Los Barriles Emergency Info

First Aid Considerations

Always remember scene safety.
Approach all victims carefully, looking for dangers that might have caused the emergency.
Why is the victim lying there?
Was it a snake bite? Is the snake still there?
Was it an electrocution? Are there live wires?

Sprains

Apply a cold compress or ice immediately to reduce swelling.
Elevate arms or legs to help with swelling.
Talk to a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Poison Plants and Rashes

Wash contact area immediately (take care to use gloves if at all possible; if not, wash hands as soon as possible)
Antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone should be placed on the site.
Take Benadryl by mouth if a reaction occurs.
If the site continues to decline in condition, seek a medical professional.

Diarrhea

An over-the-counter, anti-diarrheal will help most of the time. Ask for a pharmacist's suggestion.
Consume only liquid until the condition improves.
Drink liquids often; dehydration can become an issue.
Work up to bland foods and avoid fried, fat, or vegetables until the condition is better.
Restore original diet.
If condition persists, consult a medical professional.

Burns

Minor burns can be treated with cool running water or compress.
Seek a medical professional if blistering occurs.
Antiseptic spray can provide relief of sunburn or minor burns temporarily.

Bites and Stings

Ice or cold compress should be applied immediately.
Remove any stinger if at all possible.
Antihistamine cream should be applied to the site.
Take Benadryl if a reaction develops.
Elevate the location of the bite or sting.
Seek a medical professional for treatment for any side-effects such as shortness of breath or swelling.

Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying disease and not a specific illness. It is important to rest the stomach and yet still avoid dehydration.

Sips of ginger ale, crushed ice, and tea can be helpful every 5-10 min.
Emetrol can ease nausea; follow instructions on the bottle.
Add small amounts of food as conditions improve. Examples: crackers, toast, fruit, rice, clear soups.
Incrementally add more complex foods, avoiding fatty foods until healed.
If vomiting persists or it is accompanied by a fever, seek a medical professional.

Colds and Sore Throat

Drink increased amounts of fluid.
Over-the-counter cold medicine is sometimes a very effective treatment. Consult a pharmacist to find one that fits your symptoms well.
Use throat lozenges if needed, following the directions on the label.
Hot tea or other such liquids can provide temporary relief.
If fever or other symptoms persist or occur, consult a medical professional.

Heimlich Maneuver

Choking because of an obstructed airway is a leading cause of accidental death. If a choking person is not coughing or is unable to speak, that's your clue to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.

Steps

Ask the choking person to stand and place yourself directly behind them.
Place your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place your thumb toward the person just above their belly button.
Grab your fist with your other hand and deliver 5 strong upward thrusts into the abdomen.
Repeat until the foreign object is expelled or the person loses consciousness.

Hypothermia

Occurs when body heat is lost faster than it is generated.

Signs/Symptoms

Cold skin temperature.
Decreased mental status (slurred speech)
Rapid, then slow pulse
Lack of coordination
Stiff, rigid posture
Muscle rigidity
Impaired judgement
Complaints of joint/muscle stiffness

Emergency care

Remove from cold environment
Do not allow person to walk or exert himself in any way
Protect the person from further heat loss
Remove any wet clothing
Cover with blanket
Seek medical attention

How to Control a Bloody Nose

Pinch nose just below bridge. There should not be visible bleeding. If so, pinch harder or adjust your grip.
Have person lean forward, not backward.
Pinch nose for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, release pressure and check bleeding.
If bleeding hasn't stopped in 5 minutes, repeat for 10 minutes.
If nosebleed hasn't stopped after 3rd try, seek medical attention.

Bleeding

Steps

Pressure should be applied with a towel or gauze until it stops bleeding.
Minor cuts and scrapes should be treated with Hydrogen Peroxide.
Sealing it with a band-aid and antibiotic ointment can reduce the chance of infection.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs/symptoms

Mild/moderate perspiration
Normal to cool skin temperature
Weakness, exhaustion, dizziness
Muscle cramps
Rapid/shallow breathing
Rapid/weak pulse
Altered mental status

Emergency care

Move to cool environment
Loosen or remove clothing
Cool the person by fanning; do not chill
Give water if awake
Place on back with legs elevated
Help ease cramps by placing moist cloths over cramped muscles

Snake Bites

Consider all snakebites to be from poisonous snakes. Do not approach live snake to determine its species unless you are an expert. Do not try to catch it.