In Case Of Emergency

Use all your senses to obtain maximum information and diagnose the casualty – look, speak, listen, feel and smell.
If the casualty is conscious:

• look and size up the problem as you approach;
• ask him if he has pain and where it is;
• examine that part first;
• ask him if he thinks there is anything else wrong;
• examine the casualty carefully in a regular and methodical manner by running your hands gently but firmly over all parts of the body. Start at the head and neck, then check the spine and trunk; the upper limbs, the lower limbs.
• handle injured parts gently but firmly;
• make sure there are no other injuries present, which may be masked by pain, by checking for tenderness and bleeding;

Always compare abnormal parts with the normal side. The First Aider need only remove enough of the casualty’s clothing to expose the injuries and treat them. Then check:

• count the pulse – noting its strength and rhythm;
• colour of skin, the nail beds and the inside of the eyelids;
• the nature of the breathing – listen to it: smell the breath;
• the temperature of the body – whether hot or cold to the touch.

If the casualty is unconscious the task is much more difficult and a thorough detailed examination is necessary. So you must:

• note if breathing is present: if absent, immediately commence artificial respiration;
• examine over and under the casualty for dampness which might indicate bleeding. Stop any serious bleeding before proceeding further with the examination;
• bear in mind the possibility of internal bleeding;
• establish the cause of unconsciousness by examining the:
  • breathing – rate and depth;
  • pulse — rate and character;
  • face and skin – colour, temperature and condition;
  • pupils of the eyes;
  • head for injury;
  • ears, eyes, nose and mouth for blood and other signs;
  • whole body for signs of injury.