First Aid Guide

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Emergency Contacts

3. Basic First Aid Principles

4. How to Check an Injured or Ill Adult

5. Responding to Specific Emergencies

• Unconscious Choking
• Head, Neck, or Spinal Injury
• Conscious Choking
• External Bleeding
• Burns
• Poisoning
• Drug Overdose

6. Accident Scene Management

• Assessing the Situation
• Ensuring Safety
• Providing First Aid

7. Reporting Procedures

• Incident Reports
• Follow-Up Actions

8. First Aid Kits

• Contents
• Maintenance

10. Additional Resources

 

 

 

 

1. Introduction

This guide provides essential first aid information for property management staff managing multi-family properties. Ensuring safety and prompt response in emergencies is crucial. Familiarize yourself with this guide to effectively handle medical emergencies.

 2. Emergency Contacts

• • Emergency Services (Fire, Police, Ambulance): 911
  • Local Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

3. Basic First Aid Principles

• Stay Calm: Your calm demeanor helps stabilize the situation and reassures the victim.
• Assess the Situation: Determine if the situation is safe for you and the victim.
• Check Responsiveness: Gently tap and shout to see if the person responds.
• Call for Help: Contact emergency services if needed.
• Provide Care: Use appropriate first aid techniques while waiting for professional help.

 4. How to Check an Injured or Ill Adult

• Ensure Safety: Confirm the area is safe for you and the victim.
• Check Responsiveness: Gently shake the person’s shoulder and ask if they are okay.
• Check Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. If the person is not breathing or breathing abnormally, call 911 and begin CPR.
• Check Pulse: Feel for a pulse on the side of the neck or wrist. If there is no pulse, start CPR.
• Monitor Condition: Continue to monitor the person’s condition until help arrives.

5. Responding to Specific Emergencies

Unconscious Choking

• Assess the Situation: If the person is unconscious and not breathing, call 911 immediately. Follow directions provided by emergency dispatch personnel.
• Standard Protocol is the following. If you are not trained in CPR please only follow directions provided by emergency dispatch personnel.
• Perform Chest Compressions: Begin CPR with chest compressions.
• Open the Airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin. Look for an object in the mouth and remove it if visible.
• Check Breathing: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. If the chest rises, continue CPR until help arrives.

Head, Neck, or Spinal Injury

• Do Not Move the Person: Movement can worsen the injury.
• Stabilize the Head and Neck: Support the head and neck in the position found.
• Call 911: Immediate medical attention is necessary.
• Monitor: Keep the person as still as possible and monitor their condition until help arrives.

Conscious Choking

• Encourage Coughing: If the person can cough, encourage them to continue as it may dislodge the object.
• Perform Heimlich Maneuver: See Detailed Guide: Stand behind the person, place your arms around their waist, and perform abdominal thrusts:
• Adult and Child (over 1 year): Place your hands just above the navel and thrust inward and upward.
• Infant (under 1 year): Hold the infant face down on your forearm and give 5 back blows, then turn and give 5 chest thrusts.
• Seek Help: If the object is not dislodged or the person becomes unconscious, call 911 immediately.

External Bleeding

• Get First Aid kit, put on personal protective equipment, such as gloves.
• Apply Pressure: Use a clean cloth or bandage and apply firm pressure to the wound.
• Elevate the Wound: If possible, raise the injured area above heart level.
• Apply More Pressure: If the bleeding doesn’t stop, add more cloths or bandages and continue applying pressure.
• Seek Medical Attention: If bleeding is severe or doesn’t stop, call 911.

Burns

• Cool the Burn: Use cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes.
• Cover the Burn: Use a non-stick, sterile dressing. Avoid using ice, ointments, or greasy substances.
• Avoid Breaking Blisters: Do not pop blisters as this can lead to infection.
• Seek Medical Help: For severe burns, call 911.

Poisoning

• Identify the Poison: Determine what was ingested or exposed to and how much.
• Contact Poison Control: Call your local poison control center for specific instructions or call 1-800-222-1222 to be connected with the local poison control center.
• Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless instructed by poison control or medical professionals.
• Seek Medical Attention: If advised, go to the emergency room or call 911.

Drug Overdose

• Call 911: Immediate medical help is essential.
• Provide Information: Give details about the substance taken, the amount, and the time of ingestion.
• Keep the Person Comfortable: Lay them on their side if unconscious to prevent choking.
• Follow Instructions: Follow any specific guidance given by emergency personnel. If Narcan is available on site administer if directed by emergency personnel.

6. Accident Scene Management

Assessing the Situation

• Ensure Safety: Check for potential hazards (e.g., traffic, fire).
• Assess Victim: Determine the number of people involved and their condition.

Ensuring Safety

• Protect Yourself and Others: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) if available.
• Prevent Further Injury: Secure the area if needed.

Providing First Aid

• • Follow First Aid Protocols: Use the guidelines provided for specific injuries.
  • Monitor the Victim: Continue to check their condition until help arrives.

7. Reporting Procedures

Incident Reports

• Document the Incident: Record details including date, time, and nature of the injury or emergency.
• Collect Witness Statements: If applicable, gather statements from those who witnessed the incident.
• Turn all gathered documentation into your portfolio manager.

 8. First Aid Kits

Contents

• • Adhesive Bandages (various sizes)
  • Sterile Gauze Pads and Dressings
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Antiseptic Wipes and Ointments
  • Antihistamines
  • Instant Cold Packs
  • Scissors and Tweezers
  • Disposable Gloves
  • Burn Cream or Gel
  • CPR Face Shield

Maintenance

• Regular Checks: Ensure the kit is fully stocked and items are not expired by inspecting twice per year. Restock any expired or soon to be expired items promptly.

10. Additional Resources

• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov

 

Note: This guide provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. Always seek immediate help from medical professionals in emergencies.

 

 

Heimlich Maneuver: Detailed Instructions

For Adults and Children Over 1 Year Old

1. Assess the Situation:
   • Determine if Choking: The person may be coughing, gagging, or unable to speak.
   • Ask Them to Cough: If they can cough forcefully, encourage them to do so to try to expel the object.
2. Position Yourself:
   • Stand Behind the Person: Place your arms around their waist.
   • Place Your Hands: Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the center of the person’s abdomen, just above the navel (belly button).
3. Perform the Maneuver:
   • Grasp Your Fist: With your other hand, hold your fist and press into the abdomen.
   • Apply Pressure: Perform quick, inward and upward thrusts. The force should be enough to create a burst of pressure that can expel the object from the airway.
4. Continue Until:
   • Object is Expelled: If the object is expelled and the person begins to breathe normally, monitor them and ensure they receive medical attention to check for any injuries.
   • Person Becomes Unconscious: If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR and call 911 immediately.

For Infants Under 1 Year Old

1. Assess the Situation:
   • Determine if Choking: The infant may be coughing, gagging, or having difficulty breathing.
2. Position the Infant:
   • Hold the Infant Face Down: Support the infant’s head and neck with one arm and place the infant face down along your forearm.
   • Secure the Position: Ensure the infant’s head is lower than their chest.
3. Perform Back Blows:
   • Use the Heel of Your Hand: Give 5 firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades.
   • Check if the Object is Expelled: After each blow, check to see if the object has been dislodged.
4. Turn the Infant:
   • Position Face Up: If the object is not expelled, turn the infant face up while supporting their head and neck.
5. Perform Chest Thrusts:
   • Use Two Fingers: Place two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line.
   • Perform Thrusts: Give 5 quick chest thrusts, pressing inward and downward.
6. Continue Until:
   • Object is Expelled: If the object is expelled and the infant begins to breathe normally, monitor them and seek medical attention to ensure there are no injuries.
   • Infant Becomes Unconscious: If the infant becomes unconscious, start CPR and call 911 immediately.

Key Points to Remember

• Do Not Use the Heimlich Maneuver: If the person is able to cough, speak, or breathe, they are not completely obstructed, and the maneuver may cause harm.
• Do Not Perform Abdominal Thrusts: On infants under 1 year old or pregnant women; for these groups, other techniques such as back blows and chest thrusts are used.
• Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the outcome, all choking incidents should be followed up with medical evaluation to ensure there are no residual injuries or complications.

When to Call for Help

• If the Person Remains Choking: If the object is not expelled after a few attempts, call 911 immediately.
• If the Person Becomes Unconscious: Start CPR and call 911 right away.

By understanding and properly executing the Heimlich maneuver, you can effectively help someone who is choking and potentially save a life. Always ensure to follow up with medical professionals even if the object is expelled.

CPR Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. When to Perform CPR
3. Basic CPR Steps
4. Using a Breathing Barrier
5. CPR for Adults
6. CPR for Children (1 Year to Puberty)
7. CPR for Infants (Under 1 Year)
8. After Performing CPR
9. Additional Resources

1. Introduction

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when someone's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. Using a breathing barrier helps protect both the rescuer and the victim during mouth-to-mouth ventilation. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for performing CPR with a breathing barrier.

2. When to Perform CPR

CPR should be administered when a person:

• Is Unresponsive: The person does not respond to shaking or shouting.
• Is Not Breathing or Breathing Abnormally: Check if the person is breathing normally by observing the chest for movement or feeling for breath.

3. Basic CPR Steps

1. Check the Scene: Ensure the environment is safe for both you and the victim.
2. Check Responsiveness: Tap the person and shout, "Are you okay?"
3. Call for Help: If there is no response, call 911 or ask someone else to do so.
4. Check Breathing: Look for chest movement, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek.
5. Begin Chest Compressions: If the person is not breathing or only gasping, start chest compressions.

4. Using a Breathing Barrier

A breathing barrier is a device used to protect both the rescuer and the victim during rescue breaths. It typically includes a one-way valve that prevents the victim’s exhaled air from entering the rescuer’s mouth.

Steps to Use a Breathing Barrier

1. Position the Barrier: Place the barrier over the person’s mouth and nose. The flat side of the barrier should be against the victim’s face.
2. Seal the Barrier: Ensure a tight seal around the person’s mouth and nose to prevent air leakage.
3. Provide Rescue Breaths:
   • Open the Airway: Tilt the person’s head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
   • Give Rescue Breaths: Pinch the person’s nose shut, and cover their mouth with the barrier. Give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second, making sure the chest rises visibly with each breath.

5. CPR for Adults

1. Chest Compressions:
   • Position Your Hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, just below the nipple line. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
   • Compress the Chest: Press down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, pushing the chest down by at least 2 inches.
   • Allow Full Recoil: Let the chest return fully to its normal position between compressions.
2. Rescue Breaths:
   • After 30 Compressions: Give 2 rescue breaths using the breathing barrier as described in Section 4.
3. Continue CPR: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency personnel arrive or the person starts to show signs of recovery.

6. CPR for Children (1 Year to Puberty)

1. Chest Compressions:
   • Position Your Hands: Use one or two hands (depending on the size of the child) to compress the center of the chest.
   • Compress the Chest: Push down about 1.5-2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
2. Rescue Breaths:
   • After 30 Compressions: Give 2 rescue breaths using the breathing barrier.
3. Continue CPR: Alternate between compressions and breaths until help arrives or the child starts to show signs of recovery.

7. CPR for Infants (Under 1 Year)

1. Chest Compressions:
   • Position Your Fingers: Use two fingers to compress the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line.
   • Compress the Chest: Push down about 1.5 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
2. Rescue Breaths:
   • After 30 Compressions: Give 2 rescue breaths using the breathing barrier.
   • Breath Technique: Cover the infant’s nose and mouth with your mouth or the barrier, giving gentle breaths.
3. Continue CPR: Alternate between compressions and breaths until emergency help arrives or the infant shows signs of recovery.

8. After Performing CPR

1. Monitor the Person: Once the person starts breathing or emergency services arrive, continue to monitor their condition.
2. Provide Information: Share details of the incident with emergency personnel when they arrive.
3. Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if the person seems fine, they should receive a thorough medical evaluation to check for any potential issues.