Medical Emergency Preparedness Flashcards

Where is an epinephrine auto-injector normally given during anaphylaxis?

Answer: Into the outer thigh

Epinephrine auto-injectors go into the outer thigh and can be given through clothing.

An AED announces 'Analyzing heart rhythm.' What should rescuers do?

Answer: Make sure no one is touching the victim

Any movement or contact during analysis can interfere with the rhythm reading.

What is the most important first aid for heat stroke?

Answer: Call 911 and cool the victim rapidly

Heat stroke is life-threatening and needs immediate EMS activation plus rapid cooling.

How should a minor thermal burn be treated first?

Answer: Cool it with cool running water for at least 10 minutes

Cool running water stops the burning and reduces pain without the tissue damage ice can cause.

An occupant fell down a stairwell and may have a head or spinal injury. What should staff do?

Answer: Keep the person still unless there is immediate danger, and call 911

Moving a person with a possible spinal injury can make it worse, so keep them still unless the scene is unsafe.

A conscious adult has chest pain that may be a heart attack, 911 has been called, and the person is not allergic to aspirin. What first aid is commonly recommended?

Answer: Have the person chew an aspirin

Chewing aspirin can reduce clotting during a suspected heart attack if there are no contraindications.

Why should a building keep its AEDs and first aid kits in known, accessible, regularly checked locations?

Answer: So staff can reach them quickly and know they work

Survival from cardiac arrest drops each minute without defibrillation, so equipment must be easy to reach and ready to use.