BASIC FIRST AID

First Aid?
Is the immediate assistance or treatment given to someone before the arrival of medical staff/ ambulance

Qualities First Aid?of a first aide:

~ Calm ~ Confident ~ Willing to offer assistance whenever necessary ~ Patience

Protecting First A yourself as a first aide

Essential to protect yourself from injury and infection a) b) Ensure surroundings are safe Protection from infection - to prevent cross infection ( transmitting germs to a casualty or contracting an infection yourself) - wear gloves or wash hands before doing a dressing.

Aims of a first aide:

3 Ps: Preserve life

3Ps

Prevent injuries/condition from worsening

Promote recovery

Preserving life:
1) 2) 3) 4) Control bleeding Treat probable cause of shock Maintain airway in correct position Perform CPR when needed (no breathing or pulse)

Prevent condition from worsening:

3 Ps: 3 Ps: 3 Ps: 1) Dress wound to prevent infection 2) Provide comfort to casualty 3) Place casualty in a comfortable position

3Ps 3Ps 3Ps

Promote recovery:
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Relieve casualty from anxiety Encourage confidence and trust Attempt to relieve pain and discomfort Handle casualty gently Protect casualty from cold and wet

BLEEDING
Apply direct pressure to the wound (at this time a direct pressure bandage may be used) Elevate (do not further harm) Pressure Point additional pressure may be applied to a pressure point to help reduce bleeding.

FIRST AID FOR SPRAINS AND STRAINS

I-C-E

I - Ice, apply a cold

pack. Do not apply ice directly to skin. an elastic or conforming wrap not too tight.

C - Compress, use

E - Elevate, above
heart level to control internal bleeding.

CARE FOR DISLOCATIONS AND FRACTURES

I-A-C-T

I - Immobilize area. Use pillows, jackets, blankets, etc. Stop any movement by supporting injured area. A - Activate Emergency Medical Services C - Care for shock. T - Treat any additional secondary injuries.

POISONING
Assess the scene for clues and safety. Get victim away from poison if necessary. Provide care for any life threatening conditions. Notify medical staff or on-call Doctor.

Heat Exhaustion & Heatstroke

Seek emergency medical assistance immediately If casualty is unconscious, place them in the recovery position Remove most of the casualties clothing and sponge down the body with a cool and wet cloth Ice packs to the head, neck, armpits, and groin to reduce the casualties temperature. Provide them with cool water to sip if conscious and able.

Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds

Causes:

burns dry heat - fire - hot objects - electricity

scalds wet heat - hot liquids - steam

Burns and scalds

What you will see:

redness

swelling
blisters charred skin.

Burns and scalds

What you should do:remove any jewellery apply a sterile dressing or cling film treat the casualty for shock if necessary
Cold running water 10 seek medical help if minutes minimum.

necessary.

Burns and scalds

BITES AND STINGS

Bites and stings are potentially dangerous because:

The venom injected is poisonous.

Casualty is allergic to some insects.

BITES AND STINGS

First Aid Priorities:
Make sure you are safe.
Remove casualty from danger.

Treat wound and minimise infection.

Seek medical attention if necessary. Note the time and nature of the injury. Identify the attacking creature if possible.

ANIMAL BITES
Bites from sharp, pointed teeth cause:

Deep puncture wounds that can carry germs far into the tissues.
Infection. Needs prompt first aid and medical attention.

ANIMAL BITES
Treatment for Serious Wounds:

Control bleeding.
Apply direct pressure. Raise the injured part.

ANIMAL BITES
Treatment for Serious Wounds:

Wash the wound thoroughly with warm water.

Cover wound with sterile dressing. Bandage to hold dressing firmly.

Send casualty to hospital.

ANIMAL BITES
Treatment for Superficial Wounds:

Pat the wound dry with clean gauze swabs and cover with an adhesive dressing or a small sterile dressing..
Advise the casualty to see a doctor in case inoculation is needed.

SNAKE BITES
Recognition:

A pair of puncture marks.

Breathing difficulties. Nausea and/or vomiting.

Severe pain at the site of the bite

Redness and swelling around the bite. Blurred or double vision.

Increased salivation and sweating.

SNAKE BITES
Treatment:

DO NOT cut or suck the wound. Lay the casualty down. Tell her to keep calm and still. Keep heart above wounded part. Wash the wound and pat dry with clean swabs. Lightly compress above the wound with a roller bandage. Immobilise the injury. Call for an Ambulance.

INSECT STINGS
Recognition: Pain. Mild swelling. Soreness. Some people are allergic to stings and rapidly develop anaphylactic shock. Multiple stings can also be dangerous.

Stings in the mouth or throat are serious, swelling can obstruct the airway.

INSECT STINGS
Treatment (Sting in the skin): If the sting is still in the wound, pluck it out firmly with fine tweezers. Apply a cold compress to relieve pain and minimise swelling. Advise the casualty to see doctor if the pain and swelling persist.

INSECT STINGS
Treatment (Sting in the mouth): Give the casualty ice to suck or cold water to sip, to minimise the swelling. Reassure the casualty. Call for an Ambulance.

Bee, Wasps, Scorpion & Ant Stings

Remove the sting by scraping sideways using blunt knife or edge of card. Place icepack on affected area to reduce pain. Apply pressure immobilisation and seek urgent medical help.

Fish Spine (Stonefish, Stingray) Control severe bleeding Immerse wound in hot water around 45 to reduce pain for around 30-39 minutes. Repeat if need be. Apply ice pack if hot water doesnt relieve pain. Treat for shock Clean wound by scrubbing with soap Apply local antiseptics Get medical advice.

Common Sea Creatures (Jellyfish and fish)

Immobilise and reassure casualty and monitor closely. Do not rub sting area If casualties breathing or conscious is impaired, pains develop or if sting area increases, seek urgent medical help. Apply cold pack to reduce pain. Dont wash sting area with water - Pour vinegar over sting area.

CARE FOR SHOCK

Keep the victim laying down (if possible). Elevate legs 10-12 inches unless you suspect a spinal injury or broken bones. Cover the victim to maintain body temperature. Provide the victim with plenty of fresh air. If victim begins to vomit place them on their left side. Call emergency responder

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION

CPR ABCs

AIRWAY - Open the

airway with the tiltchin method. breaths.

Breath - give two Check circulation.

If there is no pulse or breathing..(next slide)

CPR

Continued

Perform chest compressions.

30 compressions and two breaths.

Count = 1&2&3&4&5&30 Call emergency services.