First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

7. Keep the patient calm and in a position of comfort.8. Keep the patient warm.9. Treat for shock.c. ShockShock is a condition resulting from the inadequate delivery of oxygenated blood to bodytissues. The tissues are hypoperfused, resulting in tissue injury and death if untreated.Shock can result from failure of the heart to effectively pump oxygen-rich blood to thetissues of the body. It may also result from abnormal dilation of blood vessels and bloodvolume loss. It is important for the First Responder to recognize the signs and symptomsof shock and begin appropriate initial treatment.Signs and Symptoms1. Extreme thirst2. Restlessness, anxiety3. Rapid, weak pulse4. Rapid, shallow respirations5. Pale, cool, moist skin6. Mental status changesRole of the First ResponderComplete the First Responder assessment. Complete a scene size-up before initiatingemergency medical care. Complete an initial assessment on all patients. Complete aphysical exam as needed. Complete ongoing assessments. Comfort, calm, and reassurethe patient until additional EMS personnel arrive.Management1. Maintain airway/ventilation.2. Prevent further blood loss.3. Keep the patient calm, in a position of comfort.4. Keep the patient warm, try to maintain normal body temperature.5. Provide care for specific injuries.6. Do not give food or drink.4. Specific Injuriesa. Types of Soft Tissue InjuriesAbrasions are superficial skin injuries in which the outermost layer of the skin isdamaged by shearing forces. These injuries are superficial, but can cause significantpain, depending on the size of the abrasion and the location on the patient’s body. Thereis either no active bleeding or minimal oozing from these superficial wounds.Consequences of inadequately treated abrasions are infection and, rarely, mild scarring.Lacerations are actual breaks of varying depths in the skin. Lacerations may occur inisolation or together with other types of soft tissue injury. Sharp objects with forcefulimpacts generally cause these injuries. Bleeding can be severe, depending on the depthof the laceration and damage to underlying structures (arteries, veins). Infection andscarring are consequences of inadequate treatment of lacerations.First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002 159