350787 principles of first aid

BASIC FIRST AID

First Aid?

Is the immediate assistance or treatment

given to someone before the arrival of

medical staff/ ambulance

Qualities of a first aider:

~ Calm~ Confident~ Willing to offer assistance

whenever necessary~ Patience

Aims of a first aider:3 Ps:

3PsPreserve life

Prevent injuries/condition from worsening

Promote recovery

Preserving life:1) Control bleeding2) Treat probable cause of shock3) Maintain airway in correct

position4) Perform CPR when needed (no breathing or pulse)

Prevent condition from worsening:

1) Dress wound to prevent infection

2) Provide comfort to casualty 3) Place casualty in a comfortable

position

Promote recovery:

1) Relieve casualty from anxiety2) Encourage confidence and trust3) Attempt to relieve pain and

discomfort4) Handle casualty gently5) Protect casualty from cold and

wet

Ambulance (SCDF): 995 1777 ( Non-

emergency)Police number: 999Fire Brigade: 995

Emergency Hotlines

4 levels of consciousness:

a) Normal statusb) Drowsinessc) Semi – consciousnessd) Coma

Protecting yourself as a first aider

Essential to protect yourself from injury andinfection

a) Ensure surroundings are safeb) Protection from infection - to prevent “cross infection”( transmitting germs to a casualty or

contractingan infection yourself) - wear gloves or wash hands before doing

a dressing.

Practice of first aid:

1) Assess the situation2) Make area safe3) Give emergency aid - initial assessment – Signs and symptoms - ABC4) Get help from others if needed

Initial Assessmentwhat?- Brief examination of casualty

to perform checks before concluding

How?- Observe signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms

Signs: Details of a casualty’s condition you may

assess using your senses. Look, listen, feel, smellE.G Bleeding, Deformity, Strength or rhythm of pulse, breathing

Symptoms: sensations that the casualty experiences

E.G Is there pain? What type of pain? Nausea, giddiness, coldness

ABCA = Airway Open airway why?

B = Breathing Check for breathing How?

Circulation

Check for pulse

Pulse indicates the condition of the

Circulation

- Full and slow- Rapid and fluttering / weak

How to check for pulse?- Carotid pulse- Wrist pulse