Unconscious place the casualty recovery position survey the body for

MANAGING AN INCIDENT

Scene Survey
When confronted with an accident or illness on duty it is important to assess the situation to determine what kind of emergency situation you are dealing with, for your safety, the victim’s safety and that of others.

Note: This survey should only take a few seconds.

Initial Assessment
Goal of the initial assessment:
Visually determine whether there are life-threatening or other serious problems that require quick care.

Observe for obvious signs of injury or illness:
Check from head to toe
Provide first aid/CPR for injuries or illness observed.

 ACTION AT EMERGENCY SCENE

 Emergency First Aid: give emergency medical care, asses all casualties and priorities treatment.

 Get help from others: get expert help and control by standers.

 Gravity of emergency

 The number, sex, and appropriate ages of the casualties . Details of any hazard, gas, toxic substance, weather conditions.

 MECHANISM OF INJURY
circumstances in which the injury was sustained and forces involved. This helps to predict type and severity on injury. E.g client thrown from a moving car.

 CHECK FOR OTHER INJURIES
A head to toe check any other injuries should be noted.

Removing clothing
 Expose your client to find hidden signs of injury.

 To make a through examination of a casualty, get accurate diagnosis. Remove as little clothing as possible.

 Sight/see: anxiety, painful expressions, unusual chest mov’t, burns, bleeding from orifices, response

to speech, touch, abnormal skin colour, foreign bodies.

 Treatment priorities

 Carry out primary survey

Treat large wounds and burns

Immobilize bone and joint injuries

 Call an ambulance/ arrange transport to hospital

 Allow casualty to go home, ensuring that he is accompanied

NOTE: First Aiders do not prescribe medications

 Passing on patient information: casualty’s name, address, history, unusual behaviour, treatment

 Where extreme weather conditions or difficult terrain indicate that movement of the victim

is essential

 All unconscious persons who are breathing normally must remain on their side (injuries

permitting).

When ready to move the victim:

 Avoid bending or twisting the victim's neck and back: remember, spinal injury can be

acceptable)

 Make prompt arrangements for transport by ambulance to hospital.

 Concern for protecting the neck should not hinder the evaluation process or life saving procedures

Guidelines for carrying (transporting)

 Keep back in locked position

 Refrain from twisting

 Call a doctor for advice

 Call an ambulance/ arrange transport to hospital