CERT Notes

                                                                     Class Four=Medical Operations (Continued)

Cert Goal: DO THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER

   Public Health Concerns

         Proper hygiene is absolutely a priority  (Sterilizing solution 1 part bleach to 10 parts water)

                     Wash hands often (soap/water or at a minimum a hand gel sanitizer)

                     Wear Gloves

                     Wear mask (N95 recommended)

                     Wear goggles or safety glasses

                     Keep Bandages sterile

                     Avoid Body fluids

                     Use plastic bags for Medical Waste

Have a plan and practice often

      Triage

 Establish safe area for treatment (close to transportation and able to grow)

Conduct head to toe assessment (should take I minute or so) Look, Listen, Feel

                     Be verbal and use hands on approach

                     Have partner take notes

                     Begin with head and move towards feet

   Treatment

First rule: Keep yourself safe (Wear gloves, boots, etc.)

                        Determine extent of injury

Stabilize any injuries with compression (bleeding) or splint (fracture)

                        Document all actions

      Transport

                        When possible, transport patients to hospital

      Morgue

                     Set up area, out of the way, for morgue

At the class, we spent much time on immediate First Aid which is too comprehensive to detail here. All of us             should have rudimentary knowledge of First Aid to help victims.  Also First Aid kits for the home, office and your car(s) are an absolute necessity.

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