Complete Emergency Care

Complete Emergency Care is the first text to combine training in bloodborne pathogens, first aid, CPR, and emergency oxygen all in one book. The text's four-color format, complete with numerous photographs, allows readers to grasp the content and be better prepared to take action using the proper protocol in medical emergency situations. Each chapter can be used in teaching a course on a specific aspect of emergency care, and the courses can be combined as needed. After reading this book, those wishing to obtain certification in each area of emergency care can attend an in-person training session to test for certification. This text also is the complement to the Emergency Care for Aquatic Personnel online course.

Chapter 1 introduces readers to bloodborne pathogens, the diseases they can cause, and the precautions rescuers should take to avoid becoming ill or spreading the pathogens. Chapter 2 presents first aid for many types of medical emergencies. Readers will learn how to approach a victim; how to handle sudden illnesses; how to handle illnesses and injuries due to extreme heat or cold; how to provide aid for bleeding or common soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains or strains; and how to deal with more serious injuries to the limbs, spine, and head. This chapter also provides guidance on dealing with the legal and emotional challenges rescuers may face when providing first aid to seriously ill or injured victims.

Chapters 3 and 4 offer instruction for both lay rescuers and professional rescuers on performing rescue breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and also offer guidance on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These chapters first describe sudden cardiac arrest and the chain of survival for adults and children, then walk readers through the steps in administering rescue breathing or CPR and using an AED. Instructions on aiding choking victims are also included. A brief discussion of the psychological and legal aspects of providing CPR and how to handle CPR under special conditions ends the chapter.

Chapter 5 covers the administration of emergency oxygen to those who are injured, ill, or not breathing. Readers will learn what components make up an oxygen system and how to assemble one. This chapter also provides guidance on safe handling and maintenance practices and when and how to provide emergency oxygen.

After reading this book, professional rescuers or lay rescuers will be better prepared to provide comfort and care and even save lives. This book will provide both the knowledge and the confidence to manage medical emergency situations until advanced medical help arrives.

This product was authored by Human Kinetics based on the contributions of:

The American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) is an association of approximately 35,000 professional safety and health educators and more than 5,500 training centers around the world. ASHI training center membership covers a wide range of organizations, including local emergency medical service, fire, rescue and law enforcement agencies, hospitals, universities, public school districts, community colleges, vocational schools, charitable foundations, local and federal governments, and public and private corporations and training companies. ASHI's mission is to continually improve safety and health education by promoting high standards for members, principles of sound research for curriculum development, and the professional development of safety and health instructors worldwide.