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What is First Aid

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15 views

What is First Aid

Uploaded by

scottianah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate assistance provided to someone who is injured or ill. It involves a
series of simple, life-saving techniques that can help stabilize a person’s condition until
professional medical help arrives. First aid can be administered by anyone, regardless of
their medical training, and is often the difference between life and death in emergency
situations.

Purpose of First Aid


The primary purposes of first aid include:

1. Preserving Life: The main goal of first aid is to save lives by preventing further
harm and ensuring the safety of the injured or ill person.
2. Preventing the Condition from Worsening: First aid aims to prevent the
situation from deteriorating until professional help is available.
3. Promoting Recovery: Providing first aid can help facilitate the healing process
and improve the chances of a full recovery.
4. Providing Comfort: First aid can alleviate pain and anxiety for the injured
person, making them feel more secure until help arrives.

Essential Items in a First Aid Kit


A well-stocked first aid kit should include the following items:

 Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for cuts and abrasions.


 Sterile gauze pads: For larger wounds.
 Adhesive tape: To secure gauze and dressings.
 Antiseptic wipes: For cleaning wounds.
 Antibiotic ointment: To prevent infection.
 Tweezers: For removing splinters or debris.
 Scissors: To cut tape, gauze, or clothing.
 Instant cold packs: To reduce swelling.
 Elastic bandages: For sprains and strains.
 Thermometer: To check for fever.
 CPR face shield: For safe administration of CPR.
 First aid manual: For guidance in emergencies.

Procedures for Common Injuries


Cuts
1. Wash Hands: If possible, wash hands to prevent infection.
2. Stop the Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
3. Clean the Wound: Rinse with clean water and apply antiseptic wipes.
4. Dress the Wound: Cover with a sterile bandage. Change the bandage daily or
when it becomes wet or dirty.

Burns
1. Cool the Burn: Immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least
10 minutes.
2. Cover the Burn: Use a sterile, non-stick dressing to cover the burn.
3. Do Not Apply Ice or Ointments: Avoid using ice or butter, as they can worsen
the injury.
4. Seek Medical Help: For severe burns, seek professional medical assistance.

Sprains
1. Rest: Avoid using the injured joint.
2. Ice: Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling for 15-20 minutes every hour.
3. Compression: Wrap the area with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling.
4. Elevation: Keep the injured area elevated above the heart.

Nosebleed
1. Stay Calm: Encourage the person to remain calm.
2. Sit Up: Keep the person sitting upright and leaning slightly forward.
3. Pinch the Nose: Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes without
releasing.
4. Apply Cold: Place a cold compress on the back of the neck if needed.

Choking
1. Assess the Situation: Determine if the person can cough or speak.
2. Encourage Coughing: If the person can cough, encourage them to continue.
3. Perform Abdominal Thrusts:
 Stand behind the person, wrap arms around their waist.
 Make a fist and place it just above the navel.
 Grasp the fist with the other hand and thrust inward and upward.
 Repeat until the object is expelled or the person becomes
unresponsive.

Shock
1. Call for Help: Notify emergency services immediately.
2. Lay the Person Down: Keep the person lying flat on their back.
3. Raise Legs: Elevate the legs slightly to improve blood flow.
4. Cover with a Blanket: Keep the person warm and comfortable.

Understanding CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure performed when
someone's heart stops beating or they stop breathing. CPR combines chest compressions
and rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow and oxygenation in the body until medical
professionals can take over.
Procedure for Carrying Out CPR
1. Check Responsiveness: Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”
2. Call for Help: If unresponsive, call emergency services or ask someone else to
do so.
3. Check Breathing: Look for normal breathing. If the person is not breathing or
only gasping, begin CPR.
4. Begin Chest Compressions:
 Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest.
 Place the other hand on top and interlock fingers.
 Keep elbows straight and use your body weight to compress the
chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per
minute.
5. Give Rescue Breaths (if trained):
 After 30 compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back
slightly.
 Pinch the nose shut and give 2 breaths, ensuring the chest rises with
each breath.
6. Continue CPR: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths
until emergency help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

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