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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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