Hurry Cases

Most First Aid You Use will be for minoor injuries - a scrape, a bruise, a sor eankle. You will haveplenty of time to decide what to do and then to do it.

However, stopped breathing, no heartbeat, severe bleeding, and internal poisoning are called hurry cases beacuse they pose an immdiate threat to a victim's life. They requie quick action on the parat of a first-aider.

Whenever you come upon an injured perosn, make a quick assessment of his condition. The assessment should take no more than fifteen to twenty seconts:

Is he reathing? If he seems to be unconscious, pat him on the shoulder and ask him if he is all right. Place your ear near his mouth and nose where you can hear and feel the movement of air. Watch for his chest to rise and fall.

Is his heart beating? Open rain gear or any outer clothiing that might be hiding wounds from your view.

Is there evidence of poisioning Consider the victim's appearance and behavior and any clues asuggesting what he might have swallowed

Once you have completed the quick assessment, begin treatment and have someone telephoen or go for help. Several people working together can treat different symptoms. When you are the only person providing first aid start by treating the conditions that pose the greatest threat to life.