FIRST AID MANUAL

AQAG-- Movement for a New Socety
1C06 Scuth 46th Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19143

Prepared by
Phyllis B. Taylor, R.N.

-46PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN MASS DISORDER
1.

Triage - Initial examination and selection of patients,
and the determination of how to handle them.
a. Highest priority
1. Airway and breathing difficulties.
2. Cardiac arrest.
3. Uncontrolled or suspected severe bleeding.
4. Severe head injuries.
5. Severe medical problems - poisonings, diabetic
complications, cardiacs.
6. Open chest or abdominal wounds.
7. Severe shock.
b. Second priority
1. Burns.
2. Major multiple fractures.
3. Back injuries with or without spinal cord damage.
c. Lowest priority
1. Fractures or other injuries of a minor nature.
2. Obviously mortal wounds where death seems reasonably certain.
3. Those already dead.

2.

Gasings
a. CN gas - "Tear gas" - causes eye irritation and coldlike symptoms, such as tearing, sensitivity to light,
conjunctivitis, running nose.
b. CS gas - "Fepper or Blister gas" - causes more irritation to skin, including second degree burns, sensitivity to light, vomiting, irregular breathing
patterns which will go away in a few seconds, but can
cause panic and, in asthmatics, can trigger an attack
and headache.
c. Mace - made up of CN gas, Kerosene, and other agents.
It can cause corneal lacerations and contact dermatitis, a type of skin irritation. Use soap and water
to remove it.
d. Treatment
1. Remove the patients from the gas. - Reassure the
patient. - Try to prevent running since this will
increase the amount of gas breathed in.
2. Wash the eyes with copious amounts of water. The
water will make the skin burn temporarily, but
will make the eyes feel better after the water
drains. Since CN gas (and to some extent CS gas)
can cause corneal ulceration, have the patient
seen by an eye doctor if you suspect eye injury
or there is prolonged conjunctivitis ("pink eye").

-473. Be aware that gasings can trigger asthmatic attacks. Reassure the patient that the temporary
chocking sensations will go away.
4. Look for and treat burns if CS has been used.
5. Be aware that wounds that have been grossly contaminated with CN gas can cause nerve damage in
2-3 weeks. These wounds should be treated with
very thorough cleaning and should not be closed
up by suturing.
3.

Dog Bites
a. Animal bites carry germs from the animal's mouth to the
victim's skin and tissues. Thus, infection is possible.
In some cases tetanus and rabies are added dangers.
b. Treatment consists of washing the wound thoroughly to
remove saliva. Wash with antibacterial soap and clean
running water. Apply a sterile dressing and check the
patient's medical records to decide if a tetanus shot
needs to be given.

4.

Human Bites carry many germs. If it is not cleaned thoroughly and treated, a bad infection can result. Check on
the tetanus protection of the patient.