7.PCH.4

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

7.PCH.4.1 Deconstruct how the interaction of individual behaviors, the environment, and other factors cause or prevent injuries.
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults. Intentional injuries (violence and suicide) are the second and third leading causes of death for these age groups. These health issues also compromise the quality of life for those who survive. Often injuries are influenced by the behavior of the individual and the environment in which he or she lives.

Examples of individual behavior increasing risks would be failing to wear a helmet when riding a bike or taking a dare to dive into a lake. An individual would reduce risks of injury by wearing a seatbelt or taking medicine only with adult supervision. Environmental factors can include the weather (not wearing gloves in extremely cold temperatures) or being in the home of a classmate whose parent has a weapon. It is important for a young person to remember that many health problems and injuries can be prevented.
 * The student will provide examples of behavioral and environmental factors that can prevent or increase injuries.
 * The student will avoid risk-taking behaviors and unsafe environments.
 * The student will practice injury prevention and protect self and others from injury.

7.PCH.4.2 Demonstrate techniques for basic first aid and procedures for treating injuries and other emergencies.
First aid procedures are simply actions one can take for the victim before medical help arrives.
 * The student will be able to assess common injuries by recognizing symptoms.
 * The student will apply the proper first aid for common injuries, including bleeding, poisoning, burns, knocked out tooth, shock and fainting, and injuries to bones, muscles, nosebleeds, and joints.
 * The student will demonstrate the appropriate methods for calling for help in an emergency situation.

Basic Precautions about Providing First Aid:
 * It is vital to check out the scene and make sure it is safe to provide first aid. Otherwise, the first aider may become another victim.
 * Turn off any electrical power if someone has been electrically shocked, and look for other hazards, such as downed power lines, smoke, or dangerous swimming conditions in a near-drowning emergency.
 * Coming into contact with another person's blood or other bodily fluid may increase risk of infectious disease. Research shows the actual risk of disease transmission from providing first aid is very small. Wear disposable gloves if available. If gloves are not available, create a barrier with a plastic bag or clean cloth.
 * Wash hands thoroughly after providing first aid.
 * Never move a victim unless there is no other choice. Be especially cautious if you suspect a head, neck, or back injury is suspected.

Bleeding:

With all types of bleeding, it's important to stop the flow of blood as quickly as possible.

Small cuts: Small cuts in the veins stop bleeding and clot within a few minutes. The area should then be washed, and a bandage or gauze placed gently on top. Deeper cuts: Deeper cuts in the veins produce dark blood that seeps out slowly and steadily. It can be stopped by gentle pressure on the wound with a sterile or clean cloth, followed by the application of a clean or sterile bandage. Often, these wounds require stitches, and therefore medical treatment will be necessary after providing first aid. Arterial bleeding: Bleeding from an artery can cause death within a few minutes, so urgent first aid is essential. This type of bleeding pulsates and squirts blood as the pulse beats. The blood is often a bright red color. To stop bleeding from an artery: Apply hard pressure on the wound and continue until patient receives medical treatment. Press with a sterile cloth or use your hand (but always with a barrier). Put a bandage on the wound if possible. If the blood soaks through the bandages, press harder until the bleeding stops. Do not remove the soaked bandages, but place another on top if necessary. Do not attempt to clean the wound. The person must be made to lie down, preferably with head lower than rest of the body. This will ensure that enough oxygen gets to the brain. If possible, position the wounded area higher than the rest of the body so that the pressure, and therefore the bleeding, will be reduced. Burns:

There are many different types of burns. They can be thermal burns, chemical burns, electrical burns or contact burns. Each of the burns can occur in a different way, but treatment for them is very similar. For thermal, chemical or contact burns, the first step is to run cold water over the burn until the heat is out of the burn. If the burn is small enough, keep it completely under water. Flushing the burn takes priority over calling for help. Flush the burn FIRST. If the victim's clothing is stuck to the burn, don't try to remove it. Remove clothing that is not stuck to the burn by cutting or tearing it. Cover the burn with a clean, cotton material. If the first aider does not have clean, cotton material, do not cover the burn with anything. Do not scrub the burn and do not apply any soap, ointment, or home remedies. Don't offer the burn victim anything to drink or eat, but keep victim covered with a blanket to maintain a normal body temperature until medical help arrives. Injuries to muscles, bone, or joints:
 * Always suspect a serious injury when any of the following signals are present:
 * Significant deformity
 * Bruising and swelling
 * It’s painful to bear weight on the injured area or to move it
 * Bone fragments sticking out of a wound
 * Person feels bones grating; person felt or heard a snap or pop at the time of injury
 * Cause of the injury suggests that the injury may be severe

What to do: Remove clothing from the injured part.
 * Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth.
 * Place a splint on the injured part by:
 * keeping the injured limb in the position you find it
 * placing soft padding around the injured part
 * placing something firm (like a board or rolled-up newspapers), next to the injured part, making sure it’s long enough to go past the joints above and below the injury
 * keeping the splint in place with first aid tape
 * Splint only if the person must be moved or transported by someone other than emergency medical personnel
 * Splint only if able to do so without causing more pain.
 * Check for circulation (feeling, warmth, and color) before and after splinting.
 * Seek medical care, and do not allow victim to eat in case surgery is needed.

Do not move victim, and call for emergency care if:
 * The victim may have seriously injured the head, neck, or back.
 * A broken bone comes through the skin (apply constant pressure with a clean gauze pad or thick cloth, and keep the victim lying down until help arrives; do not wash the wound or push in any part of the bone that is sticking out).

Knocked-out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. Baby teeth do not need to be put back in, but quickly putting a permanent tooth back in its socket is key to preserving the tooth. Every minute a tooth is out of its socket means the less chance that it will survive. A tooth has its best chance of survival if replaced within 30 minutes.
 * Find the knocked-out permanent tooth. If not sure if it’s a baby or permanent tooth (a baby tooth has a smooth edge), call a dentist or a doctor or emergency room immediately.
 * Handle the tooth only by its crown (the part normally exposed), never by the root.
 * Gently rinse (don’t scrub) the tooth immediately with saline solution or milk. (Tap water should only be used as a last resort; it contains chlorine, which may damage the root.)
 * Keep the tooth from drying out until seen by a dentist by:
 * Inserting tooth back into its socket if person is old enough to hold it in place
 * Storing the tooth in milk (not water), or
 * Placing the tooth between cheek and lower gum
 * See dentist or go to local emergency room right away.

Nosebleeds: Nosebleeds occur when one of the small blood vessels in the mucous membranes of the nose bursts. Do not bend the head backwards or lie down, because this increases blood pressure in the head and so increases the bleeding. Blood may also run into the stomach.

To limit the bleeding:
 * pinch the nostrils shut with the index and middle finger for 10 minutes, taking care not to come into direct contact with the blood. This way, the vein is pressed together, which is often enough to stem the flow.
 * while the nostrils are shut, the person must breathe through the mouth.
 * if the bleeding continues beyond 10 minutes, it is important to contact a doctor.

Poisoning or Overdose:
 * After checking area first for your safety, remove the victim and take to fresh air.
 * Provide treatment appropriate to the form of the poisoning. If the poison is in solid form, such as pills, remove it from the victim's mouth using a clean cloth wrapped around your finger. Don't try this with infants because it could force the poison further down their throat.
 * If the poison is corrosive to the skin, remove the clothing from the affected area and flush with water for at least 15 minutes.
 * Take the poison container or label with you when you call for medical help because you will need to be able to answer questions about the poison.
 * Try to stay calm and follow the instructions you are given. If the poison is in contact with the eyes, flush the victim's eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes with clean water.
 * National Poison Control Center (800-222-1222)

Shock and fainting:

Shock and fainting occur when only a small amount of blood circulates to the brain. This means that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen, which leads to a feeling of faintness, disorientation and dizziness. Shock may also occur:
 * after an accident involving loss of blood
 * after a serious infection with loss of fluids
 * after a serious burn
 * after other accidents that cause loss of fluids or blood.
 * When the flow of blood in the body is too slow, the blood pressure drops and too little oxygen is circulated through the body. When this occurs a person will:
 * go pale
 * turn sweaty, clammy and cold
 * become dizzy
 * have a weak, fast pulse
 * have low blood pressure
 * have slow, weak breathing
 * lose consciousness
 * become anxious or restless

What to do if someone is in shock or has fainted:
 * The person must lie on his/her back - preferably with feet raised - to ensure enough blood gets to the brain.
 * Make sure the person is warm, comfortable and covered by a blanket if necessary to maintain normal body temperature.
 * Do not give victim anything to eat or drink due to the risk of choking. Food/drink will also impair advanced medical care, such as surgery, if required.
 * If the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth, he/she must be placed on his or her side to prevent choking.
 * Call for an ambulance. A person in shock must always be treated by a doctor. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

Sprains and Strains: Common causes for sprains and strains are falls, twisting a limb, sports injuries and over-exertion. A sprain results from overstretching or tearing a ligament (fibrous tissue that connects bones), a tendon (tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone) or a muscle. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or overexerted. Both sprains and strains result in pain and swelling.

General care for these types of injuries include following RICE:
 * Rest – do not move or straighten the injured area.
 * Immobilize – Stabilize the injured area in the position it was found. Splint the injured part only if the person must be moved and it does not cause more pain.
 * Cold – Fill a plastic bag or wrap ice with a damp cloth and apply ice to the injured area for periods of 20 minutes. If continued icing is needed, remove the pack for 20 minutes, and then replace it. Place a thin barrier between the ice and bare skin.
 * Elevate – Do NOT elevate the injured part if it causes more pain.

7.PCH.4.3 Design plans that reduce the risk of fire-related injuries at home, in school, and in the community at large.
To be effective in preventing fire-related injuries, a person must know how fires are started. There are several causes of fires in the home, most of which are related to carelessness. The most likely causes are smoking, cooking, improper storage of flammable products, electricity, and gas leaks.

The following are general guidelines for preventing home fires: keep stovetops clean and flammable materials away from them and remind others to dispose of cigarette safely and never smoke in bed. Never play with matches, lighters, or candles. Do not overload electrical sockets or use appliances with frayed wiring. Always tell an adult if a dangerous situation is noticed. Equipment that is helpful to have in the home are smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

In case of fire there are safety precautions to take to prevent injury or death. These include: exit the building quickly, feel a door before opening it, crawl along the floor of a room filled with smoke, use the Stop/Drop/Roll method of extinguishing clothing on fire, and (once outside) meet at the prearranged location and call 911.
 * The student will be able to identify flammable products.
 * The student will be able to recognize situations in the home that might cause there to be a fire.
 * The student will demonstrate what to do to escape a fire in his or her home.

7.PCH.4.4 Create a plan to reduce the risk of water-related injuries.
For people between the ages of five and twenty-four, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. Most water-related accidents could be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines. Common causes of drowning include: not knowing how to swim, not wearing a life jacket, lack of supervision, diving in shallow water, current, going beyond swimming ability, getting tired, horseplay/dares, accidentally falling in, leg cramps, and the use of alcohol or other drugs. Diving:

Be careful about diving. Teens are more likely than any other age group to suffer diving injuries, many of which can result in permanent spinal cord damage or death. Only dive in areas that are known to be safe for diving, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. If an area is posted with "No Diving" or "No Swimming" signs, pay attention to them. If there is a "No Diving" sign, that means the water isn't safe for a headfirst entry. Check the water's depth before jumping to make sure there are no hidden rocks or other hazards. Lakes or rivers can be cloudy and hazards can be hard to see.

Personal watercraft (Jet Skis)
 * Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any water sport or boating activity.
 * Know local laws and regulations. Some states have special laws governing the use of personal water craft (PWC) which address operations, registration and licensing requirements, education, required safety equipment and minimum ages.
 * Operate PWC with courtesy and common sense. Follow the traffic pattern of the waterway. Obey no-wake and speed zones.
 * Use extreme caution around swimmers and surfers. Run your PWC at a slow speed until the craft is away from shore, swimming areas, and docks. Avoid passing close to other boats and jumping wakes. This behavior is dangerous and often illegal.
 * Coast Guard-approved life jackets should be worn by the operator of the PWC as well as any riders.
 * Ride with a buddy. PWCs should always travel in groups of two or three.
 * Alcohol and operating a PWC doesn’t mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile, people should not operate a boat or PWC while drinking alcohol.

Boating safety

More people die in boating accidents every year than in airplane crashes or train wrecks, but a little common sense can make boating both enjoyable and safe. Make sure the captain or person handling the boat is experienced and competent.

Alcohol and water still don't mix. One third of boating deaths are alcohol-related. Alcohol distorts a person's judgment no matter where they are — but that distortion is even greater on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard warns people about a condition called boater's fatigue, which means that the wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to tire out the person boating. Because there are no road signs or lane markers on the water and the weather can be unpredictable, it's important to be able to think quickly and react well under pressure. Personal floatation devices (PFDs)

It is always a good idea for everyone on the boat to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, whether the boat is a large speedboat or a canoe — and whether a good swimmer or not. Wearing a life jacket (also known as a personal flotation device, or PFD) is the law in some states for certain age groups, and one could face a stiff penalty for breaking it. State regulations may also require wearing an approved life jacket for water skiing and other on-water activities. Wearing a PFD is like wearing a helmet while biking. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, but it definitely can be a lifesaver. Don't leave land without it. Ocean and River Currents

Swim in safe areas only. It's a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, riptides, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. Swimmers need more energy to handle the currents and other conditions in the open water.

A person who is caught in a current should not panic or fight the current. They should swim with the current, gradually trying to make their way back to shore. Even a very good swimmer who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If a person is going to be swimming in an open body of water, it's a great idea to take swimming lessons that provide tips on handling unexpected hazards. Some areas with extremely strong currents are off limits when it comes to swimming. Know where not to swim. Cold Exposure and Hypothermia

Avoid getting too cool. It is possible for a person to get too cool. Staying in very cool water for long periods can lower body temperature. A temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) is positively balmy on land, but water below 70° Fahrenheit will feel cold to most swimmers? Body temperature drops far more quickly in water than it does on land. A person who is swimming is using energy and losing body heat even faster than keeping still. The swimmer should monitor his condition when swimming in cold water and stay close to shore. If the body starts to shiver or muscles cramp up, get out of the water quickly; it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in.
 * The student will be able to assess risks for water-related injuries.
 * The student will be able to explain water safety and boating rules.
 * The student will demonstrate safety consciousness and safe behavior when in or near water.