PERFORM BASIC FIRST AID PROCEDURES

1. FIRST GIUDE AND EMERGENCY TREATMENTS

General Rules of Emergency Care:

      Know your limitations. Do not try to do more than you are able. Do not perform a
procedure with which you are unfamiliar. Do what you can under the circumstances.

      Stay calm. Calm and efficient functioning will help the victim feel more secure.

       Make quick observations to detect life-threatening problems. Check for breathing, a

pulse and bleeding.

      Keep the victim lying down or in position in which he or she was found. You could make
an injury worse if you move the victim.

      Perform necessary emergency measures.

      Call for help or tell someone to activate the EMS system. An operator will send
emergency vehicles and personnel to the scene.

Give the operator the following information:

ü  Your location – include the street address and the city or town you are in. Give name of
cross streets or roads and landmarks if possible. Also give telephone number you are calling
from

ü  What has happened (heart attack, accident,-etc)-police, fire equipment, and ambulances
may be needed.

ü  How many people need help?

ü  The condition of the victims, any obvious injuries, and if there are life-threatening
situations.

ü  What aid is being given.

      Do not remove clothing from the victim unless you have to. If clothing must be
removed, tear garments along the seams.
      Keep the victim warm. Cover the victim with a blanket. Use coats and sweaters if there is
no blanket.

      Reassure the conscious victim. Explain what is happening and that help has been called.

      Do not give the victim any food or fluids.

      Do not remove the victim. Emergency personnel have been trained to do so.

      Keep bystanders away from the victim. Bystanders tend to stare, give advice, and
comment about the victim’s condition. The victim’s privacy is invaded by onlookers.

Six Steps in Emergency:

               1. Recognize the emergency and check the scene.

                   Look for any hazards such as the following:

                                                         ·            Smoke, flames

                                                         ·            Spilled chemicals, vapors

                                                         ·            Downed electrical wires.

                                                         ·            Risk of explosion, building collapse

                                                         ·            Roadside dangers, high-speed traffic

                                                         ·            Potential personal violence.

               2. Decide to help.

                   Do not delay giving first aid

      3. Call 911 (or your local or company emergency number

immediately if you recognize a life-threatening injury or illness.

          Call 911 when:

              The victim may have life a life-threatening condition

              The victim is unresponsive

              Moving the victim could make his or her 

condition worse.

                                                                                    ·            Fire, explosion

                                                                                    ·            Vehicle crash

                                                                                    ·            Downed electrical wire

                                                                                    ·            Chemical spill, gas leak, or the

presence of any unknown substances.

               4. Check the victim

     Check for immediate life-threatening conditions (check the ABCs)

     Get the victim’s history (find out what happened)

     Check the rest of the victim’s body.

     Monitor the victim for any changes.

               5. Give First Aid.

               6. Seek medical attention.

2. PATIENT CASUALTY HANDLING

First Aid- emergency care given to an ill or injured person before medical

help arrives.

Emergency Rescue – is a repidmovement of patient froman unsafe place to a place of

safety.

Transfer – is moving a patient from one place to another after giving first aid.

 
Factors to be considered and the selection of choosing the transfer method:

1.           Nature in severity of the injury

2.           Size of the victim

3.           Physical capabilities of the first aider

4.           Number of personnel and equipment available

5.           Nature of evacuation route

6.           Distance to be covered

7.           Sex of victims

Pointers to be observe during transfer:

1.           Victim’s airway must be maintained open

2.           Hemorrhage is controlled

3.           Victim is safely maintained in the correct position

4.           Regular check of the victims condition is made

5.           Supporting bandages and dressing remain effectively applied

6.           The method of transfer is safe, comfortable and as speedy as circumstances permit

7.           The patient’s body is moved as one unit

8.           The taller first aider stays at the head side of the victim

9.           First aiders/beares must observe ergonomics in lifting and moving of patiend

Methods of transfer
1.           Fire mans’ carry

2.           Lover’s carry

3.           Fore hand seat

4.           Carry by extremities

5.           Four man carry

 SHOCK

 It is a depressed condition of many body functions due to failure of enough blood to
circulate throughout the body following serious injury.

Signs and Symptom of Shock:

      Face-pale or cyanotic in color

      Skin-cold and clammy

      Breathing – irregular

      Pulse-rapid and weak

      Nausea and vomiting

      Weakness

      Thirsty

First Aid and Preventive Management of Shock

          1. Proper body position. If face is red, head part is elevated.

          2. Proper body heat and temperature.

          3. Proper transfer.

Treatment & Interventions:

          1. Keep the victim lying down

          2. Cover enough to maintain body heat.

          3. Raise feet 8-12 inches above the head and chest.

              Don’t raise the feet if there is a head injury.

          Unsplinted fracture, difficulty in breathing if such movement causes severe pain.

WOUND

          It is break in the continuity of a tissue of the body either internal or external.

          Two Classifications:

          1. Closed Wound:

                   Causes:   Blunt object result in contusion or bruises.

          Application of external forces.

Signs and Symptoms:

      Pain and tenderness

      Swelling

      Discoloration

      Hematoma

      Uncontrolled restlessness

      Thirst

      Vomiting and coughing up blood

      Passage of blood in the urine and feces

      Sign of blood along mouth, nose and ear canal.

      Symptom of shock

                  First Aid Management

                   1. I – ce application

                   2. C – ompression

                   3. E – levation

                   4. S – plinting

2. Open Wound

         Classification of Open wound

  Causes Characteristics
P – uncture Penetrating pointed Deep and narrow, serious or
instruments ( nails, ice pick) slight bleeding
A – brasion Scrapping or rubbing against Shallow, wide, oozing of blood,
rough surfaces dirty
L – aceration Blunt instruments such as Torn with irregular edges,
shrapnel’s rocks, broken serious or slight bleeding.
glasses, etc.
 

 
A – vulsion Explosion, animal bites, Tissue forcefully separated from
mishandling of tools, etc. the body.
I – ncision Sharp bladed instruments Clean cut, deep, severe bleeding,
(blade, razor) wound is clean.
 

Kinds of Bleeding:

      Arterial bleeding

      Venous bleeding

      Capillary bleeding

 
First Aid Management

   1. Wound with severe bleeding

      C – ontrol bleeding

      C- over the wound

      C – are of shock

      C – onsult or refer to physician

   2. Wound with bleeding not severe (home care)

      Clean the wound with soap and water

      Apply antiseptics

      Cover wound with dressing and bandage.

BURNS

          It is an injury involving the skin, including muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels.

          Causes of Burn:

          1. Carelessness with match and cigarette smoking.

          2. Scald from hot liquid

          3. Defective electrical equipment

          4. Immersion of overheated bath water.

          5. Chemicals (acid)

          Types of Burn Injuries

          1.  Thermal Burn – contact with hot object.

                   First Aid Management

                   a. Stop the burning by removing the heat source.

                   b. Immerse the burn are with cold water or by applying wet cloth.

                   c. Cover the burn with a dry, non-sticking, sterile dressing or clean cloth.

                   d. Remove constricting items such as clothing.

                   e. Treat the victim for shock by elevating the legs and keeping the victim warm
with a clean sheet or blanket.

           2. Chemical burn

                   First Aid Management

                   a. Brush off dry chemicals

                   b. Remove contaminated clothing

                   c. Move away from fumes.

                   d. Flush entire area with running water for 30 to 60 minutes.

                   e. Cover the burn area with a dry dressing.

                   f. Call 911 for large or deep burns.

POISONING

          Any substance solid, liquid or gas, that tends to impair health or cause death when
introduced into the body.

          Four Ways in which poison occur:

          1. Ingestion – by mouth

          2. Inhalation – by breathing

          3. Injection – by animal bites, stings, syringes

          4. Absorption – by skin contact.

A.    INGESTED POISON – is one that is introduced into the digestive

tract by way of the mouth.

                   Signs and Symptoms:

      Altered mental status

      History of ingesting poison

      Burns around the mouth

      Odd breath odors.

      Abdominal pain

      Diarrhea

                   Instanced when vomiting should not be induced.

      If unresponsive  such as lye, or a petroleum product such as gasoline or furniture polish

      Cannot maintain airway

      Has ingested an acid, a corrosive such as lye, or a petroleum product such as gasoline or
furniture polish

      Has medical condition that could be complicated by vomiting, such as heart attack,
seizures and pregnancy

First Aid Management

      Try to identify the poison

      Place the victim on his or her left side.

      Monitor ABCs

      Save any empty container, spoiled food for analysis.

      Save any vomitus and keep it with the victim if he or she is taken to an emergency
facility.

B.    INHALED POISON

                   A poison breathed into the lungs. 

                   Signs and Symptoms

      History of inhaling poison

      Breathing difficulty

      Chest pain

      Cough, hoarseness burning sensation of the throats

      Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membrane

      Dizziness, headache

      Seizures, unresponsiveness

First Aid Management

      Remove the victim from the toxic environment and into fresh air immediately.

      Monitor ABCs.

      Seek Medical attention

C.    ABSORBED POISON

          Is a poison that enters the body through the skin.

          Signs and Symptoms

      History of exposure

      Liquid or powder on the skin

      Burns

      Itching, irritation
      Redness, rash, blisters.

First Aid Management

      Removed the clothing

      Then with a dry cloth blot the poison from the skin.

If the poison is a dry powder, brush it off.

      Flood the area with copious amounts of water.

      Continually monitor the patient’s vital signs.

4.  POISON

          Is a poison that enters the body through a bite, sting or syringe.

          Insect Bites

          Signs and Symptoms:

      Stinger may be present

      Pain

       Swelling

      Possible allergic reaction

First Aid Management

      Remove stinger

      Wash wound

      Cover the wound

      Apply a cold pack

      Watch for signals of allergic reaction.

Spider Bite/Scorpion Sting

                   Signs and Symptoms

      Bite mark

       Swelling pain

       Nausea and vomiting

      Difficulty breathing or swallowing

First Aid Management

      Wash wound

      Apply a cold pack

      Get medical care to receive antivenin

      Call local emergency number, if necessary.

Snake Bite

Signs and Symptoms

      Bite mark

      Pain

First Aid Management

      Wash the wound

      Keep bitten part still, and lower than the heart.

      Call local emergency.

Human Bite and Animal Bite

                   Signs and symptoms

      Bite mark

      Bleeding
       

First Aid Management

      If bleeding in minor-wash wound

      Control bleeding

      Apply antibiotic ointment

      Cover the wound

      Get medical attention if wound bleeds severely or if you suspect animal has rabies.

      Call local emergency number or contact animal control personnel.

General Care for Poisoning:

      Survey the scene

      Remove the victim from the source of the poison

      Do a primary survey

      Care for any life threatening condition

      If the victim is conscious, do a secondary survey

      Do not give the victim anything by mouth unless advised by medical professionals.

Bones Joints and Muscle Injuries:

Common Causes:

      Vehicular accident

      Motorbike accidents

      Mishandling of tools and equipment

      Falls
      Sports

1. Muscle Cramp and Spasm

It is a sudden, painful tightening of a muscle.

          First Aid:

      Have the victim stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the cramp.

      Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently.

      Apply heat. Moist heat is more effective than dry heat.

      Get medical help if cramps persist.

        2. Muscle Cramp and Pulled Muscle

                 It is a sudden, painful tearing of muscle fiber during exertion.

                 Signs and Symptoms:

      Pain

      Swelling

      Bruising

      Loss of efficient movement.

First Aid:

      Check the victim ABC

      Keep the victim still

      Prevent infection by covering with sterile dressing before immobilizing.

      Splint and sling the injury in the position, which you found it.

      Take step to prevent shock.

      Get medical help.

Immobilization/Splinting

     Use of Bandages

      Collarbone

      Rib

      Ankle

      Arm support

Use of Wood or other Improvised Splints.

      Elbow

      Forearm/hands/Wrist

      Finger

      Hip/Thigh

      Knee/Leg

      Ankle

      Traction Splints.

Spinal Injuries Management

      Violent impact to the head, neck, torso or pelvis

      Sudden acceleration or deceleration accidents.

      Falls from a significant height with the patient/victim landing on the head or feet.

      Gunshot wounds to the neck or trunk

      All shallow water diving accidents.

      All unrestrained victim of a vehicle crash.

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Injuries:

      Pain in the head, neck and back

      Numbness, tingling or weakness

      Pain when in motion

      Deformity

      Tenderness

      Laceration or contusion

      Paralysis

6 Ways To Use Triangular Bandages

 A triangular bandage is a large triangle of cloth, usually a loose-weave cotton cloth, used in

first aid. It is also called a ‘cravat’ (French for necktie) because it is sometimes folded to the
shape of a long narrow band, for certain uses. This type of bandage has many applications:

1. Folded as a thick rectangle of cloth, the cravat can be placed over a large wound. In this
case, it functions like a trauma pad, absorbing blood and helping to stop bleeding.

2. One folded cravat can be used as a trauma pad, and a second cravat can be used to wrap
the wound and trauma pad. In this usage, it functions like first-aid tape, to hold the trauma
pad in place.

 3. If a victim has an injured arm, a triangular bandage can be used as a sling, to support the
arm in a bent position over the chest. A second cravat (folded as a long band) can be used
around the torso as a swathe, to immobilize the arm against the chest. This technique is
called a sling and swathe. Dedicated sling and swathe kits are available for purchase. But the
advantage of the triangular bandage is that a few compact bandages serve multiple
purposes. This allows a smaller first aid kit to do more.

 4. If a victim has a broken leg, the leg can be immobilized with a blanket between the legs
and a couple of cravats to tie the legs together, firmly but not so tight as to restrict
circulation.

5. If a victim has a sprained ankle or wrist, a cravat can be used like an Ace bandage to wrap
and support the appendage. Always remember, when wrapping, bandaging, or taping any
wound, to avoid restricting circulation.
6. In the case of a head wound, a triangular bandage can be wrapped over the forehead and
around the top of the head to cover the wound. Do not use bandages over the eyes, nose,
or mouth. Do not use bandages of any kind around the neck, because you might restrict
circulation to the head.

You can make your own triangular bandage. Buy white (actually off-white) unbleached
muslin cloth. Cut a square about 3 feet by 3 feet. Then cut the square diagonally, along the
bias (at a 45 degree angle to the direction of the weave). In this way, when the triangle is
folded as a cravat, the band of cloth will stretch along its length. This is useful so that the
cravat will wrap a wound firmly, but not too tightlY.