Page 36 - Participant Manual

Other people at the scene may be able to provide useful information as well. They may have witnessed
what happened. If there are people at the scene who know the injured or ill person well (such as family
members or friends), they may also be able to provide information about the person’s medical history, if he
or she is not able to do so (for example, because of the effects of the injury or illness).

Checking from Head to Toe

Next, check the person from head to toe. Before beginning
the check, tell the person what you are going to do. Then
check the person in a methodical way. Check one part of
the body at a time, moving straight down the body from
head to toe, and then checking the arms.

As you check, take note of any medical identification tags,
such as a bracelet or sports band on the person’s wrist or
ankle, or a necklace around the person’s neck. Look and
gently feel for signs of injury, such as bleeding, cuts, burns,
bruising, swelling or deformities. Think of how the body
usually looks. If you are unsure if a body part or limb looks
injured, check it against the opposite limb or the other side
of the body. Watch the person’s face for expressions of
discomfort or pain as you check for injuries.

If you detect signs or symptoms of illness or injury:

■ Determine whether to call 9-1-1 or the designated
emergency number (see Chapter 1, Box 1-5).

■ Help the person rest in a comfortable position.
■ Reassure the person by telling him or her that you
will help and that EMS personnel have been called
(if appropriate).

■ Give care according to the conditions that you find and your level
of knowledge and training. THE PROS KNOW.
_______
■ Be alert to signs that the person’s condition is worsening, such as
changes in level of consciousness, changes in breathing, changes In a young or frightened child
in skin color or restlessness. These could be signs of shock, a life- who does not appear to have a
threatening condition (see Chapter 5). life-threatening illness or injury,
do the reverse—check from
If the person has no apparent signs or symptoms of injury or illness, have toe to head. Checking in this
him or her rest in a comfortable position. Continue to watch for changes order gives the child a chance
in the person’s condition. When the person feels ready, help him or her to get used to the process and
to stand up. Determine what additional care is needed and whether to allows him or her to see what
call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number. is going on.

Checking a Person Who Appears to Be © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.

Unresponsive

If you think an injured or ill person is unresponsive, shout to get the person’s attention, using the person’s name if
you know it. If there is no response, tap the person’s shoulder (if the person is an adult or child) or the bottom of the
person’s foot (if the person is an infant), and shout again while checking for normal breathing. (Isolated or infrequent
gasping is not normal breathing.) Check for responsiveness and breathing for no more than 5 to 10 seconds.

Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 28 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 29 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual