First Aid

1. Check the victim's ABCs. If the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse or heartbeat, begin CPR.
   
2. Do not move a trauma victim who may have other injuries, unless it is absolutely necessary in order to remove him from further danger. CAUTION: It is especially important not to move someone with an injured hip, pelvis or upper leg unless absolutely necessary. If you must move the victim to safety, immobilize the victim's head between your arms, grab his clothes at his shoulders, and drag him. If the injury is an isolated extremity injury, the victim can be moved.
   
3. Check for and treat any other serious injuries. CAUTION: If the victim is bleeding around or near a broken bone, do not wash or probe the wound. Place a clean cloth over the wound and tie a bandage over it.
   
4. Immobilize the injured bone or joint. If a finger or toe is broken, apply a cold compress to it and elevate it above the level of the victim's heart. Place a small cloth or piece of cotton between the injured digit and an uninjured one, and then tape them together. CAUTION: Do not attempt to straighten or change the position of any misshapen bone or joint. When applying a sling or splint, do not cut off blood circulation to the injured limb. Do not tie the splint in place over the break.

   Illustration: Stabilizing an Arm
   Illustration: Placing an Arm in a Sling
   Illustration: Stabilizing a Shoulder or Collarbone
   Illustration: Splinting the Lower Leg
   Illustration: Splinting the Upper Leg or Hip

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