First Aid Basics Slides
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Nevada Allied Health Curriculum
First Aid Basics
Professional Protocols & Terminology
A clinical and practical walkthrough of 25 core emergency medical terms, standard warning signs, and legal protocols in Nevada.
Professional Responder Slideshow
Page 1 of 25
Nevada State Regulations
Legal Duty & Good Samaritan Protections
STATE LAW
Nevada Revised Statute 41.500
Nevada's Good Samaritan Law provides vital legal protection for any person who renders emergency care in good faith and without gross negligence at the scene of an emergency.
This statute is designed to encourage bystanders to offer immediate help, including CPR and AED deployment, without fear of liability.
Key Legal Elements for Responders:
- Consent: Always ask a conscious victim for permission before administering care. If unconscious, consent is legally implied.
- Scope of Training: Provide care only within your level of certification. Do not exceed your training.
- Abandonment: Once care is initiated, you must continue until a trained medical professional arrives to take over.
Focus: NRS 41.500 Guidelines Page 2 of 25
SECTION 01
First-Priority Protocols
Life-Threatening Crises
Category 1: Life-Threatening Emergencies
These conditions lead to rapid tissue hypoxia or circulatory collapse. Standard Nevada protocols require calling 911 immediately and starting intervention without delay.
First Aid & emergency procedures
Page 3 of 25
Category 1 / Cardiac Care
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
Known as CPR, this is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped, involving chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Warning Signs:
- Patient is completely unresponsive to touch or shouting
- No pulse or no normal breathing (only gasping)
Nevada Standard Actions:
- Call 911 immediately (activate dispatcher-assisted CPR)
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100–120 compressions per minute at 2 inches depth)
Protocol: AHA/ILCOR Standards Page 4 of 25
Category 1 / Cardiac Care
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
Known as an AED device, this is a portable device used to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
Critical Warning:
- Only use when the patient is in sudden cardiac arrest
- Ensure the surrounding ground and patient's chest are dry
Immediate Actions:
- Power on the unit and apply pads to the bare chest
- Clear the patient during heart rhythm analysis and shock
Protocol: AED Safety Guidelines Page 5 of 25
Category 1 / Airway
Choking (Conscious Patient)
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A life-threatening emergency caused by a foreign object blocking the airway.
Warning Signs:
- Inability to speak, cry, cough, or breathe
- Universal sign: hands clutched around the neck
Immediate Actions:
- Confirm choking by asking "Are you choking?"
- Deliver 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts
Protocol: Abdominal Thrust Standard Page 6 of 25
Category 1 / Airway
Airway Obstruction (Unconscious/Physical)
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A blockage in the airway that can prevent breathing, caused by objects or fluids blocking the throat or windpipe.
Warning Signs:
- Snoring, gurgling, or high-pitched wheezing sounds
- Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis)
Immediate Actions:
- Perform Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift maneuver to open airway
- Look in mouth; perform finger sweep ONLY if object is visible
Protocol: Mechanical Airway Management Page 7 of 25
Category 1 / Asphyxiation
Drowning & Fluid Inhalation
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A condition in which a person's lungs become filled with water or other fluid, preventing them from breathing.
Warning Signs:
- Active struggle or passive submersion underwater
- Gasping, coughing, or complete lack of respiratory effort
Immediate Actions:
- Remove from water without endangering yourself
- Deliver 5 rescue breaths first, then proceed with CPR
Protocol: Submersion Intervention Page 8 of 25
Category 1 / Severe Allergies
Anaphylaxis
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A severe allergic reaction, which can cause swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Warning Signs:
- Difficulty swallowing, swelling of tongue or face
- Widespread hives, itching, or dizzy feeling
Immediate Actions:
- Inject Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen) into outer thigh
- Call 911 immediately even if symptoms temporarily subside
Protocol: Allergenic Response Pathway Page 9 of 25
Category 1 / Circulatory Failure
Shock
CRITICAL
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A medical emergency caused by a sudden drop in blood flow, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs.
Warning Signs:
- Rapid, shallow breathing and rapid pulse rate
- Pale, cool, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety
Immediate Actions:
- Lay patient flat and elevate legs 8–12 inches (if no spine trauma)
- Keep the patient warm with blankets; do NOT give food or drink
Protocol: Perfusion Restoration Page 10 of 25
SECTION 02
Secondary-Priority Assessment
Neurological & Systemic Care
Category 2: Sudden Medical Illnesses
Acute conditions arising from transient physiological disruptions. These require calm supportive care to keep the patient safe until they fully recover or EMS takes over.
First Aid & emergency procedures
Page 11 of 25
Category 2 / Neurological
Seizures
SUPPORTIVE
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness.
Warning Signs:
- Muscle spasms, full-body shaking, or staring into space
- Loss of consciousness or falling to the ground
Immediate Actions:
- Protect head; clear nearby objects; do NOT hold down
- Roll patient onto their side in recovery position once spasms stop
Protocol: Neurological Stabilization Page 12 of 25
Category 2 / Neurological
Fainting (Syncope)
SUPPORTIVE
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
A sudden loss of consciousness, often caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain.
Warning Signs:
- Sudden lightheadedness, dizziness, or blurred vision
- Pale skin and sweating directly before falling
Immediate Actions:
- Lay patient flat and elevate legs 8–12 inches
- Loosen tight collars or belts; provide cool air
Protocol: Transient Hypoperfusion Care Page 13 of 25
Category 2 / Endocrine
Hypoglycemia (Diabetic Crisis)
SUPPORTIVE
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
Low blood sugar, which can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms.
Warning Signs:
- Shakiness, sweating, irritability, or extreme hunger
- Slurred speech and progressive mental confusion
Immediate Actions:
- Administer 15–20g of rapid-acting sugar (if patient can swallow)
- Wait 15 minutes, check blood glucose, repeat if necessary
Protocol: 15-15 Rule For Diabetes Page 14 of 25
Category 2 / Supportive Care
First Aid & Psychological Support
SUPPORTIVE
First Aid Overview
Definition: The immediate care given to a person who has been injured or has suddenly become ill before professional medical help arrives.
Key Principles:
Evaluate scene safety, triage injuries, and act fast.
Psychological First Aid
Definition: Techniques for providing emotional and psychological support to people who have experienced trauma or distress.
Key Response Steps:
Speak calmly, listen patiently, validate emotions, and protect dignity.
Protocol: Crisis Intervention Methods Page 15 of 25
SECTION 03
Traumatic Response
Musculoskeletal & Integumentary Stabilization
Category 3: Traumatic Injuries
Mechanical damage to skeletal frameworks, joints, connective ligaments, or vascular networks. Action must focus on controlling bleeding, splinting joints, and ensuring sterility.
First Aid & emergency procedures
Page 16 of 25
Category 3 / Vascular Trauma
Severe Bleeding & Hemorrhage Control
TRAUMA
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
Loss of blood from a wound, which can be internal or external.
Warning Signs:
- Spurting bright red blood (arterial) or steady dark pooling (venous)
- Cold, clammy skin or lethargy (early signs of blood loss shock)
Nevada "Stop the Bleed" Protocol:
- Apply firm, continuous direct pressure with sterile gauze
- Apply a medical tourniquet high & tight above the limb injury
Protocol: Stop the Bleed National Initiative Page 17 of 25
Category 3 / Skin Care
Wound Care & Cleanliness
TRAUMA
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
The proper cleaning and dressing of wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
Signs of Infection:
- Increasing redness, warmth, throbbing pain around wound
- Pus drainage or red streaks spreading towards the body core
Immediate Actions:
- Wash wound under clean, running tap water for 5 minutes
- Apply thin layer of sterile ointment and cover with sterile bandage
Protocol: Sterile Wound Dressings Page 18 of 25
Category 3 / Integumentary
Burns
TRAUMA
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
Injuries caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation, which can cause damage to the skin, tissue, or organs.
Warning Signs:
- Blistering of the skin, severe redness, swelling, or extreme pain
- Leathery, charred, white, or completely painless skin patches
Immediate Actions:
- Flush immediately with cool, clean running water for 10 minutes
- Cover the area loosely with dry, sterile, non-stick dressing
Protocol: Thermal Injury Classification Page 19 of 25
Category 3 / Skeletal Trauma
Fractures & Dislocations
TRAUMA
Fractures
Definition: Broken bones, caused by sudden trauma or repetitive stress on the bone.
Action Protocol:
Splint the limb in the position found. Assess blood flow below injury.
Dislocations
Definition: Injuries in which a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint.
Action Protocol:
Immobilize joint. Do NOT push bone back in. Apply cold packs.
Protocol: Musculoskeletal Stabilization Page 20 of 25
Category 3 / Connective Trauma
Sprains & Strains
TRAUMA
Worksheet Vocabulary Definition:
Injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains), caused by sudden twisting or stretching.
Warning Signs:
- Joint pain, swelling, rapid bruising, or stiffness
- Inability to bear physical weight on the affected limb
Immediate Actions (R.I.C.E.):
- Rest & Ice (20 mins at a time)
- Compress with wrap & Elevate above heart
Protocol: R.I.C.E. Supportive Standard Page 21 of 25
Category 3 / Central Nervous System
Neurological Structure Trauma
CRITICAL
Spinal Injuries
Definition: Trauma to the spine, which can cause damage to the spinal cord and potentially lead to paralysis.
Nevada Protocol:
Do NOT move the patient. Maintain head-neck alignment. Call 911 immediately.
Head Injuries
Definition: Trauma to the head, which can range from mild concussion to severe brain injury.
Nevada Protocol:
Monitor consciousness level. Watch for vomiting or speech slurring. Keep patient calm.
Protocol: Spine & Skull Protection Page 22 of 25
SECTION 04
Environmental Hazards
Thermal, Toxicology & Biological Threats
Category 4: Environmental & Toxic Risks
First aid protocols for conditions induced by surrounding physical factors, plant toxins, animal stings, or poisonous chemicals. Prompt actions counter systemic poisoning and exposure.
First Aid & emergency procedures
Page 23 of 25
Category 4 / Exposure
Extreme Heat & Cold Injuries
ENVIRONMENTAL
Heat Exhaustion & Heatstroke
Definition: Heat-related illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and/or physical exertion in hot environments.
Immediate Actions:
Move to shade. Cool immediately with ice or water. Hydrate alert patients.
Frostbite & Hypothermia
Definition: Cold-related injuries caused by exposure to low temperatures, which can damage the skin and tissues and cause dangerous drops in body temperature.
Immediate Actions:
Move to warmth. Remove wet garments. Warm core slowly. Do not rub skin.
Protocol: Exposure Countermeasures Page 24 of 25
Category 4 / Toxicology
Poisoning, Plant Oils, & Organisms
TOXICOLOGY
Poisoning
Ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with harmful substances that can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the toxin.
Nevada Protocol:
• Call Poison Control immediately
• Identify exact toxin details
Urushiol
An oily chemical compound in plants such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac that can cause mild to severe rashes and itching when touched.
Immediate Care:
• Scrub skin with degreasing soap
• Wash all exposed fabric
Bites & Stings
Injuries caused by animals, insects, or other organisms, which can cause pain, swelling, and potential infection.
Immediate Care:
• Scrap stinger away with flat card
• Apply ice & monitor for swelling
Protocol: Chemical & Toxin Decontamination Page 25 of 25
First Aid Basics Worksheet
First Aid Basics
Student Practice Sheet
Page 1 of 4
Name:
Date:
Class:
Part 1: Life-Threatening & Sudden Illness Matching
Write the letter of the correct vocabulary term from the right column next to its corresponding definition on the left.
Definitions
1. ____
Known as CPR, this is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped, involving chest compressions and rescue breaths.
2. ____
Known as an AED device, this is a portable device used to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
3. ____
A life-threatening emergency caused by a foreign object blocking the airway.
4. ____
A blockage in the airway that can prevent breathing, caused by objects or fluids blocking the throat or windpipe.
5. ____
A condition in which a person's lungs become filled with water or other fluid, preventing them from breathing.
6. ____
A severe allergic reaction, which can cause swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
7. ____
A medical emergency caused by a sudden drop in blood flow, leading to inadequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs.
Vocabulary Terms
A. Airway Obstruction
B. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
C. Drowning
D. Automated External Defibrillator
E. Anaphylaxis
F. Choking
G. Shock
Nevada Revised Statute 41.500 Compliant Curriculum Turn page for Part 2
First Aid Basics
Student Practice Sheet
Page 2 of 4
Part 2: Sudden Medical Illnesses & Skin Traumas
Write the letter of the correct vocabulary term from the right column next to its corresponding definition on the left.
Definitions
8. ____
A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, or consciousness.
9. ____
A sudden loss of consciousness, often caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain.
10. ____
Low blood sugar, which can cause weakness, dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms.
11. ____
First Aid Guided Notes
First Aid Guided Notes
Presentation Companion Packet
Page 1 of 3
Name:
Date:
Class:
Section 1: Nevada Legal Framework & Good Samaritan Protections
1. Good Samaritan Law (NRS 41.500): Provides vital legal protection for any person who renders emergency care in _______________ and without gross negligence.
2. To stay protected under NRS 41.500, a responder must ask for _______________ before assisting a conscious patient, stay within their scope of _______________, and never _______________ a patient after initiating care.
Section 2: Category 1 — Life-Threatening Emergencies (Slides 3-10)
3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):
A lifesaving technique used when a person's _______________ or heartbeat has stopped, involving chest _______________ and rescue breaths.
Nevada standard rate: _______________ compressions per minute.
4. Automated External Defibrillator (AED):
A portable device used to restore _______________ in cases of cardiac arrest.
5. Choking:
A life-threatening emergency caused by a _______________ blocking the airway.
Universal sign for choking is: _______________
6. Airway Obstruction:
A blockage in the airway caused by objects or _______________ blocking the throat or windpipe.
7. Drowning:
A condition in which a person's lungs become filled with _______________, preventing breathing.
8. Anaphylaxis:
A severe _______________ reaction, causing swelling of the throat and breathing difficulty.
9. Shock:
An emergency caused by a sudden drop in _______________, leading to inadequate oxygen supply.
Nevada Allied Health Curriculum - Student Notes Turn page for Page 2
First Aid Guided Notes
Presentation Companion Packet
Page 2 of 3
Section 3: Category 2 — Sudden Medical Illnesses (Slides 11-15)
10. Seizures:
A sudden, uncontrolled _______________ disturbance in the brain, causing alterations in behavior, movement, or consciousness.
11. Fainting:
A sudden loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of _______________ to the brain.
12. Hypoglycemia:
Low _______________ sugar, causing weakness, dizziness, and confusion.
13. First Aid (General Definition):
The immediate care given to an injured or suddenly ill person _______________ professional medical help arrives.
14. Psychological First Aid:
First Aid Scenarios Worksheet
First Aid Scenarios
20 Emergency Action Plans
Page 1 of 10
Name:
Date:
Class:
Instructions
Read each clinical scenario carefully. Write a detailed, step-by-step responder action plan explaining exactly how you would manage the situation, keep yourself safe, and apply standard Nevada first aid protocols.
Scenario 1: Sudden Cardiac Arrest
A customer suddenly collapses on the floor of a restaurant. They are unresponsive, pale, and not breathing normally. No pulse is felt.
Your Step-by-Step Response:
Scenario 2: Severe Choking
An elderly man at dinner suddenly clutches his throat with both hands. He is unable to make any sounds, cough, or breathe.
Your Step-by-Step Response:
Triage carefully & ensure scene safety Page 1 of 10
First Aid Scenarios
20 Emergency Action Plans
Page 2 of 10
Scenario 3: Arterial Bleeding
An automotive student cuts their thigh on a power saw. Bright red blood is actively spurting from a deep wound.
Your Step-by-Step Response (Include "Stop the Bleed" Protocol):
Scenario 4: Anaphylaxis
A child is stung by a wasp. Within minutes, their lips are swelling, their throat feels tight, and they are struggling to inhale.
Your Step-by-Step Response (Include Auto-Injector Protocols):
Act immediately under critical protocols Page 2 of 10
First Aid Scenarios
20 Emergency Action Plans
Page 3 of 10
Scenario 5: Post-Trauma Shock
A bicyclist was struck by a car. Although no major external bleeding is seen, they are pale, shivering, confused, and breathing rapidly.
Your Step-by-Step Response:
Scenario 6: Freshwater Drowning
A toddler is pulled from a backyard swimming pool. They are unconscious, limp, and water is draining from their mouth.
Your Step-by-Step Response:
Assess consciousness and breathing continuously Page 3 of 10
First Aid Scenarios
20 Emergency Action Plans
Page 4 of 10
Scenario 7: Active Seizure
A student falls to the floor in the hallway and begins experiencing full-body muscle convulsions and shaking.
Your Step-by-Step Response (Include Recovery Position):
Scenario 8: Sudden Fainting
An athlete standing in assembly complains of dizziness before briefly losing consciousness and falling to the ground.
Your Step-by-Step Response:
