CERT Notes

                                                                     Class Three=Medical Operations

Cert Goal: DO THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER

   Community should know the basics of First Aid because in a large disaster the Fire Department “ain’t” coming

   Don’t let Rescuer become a victim.

   Know your limits

   Size up situation

   Make a plan

   3 common killers in emergency disaster

            Closed airway:    Use Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift to open airway

            Bleeding:             ALWAYS wear Rubber gloves and face mask, if possible

       Control by Direct pressure over wound, Elevation of feet (above heart level or wound),

       Pressure point (usually over pulse area, Brachial, Femoral)

       As last resort: Use tourniquet (This can be dangerous causing loss of limb)

            Shock: Inadequate perfusion of blood

                                         Signs:

                                             Rapid breathing (over 30 breaths/minute)

                                             Rapid Pulse

                                             Confusion

                                             Pale moist skin

                                             Diminished Capillary perfusion

 Use “Blanch test”. Squeeze fingernail turning it white, it should return to normal in            

                                                          Two seconds

   TRIAGE (from French; To Sort)

         Why Triage: More victims than rescuers

                              Limited resources

                              Time is critical

         Use S.T.A.R.T. technique Simple Triage And Rapid Transport

         Evaluate and sort patients into three categories:

                     Immediate (I) aid needed: Life saving treatment is needed immediately

                     Delayed (D):  Injuries do not jeopardize victim’s life

                     Minor (M): minor injuries

                     Dead (D)

Use RPM method to evaluate and tag with Triage tags or writing on shipping tags or colored tape:

         R=  Respiration (Over 30 breaths/minute), IMMEDIATE

         P=  Perfusion (over two second to perfuse nail bed), IMMEDIATE

         M= Mental status (confusion, inability to follow commands).

        Pitfalls

            Inadequate Size up of situation

            No Plan

            No Leadership

            Too much focus on one injured person

            Treatment rather than triage

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH AND BE PREPARED.  YOU MAY SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE, THE LIVES OF LOVED      ONES AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

Prepared and edited by Lynn Lustig and Bruce Remick