Lesson 69 Performing Common First Aid Procedures

69 

What You’ll Learn 

1. Describe the contents of first 

aid kits and where they should 

be kept. (p. 709) 

2. Distinguish between actual 

and implied consent. (p. 710) 

3. Explain how to follow 

universal precautions. (p. 711) 

4. Explain first aid procedures for 

sudden illnesses and burns. 

(pp. 712–715) 

5. Explain first aid procedures for 

injuries to muscles, bones, and 

joints. (p. 716) 

6. Describe first aid procedures 

for cold temperature-related 

and heat-related illnesses. 

(p. 718) 

Why It’s Important 

When you know first aid 

procedures, you can respond 

quickly to a situation that calls for 

first aid. You will not panic if 

someone is injured or ill. 

k Key Terms 

• first aid 

• actual consent 

• implied consent 

• universal precautions 

• burn 

• splint 

• fracture 

• dislocation 

• hypothermia 

• heatstroke 

708 UNIT 11 • Injury Prevention and Personal Safety 

Amy Wiley/Wales/Index Stock Imagery 

Performing Common 

First Aid Procedures 

• I will be skilled in common first aid procedures. 

An emergency exists whenever a person is injured or experiences 

sudden illness. The person needs immediate care. First aid is the 

immediate and temporary care given to a person who has been 

injured or suddenly becomes ill. This lesson explains how to respond to 

common situations that call for first aid. 

Writing About First Aid Suppose you and a friend are hiking at 

a state park. Your friend suddenly falls and hits her knee against a rock. 

She is unable to move and complains of having terrible pain. After 

reading the information about first aid in this lesson, write a short 

paragraph in your health journal explaining how you would respond 

to this situation. 

Health TEKS covered by Lesson 69: 1A, 1I, 2B, 2C, 2D, 5D, 7F, 12A, 15A, 15C, 

16A

It is important to keep first aid kits at home and in the family 

car. Carry a first aid kit when you participate in outdoor 

activities, such as camping and hiking. When you are away from 

home, ask where first aid kits are kept. You can purchase a first aid kit 

from a drugstore or the local chapter of the American Red Cross. 

What to Know About 

First Aid Kits 

Purchasing kits You also can purchase 

items and assemble a first aid kit 

yourself. In the kit, keep items needed 

to follow universal precautions, which 

are discussed on page 711. Add any 

special medicines you or family members 

need. Check the first aid kit 

often for items with expiration dates 

that have expired. Be certain that 

flashlight batteries work. 

Kit items Many items are essential in 

a first aid kit. A cold pack is necessary 

to aid in reducing swelling of an 

injured body part. Activated charcoal 

is used to absorb toxins in case of 

ingestion of a poisonous substance. 

Keep antiseptic ointment and antiseptic 

hand cleaner on hand to kill germs 

on the skin. Wounds should be covered 

with adhesive bandages. Gauze pads 

and a roller bandage or 

adhesive tape also are used for 

covering open wounds. Scissors are 

used to cut the gauze. Triangular 

bandages are used for wrapping covered 

wounds as well as giving support 

to or immobilizing an arm. 

Other useful items in a first aid kit 

include plastic bags and disposable 

gloves to protect against infection 

when exposed to bodily fluids from a 

victim. A small flashlight and extra 

batteries are necessary to provide 

light in case you are working to assist 

a victim in the dark. Also included in 

the first aid kit should be tweezers, 

which are used to remove splinters or 

other foreign objects from the skin. A 

blanket is included to help keep the 

body warm and prevent loss of body 

temperature. 

Make the 

Connection 

Health Information 

For more information 

on accessing valid 

health information, 

products, and services, 

see page 17 in 

Lesson 2. 

A first aid kit 

contains many 

essential items. 

tx.healthmh.com/first_aid_kits LESSON 69 • Performing Common First Aid Procedures 709 

(tt)Photodisc/Getty ImagesPhotodisc/Getty Images, David Crow, Photodisc/Getty Images, (b)Matt Meadows

Knowing first aid can 

assist you in helping 

someone who is injured. 


(tt)Photodisc/Getty Images, (b)John Evans 

You must have consent to give first aid. Consent means permission. There are two types 

of consent: actual and implied. There also are laws that protect people who give first 

aid in good faith. 

What to Know About Consent to 

Give First Aid 

Actual consent Oral or written permission 

from a mentally competent 

adult to give first aid is called actual 

consent. Tell the victim who you are, 

what you plan to do, and the first aid 

training that you have had. If the 

person gives you permission, this is 

actual consent. 

A parent or guardian must give 

actual consent if the victim is a child 

or is not mentally competent. A supervising 

adult with legal permission 

from parents to care for the child also 

can give actual consent. Do not give 

first aid if the victim is a child or is not 

mentally competent when a parent or 

guardian or supervising adult with 

legal permission to care for the child 

says “no.” 

Implied consent Assuming the victim 

would grant permission to give 

first aid if he or she was capable is 

implied consent. Implied consent 

is given when the victim is a mentally 

competent adult who is unconscious; 

or a child or an adult who is 

not mentally competent, when no 

adult who can grant actual consent 

is present. 

Good Samaritan Laws 

Many states have Good Samaritan 

laws, which are laws that protect 

people who give first aid in good faith 

and without gross negligence or misconduct. 

Good Samaritan laws cannot 

provide complete legal protection. 

Anyone giving first aid should be 

properly trained and should apply 

the correct procedures and skills.

You must protect your health when giving first aid to another person. 

A victim’s bodily fluids might contain harmful pathogens. For 

example, blood and certain other bodily fluids might contain 

HIV or HBV. HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and urine. A 

person who is infected with HIV might develop AIDS. HBV also is found in 

blood. A person who is infected with HBV might develop hepatitis B. You still can 

help a victim without putting yourself at risk of infection with these pathogens. 

What to Know About Universal 

Precautions 

Universal precautions Follow universal 

precautions in any situation in 

which you might have contact with 

blood and other bodily fluids. Universal 

precautions are steps taken 

to prevent the spread of disease by 

treating all human blood and bodily 

fluids as if they contained HIV, HBV, 

and other pathogens when providing 

first aid or health care. 

TABLE 69.1 Universal Precautions 

Precaution and Explanation 

Wear disposable latex gloves. Your hands and fingers may have tiny cuts or openings you cannot see. 

Pathogens in a victim’s blood or other bodily fluids may enter your bloodstream through these tiny cuts or 

openings. Latex gloves are made of a special rubber through which many pathogens cannot pass under normal 

conditions. Do not wear the same gloves more than once. Cover any cuts, scrapes, or rashes on your body with a 

plastic wrap or sterile dressing. Avoid touching objects that have had contact with the victim’s blood. 

Wash your hands. Use waterless, antiseptic hand cleanser after removing gloves. This provides extra 

protection. Do not eat or drink anything while giving first aid. Wash hands after giving first aid and before 

eating or drinking. This will prevent pathogens from entering your body. Do not touch your mouth, eyes, or 

nose while caring for a victim. 

Use a face mask. Use a face mask or a shield with a one-way valve when performing first aid for 

breathing emergencies. You may have tiny cuts or openings in your lips or mouth. There may be blood in the 

saliva or vomit in the victim’s mouth. The victim may be bleeding from the mouth or nose. The face mask 

protects you from the victim’s blood. Follow the instructions provided with the face mask. Do not use the 

face mask to give first aid to more than one victim without sterilizing it. 

tx.healthmh.com/universal_precautions LESSON 69 • Performing Common First Aid Procedures 711 

(tt)Morton & White Photographic, Photodisc/Getty Images, Aaron Haupt, (t)Photodisc/Getty Images, (c)Matt Meadows, (b)Aaron Haupt

Mini-Review 

1. When should first 

aid be given? 

2. What is actual 

consent? 


Laura Sifferlin 

An illness that occurs without warning signals is called a sudden illness. Signs of 

sudden illness may include dizziness and confusion, weakness, changes in skin color, 

nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seizures, paralysis, slurred speech, difficulty seeing, 

and severe pain also may indicate sudden illness. 

First Aid for Sudden Illness 

What to do for sudden illness Call the 

local emergency number and obtain 

medical care immediately. Give first 

aid if the illness poses a threat to the 

victim’s life. Try to keep the victim 

calm. Help the victim rest comfortably. 

Cover the victim with a blanket 

if he or she is chilled. Prevent the victim 

from getting overheated. Monitor 

the victim for changes in consciousness. 

Do not give an unconscious victim 

anything to eat or drink. 

What to do for fainting Put the victim 

on his or her back and elevate 

the victim’s legs 8–12 inches above the 

level of the heart. Do not elevate the 

legs if you suspect a head, neck or 

back injury. Loosen tight clothing. Do 

not splash water on the victim, slap 

the victim’s face, or use smelling salts. 

What to do for vomiting Turn the victim 

on his or her side. Allow the victim 

to complete the vomiting process. 

The victim may be given small sips of 

clear liquids, such as water or broth. 

Increase the amount of fluids if they 

can be tolerated without vomiting. 

Have the victim relax until strength 

is regained. If vomiting continues, 

seek medical care. 

What to do for seizures Place something 

under the victim’s head to cushion 

the head from injury. Remove any 

nearby objects that might injure the 

victim. Loosen the clothing around 

the victim’s neck. Do not restrain the 

victim. Do not place anything in the 

victim’s mouth or between the teeth. 

Look for a medic alert tag that would 

indicate a chronic illness. If you think 

the victim may have been poisoned, 

try to identify the source and call the 

poison control center. If the seizure is 

related to a high fever, lower the body 

temperature with cool compresses. 

Observe the victim until he or she is 

fully awake. 

One way to assist the victim of a sudden illness is to 

keep the person as comfortable as possible. 

tx.healthmh.com/illnesses

Teens Talk About Health 

Nathan Washatka 

Getting First Aid Training 

When people ask Nathan Washatka, “Why take a first 

aid course?” he’s got an answer for them. “I think 

the question should be ‘why not?’” he explained. 

Before he took the course, Nathan said he knew what he called 

the “common sense” stuff to do, “like putting a bandage on a 

cut.” But after completing the course, he felt confident he’d be 

ready for most kinds of emergencies. He would soon find out. 

Into the pool The first aid course Nathan took was 

aimed at lifeguards, his summer job. It included general 

first aid techniques, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation 

(CPR). The class, sponsored by the local Red Cross, 

met for four hours a day, on Saturdays and Sundays, for 

one month. The class included both class time and time 

practicing techniques in the pool. Class learning featured 

the use of artificial “victims,” life-size mechanical dolls 

who need CPR and other emergency first aid. “I was one 

of the younger people in the course,” Nathan said. 

“Some were college kids, while others were adults taking 

refresher courses to maintain their certification.” 

Crunch time As it turned out, within a few weeks of completing 

the course, Nathan got the chance to put his first 

aid skills to the test. “This little girl fell and bumped her 

head in the wading pool. She got this enormous bruise on 

her forehead—the largest bruise I’ve ever seen.” Nathan 

knew from his course that applying ice to the bruise was 

the right treatment. Later that same summer, Nathan’s 

class training allowed him to help another child in need. 

Nathan described a time when he had to put what he knew about 

first aid to the test. Describe a situation when you were under 

pressure to perform in a serious situation. How did you handle it? 

“ Knowing you’d be able 

to help save someone’s life 

is the greatest feeling in 

the world. ” 

“This little boy cut his head open against a jagged brick 

wall,” he explained. “It was scary because there was blood 

everywhere. He came up to me crying.” Again, Nathan 

knew what to do—apply pressure to the wound, bandage 

it, and apply ice. Nathan also kept a cool head himself. 

“The hardest part,” he said, “was dealing with all the people 

around, trying to tell me what to do. But I 

was confident from my class that I was 

doing the right thing.” 

The greatest feeling In the 

future, Nathan would like to 

attend medical school. “Saving 

people, fixing broken bodies, 

sounds like a cool profession,” he 

said. Does Nathan recommend taking 

a first aid course? “Definitely!” he 

answered. “A lot of high schoolers 

complain that they can’t see the application 

of the classes they take. But this is 

something you walk away from 

knowing you’ve definitely 

learned something practical. 

Knowing you’d be 

able to help save 

someone’s life is the 

greatest feeling in 

the world.” 

LESSON 69 • Performing Common First Aid Procedures 713 

Aaron Haupt

Make the 

Connection 

Sunburn For more 

information about how 

repeated sunburns can 

increase the risk for 

skin cancer, see page 

535 in Lesson 49. 

12A (covered on page 

714): Identify situations 

requiring professional 

health services...such as 

primary, preventative, and 

emergency care. 

Quick Quiz: 

What kinds of burns 

require professional 

emergency care? 


James N. Westwater 

An injury caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation is a burn. The seriousness 

of a burn depends on the cause of the burn, the length of time the victim was 

exposed to the source of the burn, the location of the burn on the body, the depth of 

the burn, the size of the burn, and the victim’s age and health condition. 

What to Know About First Aid 

for Burns 

Burns are usually described as firstdegree 

burns, second-degree burns, 

or third-degree burns. These descriptions 

help explain the seriousness of 

the burn. 

What to do for first-degree burns A 

burn that affects the top layer of skin 

is a first-degree burn. Most sunburns 

are first-degree burns. The 

skin becomes red and dry. The area 

may swell and be painful to touch. 

First-degree burns usually heal in six 

days without permanent scarring. 

First aid for a first-degree burn 

1. Stop the burning. Get the victim 

out of the Sun. Remove the victim 

from the source of the burn. 

2. Cool the burned area with cool, running 

tap water or water from a garden 

hose, or have the victim get into 

the bath or shower. 

3. Use sheets or towels soaked in cold 

water to cool a burn on the face or 

other areas that cannot be soaked. 

Keep adding cool water. 

4. Wear latex gloves. Loosely cover 

the area with dry, sterile bandages. 

What to do for second-degree burns 

A burn that involves the top layers of 

skin is a second-degree burn. The 

skin becomes red. Blisters form and 

may open and discharge clear fluid. 

The skin appears wet and blotchy. 

Second-degree burns usually heal in 

two to four weeks. Slight scarring 

may occur. 

First aid for a second-degree burn 

1. Call the local emergency number 

and obtain medical care immediately 

if the burns are larger than 

2–3 inches, or on the face or hands. 

2. Stop the burning. Remove the victim 

from the source of the burn. 

3. Cool the burned area with cool 

water or cool cloths. 

4. Do not break blisters or remove 

tissue. 

5. Loosely cover the area with dry, 

sterile bandages. 

6. Elevate the burned area above 

heart level. 

7. Loosely cover the victim with 

clean, dry sheets if burns cover 

large parts of the body. This helps 

prevent infection and reduces 

pain. Treat the victim for shock 

(explained in Lesson 70).

What to do for third-degree burns A 

burn that involves all layers of skin 

and some underlying tissues is a 

third-degree burn. A third-degree 

burn may affect fat tissue, muscle tissue, 

bones, and nerves. The skin 

becomes darker and appears charred. 

The underlying tissues may appear 

white. A third-degree burn is painless 

if nerve endings are destroyed. It 

also can be very painful. Thirddegree 

burns may take months or 

years to treat. Permanent scarring 

often occurs. Some victims require 

skin grafting and plastic surgery. 

First aid for a third-degree burn 

1. Remove the victim from the source 

of the burn and obtain medical 

care immediately. 

2. Treat the victim for shock. 

3. Determine if the victim is breathing. 

Give rescue breathing if 

necessary. 

4. Do not remove clothing stuck to 

the burn. Do not break blisters or 

remove tissue. 

5. Do not apply anything cold to the 

burn. 


sterile bandages or clean cloth. 

What to do for electrical burns A 

burn that occurs when electricity 

travels through the body is an electrical 

burn. The cause may be lightning 

or contact with faulty electrical 

equipment or a power line. The seriousness 

of an electrical burn depends 

on the strength of the electrical current 

and the path the current takes 

through the body. There may be 

wounds where the electrical current 

enters and leaves the body. 

tx.healthmh.com/burns 

First aid for an electrical burn 


and obtain medical care immediately. 

All electrical burns must be 

examined by a doctor. They may 

appear minor, but may be very deep. 

2. Do not go near the victim until the 

source of electricity is turned off. 

3. Treat the victim for shock. 

4. Do not move the victim. 



6. Do not use cool water or compresses, 

as the victim may be in shock. 

What to do for chemical burns A burn 

that occurs when chemicals in a laboratory 

or in products get on the skin 

or into the eyes or body is a chemical 

burn. The burn continues as long as 

there is contact with the chemical. 

First aid for a chemical burn 

1. Remove the victim from the chemical 

causing the burn. If the chemical 

is dry or solid, brush it off the 

skin with a cloth. Have the victim 

remove any clothing with the 

chemical on it. 

2. If the exposure is serious, call the 

local emergency number and 

obtain medical care immediately. 

3. Flush the skin or eyes with cool, 

low-pressure running water for 

15–30 minutes. Take special precautions 

if only one eye is 

involved. Have the victim turn the 

head and run the water from the 

nose away from the eye. This 

keeps water with the chemical in 

it from running into the other eye. 



Burns Never remove 

clothing or anything 

else that is sticking to 

a severe burn. 

LESSON 69 • Performing Common First Aid Procedures 715

First Aid Perform 

only the first aid skills 

you have been trained 

to give. Do not 

perform skills beyond 

your knowledge, such 

as those you may 

have seen on a 

television show. 

A splint is used to 

immobilize a body part. 


Photodisc/Getty Images 

There are 206 bones in the body and more than 600 muscles. 

A joint is the point where two bones meet. Ligaments are the fibers that connect 

bones together. Tendons are tough tissue fibers that connect muscles to bones. Injuries 

involving muscles, bones, and joints are common in teens. The most common injuries are 

fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains. 

What to Know About First Aid for 

Muscle, Bone, and Joint Injuries 

How to use splints Material or a 

device used to protect and immobilize 

a body part is a splint. A splint 

should only be used when you need to 

move a victim without emergency 

help and need to keep an injured 

body part immobile, and only if it 

does not hurt the victim. A folded 

blanket, towel, sheet, or bandage 

might be used as a soft splint. 

Rolled-up newspapers, sticks, or 

boards may be used as a rigid splint. 

Emergency medical personnel may 

use a board as a splint. 

First aid when using a splint 


for a life-threatening injury. 

2. Attempt to splint the injury in the 

position you find it to immobilize 

the injured part. A splint for an 

injured bone must include the 

joints above and below the injured 

bone. A splint for an injured joint 

must include the bones above and 

below the injured joint. 

3. Check circulation to ensure that 

the splint is not too tight. 

What to do for fractures A break or a 

crack in a bone is a fracture. A fracture 

in which there is a break in the skin is 

an open fracture. A fracture in which 

there is no break in the skin is a closed 

fracture. A fracture can be very serious 

if a break in a bone damages an 

artery or interferes with breathing. The

signs of a fracture include pain, 

swelling, loss of movement, and deformity. 

Signs of a fracture of the skull 

include bleeding from the head or ears, 

drowsiness, and headache. 

First aid for fractures 



2. Treat for bleeding and shock. 

3. Keep the injured part from moving. 

Use a splint when appropriate. 

4. Keep a victim with a head injury 

immobile. 

5. Apply ice to the injured area to 

prevent swelling. 

6. Follow universal precautions while 

controlling bleeding. 

What to do for dislocations The 

movement of a bone from its joint is a 

dislocation. Dislocations often are 

accompanied by stretched ligaments. 

The signs of a dislocation are pain, 

swelling upon movement, loss of 

movement, and deformity. 

First aid for a dislocation 



2. Splint above and below the dislocated 

joint in the position it was 

found. Apply cold compresses. 

What to do for sprains An injury to 

the ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue 

around a joint caused by undue 

stretching is a sprain. The most 

common sprain occurs to the ankle. 

Sprains also may affect the knee, 

wrist, finger, shoulder, or spine. The 

signs of a sprain include pain that 

increases with movement or weight 

bearing, tenderness, and swelling. 

tx.healthmh.com/injuries 

First aid for sprains 

1. Follow the RICE 

treatment. 

2. The victim should 

not be allowed to 

walk if there is a 

leg injury. 

3. Immobilize the area and get 

prompt medical help if a fracture 

is suspected. 

What to do for strains An overstretching 

of muscles and/or tendons is a 

strain. A strain is commonly referred 

to as a pulled muscle. A strain is usually 

not as serious as a sprain. One of 

the most common strains involves the 

muscles of the back. Signs of strain 

include pain, swelling, stiffness, and 

firmness to the area. 

First aid for strains 

1. Follow the RICE treatment. 

2. Get prompt medical help for a 

severe strain. 

The RICE Treatment 

The RICE treatment is described below. 

• Rest: Rest the injured part 

for 24 to 72 hours. More rest 

is required for severe injuries. 

Do not exercise the injured 

area until healing is complete. 

• Ice: Apply cold water, a cold 

compress, or an ice pack for 

20 minutes as soon as possible 

after the injury occurs. 

Apply several times a day for 

one to three days. Wrap ice in 

a cloth before placing on the 

skin. Applying cold reduces 

pain, swelling, inflammation, 

and tissue damage. 

One step in the 

RICE treatment is 

to apply an ice 

pack to an injury 

as soon as 

possible after the 

injury occurs. 

• Compression: Wrap the 

injury with a bandage to limit 

swelling. Swelling causes 

more pain and slows healing. 

The bandage should not be 

compressed so tight that it 

restricts blood flow. Remove 

the wrap periodically and 

check the area. 

• Elevation: Raise the injured 

body part above heart level 

to reduce swelling and to 

help drain blood and fluid 

from the area. 


Richard Hutchings/PhotoEdit

Avoid frostbite 

by dressing 

appropriately in 

cold weather. 


(tt)Debbie Dean, Photodisc/Getty Images, (b)Roy Ooms/Masterfile 

Cold temperature-related illnesses are conditions that result 

from exposure to low temperatures. The most common cold 

temperature-related emergencies are frostbite and hypothermia. 

First Aid for Cold Temperature- 

Related Illnesses 

What to do for frostbite The 

freezing of body parts, often the 

tissues of the extremities, is called 

frostbite. Frostbite may involve the 

fingers, toes, ears, and nose. People 

exposed to subfreezing temperatures 

or snow are at risk for developing 

frostbite. 

Signs of frostbite include numbness 

in the affected area, a waxy, discolored 

appearance to the skin, and 

skin that is cold to the touch. 

First aid for frostbite For mild frostbite, 

rewarm the affected area in 

lukewarm water. For severe frostbite, 

call the local emergency number and 

obtain medical care immediately. 

Do not attempt rewarming if a medical 

facility is near. Take the following 

steps if medical help is not available. 

1. Remove any clothing or jewelry 

that interferes with circulation. 

Handle the affected area gently. 

2. Soak the affected body part in 

water that has a temperature 

between 100°F and 105°F. Test the 

water by having someone who has 

not been exposed to the cold, place 

his or her hand in the water. 

Water that is too warm for that 

person’s hand is too warm to use 

on the victim. Warming usually 

takes 25 to 40 minutes, until the 

tissues are soft. 

3. Apply warm, moist cloths to warm 

the ears, nose, or face. 

4. Do not rub the affected body part. 

5. Do not allow a victim to walk on 

frostbitten toes or feet, even after 

rewarming the area. 

6. Place dry, sterile gauze between 

the toes and fingers to absorb 

moisture and avoid having them 

stick together.

What to do for hypothermia A reduction 

of the body temperature so that 

it is lower than normal is called 

hypothermia. Hypothermia results 

from overexposure to cool temperatures, 

cold water, moisture, and wind. 

The outside temperature can be as 

high as 50°F, and a person can still 

suffer from hypothermia. Those most 

likely to suffer from hypothermia 

when exposed to extreme cold are 

older adults, people who are ill, children, 

people who are hungry or tired, 

and people who consume alcohol in 

excess. 

Most cases of hypothermia are 

mild. The victim will shiver and feel 

cold. The pulse rate slows down and 

becomes irregular as the body temperature 

drops. A drop in body temperature 

affects the brain and spinal 

cord causing the victim to experience 

symptoms such as loss of coordination, 

slurred speech, and confusion. 

Eventually, a victim can become 

unconscious. A victim can die if 

hypothermia is not treated. 

First aid for hypothermia 



2. Try to raise the body temperature 

by getting the victim into a warm 

environment. 

3. Handle the victim gently. 

4. Remove any wet clothing, and 

replace it with dry clothing. 

5. Place something warm above and 

below the victim, such as blankets. 

6. Cover the victim’s head. 

7. Give the victim warm, sweet liquids 

to drink. Never give alcohol to 

a victim of hypothermia. 

tx.healthmh.com/illnesses 

A victim of hypothermia needs to quickly get to a warm environment. 

First aid for moderate hypothermia 

(body temperature from 84°F to 94°F) 

1. Warm the victim. Use an electric 

blanket, a sleeping bag, or several 

blankets to wrap the victim. A person 

with normal body temperature 

can lay next to the victim to 

lend body heat. 

2. Place the victim in a tub of water 

with a temperature no greater 

than 105°F if available. 

3. Place hot packs around the victim’s 

head, neck, chest, back, and groin. 

Be careful not to burn the victim. 

First aid for severe hypothermia (body 

temperature below 84°F) 

1. Do not rewarm a victim who can 

be transported to a medical facility 

within 12 hours. 

2. Calm the victim. 

3. Avoid unnecessary movement of 

the victim. 

4. Maintain an airway. 

5. Keep the victim lying down. 

6. Do not give CPR to the victim 

unless there is no pulse. Continue 

CPR until the victim is transported 

to a medical facility. 

Frostbite You should 

not rub toes or hands 

to try to warm them 

up if you think there 

is frostbite. 

Mini-Review 

1. How should a 

fracture be 

treated? 

2. How should 

frostbite be 

treated? 


Aaron Haupt Photography

First aid for heat 

cramps includes 

resting and drinking 

cool water. 

What to do for heat cramps Painful 

muscle spasms in the legs and arms 

due to excessive fluid loss through 

sweating are called heat cramps. 

First aid for heat cramps 

1. Have the victim rest in a cool, 

shaded area and give him or her 

cool water to drink. 

2. Stretch the muscle gently. 

What to do for heat exhaustion 

Extreme tiredness due to the body’s 

inability to regulate its temperature 

is called heat exhaustion. Heat 

exhaustion can be life-threatening. 

A victim of heat exhaustion will 

have a body temperature that is 

below normal. Other signs of 

heat exhaustion include cool, 

moist, pale, or red skin; nausea; 

headache; dizziness; 

fast pulse; and weakness. 


Ric Frazier/FoodPix/Getty Images 

Conditions that result from exposure to temperatures that are higher than normal are 

called heat-related illnesses. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are the 

most common heat-related illnesses. 

First Aid for Heat-Related Illnesses 

First aid for heat 

exhaustion 

1. Have the victim 

lie down in a 

cool place, elevate 

the feet, 

and drink cool 

water. 

2. Observe the victim for signs of 

heatstroke. 

3. If the victim does not recover in 

half an hour, or gets worse, call 

the local emergency number and 

obtain medical care. 

What to do for heatstroke (sunstroke) 

An overheating of the body that 

is life-threatening is heatstroke. 

Sweating ceases so that the body 

cannot regulate its temperature. 

The victim has a high body temperature 

and rapid pulse and respiration 

rate. The skin becomes hot and 

dry. A victim feels weak, dizzy, and 

has a headache. A victim may be 

unconscious. 

First aid for heatstroke 


and obtain medical care. 

2. Remove the victim’s heavy clothing; 

wrap the victim in cool, wet 

towels or sheets; place ice packs 

near the neck, armpits, and groin; 

and have victim rest in a cool place. 

Give sips of water only if the victim 

is conscious and can swallow. 

3. Continue cooling the victim until a 

body temperature of 102°F is 

reached.

69 

STUDY 

GUIDE 

actual consent 

burn 

dislocation 

first aid 

fracture 

Good Samaritan laws 

heat cramps 

heatstroke 

hypothermia 

implied consent 

splint 

universal precautions 

k Key Terms Review 

Complete the fill-in-the-blank statements with the lesson Key Terms on the left. Do not write in this book. 

1. _____ 

is oral or written permission from a 

mentally competent adult to give first aid. 

2. _____ is assuming the victim would grant 

permission to give first aid if capable. 

3. _____ are steps taken to prevent the 

spread of disease by treating all human 

blood and body fluids as if they contained 

HIV, HBV, and other pathogens. 

4. A(n) _____ is a break or crack in a bone. 

5. A(n) _____ is the movement of a bone 

from its joint. 

Recalling the Facts 

11. What is frostbite? 

12. Identify first aid situations that require professional 

health services. 

13. Describe treatment for a first degree burn. 

14. What first aid should you give for a sprain? 

Critical Thinking 

19. Why is it important to obtain consent from 

a conscious victim before giving first aid? 

20. Explain the importance of using universal 

precautions when giving first aid. 

21. What injury would you suspect if there is 

pain, swelling upon movement, and deformity 

of the injured body part? 

22. What would you do if you were on a riverrafting 

trip with someone who has deep 

blue lips and is shivering uncontrollably? 

Activities 

Responsible Decision Making 

27. Analyze A friend suggests making a 

prank call to 911, saying that you could 

report that your neighbor’s house is on fire. 

Then you could hide and watch the fire 

trucks arrive. Write a response to this situation. 

Analyze how your behavior would 

affect your health or the health of others. 

Refer to the Responsible Decision-Making 

Model on page 61 for help. 

Visit tx.healthmh.com/study_guide for more review questions. 

6. A(n) _____ is a material or device used to 

protect and immobilize a body part. 

7. A(n) _____ is an injury caused by heat, 

electricity, chemicals, or radiation. 

8. _____ is immediate and temporary care 

given to a person who has been injured or 

suddenly becomes ill. 

9. An overheating of the body that is lifethreatening 

is _____. 

10. A reduction of body temperature so that it 

is lower than normal is _____. 

15. What is a third-degree burn? 

16. Explain the RICE treatment for injuries. 

17. What causes hypothermia? 

18. Explain the difference between actual and 

implied consent. 

Real-Life Applications 

23. What would you do if your friend fainted? 

24. Explain what you would need to do before 

moving a victim with a broken leg. 

25. Explain if you will need actual or implied 

consent to give first aid to a conscious child 

when there is no adult around. 

26. Explain how you may prevent harm to 

yourself when you encounter a person who 

has received an electrical burn. 

Sharpen Your Life Skills 

28. Advocate for Health Make a list of 

emergency telephone numbers, such as the 

Poison Control Center, your physician, the fire 

department, the police department, and any 

other important emergency telephone numbers. 

Place these numbers by the telephones 

in your home. Make wallet-sized copies of 

these numbers so that you and your family 

can carry them with you at all times. 

LESSON 69 • Study Guide 721 

Aaron Haupt

Lesson 69 Performing Common First Aid Procedures

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