Introduction to First Aid

1
Introduction to First Aid
2
Learning Objective

• To understand the meaning and aims of First Aid
• To know the basic contents of a First Aid pouch
• To know the qualities and responsibilities of a
  First Aider

3
Scope

• Introduction
• Definition
• Aims of First Aid
• The First Aider
• The First Aid Pouch
• Case study
• Conclusion

4
What is First Aid?

• First Aid is the immediate assistance or
  treatment given to someone injured or suddenly
  taken ill before the arrival of an ambulance,
  doctor or other appropriately qualified person

5
Aims of First Aid

• To preserve life
• To prevent condition from worsening
• To promote recovery

6
Duties of a First Aider

• Saving life
• Stabilizing the condition of victim
• Minimizing late complications
• Preparing the victim for evacuation and
  evacuating him with skill and dispatch

7
Qualities of a First Aider

• A First Aider must be
• Highly Trained
• Examined and regularly re-examined to maintain
  standard
• Up-to-date in knowledge and skills

8
Responsibility of a First Aider

• In the management of a casualty, your
• responsibility as a first aider is to
• Assess the situation
• Identify the condition of the casualty/what he is
  suffering from
• Give immediate and appropriate treatment to the
  casualty

9
First Aid Pouch
10
Essential Items in the First Aid Pouch

• Individually wrapped adhesive dressings
• Bandages (Triangular, roller, elastic)
• Safety Pins
• First Aid Dressing (FAD) (No. 13 , 14, 15)
• Proflavine / Anti-septic lotion
• Plasters
• Cotton Wool

Quantity subjective to situations/requirements
11
Item Descriptions

• Adhesive Dressing or Plaster
• Used for minor wounds, best choice for small
  wounds/cuts
• Sterile Dressing, FAD
• Easy to apply, ideal in emergencies. Comes in a
  range of sizes and in protective wrapping
• Roller and Elastic Bandages
• Supports joints, secures dressing, restricts
  movement, maintains pressure on dressing and
  limits swelling
• Triangular bandages
• Made of cloth or strong paper. Used for
  secondary bandages and slings

12
CASE STUDY
13
The First Minutes

• You are faced with two casualties
• At work a store man working in the workshop with
  a power saw had his fingers severed, and blood is
  spurting from the stump
• During dinner, a customer in a restaurant had
  suffered a heart attack, lost consciousness and
  his face is turning blue

14
Take Note

• Immediate danger threatens the lives of these
  two victims.

15
In Both Cases

• Life saving measures must be carried out
  immediately
• Delaying treatment until victims are evacuated
  or medical help arrives can result in death

16
At Site

• Would you know how to render First Aid to these
  people ?

17
Action Taken

• Amputation injury
• Arrest haemorrhage
• Heart attack
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

18
Remember

• The first few minutes after an injury or sudden
  illness are critical
• Any delay in starting treatment can cost a life

19
Medical Emergency

• Result of trauma
• Illness
• Environmental accidents

20
Conclusion

• The most urgent and important First Aid measures
  are aimed at supporting systems, to ensure
  oxygenation of the cells.