HOAG URGENT CARE FIRST AID GUIDE
*If you or someone else is experiencing crushing chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, or signs of stroke, call 9-1-1.
If you or another person does not appear to have a life-threatening emergency, but has an injury or illness, provide initial care according to the appropriate sections below in this basic first aid guide and seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible. This this guide on first aid serves to assist in the care of minor medical issues only until professional medical care can be provided. Delays in professional medical treatment can reduce options for care, impact recovery and, in some cases, even cause permanent damage.
Disclaimer: This first aid instruction information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or first-aid training. Do NOT use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. If you are experiencing a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, call 9-1-1 and seek medical assistance immediately.
First Aid Guide:
Allergic Reaction / Anaphylaxis
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Face, neck, tongue or lip swelling
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Change in responsiveness
- Signs and symptoms of shock
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Exposure to known allergen
- Skin rash or hives
- Swelling or redness of the area
- Dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea
- Get medical attention even if symptoms improve
INITIAL FIRST AID CARE:
- If person has an epi pen, have them use it or assist them if necessary.
- Don’t give the person anything to drink.
- If there’s vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person to the side to prevent choking.
To administer an epinephrine auto-injector (epi pen).
- Use as prescribed.
- Hold the person’s leg firmly to prevent movement.
- Hold the auto-injector firmly in place after a click is heard.
- Massage the injection area for 10 seconds.
- Note the time and any changes in condition.
- If the signs and symptoms continue 5-10 minutes after the first dose and EMS has not yet arrived, administer a second dose.
- Give the used Epi pen to EMS on arrival.
Bites And Stings: Human And Animal Bites
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Open, deep, extensive wound or you are unsure how serious the wound is
- Blood flowing continuously or spurting Bite from stray or wild animal
Seek immediate medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Puncture wound
- Blood volume about 4 ounces or more (less in a small child or infant)
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Minor wound
- Skin not broken completely through
- Scratch
- Bruise
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, redness or red streaks).
- You have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
- All animal bites should be examined by a medical professional to assess the risk of infection and/or rabies.
INITIAL FIRST AID CARE:
- Use direct pressure to stop any minor bleeding
- Clean wound with soap and water.
- Flush wound by running it under clean, running water for at least 5 minutes.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic gel to the wound (follow directions according to the antibiotic gel)
- Apply ice and/or administer ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, bruising or swelling.
Bites and Stings: Insects
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction / anaphylaxis (if allergic to insect stings)
- Signs and symptoms of shock
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Quick, sharp pain at sting site
- Itching
- Local swelling
- Redness
- Stinger embedded in the skin
INITIAL CARE:
- Remove the stinger as quickly as possible using clean tweezers.
- Wash the area with soap and warm water.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic gel to the wound (follow directions according to the antibiotic gel)
- Apply a cold pack to site.
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Bites and Stings: Jellyfish
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction/ anaphylaxis
- Signs and symptoms of shock
- Sting by known lethal jellyfish
- Sting by unknown marine life
- History of allergy to marine life sting
- Sting to the neck or face
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Pain or swelling at the site
- Puncture wound or laceration
INITIAL CARE:
- Get out of the water.
- Cover hand with gloves, plastic bag, or towel or use a dull stick to carefully remove tentacles.
- Immerse the area in water (as hot as tolerated, not scalding) for a least 20 minutes or until the pain subsides.
- Do not rub the area or apply an elastic bandage or compression
- Watch for signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Bites and Stings: Scorpions and Spiders
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Rigid shoulder, chest, back and abdominal muscles
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Headache or dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Weakness
- Eyelid drooping or swelling
- Little or no initial pain; pain developing one plus hours later
- Target or bullseye pattern increasing in size causing tissue destruction and black scab
- Generalized body numbness
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Blood-filled blister under skin
- Pain or swelling at the site
- Puncture wound or laceration
- Immediate sharp, pinprick pain, then dull pain in bite area
- Localized pain, tingling, burning or numbness
- Swelling or redness
INITIAL CARE:
- For harmless spider bite:
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic gel to the wound (follow directions according to the antibiotic gel)
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin, dry towel.
- For black widow or brown recluse spider bite:
- Keep area elevated and as still as possible while waiting for EMS to arrive.
- For scorpion sting:
- Seek immediate medical care.
- For all:
- Keep person from getting cold or overheated.
- Give care for shock, if needed.
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Bites and Stings: Snakes - Venemous
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Pair of puncture wounds
- Localized redness, pain or swelling
- Signs and symptoms of shock
INITIAL CARE:
- Call 9-1-1 for any snakebite immediately. Do not take time looking for or trying to catch the snake.
- Keep injured area still and ·lower than the heart.
- Do not allow the person to walk unless absolutely necessary.
- Wash wound with soap and water.
- Cover bite with a clean, dry dressing.
- Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
- Give care for shock, if needed.
- Follow directions from 9-1-1 operator.
Bites and Stings: Ticks
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Bullseye rash
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Tick attached to skin, possibly swollen with blood
- Surrounding area reddened
INITIAL CARE:
- Grasp the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible.
- Use fine-tipped, pointed tweezers with a smooth inside surface.
- Pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting until the tick’s hold is released.
- Seal tick in container for a healthcare provider.
- Wash the area with soap and warm water.
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic gel to the wound (follow directions according to the antibiotic gel)
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Bleeding, Cuts & Scrapes: External
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Blood volume more than 6 ounces (less in a small child or infant)
- Blood flowing continuously or spurting
- Signs and symptoms of shock
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Debris or dirt in wound
- Unable to clean wound
- Have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
- Redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling.
- Deep cut or gaping wound
INITIAL CARE:
- Wash your hands.
- Stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean bandage and elevate the wound until the bleeding stops.
- Rinse the wound with running tap water. Wash around the wound with soap without getting soap directly in the wound.
- If there is dirt or debris in the wound, remove it with tweezers (clean tweezers with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol prior to use).
- Apply a small amount of antibiotic gel to the wound (follow directions according to the antibiotic gel)
- Cover the wound loosely with a sterile dressing, or leave uncovered if wound is small
- Change the dressing at least once daily or if it gets wet or dirty.
- Seek immediate medical care if condition worsens.
Bleeding: Internal
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Coughing, vomiting or urinating blood
- Tender, swollen or rigid area
- Bruising on abdomen, chest or skull
- Blue, extremely pale limb
- Signs and symptoms of shock
INITIAL CARE:
- Follow instructions from 9-1-1 operator
- Position the person as appropriate.
- If a head, neck or back injury is suspected, leave them in position found unless you must move for safety, to perform CPR or to control bleeding.
- Give care for shock, if needed
- Keep person from getting cold or overheated.
- Do not give person anything to eat or drink.
Breathing Emergencies
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Unresponsive and not breathing
- Shortness of breath or gasping
- Slow, fast, deep, shallow or irregular breathing
- Feels unable to get enough air
- Unable to talk at all or without stopping every few words
- Wheezing or gurgling
- High-pitched noises
- Changes in sound or a weak cry
- Nasal flaring and/or grunting (child)
- Excessive use of chest and neck muscles
- Moist, cool, pale, ashen (gray), bluish or flushed skin
- Unresponsiveness
- Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
- Frightened appearance
- Drowsiness or fatigue
INITIAL CARE:
- Follow instructions from 9-1-1 operator.
- Position person as appropriate.
- Keep person from getting cold or overheated.
Bruises
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Painful swelling
- More pain than what would be expected with a normal bruise
- Pain lasting 3 days or more
- Frequent, large or painful bruising
- Bruise that occurs for no reason
- Family history of bruising
- A lump forms over the bruise (pooling blood)
- Have unusual bleeding
INITIAL CARE:
RICE method
- Rest the affected area
- Ice for 20 minutes, several times a day
- Compress with a bandage to prevent swelling (do no wrap too tightly)
- Elevate the bruised area
Burns: Heat, Chemical, Electrical, Sun
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Any electrical, chemical, radiation or explosive burns
- Burns that are deep, through all layers of skin, or deeper
- Burns that cause the skin to be leathery
- Burns that are larger than 3” in diameter
- Burns to face, mouth, nose, hands, feet, joints or groin
- Burns from breathing hot gasses
- Burns in people with medical conditions or other injuries
- Burns in very young or elderly
- Burns around a limb, chest or neck, covering the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint, or encircles an arm or leg
- Are accompanied by smoke inhalation
- Begin swelling very quickly
- A fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) with vomiting
- Confusion
- Dehydration
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Extreme pain or almost no pain
- Swelling
- Blisters that may ooze
- Skin hot to touch
INITIAL CARE:
Heat Burns
- Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to burn site.
- Cool the burn as soon as possible under clean, cool, running water for 20 minutes.
- Do not use ice, ice water or a freezing compress to cool a burn.
- Leave the burn uncovered or if medical care is not immediately available, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Chemical Burns
- Remove any clothing contaminated with the chemical.
- If assisting another person, wear protective clothing to prevent chemical exposure to yourself.
- Remove the chemical from the skin as quickly as possible.
- Brush off dry chemical powder or granules with gloved hands or a cloth. If a liquid, flush with water.
- Cool the burn as soon as possible using cool, clean, running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Do not use ice, ice water or a freezing compress to cool a burn.
- If the chemical is in the eye, flush the eye until EMS arrives.
- Leave the burn uncovered or if medical care is not immediately available, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Electrical Burns
- Do not touch someone who is contact with a live electrical current
- Call 9-1-1: electrical burns may be worse than what they appear on the skin’s surface
- Ensure the power source has been turned off
- Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the burn site.
- Do NOT remove clothing or try to clean the burned area
- Leave the burn uncovered or if medical care is not immediately available, cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing
- Seek medical care.
Sunburn
- Give frequent cool baths or showers or use cool, wet compresses to help relieve pain.
- Consider using an aloe vera or soy-based moisturizer or acetaminophen/ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Protect unbroken blisters with loose bandages and keep broken blisters clean to prevent infection.
- Stay out of the sun and wear loose clothing.
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Concussion
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Headache or dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Difficulty thinking or remembering
- Blurred or double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Seizures
- Highly emotional state
- Memory loss
- Not able to do activities person could do before
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
INITIAL CARE:
- Follow instructions of 9-1-1 operator.
- Have the person rest without moving; leave them in the position found while waiting for EMS.
- Keep them from getting cold or overheated.
Eye Injuries
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Blurred or loss of vision
- Bleeding in the eye
- Chemical or object in eye
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Continued pain in eye
- Burning, pain or irritation in eye
- Bruising or swelling around eye
- Excess tearing or frequent blinking
INITIAL FIRST AID CARE:
For chemical splash:
- Flush the eye with water until EMS arrives
- Keep their head tilted so affected eye is lower than the unaffected eye when flushing.
Embedded object/splinter:
- Seek immediate medical care.
Fainting / Dizziness
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Unconsciousness
- Fainting and remaining unconscious for more than one minute
- Not breathing
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Nausea
INITIAL CARE:
- Lie down or sit down. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don’t get up too quickly.
- Place your head between your knees if you sit down, or if possible raise legs above heart level.
- Loosen any restrictive clothing
- Do not get up too quickly
- Seek medical care.
Fever
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
- Rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature of 100.4 (38 C) or higher
- Oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher
- Armpit temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) or higher
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Child has a fever due to being left in a hot vehicle
Seek immediate medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
IN CHILDREN:
- If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever, get medical help immediately.
- Fussiness, or acting abnormally, which doesn’t improve even after taking medications to bring down the fever (do not give medication to an infant unless prescribed by a provider)
- Signs and symptoms of dehydration (dry diapers over eight hours, crying without tears, dry mouth or refusing fluids)
- Stiff neck or a headache
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Joint pain or swelling
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
IN ADULTS:
- Severe headache
- Confusion or agitation
- Abdominal pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Dry mouth, decreased or dark urine, or refusal to drink fluids
- Skin rashes
- Difficulty swallowing fluids
- Pain with urination or pain in the back
- Fever with no sweating
- Seizures
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Irritability or significant discomfort
- Any worrisome, different or unusual symptoms
INITIAL CARE – CHILDREN:
- Drink fluids
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Use a light blanket if feeling chilled.
- Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.
- Do not give an infant any type of pain reliever unless directed to by a provider
- If your child is 6 months old or older, give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the directions.
INITIAL CARE – ADULTS:
- Drink fluids
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Use a light blanket if feeling chilled.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the directions.
Fractures
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Do not move and call 9-1-1 immediately if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Unresponsive, not breathing or not moving.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
- Limb or joint appears deformed.
- Bone has pierced the skin.
- Extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
- Bone may be broken in the neck, head or back.
Seek immediate medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Swelling, bruising, or bleeding.
- Intense pain.
- Numbness and tingling.
- Limited mobility or inability to move limb or put weight on leg.
INITIAL FIRST AID CARE:
- If bleeding, apply pressure with a sterile bandage or a clean cloth.
- Immobilize injured area.
- Apply ice pack to limit swelling.
- Watch for signs of shock.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Cramps
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs, arms and abdomen.
INITIAL CARE:
- Stop activity and rest.
- Sip an electrolyte/ carbohydrate drink
- Lightly stretch muscle and gently massage.
- Keep drinking fluids.
- Seek medical care
Heat Exhaustion
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Dizziness with fainting
- Elevated heart rate
- Inability to walk or stand
- Nausea or vomiting
- Signs and symptoms of dehydration
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Heat cramps
- Elevated respiratory rate
- Cool, clammy, pale, ashen (gray) or slightly flushed skin
- Weakness
- Normal level of responsiveness
INITIAL CARE:
- Move to a cooler environment.
- Loosen and/or remove clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin or spray with cool water.
- Fan person.
- If responsive and able to swallow, sip a cool electrolyte- and carbohydrate-containing fluid
- Do not drink too quickly.
- Rest in a comfortable position.
Heat Stroke
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Moist, pale or flush skin
- No or some sweating
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Seizure
- Unresponsiveness
- Rapid, weak heartbeat
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Weakness
- Exhaustion
INITIAL CARE
- Follow instructions of 9-1-1 operator
- Immediately immerse person up to their neck in cold water if safe to do so.
- Apply cold, wet cloths or towels to skin; then apply ice packs and fan them.
- Have the person take a cold shower.
- Continue cooling methods for 20 minutes, until the person feels better or EMS arrives.
Hypothermia
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Disorientation, confusion or indifference
- Glassy stare
- Loss of ability to shiver as condition worsens
- Slowing of or no breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Slowing of or no heart rate
- Body stiffening with rigid muscles
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Shivering
- Pale skin
- Cold to the touch
INITIAL CARE:
- Rewarm person slowly.
- Move person to a warmer place.
- Remove wet clothes.
- Dry the person
- Put on dry clothing, including hat, gloves and socks, if possible.
- Wrap the person in dry blankets and plastic sheeting, if available.
- Cover person’s head.
- Position person near heat source or apply heating pads or hot water bottles
- Offer small sips of a warm, non-caffeinated liquid if person is alert and can swallow.
- Seek medical care.
- Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens, including breathing and responsiveness and signs of shock.
Motion Sickness
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
- Feeling of uneasiness
- Cold sweat
- Dizziness and vomiting
PREVENTION:
- Ship: choose a cabin in the front or middle of the ship near the water level.
- Plane: choose a seat over the front edge of a wing. Direct the air vent to your face.
- Train: choose a forward-facing seat near the front and next to a window.
- Car: drive or sit in the front passenger’s seat (adults only).
- Consult medical provider for medication options prior to travel.
INITIAL CARE:
- Focus on horizon or distant, stationary object.
- Do NOT read or use electronic devices.
- Keep head still and resting against seat back.
- Do NOT smoke or sit near smokers.
- Avoid odors, spicy/greasy foods, and alcohol.
- Adults can consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine 30 to 60 minutes prior to travelling, according to instructions (dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Driminate, others) and meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Travel-Ease, others)).
- Consider taking a ginger supplement combined with ginger snaps, ginger ale or candied ginger.
- Eat lightly (plain crackers, sip cold water or carbonated drink without caffeine).
- Consult medical provider for medication options prior to travel.
Nosebleeds
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Nosebleeds involve a greater than expected amount of blood.
- Nosebleeds last longer than 30 minutes.
- You feel faint or lightheaded.
- The nosebleed follows a fall or an accident. Bleeding after a fall or an injury to the head or face could mean that you have broken the nose.
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Nosebleeds while on blood thinners.
INITIAL CARE:
- Lean forward so blood does not drip down throat.
- Keep head up.
- Gently blow nose to clear any blood clots.
- Use the thumb and a finger to pinch both nostrils shut for 10 to 15 minutes. Breathe through the mouth. Keep pinching for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If the bleeding doesn’t stop, pinch the nose again for up to 15 minutes.
- Seek medical attention.
Shock
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing the following symptoms of shock:
- Cool, clammy skin
- Pale or ashen skin
- Bluish tinge to lips or fingernails (or gray in the case of dark complexions)
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Enlarged pupils
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation
INITIAL CARE:
- Call 9-1-1 and follow instructions of operator.
- Lay down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, if possible.
- Keep still and don’t move unless necessary.
- Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as not breathing, coughing or moving.
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
- Do not eat or drink anything.
- If vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, and no spinal injury is suspected, turn onto side to prevent choking.
Sprains (See also fractures)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Seek medical attention, if someone is experiencing any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight on an injured leg
- Joint feels unstable or numb.
- Redness or red streaks from the injured area.
- Pain directly over bones of an injured joint.
- An area that has been re-injured a number of times.
- Severe pain.
INITIAL CARE:
RICE method
- Rest the affected area
- Ice for 20 minutes, several times a day
- Compress with a bandage to prevent swelling (do no wrap too tightly)
- Elevate the bruised area
- Seek medical care to rule out fracture, break or more serious injury
Stroke
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY if someone is experiencing any of the following “BE FAST” symptoms:
- Balance sudden loss of balance
- Eyes sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
- Face droops on one side when trying to smile
- Arm on one side is lower than the other arm when trying to raise both arms
- Speech Cannot repeat a simple sentence. Speech is slurred or hard to understand.
- Time is crucial. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Other stroke symptoms can include:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Dimness, blurring or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden double vision.
- Sudden, severe headache with no obvious cause.
- Dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall.
INITIAL CARE:
- Follow directions of the 9-1-1 operator
How to Use This First Aid Guide?
First aid is the immediate care or assistance provided to an individual who is injured or experiencing a sudden illness, accident or health emergency, before professional medical help is available. The primary goal of this first aid guide is to stabilize a person’s condition, prevent the situation from worsening, and promote recovery until professional medical care can be administered.
Key Objectives of this First Aid Guide:
- Preserve Life: The primary aim of this first aid guide is to save lives by addressing life-threatening, emergency conditions, such as severe bleeding, choking, or cardiac arrest.
- Prevent Further Harm: This first aid guide seeks to minimize the severity of the injury or illness, such as immobilizing fractures to prevent additional damage or protecting wounds from infection.
- Promote Recovery: Applying basic first aid treatment, such as cleaning a wound or keeping someone calm, supports the healing process and alleviates discomfort until medical help is available. The instructions above in the first aid guide will help.
Basic Principles of First Aid:
- Assess the Situation: Ensure the environment is safe for both the responder and the injured person. Avoid putting yourself at risk.
- Call for Help: If the situation is severe, contact emergency services immediately.
- Administer Appropriate Care: Follow the basic first aid instructions in the first aid guide above that is tailored to the injury or illness before you, such as applying pressure to stop bleeding, performing CPR, or bandaging wounds.
First Aid Kits:
If you have attended any of our Hoag Urgent Care openings, you might have one of our wonderful first aid kits. For anyone who doesn’t have one, getting a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for effective first aid care. A standard first aid kit typically includes items such as adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, scissors, gloves, and pain relievers.
First Aid Training:
While many basic first aid instructions are straightforward, formal first aid training enhances skills and confidence in managing emergencies. First aid courses are offered by organizations like the Red Cross. To find first aid or CPR courses near you: CLICK HERE. In the meantime, this first aid guide will help with basic first steps for care.
In essence, first aid, and access to a good first aid guide, is a critical life skill that can make a significant difference in emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of injuries. Bookmark this first aid guide page in your phone for quick, immediate access to a first aid guide when you need it.
First Aid Guide
The Hoag Urgent Care first aid guide is a comprehensive and accessible online first aid resource designed to help individuals respond effectively to common medical emergencies and injuries. This emergency first aid guide serves as a quick-reference tool for handling urgent situations before professional medical assistance is available. The first aid guide is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to be prepared to manage unexpected health issues at home, in the workplace, or during outdoor activities.
This 1st aid guide is organized into easily navigable sections providing basic first aid instructions and covering a wide range of first aid topics. Each section of this first aid guide includes clear, step-by-step instructions for assessing the severity of the emergency situation, providing immediate first aid care, and determining whether further medical attention is required. This first aid guide also includes essential tips on recognizing warning signs of serious conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks, or severe allergic reactions, enabling users to act promptly and potentially save lives.
A standout feature of the Hoag Urgent Care First Aid Guide is its integration of modern technology. The first aid guide’s online format ensures that the first aid how to information is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical guidelines and best practices. Users can access the first aid guide on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, making the first aid guide a portable and convenient resource for diverse settings. Additionally, this first aid instruction can be found within links to educational videos, downloadable materials, and contact information for Hoag Urgent Care centers, facilitating seamless access to professional help when needed.
The emergency guide on first aid emphasizes prevention as well as treatment, offering practical advice on avoiding common injuries and illnesses. For example, the emergency first aid guide provides insights on proper hydration, sun protection, and workplace ergonomics, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the first aid kit guide uses simple language and visuals to ensure that even those without medical training can follow the instructions confidently. Whether you’re a parent caring for an injured child, an outdoor enthusiast facing a hiking mishap, or someone dealing with a sudden health scare at home, the Hoag Urgent Care First Aid Guide offers invaluable support.
In summary, the Hoag Urgent Care First Aid Guide is an essential online resource that combines expert medical knowledge with practical advice, helping individuals manage health emergencies effectively while promoting overall safety and wellness.