ASAR Reference Guide

Arrowsmith Search & Rescue - Works Offline

🏥 First Aid Reference

Quick reference for first aid procedures during SAR operations. Always follow your training and local protocols.

📋 Medical Directives & Protocols

Quick access to ASAR medical treatment protocols (mobile-optimized)

Pain Management

Emergency/Life-Threatening

Medical Conditions

Medications & Treatments

Oxygen (O₂) Administration

Indications for Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Delivery Devices

Device Flow Rate O₂ Concentration Use
Nasal Cannula 1-6 L/min 24-44% Mild respiratory distress, conscious patient
Simple Face Mask 6-10 L/min 35-60% Moderate respiratory distress
Non-Rebreather Mask 10-15 L/min 60-95% Severe respiratory distress, trauma, cardiac events
Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) 15 L/min Nearly 100% Inadequate breathing, respiratory arrest

General Guidelines

Safety Considerations

⚠️ Oxygen Safety:

  • Fire hazard: Keep away from flames, sparks, heat sources, smoking
  • Secure cylinders: Store upright and secured to prevent falling
  • Check pressure: Ensure adequate oxygen supply before use
  • No oil/grease: Never use oil or grease on oxygen equipment
  • Humidification: Consider for flow rates >4 L/min for extended use

COPD Patients - Special Consideration

Caution: Patients with severe COPD may have hypoxic drive (breathe because of low O₂, not high CO₂). Start with lower flow (2-4 L/min via nasal cannula) and titrate to SpO₂ 88-92%. However, never withhold oxygen in a critical emergency - it's better to provide high-flow oxygen and monitor closely.

Documentation

Primary Survey (ABC)

  1. Airway: Ensure airway is clear and open
  2. Breathing: Check for adequate breathing
  3. Circulation: Check pulse and control major bleeding
  4. Disability: Assess level of consciousness (AVPU)
  5. Exposure: Expose injuries while preventing hypothermia

AVPU Scale

Vital Signs

Vital Sign Normal Adult Range How to Assess
Pulse 60-100 bpm Count for 30 sec, multiply by 2
Respirations 12-20 per minute Count for 30 sec, multiply by 2
Blood Pressure 120/80 mmHg Use BP cuff if available
Temperature 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) Use thermometer
Skin Warm, dry, normal color Visual and tactile assessment

Bleeding Control

  1. Direct Pressure: Apply firm, direct pressure with gauze/cloth
  2. Elevation: Elevate injured area above heart if possible
  3. Pressure Point: Apply pressure to arterial pressure point if needed
  4. Tourniquet: Last resort for life-threatening limb hemorrhage
    • Apply 2-3 inches above wound (not over a joint)
    • Tighten until bleeding stops
    • Note time of application
    • Do not remove once applied

Shock Management

Signs of Shock

Treatment

  1. Treat the underlying cause
  2. Lay patient flat (unless contraindicated)
  3. Elevate legs 12 inches if no spinal injury
  4. Maintain body temperature (keep warm)
  5. Do not give anything by mouth
  6. Monitor and reassure patient
  7. Arrange for rapid evacuation

Hypothermia

Stages of Hypothermia

Stage Core Temp Signs/Symptoms
Mild 35-37°C (95-98.6°F) Shivering, cold extremities, alert
Moderate 32-35°C (90-95°F) Violent shivering, confusion, loss of coordination
Severe <32°C (<90°F) Shivering stops, altered consciousness, weak pulse

Treatment

  1. Remove from cold environment
  2. Remove wet clothing, replace with dry
  3. Insulate from ground and cover with blankets
  4. Apply heat to core areas (armpits, groin, chest)
  5. Give warm, sweet drinks if alert (no alcohol/caffeine)
  6. Handle gently - avoid rough movement
  7. For severe hypothermia: passive rewarming only, arrange immediate evacuation

Fracture Management

Signs of Fracture

Treatment

  1. Assess circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) below injury
  2. Immobilize in position found (unless no pulse)
  3. Splint above and below the injury
  4. Pad splint adequately
  5. Reassess CSM after splinting
  6. Apply ice to reduce swelling
  7. Elevate if possible

Spinal Injury Precautions

When to Suspect Spinal Injury

Management

  1. Maintain manual in-line stabilization
  2. Apply cervical collar if available
  3. Minimize movement
  4. Use backboard or vacuum mattress for evacuation
  5. Secure head with blocks and tape
  6. Continue monitoring neurological status

Burns

Burn Classification

Degree Depth Appearance
First Degree Epidermis only Red, painful, no blisters
Second Degree Partial thickness Red, blistered, very painful
Third Degree Full thickness White/charred, painless (nerve damage)

Treatment

  1. Stop the burning process (remove from source)
  2. Cool with clean water (10-20 minutes)
  3. Remove jewelry and tight clothing
  4. Cover with sterile, non-adherent dressing
  5. Do not break blisters
  6. Treat for shock if needed
  7. Arrange evacuation for significant burns

CPR Quick Reference

Adult CPR

  1. Check responsiveness and breathing
  2. Call for help/activate emergency response
  3. Compressions: 30 compressions
    • Hand position: Center of chest
    • Depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm)
    • Rate: 100-120 per minute
    • Allow full chest recoil
  4. Airway: Open airway (head-tilt, chin-lift)
  5. Breathing: 2 rescue breaths (1 second each)
  6. Continue: 30:2 ratio until help arrives or patient recovers
⚠️ Note: Use an AED as soon as available. Follow device prompts. Continue CPR between AED analysis/shock cycles.

Allergic Reactions & Anaphylaxis

Signs of Anaphylaxis

Treatment

  1. Administer epinephrine (EpiPen) immediately if available and trained
    • Inject into outer thigh muscle
    • Hold in place for 10 seconds
    • May repeat after 5-15 minutes if no improvement
  2. Call for emergency evacuation
  3. Position patient comfortably (sitting up if breathing difficulty)
  4. Administer oxygen if available
  5. Monitor vital signs continuously
  6. Be prepared to perform CPR if needed

Medical Emergency Priorities

Life-Threatening Conditions (Immediate Evacuation)

SAMPLE History

Documentation

Record all patient assessments and treatments including:

⚠️ Important Reminder: This reference guide does not replace proper first aid training. All SAR members must maintain current first aid and CPR certifications. Always work within your scope of training and follow local protocols.