first aid

1. First Aid 2-224th AVN

3. Tasks Prevent Shock Treat burns Splint a Suspected Fracture Apply Dressing to Open Abdominal Wound Apply Dressing to Open Chest Wound Apply Dressing to Open Head Wound

4. Conditions Given a soldier who has signs and/or symptoms of an injury.

5. Standards Evaluate a casualty following the correct sequence of major steps and identify all injuries and/or conditions. Immobilize the casualty if a neck or back injury is suspected.

6. Overview For the purposes of this evaluation, all victims will be conscious and able to communicate. materials used will be what is normally in you Aircrew Vest and LBE first aid pouch.

7. Simple But Critical In a fast moving combat environment, we in aviation will not always have ready access to medical support. As such, we may be called on to provide emergency life saving care to our own personnel until proper medical help can be reached.

8. Topic One: Prevent Shock Signs or symptoms Sweaty but cool skin (clammy) Pale skin color Restlessness or nervousness Thirst Loss of blood Confusion Faster than normal breathing rate Blotchy or bluish skin, especially around the mouth Nausea and/or vomiting

9. Treatment For Shock Position the casualty on their back unless a sitting position will allow them to breathe easier. Elevate the casualty�s feet higher than the heart, using a stable object. WARNING Do not elevate the casualty�s legs if they have an abdominal wound, unsplinted leg fracture, or head wound. Loosen tight clothing which may bind around the neck, waist or other areas unless in a chemical environment. Keep casualty from chilling or overheating. WARNING Do not give casualty anything to drink. Reassure the casualty. Assure them they are being taken care of. WARNING If you must leave the casualty, turn their head to the side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.

10. Topic Two: Treat Burns Given a casualty who is suffering from a burn. A canteen of water and the casualty�s first aid packet are available. Eliminate the source of the burn. Uncover the burned area unless clothing is stuck to the burn WARNING Do not break blisters. Do not apply grease or ointments to the burns. Do not place dressings over the face or genital area. Apply the casualty�s field dressing or other clean material. NOTE If burn is caused by white phosphorus, the dressing must be wet. NOTE If casualty is not nauseous, they may be given small amounts of water to drink.

11. Topic Three: Splint a Fracture Given a casualty who has an arm or leg which you think is broken. The casualty has no more serious wounds or conditions that have not been treated. Materials to make, pad, and tie a splint are available. Remove all jewelry from the affected limb and place in casualty�s pocket. This will prevent later problems if swelling occurs. Check for signs of blood circulation problems below the injury. Splint the suspected broken arm or leg in the position found so that the limb does not move and circulation is not impaired. Do not attempt to reposition or straighten the fracture. WARNING If the fracture is open, do not attempt to push bones back under the skin. Apply a field dressing to protect the area.

12. Topic Four: Apply Dressing to Open Abdominal Wound Given a casualty who has an open abdominal wound. The casualty is breathing. A canteen of water and the casualty�s first aid packet are available. Position the casualty on their back with the legs in a knees-up position. Uncover the wound unless clothing is stuck to the wound. WARNING Do not touch exposed organs with bare hands. Do not try to push organs back inside the body. Do not probe, clean, or remove any foreign object from the wound. Pick up any organs which are on the ground. Use clean dry dressing to place the organs on top of the casualty�s abdomen. Apply the casualty�s field dressing. WARNING Do not apply pressure to the wound. Do not give food or water to the casualty (moistening the lips is allowed).

13. Topic Five: Apply Dressing to Open Chest Wound Given a casualty who has an open chest wound. The casualty is breathing. The casualty�s first aid packet is available. WARNING Do not attempt to clean the wound. Apply airtight material over the wound without touching the inner surface, if possible. Apply the casualty�s field dressing. Apply direct pressure over the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes, if possible. Position the casualty on the injured side or in a sitting position, whichever makes breathing easier. WARNING If condition worsens (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, restlessness, or grayness/blueness of skin) after placing the dressing, quickly lift or remove, then replace the airtight dressing.

14. Topic Six: Apply Dressing to Open Head Wound Given a casualty who has an open head wound. The casualty is breathing. A canteen of water and the casualty�s first aid packet are available. Position the casualty sitting up unless unable. WARNING If it is necessary to turn a casualty with a suspected neck or spinal injury, get assistance to roll the casualty, keeping the head, neck, and spine aligned while providing support for the head and neck. Expose the wound by removing the casualty�s helmet if necessary. WARNING Do not try to clean the wound nor put unnecessary pressure on the wound. Apply the casualty�s field dressing to the wound. WARNING Do not give the casualty any food or drink. Check the casualty�s level of consciousness.

15. Summary What we have covered is first-aid in its most basic form. You may not always have emergency medical help available in time to save a life. These simple skills could be all that is necessary to sustain a life until proper care can be provided.