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vt. VESERIS <br />Contingency Plan <br />Section 9 — Effective Date Supersedes Page <br />First Aid / Medical Assistance 9/20/2021 New 9-1 <br />During an emergency there will be two types of medical situations which may <br />arise. One is physical trauma such as cuts, broken bones, and burns. The other is <br />exposure to toxins. Exposure to a toxic chemical may result in noticeable <br />symptoms (such as those from acute cyanide poisoning) or more subtle, less <br />noticeable symptoms (such as those from the slow build-up of lead levels in the <br />body). <br />When providing first-aid for a victim in an emergency situation there are several <br />basic things to remember: <br />If the victim is unconscious, first check to see if there is a pulse and if <br />they are breathing. If not, have qualified individuals administer CPR. <br />If the victim is not mobile, always check for broken bones before <br />attempting to move them. If the victim is in a safe area, do not move them <br />- wait for professional medical help. <br />Be aware of the symptoms of shock. Victims, regardless of their apparent <br />condition, should be allowed to find a comfortable position, kept calm, <br />kept warm, and have their feet elevated slightly above their heads. <br />First Aid should be administered to victims of physical trauma by branch personnel <br />trained in first aid techniques. The First Aid Team Leader must be able to report to <br />arriving professional medical assistance teams on the current status of any victims <br />at the site. Reporting should be made in order of priority -- the most seriously <br />injured individuals first. <br />Exposures to toxic materials during emergency situations may cause illness and <br />injury. Symptoms of exposure to a toxic chemical may be acute, causing difficulty <br />in breathing, irregular heartbeat, tremors, and discoloration of the skin. Exposure <br />to a chemical that is not acutely toxic may cause dizziness, slurred speech, a loss <br />of coordination, and a poor sense of judgment. The symptoms of exposure will <br />vary from situation to situation and depend upon the following factors: <br />The toxic properties of the chemicals to which one is exposed. <br />The length of exposure. <br />The current health status of the individual exposed. <br />If the chemical a victim has been exposed to is known, the Safety Data Sheet <br />(SDS) for it should be consulted for emergency medical advice.