Module 5

Disaster Management Program

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:

 identify risk reduction and preparedness activities that will reduce vulnerability, mitigate
the impact of emergencies and support efforts to prevent conflict and civil unrest.
 create contingency plans based on the likely emergencies in the school.
 acquire knowledge and skills in various basic life support particularly on preparedness
and response training.
 familiarize themselves with the common safety and health regulations, the proper
preparation, and the appropriate response to national disasters;
 demonstrate and practice fire drill every three months for both children and
elderly/disabled persons;
 practice common safety and health regulations and first aid for the home and community;
and
 demonstrate rescue breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as first aid and
emergency safety measures.

Disaster Preparation and Response

For Earthquakes, Fires, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes

1. Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electrical utilities.

2. Secure shelves and heavy objects that could cause injury.

3. Keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies to last for at least three (3) days. Replace
supplies regularly. Your supplies should at least include the following:

a. Two to four quarts of water per person per day

b. First-aid kit

c. Packaged/canned non-perishable food and can opener

d. Blankets/sleeping bags

e. Plastic bags to store waste

f. Small radio with batteries/cell phones

4. Renew prescriptions for essential medications so that you always have a 7-10 day supply on
hand.

5. Plan with family on what to do if you cannot go home.

During a Natural Disaster

1. Stay calm. Check for and treat injuries.

2. Check for gas or water leaks and fires. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas.

3. Listen to the emergency broadcast system.

4. Update the Information Bulletin/News.

General Common Safety and Health Regulations

(Rosenberg & Dougherty, 1996)

 Fire drill/Escape plan

1. Plan with everyone an escape route from each room in the house.

2. Plan an alternate escape route from each room in case one route is blocked by fire.

3. Avoid using interior stairways and open halls for escape routes, as fire and smoke
collect in these areas.

4. Have each member of the household practice rolling out of bed, and then crawling along
the escape route.

5. Practice everyone to feel for the door handle if it is hot; if so, then try to use another
route.

6. Keep a working flashlight in all rooms. Fire could happen in pitch black, and a flashlight
could make a difference in your escape.

7. Make sure everyone practices opening all doors, windows, and screens in all escape
routes.

8. Stress the importance of closing all the doors behind them as they leave the home.

9. Determine how the client, especially small children, the elderly or disabled person, will
escape and how they are to be assisted. Practice this procedure dozens of times.

10. Anyone upon getting out of a burning building should call the fire department.

11. Establish a crucial meeting place such as under a lamppost or the front lawn, and stay
there. Never go back inside a burning building.

12. Check to see if it is safe to escape via a window; if it is too high, place a retractable
folding ladder on certain windows.
 13. Practice stuffing cloth around door jambs to keep out smoke in case someone is
trapped in a room.

 Role of CWTS in children's fire safety

1. Conduct a fire drill, routinely yet seriously, every three months with the children.

2. Keep all matches out of reach of children, and teach them to tell you if they find some.

3. Instruct the children to call for help if they see even a small fire. Teach them to call 117
for even the smallest of emergencies.

4. Tell children not to hide when they see a fire. Instead, they should shout "fire" as loud
and as long as they possibly can.

5. Show or demonstrate to children the dangers of fire; never assume that they know
already.

6. Teach by example, and always be careful in handling fires.

 Role of CWTS in the physically challenged/elderly's fire safety

1. Together, conduct a fire drill every three months.

2. Help the older person to develop confidence in opening and climbing out of the
window.

3. Be prepared to drag them with a blanket if necessary.

4. Practice, as well, using wet clothes pressed over their noses and mouths of the
physically challenged/elderly to keep them from breathing smoke. Wet clothes can
likewise block smoke from seeping through the door. Teach them how to signal to other
people outside the house and to call 117 if needed.

5. Place on the bedside table essential things such as whistles, eyeglasses, flashlights,
telephones, canes, and walkers. Always minimize obstacles along the path of escape.
Encourage them to live in/occupy ground floor rooms facing the street.

6. Keep at least three feet of clear space around space heaters; never use them to dry
clothes.

7. Check electric blankets, if any, every three months.

8. Never add anything over electric blankets as this could cause them to overheat.

9. Fireplaces should be guarded, and the fire should be put out before anyone goes to
sleep.
 10. Provide large ashtrays for smoking clients. Separate the ashes from the regular trash,
and double-check the area where the smoker has been for anything smoldering.

Common Safety and Health Regulations for the Home

 Garden

1. Always lock up sheds and garages where you keep garden chemicals and dangerous
tools. Do not leave gardening tools lying around.

2. Make sure you do not grow poisonous plants.

3. Teach your child not to eat any plants or berries from the garden.

4. Cover garden pools and rainwater butts securely or get rid of them

5. Never leave buckets of water lying around.

6. Supervise children's water play at all time.

7. Fit a child-proof catch to the garden gate.

8. Make sure that children do not play with cats and dogs poop/waste. Keep sandpits
covered.

9. Always use a pram net to protect your baby from insects.

 Bathroom

1. Keep all medicines, cosmetics, household cleaners, and razor blades well out of reach
of children. Put them preferably in a cupboard with a child-proof lock.

2. Run the bath before the child gets in and make sure that the water is not too hot. Never
leave your child unattended in the bath as he/she could drown in even a few centimeters
of water. Never use a portable electric fire in the bathroom. Adjust the thermostat so the
water never gets dangerously hot.

3. Keep the toilet seat down.

 Living Room

1. Keep all breakable objects out of reach of children.

2. Use cable clips to secure trailing flexes.

3. Disconnect your television when not in use.

 4. Do not put hot drinks on the table and keep alcoholic drinks out of reach of children.

5. Never hold or pass hot drinks over your baby.

6. Make sure that rugs do not slip under your feet. Use non slip floor polish.

7. Make sure shelves and bookcases are secure and cannot be pulled off, or cannot fall
over.

 Hallways and Stairs

1. Keep hallways well-lit. Never leave toys lying around where

you could trip over them. 2. Check if banisters are secure and that a small child can't
get between the rails.

3. Always use a safety gate on top of the stairs and make sure

it is closed at night in case a young child gets out of bed unassisted. 4. Do not let your
child carry knives, scissors, pointed pencils,

and other sharp objects.

 Bedrooms

1. Do not leave cosmetics, perfumes, breakables, nail scissors, and the like within a
child's reach.

2. Make sure that wardrobe doors can be opened from the inside in case your child
gets shut in. Make sure cupboards are not top-heavy and cannot be pulled off, or
cannot fall over.

3. Do not leave an electric blanket on if the child is alone in the room.

4. Disconnect and put away electrical equipment such as hair dryers when not in use.

 Children's Room

1. Make sure that all equipment is stable and toys are safe.

2. Store any toys which contain tiny detachable pieces out of reach of small children.

3. Never use a pillow for a baby under one year old.

4. Never put your child to sleep with a bib on, or a garment with drawstrings around
the neck.
 5. Put away open bottles or containers with hot water before you tuck in your baby or
child to bed.

 Kitchen

1. When possible, keep your child out of the kitchen.

2. Keep all bleach, household cleaners, and detergents out of reach of children. Put
them preferably in a locked cupboard.

3. Turn all saucepan handles inwards and fit a hob guard. Do not let your child play
with the knobs.

4. Never leave a chip pan unattended.

5. Make sure your child is sitting at the table or harnessed in his/her high chair before
you leave him/her for a moment.

6. Always disconnect electrical appliances when not in use.

7. Avoid excessively polished floors and loose mat or rugs.

8. Do not use long tablecloths that your child can pull easily.

9. Never leave an iron or bottle which a child can pull down accidentally.

First Aid and Emergency Safety Measures (Kemper, 1994)

Rescue Breathing and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Improper CPR or CPR performed on a person whose heart is still

beating can cause serious injury. Never perform CPR unless:

1. the victim has stopped breathing

2. the victim has no pulse

3. there is no one else with training in CPR who can do it.

For basic life support, think ABC: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Establish an open airway
to start breathing, and give the rescue breathing before you can begin the chest compression
needed if the victim has no pulse.

 Step 1: Check for consciousness

 Grasp the victim by the shoulders and shout, "Are you okay?" If he/she does not respond,
roll him onto his/her back, after making sure that he/she has no spinal injury. If he/she has
spinal injury, gently roll his/her head, neck, and shoulders together as a unit until he/she is on
his/her back. If the victim does not respond, call for help.

1. For children aged 8 and under: Give one full minute of rescue breathing (and CPR if
there is no pulse)

 Step 2: Open the airway

Check for breathing. See if the victim's chest and abdomen are moving. Listen and feel for
air moving out of the mouth. If the victim is not breathing, open the airway:

1. Turn the head to one side and clear any foreign material from the mouth with your
fingers.

2. Place one hand on the victim's forehead and tilt the head back gently.

3. Place the fingers of your hand under the chin and lift to pull it forward.

4. Sometimes, just opening the airway will allow the victim to breathe. Keep the airway
open and look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. If the victim still does not breathe,
begin rescue breathing immediately.

 Step 3: Begin rescue breathing

1. Pinch the victim's nostrils shut with your thumb and forefinger. With your other hand,
continue tilting the chin forward to keep the airway open.

2. Take a deep breath and place your mouth over the victim's, making a tight seal. For an
infant, place your mouth over the mouth and nose.

3. Blow air slowly until the victim's chest rises. Take 1½ to 2 seconds to give each breath.
Remove your mouth from the victim's and take a deep breath between rescue breaths.
Allow the victim's chest to fall and feel the air escape.

4. Give two full breaths, then check for circulation.

 Step 4: Check for circulation

1. Locate the carotid artery in the neck.

2. Find the voice box or Adam's apple. Slide the tips of your index and middle finger into
the groove beside it.

3. Feel for a pulse for 5-10 seconds.

a. If there is no pulse, begin chest compression.
 b. If there is a pulse, continue rescue breathing only until help arrives or the victim starts to
breathe on his/her own. If he/she begins breathing again, he/she still needs to be seen by a
health professional.

4. Give rescue breaths:

a. Adult (aged 9 and older): 1 breath every 5 seconds

b. Children (aged 1 to 8): 1 breath every 4 seconds

c. Infant (under 1 year): 1 breath every 3 seconds

 Step 5: Begin chest compression

1. For adults, kneel next to the victim. Use your fingers to locate the end of the breastbone
(sternum), where the ribs come together. Place two fingers at the tip of the breastbone.
Place the heel of one hand directly above your finger.

2. Place your other hand on top of the one that is in position. Do not allow your fingers to
touch the chest as that may damage the ribs.

3. Straighten your arms, lock your elbows, and center your shoulders directly over your
hand.

4. Press down in a steady rhythm, using your body weight and keeping your arms locked.
The force from each thrust should go straight down into the sternum, compressing it 1½ to
2 inches. It may help to count "one and two and three and four..." up to 15 compressions.
Give one downward thrust each time you say a number; lift your weight, but not your hand;
open the victim's chest on the up-stock.

5. After 15 compressions, quickly do the head tilt/chin lift, and give two full, slow breaths,
taking one breath in between.

6. Repeat the 15 compressions, 2 breaths cycle, 4 times. Check the pulse again. If there is
no pulse, continue rescue breathing and chest compression until help arrives, or the
victim's pulse and breathing return.

7. For a child, use the heel of one hand, press with less force, compressing the sternum 1
to 1½ inches.

8. For an infant, place two fingers on the sternum, about one finger width below an
imaginary line connecting the nipples. Press with gentle force, compressing the sternum
about 1/2 inch.

9. For adults, give five chest compressions, then breathe. Repeat four times and check the
pulse again. If there is still no pulse, continue rescue breathing and chest compression
until help arrives or until the victim's pulse and breathing are restored.

Adults Children Infants

CPR Ready Reference ( Guidelines from the American Heart Association)
 If the victim has a pulse, give 5 seconds 4 seconds 3 seconds
one rescue breath every;
If the victim has no pulse, locate
Trace ribs into Same as adult 1 finger width
the chest compression
notch; place 2 below nipple line
landmark. fingers on
sternum
Do chest compression with: 2 hands stacked; Heel of 1 hand 2 or 3 fingers on
heel of one hand on sternum sternum
on sternum
Rate of compression per 80 to 100 80 to 100 At least 100
minute:
Compression depth 1 1/2 to 2” 1 to 1 1/2” 1/2 to 1”
Ratio of compression to 15:25:1 5:15:1 5:15:1
breaths:
1 Rescuer
2 Rescuer

Practice Session: Rescue Breathing (Adult)

The rescue breathing practice session is the first of the three practice sessions.
During this session, practice first on a partner. If possible, a third person should read the
skill checklist as you practice.

Remember:

 When you practice on a partner, do not make mouth-to-mouth contact or give

actual rescue breaths.

 When you practice on a mannequin, you will practice all the steps and will give
actual breaths.

Make sure that the mannequin's face and mouth are cleaned with disinfecting solution
before each person starts practicing on the mannequin.

Before you start practicing, carefully read the skill sheet checklist on pages 211-214.

If you don't remember how to use the checklist, read pages 165 to 168.

 Skill Sheet

You find a person lying on the ground, not moving. You should survey the scene to
see if it is safe, and get some idea about what happened. Then begin doing a primary
survey by checking the ABCs.

Remember:

 When using a real person as a victim, do not make mouth-to-mouth contact or give
actual rescue breaths.

Partner Check Instructor Check

Check for unresponsive
Tap or gently shake victim.
Rescuer shouts, “Are you
OK?”
Partner/Instructor says,
“Unconscious”.
Rescuer says,”Unconscious”.
Rescuer shout,”help!”
Position of the victim

Roll victim onto his/her back,

if necessary.

Kneel facing victim, midway

between victim’s hips and
shoulders.

Straighten victim’s legs, if

necessary, and move closest
to you above victim’s head.

Lean over victim, and place

one hand on victim’s
shoulder and the other hand
on victim’s hip.

Roll victim toward you as a

single unit; as you roll victim,
move your hand from
shoulder to support back of
head and neck.

Place the victim’s arm

nearest you alongside
victim’s body.
Open the airway; Used head-
lift method

Place one hand on the

victim’s forehead.

Place fingers of the other

hand under bony part of
lower jaw near chin.

Tilt head and lift jaw-avoid

closing the victim’s mouth.
Check for breathlessness

Maintain open airway.

Place your ear over victim’s
mouth and nose.

Look at the chest, listen, and

feel for breathing for 3 to 5
seconds.

Partner/Instructor says, “No

breathing”.

Rescuers repeats, “No

breathing”.
Give 2 full breaths

Maintain open airway.

Pinch nose shut.

Open your mouth wide, take

a deep breath, and make a
tight seal around outside of
victim’s mouth.

Give 2 full breaths at the rate

of 1 to 1 1/2 seconds per
breath.

Observe the chest rise and

fall; listen and feel for
escaping air.

Check your pulse

Maintain head tilt with one

hand on the forehead.

Locate Adam’s apple with

middle and index fingers of
hand closest to the victim’s
feet.

Feel for carotid pulse for 5 to

10 seconds.

Partner/Instructor says, “ No
breathing but there is pulse”.

Rescuer repeats, “No

breathing, but there is a
pulse”.
Call the EMS system for help

Tell someone to call for an

ambulance.

Rescuer say. “No breathing,

has a pulse, call 117 (local
emergency number or
operator)
Now begin rescue breathing

Maintain open airway.

Pinch nose shut.

Open your mouth wide, take

a deep breath, and make a
tight seal around outside of
the victim’s mouth.

Give 1 breath every 5

seconds at the rate of 1 to 1
1/2 seconds per breath.

Observe chest rise and fall;

listen and feel for escaping
air and the return of
breathing.

Continue for 1 minute giving

about 12 breaths.
Recheck pulse

Tilt head.

Locate carotid pulse and feel

for 5 seconds.

Partner/Instructor says, “ Has

pulse”.

Rescuers repeats,’ “ Has

pulse”.

Next, look, listen, and feel for

breathing for 3 to 5 seconds.

Partner/Instructor says, “ No
 breathing”.

Rescuer repeats, “No

breathing”.
Continue rescue breathing

Maintain open airway.

Give 1 breath every 5

seconds at the rate of 1 to 1
1/2 seconds per breath.

Recheck pulse every minute.

What to do next

While the rescuer is

rechecking pulse and
breathing, the partner should
read one breathing, the
partner should read one of
the following statements:

1. Victim is breathing but still

unconscious.
2. Victim has pulse but is not
breathing.

Based on this information,

the rescuer should make a
decision about what to do
next, and continue giving the
right care.

Final Instructor Check

More About Rescue Breathing

 Air in the stomach

Sometimes during rescue breathing, the rescuer may breathe air into the victim's stomach.
Air in the stomach can be a serious problem. It can cause the victim to vomit. When an
unconscious person vomits, the stomach contents may go into the lungs, thus leading to
death.
 Air can enter the stomach in three ways:

 when the rescuer keeps breathing into the victim after the chest has risen, causing
extra air to fill the stomach;
 when the rescuer has not tilted the victim's head back far enough to open the airway
completely and must breathe with greater pressure to fill the victim's lungs;
 when the rescue breaths are given too quickly. Quick breaths are given with higher
pressure, causing air to enter the stomach.

To avoid forcing air into the stomach, make sure you keep the victim's head tilted all
the way back. Breathe into the victim only enough to make the chest rise. Don't give
breaths too quickly; pause between breaths long enough to let the victim's lungs empty
and for you to get another breath.

If you notice that the victim's stomach has begun to bulge, make sure that the head is
tilted back far enough and make sure you are not breathing too hard or too fast into the
victim.

 Vomiting

Sometimes while you are helping an unconscious victim, the victim may vomit. If this
happens, turn the victim's head and body to the side, quickly wipe the material out of the
victim's mouth and continue where you left off.

Practice Session: First Aid for Choking (Complete Airway Obstruction)

The first aid for a choking practice session is the second of the three practice sessions.
During this session, you will practice on a partner first, and then on a mannequin. Before
you start practicing, carefully read the following directions and the skill sheet checklist on
pages 211-214.

In this practice session you will learn two separate skills: (1) first aid for a conscious adult
with complete airway obstruction, and (2) first aid for an unconscious adult with complete
airway obstruction.

 First Aid for Complete Airway Obstruction (Conscious Adult)

You will practice this skill on a partner. If possible, a third person should read the skill
checklist as you practice.

Remember:

 When practicing abdominal thrusts on a partner, do not give actual abdominal thrusts:

Skill Sheet

Partner Check Instructor Check

Determine if the victim is
choking
 Rescuer asks, “Are you
choking?”

Partner/Instructor says,
“Victim cannot cough, speak,
or breathe.”

Rescuer shouts, “Help!”

Stand behind the victim.

Wrap arms around the

victim's waist.

Make a fist with one hand

and place thumb side of fist
against the victim's middle
abdomen just above the
navel and well bel the lower
tip of breastbone.

Grasp your fist with your

other hand.

Keeping the elbows out,

press fist into the victim's
abdomen with a quick
upward thrust.

Each thrust should be a

separate and distinct attempt
to dislodge the object.

Repeat thrusts until

obstruction is cleared or the
victim becomes unconscious.

Final Instructor Check

 First Aid for Complete Airway Obstruction (Unconscious Adult)

You find a person lying on the ground, not moving. You should survey the scene to
see if it is safe and to get some idea about what happened. Then begin doing a primary
survey by checking the ABCs.
 Remember:

 Do not perform finger sweeps on a mannequin. Do not touch the mannequin's lips or
inner mouth with your finger.

Skill Sheet
Partner Check Instructor Check
Check for unresponsive

Tap or gently the victim.

Rescuer shouts, “Are you

OK?”

Partner/Instructor says,
“Unconscious.”

Rescuer repeats,
“Unconscious.”
Rescuer shouts, “Help!”

Position of the victim

Roll the victim unto his/her

back, if necessary.

Kneel facing the victim face,

midway between the victim’s
hips and shoulders.

Straighten the victim’s legs, if

necessary, and move arm
closest to you above the
victim’s head.

Lean over the victim, and

place one hand on the
victim’s shoulder and other
hand on the victim’s hip.

Roll the victim towards you

as a single unit; as you roll
the victim, move your hand
from shoulder to support the
back of head and neck.

Place the victim’s arm

nearest you alongside the
victim’s body.
 Open the airway; Use head-
tilt/chin-lift method

Place one hand on the

victim’s forehead.

Place fingers of the other

hand under bony part of
lower jaw near chin.

Tilt head and lift jaw-avoid

closing the victim’s mouth.
Check for breathlessness

Maintain open airway.

Place your ear over victim’s

mouth and nose.

Look at the chest, listen, and

feel for breathing for 3 to 5
seconds.

Partner/Instructor says, “No

breathing”.

Rescuers repeats, “No

breathing”.

Other Important Common First Aid Safety Measures

First aid is the immediate and temporary care given to a victim of an accident or sudden
illness until the service of a physician can be. obtained. Proper first aid reduces suffering
and makes the physician's task easier when he/she assumes the care of the patient. The
responsibilities of the first aider stop when the physician starts doing his/her duty.

Animal Bites

When bitten by an animal, most people want to know if they need a rabies shot. The main
wild animal carriers of rabies are bats, mice, foxes, etc. Pet dogs and cats that have been
vaccinated rarely have rabies. However, stray animals are often not vaccinated. Rabies is
quite rare, but is fatal if not treated. The treatment is no more painful than a typical
injection.

Bites that break the skin often cause bacterial infections. Cat and human bites are
particularly prone to infection. Tetanus can occur if shots are not up to date.
 Prevention

1. Vaccinate all pets against rabies.

2. Do not keep wild animals as pets.

3. Do not disturb animals while they are eating, even if they are your family pets.

4. Do not play with stray dogs and cats.

5. Do not touch wild animals or provoke them to attack.

6. Do not handle sick or injured animals.

 Home Treatment

1. Scrub the bite immediately with soap and water. Treat it as a puncture wound.

2. If you are bitten by a pet dog or cat, find out whether it has been vaccinated for rabies.

3. A healthy pet that has bitten someone should be confined and observed for 10 days to
see if it develops symptoms of rabies. Contact the local health department for proper
animal observation.. 4. If you are bitten by a wild animal, contact the health department to
determine whether a treatment is needed.

Burns

Burns are classified as first, second, or third degree depending on their depth, not on the
amount of pain or the extent of the burn.

A first-degree burn involves only the outer layer of skin. The skin is dry, painful, and
sensitive to touch. Example: A mild sunburn

A second-degree burn involves several layers of skin. The skin becomes swollen, puffy,
weepy, or blistered.

A third-degree burn involves all layers of skin and any underlying tissues or organs. The
skin is dry, pale, white or charred black, swollen, and sometimes it breaks open. Nerves are
destroyed or damaged, so there may be little pain except on the edge where there is a second-
degree burn.

 Prevention

1. Install smoke detectors in your home.

2. Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Have it inspected early.

3. Set your water heater at 120°F or lower to avoid burns.

4. Do not smoke in bed.

  If your clothing catches fire

1. Do not run, as it will fan the flames. Stop, drop, and roll on the ground to smother the
flames.

2. Smother the flames with a blanket, rug, or coat.

3. Use water to douse the fire and cool the skin.

 To avoid kitchen burns

1. Use a pot holder when handling hot kitchen cooking equipment or any container of
hot food.

2. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

3. Smother burning food or grease with lid or pot.

4. Supervise children closely.

Bumps and Bruises

Bumps and bruises are the most common types of injury, and in most cases they require
the least amount of first aid. Shocks come from common household items and outlets.

1. Bumps and bruises are types of damage that occur in the soft tissue under the skin.
There is no need to call for medical assistance when a person suffers a cut, scrape,
bump, or bruise if:

a. The injury is small (less than ½ inch around).

b. There is no bleeding, or only slight bleeding.

c. The victim does not feel the numbness or tingling.

d. The person is not suffering from any paralysis.

2. First aid for cuts and scrapes:

a. If the injured area has a skin scrape, wash it with mild soap and lukewarm water.

b. Apply antibacterial cream or spray to prevent infection.

c. Cover the wound with a sterile gauge pad and tape or a simple band-aid.

3. Steps for treating bruises:

 a. Immediately apply an ice pack on the bruise to reduce swelling.

b. If possible, elevate the bruised area so that it is higher than the heart to prevent blood
"pooling" in the affected area.

c. Seek prompt medical help if there is any swelling around the bruise. This can signal
danger to nerves, muscles, and bones.

Drowning

Death by drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death. Drowning doesn't
just happen in sea, lakes, and rivers, but it can also happen in a swimming pool or even in a
bath tub.

Drowning may be due to heart attack or stroke that causes unconsciousness. Head injury may
also be caused by diving into shallow water. Cramps that cause panic can lead to drowning.

 Water rescue

Rescue in a large body of water is not quite easy. It is possible when the rescuer
knows what he/she is doing.

1. If a lifeguard is nearby, let him/her do the rescuing. Otherwise, shout for help as
loud as you can.

2. Try to reach the injured person without leaving the shore. Use your arm, life
preserver, rope or rescue pole, or anything that can float.

3. Hold on to something on solid ground with your other hand to prevent yourself from
getting swept away by strong currents.

4. Locate a boat and find someone to assist you to reach the victim from the shore.

5. Even if you are good swimmer, always have a flotation device with you. You can
give this to the victim to hold on to as you swim back to the shore.

 Reviving someone who has drowned or swallowed water

Rescue is only half the job. Reviving a person who drowned or who had swallowed water
is the other important half when it comes to saving life. This involves performing mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation. Implement universal safety guidelines in applying these important first aid
emergency measures.

1. Turn the drowning person's head to the side, allowing any water to drain from his mouth and
nose. 2. Turn the head back to the center.

2. Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on land or in the water if the injured person needs
immediate life-and death measures. (See Lesson 9-B on pages 158-168.)
3. Strongly breathe four times into the mouth of the injured person as you pinch the nose. This
helps air to get past any water that is clogging the breathing passageways and the lungs.

4. After four strong breaths, put your ear near the mouth and watch the chest for any breathing
movement.

5. Check the pulse for signs of life.

6. Repeat the cycle.

7. Take the drowning victim to the hospital for further medical help.

 Dealing with electric shock

Electricity causes burns via the flow of electric voltage through the skin. But electric shock can
cause more than burns.

It can cause tissue damage, and extremely high voltages may even stop heartbeat.

1. Steps in handling emergencies involving electric shock

a. Don't waste time to switch off or remove plugs. Immediately switch off the master fuse
to turn off all the power. These are things you can do to help without injuring yourself.

b. Stand on a thick pile of newspapers or a rubber mat if the ground is wet. Wetness
makes you a conductor of electricity regardless of what you are standing on.

c. Try to push the injured off the live wire by using a wooden broom, mop, or pole. Your
hands must be dry.

2. Treating for electrical shock before help arrives

a. Because shock is more of a risk with electricity than other types of burn, check the
injured person's ABC (Airways, Breathing, and Circulation) and take the appropriate
measures. If the person is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation.

b. Apply small amount of anti-bacterial or burn ointment on the burned skin.

c. Keep the injured person on his/her back with his/her feet and legs elevated.

d. If the injured person is unconscious, gently turn him/her to the side, supporting the
head with a pillow. This will aid breathing and keep shock damage from increasing.

e. Gently cover the injured person with a blanket.

 Fainting

Fainting during the Victorian times was considered feminine and a sign of aristocratic good
breeding. Today, fainting is a signal that something is wrong inside the body. It can be a sign of
danger to the heart or brain, a panic attack, hyperventilation, malnutrition, or even pregnancy or
menopause.

1. Warning signs to faint

a. Sudden paleness of the face

b. Cold, clammy skin

c. Dizziness and nausea fingers and

d. Numbness or tingling in the

e. Sudden rapid or weak pulse

f. Feeling of panic

g. Blurred vision

2. Treatment

Step-by-step guide for maintaining medical safety when a person fainted:

a. Lay the person down on the floor on his back.

b. Practice your ABC of first aid. Make sure that the airways are clear; that the
person is breathing; and that blood is circulating (listen for heartbeats).

c. Loosen clothing if necessary, to make sure the victim is comfortable and able to
breathe clearly.

d. Open windows when inside a building to allow air to circulate.

e. Turn head to the side and wipe the mouth with a piece of cloth, if victim vomits.

f. Keep chin up to prevent the victim's tongue from obstructing the throat.

g. Wipe the victim's face with a damp cool piece of cloth.

h. If the victim remains unconscious, or conscious but groggy, disoriented, and

nauseated, it is best to call for medical help.

3. The least you need to know

a. Fainting in and of itself is not usually an emergency condition, but it is a signal of

an underlying problem, and it can create its own set of problems.

b. Be aware of fainting signs: clammy skin, dizziness, a pale face, and nausea.
c. Follow the 'five minutes' rule: If a person remains unconscious for more than five
minutes, get help.

d. Do not use smelling salts to revive someone.

e. Place the fainted person in a prone position; loosen his / h * e * i clothes and open
nearby windows.

f. Make sure the person's airways are clear; breathing is regular; and circulation is
normal.