Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

A severe or critical hypothermia patient may appear lifeless. There may be a very slow and weak heartbeat that is very difficult to detect. When trying to determine a pulse, it may take longer than normal. Continue checking for 30 to 60 seconds. The carotid artery of the neck may be the best place to feel a pulse. Never assume a possible hypothermia patient is dead. Provide CPR and get the patient to medical help quickly. Many patients have an excellent chance of survival.

First Aider in Action: Part 2 You make your way over to the scene, scanning the area as you do so. There is some gardening equipment but it is to the side. The person had been on their knees, working in a flowerbed but is now slumped over and face down. Is the scene safe? What is the method of injury/nature of illness? Can you rule out spinal injury? Why or why not?

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