Tilt the patient’s head backward, loosen ties and unbutton collars, and avoid forcing the jaw close to the chest. Assess breathing by checking nasal airflow and observing chest rise and fall.

Administer artificial respiration if necessary. Pinch the patient’s nose shut while blowing air into the mouth.

If foreign objects penetrate the head or chest, do not pull them out immediately for hemostasis. Restrain the casualty from unnecessary movement and protect the injured area from contact. Transfer the patient to hospital rapidly with minimal jolting during transport.

For patients with head trauma, limit all unnecessary movement and turn the head to one side while being transported.

How to Identify Fractures

Three specific signs confirm fractures; detection of any single sign is sufficient for diagnosis:

Deformity of the limb

Abnormal mobility: unnatural movement at non-joint sites

Bone crepitus or grating sensation felt when broken bone fragments rub against each other

Key points for splinting: maintain moderate tightness, neither too loose nor too constricting.

Transfer methods for suspected spinal fractures

All rescuers stand on the same side of the casualty. Lift the head, chest, hips and legs simultaneously with coordinated, steady movements to prevent spinal bending or twisting that worsens injuries. Never carry the patient by one person holding the chest and another the legs.

Rigid flat boards such as bed boards or door panels are preferred for transport; soft stretchers are forbidden, as they aggravate fractures and may cause secondary spinal nerve damage.

Correct first aid for open chest wounds

Cover the wound with oil gauze and sterile dressing when the casualty exhales fully to expel intrathoracic air, apply compression bandaging, and arrange immediate hospital transfer.

Management of severed fingers or limbs

Wrap the amputated tissue in sterile gauze and store it in a low-temperature environment at around 4°C.

Hemostasis procedures for bleeding wounds

First classify the type of bleeding. For capillary bleeding, apply direct bandaging.

Principles of bandaging

Position the casualty in a comfortable sitting or recumbent posture and support the injured limb.

Avoid damp bandages, which may shrink tightly as they dry, irritate skin and trigger infection.

Wrap from the distal end toward the proximal end; keep bandages flat against the skin and prevent contact with contaminated ground.

Apply even tension: insufficient tightness causes slippage, while excessive compression impairs blood circulation.

Leave fingertips or toes exposed to monitor peripheral blood supply.