First Aid and Emergency Care
"The fate of the wounded rests in the hands of the ones who apply the first
dressing."
Nicholas Senn (1898) (49th President of the American Medical Association)
First aid is the provision of immediate care to a victim with an injury of illness,
usually affected by a lay person, and performed within a limited skill range.
First aid is normally performed until the injury or illness is satisfactorily dealt
with (such as in the case of small cuts, minor bruises, and blisters) or until the
next level of care, such as an ambulance or doctor, arrives.
First aid refers to the immediate treatment given to the victim of an accident or
sudden illness before medical health is obtained.
It may not be possible to obtain appropriate help or assistance of a specialist at
every needful moment. Hence at emergencies, an intelligent by stander who has
Knowledge of first aid can provide assistance with any material as may be
available to save the life of the victim.
In fact everyone should have the basic knowledge first aid to save the life of his
dears and nears in case of an emergency. However, the first aider should not
take the place of a doctor, and his responsibilities cease as soon as medical help
is obtained.
Guiding principles
The key guiding principles and purpose of first aids often given in the
mnemonic "3 Ps". These three points govern all the actions undertaken by a first
aider.
Preserve life
Promote recovery
Prevent further injury or prevent condition from becoming worse
The nature of first aid means that most people will only have a limited
knowledge, and in emergency situations, first aiders are advised to FIRST seek
professional help. This is done by calling, or assigning an able bystander to call
an emergency number or call for a doctor, or immediately transfer the victim to
the hospital. The risks of inadvertently doing further injury to a victim, and/or
the responder sustaining injury themselves while applying aid, can often
outweigh the benefits of applying immediate treatment.
Importance of First Aid
1. To minimize, if not, totally prevent accidents
2. It alleviates suffering
3. It renders proper immediate care necessary to save lives
4. To train people to do the right thing at the right time
5. As a form of self-help
6. A preparation for disasters and emergencies
7. It prevents added injury or danger
8. It prolongs life
Roles and Characteristics of First Aider
1. Communicator
The first aider, upon arriving at the scene, should communicate to the patient (if
conscious) to know his condition. If the patient is unconscious, it is the
responsibility of the first aider to ask information from the bystanders to have
an overview of what has happened
When medical services and advice are obtained, it is important for the first aider
to communicate his role in caring for a patient as well as to inform what has
been done for the patient.
2. Caregiver
The trained first aider is the first link in providing emergency care. Much of
what happens further down the chain of events in providing emergency care
may depend on the actions of the first aider. So, it is important that proper care
is given to the patient.
3. Decision Maker
Anyone who assumes responsibility for first aid assumes the responsibility for
the life and well-being of another person. This requires making decisions that
are based established knowledge of what to do and based on for administering
first aid care.
4. Comforter
Persons involved in accidents, injuries, and emergency situations become
anxious and uncomfortable. The presence of the first aider can lessen their
anxiety knowing that he will do everything within his ability to provide
assistance. The means that once assistance is begun, the first aider will follow
until more qualified assistance can be obtained.
5. Protector
The first aider is there to provide assistance and should the ensure the safety of
the patient. He is careful not to cause further damage or injury to the patient.
Qualities and Characteristics of a First Aider
A first aider must:
Be sympathetic and understanding
Have common sense
Have the ability improvise
to act quickly, make decisions, and improvise
Have the necessary knowledge
Study surroundings carefully
Respond quickly to calls for assistance
Have initiative and a sense of leadership
Adopt a calm and methodical approach
Reassure the patient by speaking encouragingly to him/her
Be knowledgeable
Be a keen observer
Be gentle
Be resourceful
Be efficient
Be tactful
First Aid Kit:
A first aid kit is a necessity in any emergency or disaster. essential at any
place, home, road, industries or institutions. It has to be small and handy
where all items are packed in secure, easily transportable container -
waterproof if possible. he following articles are essential in a first aid kit:
First aid manual
Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Sterile gauze bandages (various sizes)
Cleansing agent (hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soap, antiseptic
wipes)
Antibiotic cream
Hydrocortisone cream
Medical adhesive tape
Burn ointment
Calamine lotion
Eye wash solution
Tweezers and scissors
Thermometer
Aspirin or non aspirin pain reliever
Latex gloves
Cold pack
Laxative and antidiarrheal medicine
Antacids
Prescription medications
Medications for children
Flashlight
Petroleum jelly
Elastic bandage for wrapping sprains
Alcohol wipes
Safety pins
Shock blanket
Mouthpiece for administering CPR
Emergency phone numbers and contact details
General Guidelines in giving first aid:
(i) First Aid is exactly as the term implies; the first aid given for an injury. It is
not intended as a long-term solution to a problem, nor does it replace treatment
provided by trained medical personnel.
(ii) Before attempting to administer first aid, you need to perform an initial
assessment which should include Safety (yours and the victims), mechanism of
the injury (how did it happen), medical information devices "Medic Alert" tag
or bracelets), number of casualties if more than one person involved),
bystanders (those that might be able to help you).
(iii)Always avoid contact with blood or other body fluids. Use latex gloves
whenever possible.
(iv)If administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, use a face shield, following
instructions on the packet.
(v)In an emergency, you should follow these priorities:
a) Check that you are not placing yourself in danger by providing first aid. If
you become injured you will not be able to help others!
b) Check to see if the person is conscious. If conscious and they are breathing,
stay with the victim while sending somebody else to call for help.
c) Check to see if the person is breathing. If you are alone, call for a doctor or
ambulance first if possible before starting rescue breathing.
d) Check for a pulse. If no pulse found begin CPR if you know the technique.
e) Check for bleeding. Immediately stop bleeding by applied direct pressure
before you worry about any "fancy" bandages.
f) Check for neck and spinal injuries, injuries on the head. You should never
move the victim unless it's absolutely necessary.
g) If the person is unconscious do not attempt to give them fluids.
h) Do not become involved in using treatment methods beyond your skill.
Recognize the limits of your competence. Only perform First Aid procedures
that are within your scope of knowledge and skills.
i) Always stay calm and do not ever give up. Continue provide aid to the victim
until help arrives.
ABC's of First Aid
The priorities of first aid are..
A - AIRWAY
B- BREATHING
C- CIRCULATION (and bleeding)
Only then look at burns and broken bones.
Airway
The airway of an unconscious person may be narrowed or blocked, making
breathing difficult and noisy or impossible This happens when the tongue drops
back and blocks the throat. Lifting the chin and tilting the head back lifts the
tongue away from the entrance to the air passage. Place two fingers under the
point of the person's chin and lift the jaw, while placing your other hand on the
forehead and tilting the head well back. If you think the neck may be injured,
tilt the head very carefully, just enough to open the airway.
Breathing
Check for breathing by placing your head near the person's nose and mouth.
Feel for breath on your cheek or moisture on the back of your hand.
If a person has just stopped breathing use mouth to mouth ventilation. Make
sure the airway is open and head tilted back. Pinch the nostrils together, take a
deep breath and blow into the mouth, firmly sealing your lips around the mouth
so air is not lost. You should see the chest rise.
Remove your lips and let the chest fall. Continue this, giving about ten breaths
every minute until help arrives or breathing begins.
Circulation
Check for circulation (to see if the heart is still beating) w feeling for the
Adam's apple (lump on the windpipe) with o fingers. Slide the fingers to the
side of the windpipe and feel for the pulse. If the heart has stopped beating use
chest compression to try to restart the heart. Place your hand flat just above the
point where the ribs meet the breastbone. Bring the other hand on top of it and
lock your fingers together. With your arms straight, press down firmly on the
breastbone, pushing it down by 4-5 cm. Release the pressure and repeat the
compressions at a rate of about 80 per minute. If the person is also not
breathing, alternate 15 compressions with two breaths until help arrives.
Stop bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound for about 15 minutes.
Never use a tourniquet.
The Recovery Position
This is the best position for an unconscious person or someone having a fit. It
allows them to breathe easily and prevents them from choking. After checking
the ABC, bend the nearest arm to you, putting the hand by the head. Then bring
the far arm across the chest and hold both hands in one of yours. With your
other hand pull the furthest leg up at the knee and roll the person towards you to
lie in sideways position.
