First Aid

First Aid

Providing First Aid

Providing First Aid

Immediate care given to the victim of an accident or illness to minimize the effect of injury or illness until experts can take over

Can mean the difference between life and death, recovery versus permanent disability

Basic Principles of First Aid

Remain calm and avoid panic

Evaluate situation thoroughly

Have a reason for anything you do

Treatment will vary based on injury or illness, environment, others present, equipment or supplies on
hand, availability of medical help

Basic Principles of First Aid

First step: recognize that an emergency exists

Use all senses to detect problems

Sometimes signs of emergency are obvious and at other times they are less obvious

Next step: take action to assist victim(s)

Check scene and make sure approach is safe

Basic Principles of First Aid

Avoid dangerous pitfalls and provide efficient care

If not safe, call for medical help

If safe, approach the victim

Call emergency medical services (EMS) as soon as possible

Summary

Obtain qualified help as soon as possible

Avoid any unnecessary movement of victim

Reassure victim

If victim is unconscious or vomiting, avoid giving anything to eat or drink

Protect victim from cold or chilling; avoid overheating

Providing First Aid for Bleeding and Wounds

Wound is an injury to soft tissues

Open

Break in skin or mucous membranes

Closed

No break in skin or mucous membranes, but injury occurs to underlying tissues

Types of Open Wounds

Abrasion

Incision

Laceration

Puncture

Avulsion

Amputation

Controlling Bleeding

First priority because victim can bleed to death quickly

Bleeding can come from arteries, veins, or capillaries

Observe standard precautions

Controlling Bleeding

Four methods

Direct pressure

Elevation

Pressure bandages

Pressure on pressure points

Controlling Bleeding

After severe bleeding is controlled, obtain medical help

Do not disturb clots

Do not remove dressings

Do not attempt to clean wound

Minor Wounds

First priority—prevention of infection

Wash hands before caring for wound

Put on gloves

Wash wound with soap, water, sterile gauze

Rinse wound with cool water

Use sterile supplies

Minor Wounds

Signs of infection

●Swelling

●Heat

●Redness

●Pain

●Red streak

●Fever

●Pus

Applying Dressings and Bandages

Dressing

Sterile covering used to control bleeding

Materials used in dressings

Dressings can be held in place with tape or a bandage

Applying Dressings and Bandages

Bandages

Used to hold dressings in place, to secure splints, to support and protect body parts

Apply snugly to control bleeding/prevent dressing movement; do not interfere with circulation

Types include roller gauze, triangular, elastic

Applying Dressings and Bandages

Signs of poor or impaired circulation

Swelling or edema

Pale or cyanotic color

Coldness to touch

Numbness or tingling

Check nail bed circulation for bandages on hand, arm, leg, or foot