Medical Personnel, planners and logistical people and also those who can deploy with other departments and agencies to go to bigger fires, disasters, evacuations or events.
Your local Red Cross or Red Crescent Chapter are also looking for various local volunteers for blood bank donations, military affairs liaisons, disaster deployment teams and many other volunteer positions are available. Plus some of the training is free or reimbursable with a certain amount of time with the organization. You just might have to pay for the accreditation testing. THAT IS ALSO WHAT OUR DISASTER NETWORK IS FOR; to get as many families, firms, religious, clubs and organizations inside our network and help FEMA, the RED CROSS and other NGOs to save as much disaster dollars as possible. These FDN actions make our members responsible for themselves, their family and others prior to a disaster to be prepared, mitigated and self-reliant.
So “Pay it Forward” and help them out with volunteer hours and or with a donation. Make sure that the Memorandum Line specifies which disaster or family is to receive the donations. “Baker family fire-June 25" or “Cold Canyon Fire” or “Hurricane David” would be examples.
Even Tide® soap has several trucks with special washing and drying trailers so that those who are affected by the disaster can get their clothes clean and dry. That effort right there can make a person’s mood elevate some by having clean clothes and a shower. See Chapter 5 for more on Advanced Scenarios, Evacuation Sites and their Inspections.
NEVER HESITATE IN CALLING FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. THESE ARE SIMPLY IMMEDIATE MEASURES THAT CAN HELP UNTIL THE PROFESSIONALS ARRIVE. THEY HAVE THE GOLDEN HOUR ON LIFE SAVING TECHNIQUES. GO GET TRAINED BY ANY PROFESSIONAL AND HELP US WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY OR AN EVACUATION AT FDN SITES.
Some of the subjects that will be taught at various times on First Aid are Clearing the Airway, Stopping the Bleeding, Checking for Fractures, Treating for Shock, Burn Care, other injuries and evacuating the injured to Medical Facilities if EMT care is unavailable. Although there is more to each of these subjects, the very basics are written below.
Clearing the Airway is done by getting the victim on his back, lifting the neck, tilting the head back, thrusting the jaw out and checking the mouth for obstructions. On adults pinch the nose and blow in hard. On children cover nose and mouth with your mouth and blow softly. Ten breaths a minute is minimum to sustain needed oxygen. There will be much more about CPR in class or contact the Red Cross or Red Crescent for CPR or First Aid Classes.
Chest Pains- Heavy, squeezing or tight feeling in chest is typical of a heart attack (could also feel mild as "indigestion"). Never under estimate the seriousness of these symptoms - get medical attention immediately.
Choking- If the victim is unable to talk or breathe, or if the object does not dislodge, then get behind the victim and wrap your arms around him, grasping your hands at the waist. Thrust inward and upward under the sternum (chest bone), repeating up to four times. This is called the Heimlich Maneuver.
If choking continues, call 911. If the victim becomes unconscious, lay him down and roll to one side. Pull this tongue and jaw forward and with your index finger, sweep the back of throat. Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or continue to use back blows and abdominal thrusts alternately to remove airway obstruction. See page 37 for Shock or if Unconscious.
Convulsions - Prevent victim from hurting himself by moving nearby objects. Loosen clothing. Do not put anything in their mouth, If breathing stops after seizure, give mouth to mouth resuscitation or CPR. After seizure allow victim to rest. Call 911.
There are two types of bleeding, arterial-you will see deep red spurts, and venous-you will see a smooth flow. On larger and deeper cuts use a 4x4 STERILE DRESSING, cut around stuck clothing-tearing it off will cause further bleeding, and secure with adhesive or nursing tape while applying pressure. Use enough gauze to stop the flow. Use sterile tape to place more pressure. If limb—unless broken—try to elevate it above heart level. For legs, lie down and elevate the leg.
If a tourniquet is needed, only used as a last resort if other methods using multiple pressure and elevation stop the bleeding has not worked, then it should be placed between the wound and heart. On traumatic amputations, place it at the end of the stump. Use a strip of cloth-clean undershirt-to tie around the pressure bandage, take a stick or sturdy object and twist around and tie with another cloth. Take blood or lipstick and mark a “T” on the forehead with the date and time to show other medical personnel that there is a tourniquet. If it is used, then only qualified medical personnel will take off tourniquet.
If Morphine or Tylenol 3® or other narcotics are used, then use blood or lipstick or mud to mark on the forehead or forearm and mark with a “M” or “T3" and time if possible. Check for fractures and splinting. Handle the injured carefully to avoid other injury. This is why you carry large dressings, tape, and extra clean undershirts in your kits. The ability to take care of anything, anytime at anywhere.
Nosebleed- Have victim seated upright. Pinch nose and allow victim to breathe through mouth or pack bleeding nostril with tissue and pinch nose constantly and firmly for 15 minutes. Get patient to an EMT or higher medical level to get nosebleed stopped. If nosebleed doesn’t stop, then ask medical staff to use silver nitrate or other materials.
Checking for Fractures is done after the bleeding is controlled. Immobilize the fracture by splinting. Using anything sturdy, sticks, poles, tight roll of clothing. PAD THE SPLINT SO THAT THE SUPPORTS DON'T CUT INTO THE FRACTURE. Other fractures will be discussed in class. NEVER MOVE THE victim if it is a back or neck injury Keep the victim warm and treat for shock. Always use a C-spine collar to immobilize the neck.
For sprains use an ACE bandage and rest the sprain, elevate if possible. Apply cold applications for 20 minutes an hour for the first 24 hours after injury, then apply heat for 20 minutes an hour 24 hours after the injury.
Treating for shock—very important; it is characterized by paleness, trembling, sweating, and thirst, and can accompany any injury. More the severe the wound the more likely for shock. If unconscious lay the injured flat on back and turning the head to the side. Raise his feet unless a head injury or breathing difficulty. Keep her comfortably warm, but avoid overheating. Talk to him a lot and assure that everything will be all right. If you're alone and become seriously injured, seek a place sheltered from the wind.
Bum Care—a lesson in itself—keep the area clean, dry, bandage it and give plenty of fluids unless unconscious or a gut wound. NEVER USE OINTMENTS OR BUTTER!! Contact a nurse or other medical personnel for further care instructions if you don’t have a first aid book.
Minor Burns- When the skin is red or small blisters occur, immerse burn area in cool water or apply cool, wet towel as soon as possible. NEVER, apply butter, grease or ointments! In all cases with broken blisters- gently wash with soap and water and apply a clean dressing.
SEVERE- when the skin is charred or there are large areas of blisters, have victim lie down and cover open areas with a clean dry sheet. CALL 911. Allow only the paramedics to handle and transport victim to medical personnel.
ANIMAL BITES- flush the wound area with water and then wash with soap and water for at least five minutes. Cover with a clean dressing or cloth. You should have the wound looked at by a medical professional- always.
SNAKE BITES (Poisonous) - This bite will leave a set of teeth marks- usually two to four puncture wounds. Wash wound area with soap and water for two minutes. Apply a constricting band between bite and heart if possible- this will slow the flow rate of poison in the blood. Get emergency help as soon as possible.
Bee or Wasp Sting- Try to remove the stinger by gently scraping the area with a clean knife blade. Cleanse area with soap and water and apply an ice compress to reduce swelling. If the victim has an allergic reaction (usually within the first 30 minutes or the sting)- hives, itches all over, wheezes, difficulty breathing or a history of allergic reactions -call 911. The victim might need an epi-pen hypo-shot.
Tick Bite- Cover the insect's body with a heavy oil or Vaseline for about 20 minutes. Carefully remove tick with tweezers - being sure to fully remove all parts and the head of the insect. Scrub area with soap and water. If a fever, rash or infection develops over the next couple of days, then see a doctor.
Mosquitos or other itchy bites - Use calamine lotion, rubbing alcohol or hydrocortisone creams on affected area.
Eye Injuries-Chemical- Have victim turn head so that the injured eye is down. Flood eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Cover eye with clean compress and transport to hospital. DO NOT PUT ANY DROPS INTO THE EYE!
Foreign Particle- Prevent the victim from rubbing the eye. Do not rub eye with hand or fingers. Grasp upper eyelashes, elevate the upper lid, overlap lower lid and permit tearing to flow foreign particle to inner corner of eye. Raise the eyelid and with a moistened handkerchief or dressing corner, try to remove the particle. If you are unable- then you should cover the eye and get medical help.
Fainting- Place the victim on their back with the head in a low position. Check the airway to ensure it is clear. Loosen tight clothing and apply cold compress to forehead. Allow victim to inhale aromatic spirits of ammonia. Keep comfortably warm. If victim is unconscious for more than one or two minutes then call 911.
Falls- If distance is great then call 911. Stop any bleeding and cover wounds with clean dressings. Keep victim comfortably warm.
Head injury/ concussion- Usual signs of a simple concussion include headache, slight dizziness, queasy stomach or vomiting. These generally require and ice pack to the head and rest. Observe for any severe symptoms such as unusual drowsiness, unequal pupils, persistent vomiting, confusion, seizures or a lack of coordination. If any of these are apparent call 911 or transport to hospital.
Unconsciousness- If the party becomes unconscious, lay them flat on their back, turn the head to one side and ensure their airway is clear and raise the fee. Keep them comfortably warm, but avoid overheating. Keep talking to them to let them know help is on the way and to comfort them. {As of yet, there is no scientific proof that you can't be heard by the unconscious victim, but a little reassurance can sometimes go a long way.}
When you are evacuating the injured, keep them from further harm and sustaining other injuries. Get them to First Responders, Qualified Basic EMTs, Advanced EMTs or Triage Room or FDN MEDSTAFF. Get certified in CPR and First Aid with the American Red Cross or your countries Red Cross or Red Crescent Society. Rural Volunteer Fire Departments are always looking for volunteers to help fight fires as well become First Responders and take Certification for Basic EMTs with about a 160 hour course. There will be much more covered in various classes by FDN or at a college or by a NGO. (Most First Aid borrowed from and approved by Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, 1989/1997. Thanks.)
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LESSON 14--HEALTH ISSUES: We hope to have various topics covered in the next few pages The internet is full of support groups, diagnoses’ explanations–but CAVEAT EMPTOR–let the buyer beware–there are many varied explanations out there, so take some with a grain of salt and some with more truthfulness. ALWAYS check with your MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL before trying any new medicine, supplement or treatment or exercise program.
MEDICATIONS VS. SUPPLEMENTS: Be aware of your prescribed medications and follow the Doctor’s or Pharmacist’s orders. Read the information on the print out or on the bottle. Be aware of conflicts between the different medications and ask your Doctor and definitely your Pharmacist for any conflicting medications. One example is if you take St. John’s Wort for depression and also take a prescribed antidepressant, then quit the St. Johns Wort, because that the two combined will make you very sick.
The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association has the following numbers for 2009 deaths: New coronary attack: 785,000; Second attack: 470,000; First Stroke: 500,000; Second Stroke: 200,000; Lung and Bronchus Cancer: 215,000; Prostrate Cancer: 186,000; Female Breast Cancer: 182,000; Colon and Rectum Cancer: 148,000; Urinary Bladder Cancer 68,000 and Melanoma of the skin cancer: 62,000.
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(From the 2010 VA Pandemic Flyer) CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF DISEASES such as the COLD, FLU, HEPATITIS, E-COLI, the differences between Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu. Do you wash or sanitize your hands frequently? Doing this as well as keeping items sanitized and coughing and sneezing into a tissue or sleeve can slow the spread of diseases. Stopping the spread of contagious diseases is a part of common sense.
Seasonal Flu--Influenza: Outbreaks are yearly, usually in winter and the viruses are about the similar to past years so our immune systems can fight off the illness. Not everyone gets sick and many get shots. It takes about two days to get sick after contact and we can spread the disease after one day. Symptoms of seasonal flu are fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and body aches. Drink lots of clear fluids, broths, juices and take vitamins to help with symptoms.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE if you or another is unable to drink enough fluids or may be dizzy, fever more than three to five days or feels better then gets worse again.
Pandemic Situations or Flu: Several years ago we had two Pandemics: Bird flu and SARS—Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome. They both spread worldwide within weeks and now there is a new movie that has a pandemic theme to it. Remember tens of thousands of people wearing surgical masks and gloves for day-to-day use in Asia or Europe and even North America?
A flu pandemic occurs when a new flu virus spreads to people to all over the world. People can become sicker faster because there is no vaccine at first and the vector spread rate can spread very quickly. Check the internet or library for further information on Pandemics and how to slow their growth. Mostly wash your hands frequently.
Each year, the U.S. experiences about 36,000 deaths related to seasonal flu and more than 200,000 hospitalizations. It is estimated that a pandemic could cause between 200,000 to 2 million deaths in the U.S. if not properly controlled immediately. (Borrowed from the 2010 VA Pandemic Flyer and CDC.) So it is your job to stop disease before it can spread.
LESSON 15–MENTAL HEALTH AND LEARNING DISABILITY ISSUES: YES, IT’S IMPORTANT: One in six adult Americans have some type of Mental Health or Learning Disorder. Hey, I have Bi-polar, PTSD and some other diagnoses. My son has ADHD and my one granddaughter has mild Autism, but she a very good and a smart sweetheart. See “Challenging Life’s Ins and Outs”, $24.95, ISBN 9781480065352 by Red on Amazon, Kindle and Nook.
Various press articles state that “One out of Six” American adults have some form of a Mental Health Diagnoses or Developmental Illness. “USA Today” on June 1, 2011 stated that “One in Seven children have a Learning Disorder”. But there is much denial and a stigma attached to these diagnoses. More on Mental Health in “Challenging Life’s Ins and Outs” out on Amazon, Kindle and Nook by Red Becker and others.
That means that you or someone that you know is affected. What is worse is that one-third of those afflicted by mental heath or learning disorders don’t know it or they are in denial of their disorders. This can also include parents in regards to their children. So have an open mind. Remember it is not a sin, you are not a weak person and you or them are not crazy. You or they have a illness that needs treatment and can be easily controlled for most people. See the next few paragraphs or read page 62 for more on traumas.
At various times I have major depression, Bi-Polar with rapid cycling, seasonal adjustive disorder, PTSD, split personality (disassociate), along with fibromyalgia, arthritis and Graves ’ disease and I can manage these illnesses most of the time. I have learned many coping tools and I have a mental/human “tool box” that I use to manage myself.
PTSD can be from any trauma, not just combat or terrorism. Disasters, family losses, major accidents and childhood or sexual traumas can affect your today’s functioning. More on these disorders and diagnoses are in “Challenging Life’s Ins and Outs” . Get a hold of the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. www.nami.org. Many larger cities have chapters with a phone number and buddy walks. There is also the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) at 866-615-NIMH.
ELEVEN LINES IN U. S. CITIES WHERE AVAILABLE: 211-Community Information; 311- Non-Emergent Police Line; 411-Information; 511-Travel and Weather; 611-Your phone or cell provider direct line; 711-TTY direct for hearing impaired; 811-ONE CALL–48 hour marking for utilities before construction; 911-Emergency line.
WRITTEN NOTES ON BASIC CLASSES
LESSON 16–OTHER BASIC CLASSES: BASIC MAP READING: Get a detailed local map of your area or hunters map and surrounding states. Study the key. Take your city map, mark your home, various works, schools and daycare and other items with one color of marker. Look for various alternate routes that have right-of-way but are not heavily traveled. Mark the routes with different colors. These routes could be used for evacuations.
Make sure to drive these and practice with your family. Look for landmarks to use on evacuation routes. Find rally points in town to meet and routes to get out of the city that are less used. Check AREA EVAC SOP in Chapter 8 for Primary and Alternate routes. We will go over this in class and how to read various government maps or a sportsman atlas. If you have GPS or other map systems in your vehicle, then there is a good chance that you might be taking the long road or a road that is not ready for a heavy vehicle or RV, moving van, semi truck, etc. RECON and figure out YOUR ROUTES PRIOR TO AN EVACUATION and get to know them well. Take a look at landmarks, stores and start paying attention to names of major streets and hi-ways. Now travel your neighborhood’s streets for a mile or two each way. Look for cross streets to avoid due to construction, high crime area or just a serious pain in the you know what. Be ready to evacuate in at least three directions. See page 28 on HOW TO EVACUATE, and how to pull a “Red”: Recon first, go right, then find a left turn signal. You should take the 6 hour evacuation/recon route course.
BASIC COMMUNICATIONS: How to use ALERT CODES (see Chapter Seven and blogspot), what type of equipment to buy, how to use it, and how to talk on it and how to use several codes on it (see Chapter Six). CB Ch. 31 or FRS/GMRS Ch. 7 on two way radios. Get two-ways for each person, and at least a programmable scanner. Your AREA SOP should have frequencies for fire, sheriff, HAM, Search and Rescue, CAP, Roads and Snowplows and other important frequencies.
BASIC EMERGENCY COORDINATION: This is how to involve other FDN members, FALCON CONTROL, governmental and relief agencies. This is also a network, and can be used in many different ways. If your house catches on fire or there is some other minor evacuation, then once you have secured your family and kits, then contact AREA and or METRO CONTROL.
This is another good reason to buy CB radios with a 5-10 mile range or FRS/GMRS radios with an urban range of one to three miles, then your family can talk to each other if you can't meet at the same rally point. If this disaster has some life threatening aspect notify 911 or proper agency first, then contact METRO CONTROL.
BASIC SURVIVAL: Using FM 21-76--please buy a copy of it or any other survival manual, we will teach you in class how to survive if you get lost in the desert, mountains, etc. Or how to improvise and improve your families' living condition if a MAJOR DISASTER occurs and you have to evacuate to an hardly known place. Get a good map of your area for 100 miles (with all roads) and study it. Help METRO CONTROL in Communications, Coordinating, finding shelter, water and food. Knowing how to live off the land will be taught in advanced classes.
Where are FDN State volunteer Managers, staff and specialists? Group and Area Managers and or staffers are to call into District or Metro Control at 10 minutes after the hour. Always listen, watch or read the news at the top the hour a couple times a day. Try AM radio stations that have hourly news or NPR FM 88-91 MHZ.
OTHER SURVIVABILITY NOTES
This is the end of Chapter Two and if you are thoroughly confused, I hope to restate what this whole idea is about. In Chapter One you created your kits and filled out your Survivability Checklist, that way you would be prepared for the worst and be able to evacuate with two weeks worth of supplies.
HOW ABOUT IF I CAN’T AFFORD A WEEKS WORTH OF GROCERIES, NO LESS SIX MONTHS? No problem, do what you can or afford. Work with the Metro Kit Supervisor and the Metro Warehouser. They can make sure that you are involved and in the loop as much as possible and have rations or supplies available for your efforts when storms or disasters affect your community, county or METRO. If no one is in those METRO positions yet, will you be able to take them temporarily? Contact Red for any Networking Questions, please e-mail at redbecker2016@gmail.com .
In Chapter Three we will cover how do react to all natural and man-made disasters and then we will help you assess your risk.
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