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World First Aid Day started in the year 2000. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) introduced it to raise global awareness of how first aid can save people’s lives in everyday situations. It occurs on the second Saturday of September every year. It provides an opportunity for citizens to understand they can quickly learn skills that could save someone’s life. First aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury,with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and/or promote recovery. It includes initial intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, such as performing CPR while awaiting an ambulance, as well as the complete treatment of minor conditions, such as applying a plaster to a cut. First aid is generally performed by the layperson, with many people trained in providing basic levels of first aid, and others willing to do so from acquired knowledge. First aid skills not only give your students the ability to save a life – knowing how to respond in an emergency can also boost confidence, self esteem, teamwork and communication skills.

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First Aid Instructions for 10 Medical Emergencies

What to do in 10 types of medical emergencies

Stopped Heart
Broken Bone/Fracture

First Aid Kit List

First aid is the immediate care a sick or injured person gets. In some cases, it may be the only care a person needs. In others, first aid is a way to prevent a person's condition from worsening and keep them alive until paramedics arrive or they are taken to the hospital.

The best way to prepare for these events is to get official first-aid training. In the meantime, there are some basic life-saving steps you can learn.

This article goes over the first aid steps to follow in 10 different situations and how to tell if more care is needed.

Stevica Mrdja / Getty Images

ABCs of First Aid

If someone is unconscious or unresponsive, the basic principle of first aid that you need to know is ABC : airway, breathing, and circulation .

Airway: If someone’s not breathing, the first thing you need to do is open their airway .
Breathing: If you have cleared a person’s airway but they’re still not breathing, provide rescue breathing .
Circulation: As you are doing rescue breathing, perform chest compressions to keep the person’s blood circulating. If the person is not responsive, check their pulse. If their heart has stopped, provide chest compressions.

A simpler version of the ABCs is:

Awake? If the person is not awake, try to wake them. If they don’t wake up, make sure someone is calling 911 and move on to the next step.
Breathing? If a person is not awake and not breathing, start rescue breathing and chest compressions. Then, move to the next step.
Continue care: When you call for help, follow instructions from 911 or continue treatment until an ambulance arrives.

Some first aid courses also include D and E :

D can stand for: Disability assessment, deadly bleeding , or automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a device that shocks the heart to make it start beating again.
E can stand for: Examination (checking the person for signs of injury, bleeding, allergies, or other problems once you know they’re breathing and their heart is beating).

Where to Get First Aid Training

Taking a formal CPR class will help you become familiar with doing chest compressions, rescue breathing, and using an AED. You can find courses from the American Red Cross , your local community first responders, and online.

First Aid for a Stopped Heart

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most important emergency medical procedures that a person can know.

When a person is in cardiac arrest (heart is not beating), doing CPR and/or using an AED could restart their heart and/or recirculate blood until their heart can be restarted with a defibrillator. This can restore their life.

AEDs are available in many public areas and businesses. These first aid devices are made to be easy to use even if you have no training.

If you think someone is in cardiac arrest, there are four steps you can take to help them.

Find a person nearby. Make eye contact, point to them, and say: “Call 911.”
Start doing chest compressions on the person who needs help. Using both your hands, push down hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest. Let their chest come back up naturally between compressions. You may hear pops or snaps; this is normal.
Keep going until someone with more training arrives.
If you’re trained in CPR, you can use chest compressions and rescue breathing.
If it’s available, use an AED. However, do not put off doing chest compressions to go look for an AED. If possible, instruct someone else to go find the device and bring it to you.

First Aid for Bleeding

Zero Creatives / Getty Images

If someone is injured and bleeding, there are a few basics about how blood works that will be helpful for you to know.

The color of the blood and how it’s leaving the body can give you a sense of the extent of the injury:

Capillaries: Bleeding from the smallest blood vessels ( capillaries ) looks like a trickle. This kind of bleeding usually stops on its own.
Veins: A consistent blood flow and blood that’s a dark red color is most likely coming from the veins. This type of bleeding can range from mild to severe.
Arteries: Arteries are the largest blood vessels and carry a lot of oxygen. If they are injured, bright red blood will spurt out. Blood can be lost very fast with this kind of bleeding.

Almost all bleeding can be controlled with first aid . If severe bleeding keeps going, a person can go into shock and may die.

While it is important to stop bleeding, begin with the ABCs of first aid.

The next steps are to:

Put on disposable gloves if you have them. This will protect you from infectious diseases like viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS that can be spread in a person’s blood.
Rinse the wound with water.
Cover the wound with a gauze or cloth (e.g., towel, blanket, clothing).
Apply direct pressure to stop the flow of blood and encourage clotting (when blood naturally thickens to stop blood loss).
Elevate the bleeding body part above the person’s heart if you can.
Do not remove the cloth if it becomes soaked. Removing the first layer will interfere with the clotting process and result in more blood loss. Instead, add more layers if needed.
Once bleeding has stopped, put a clean bandage on the wound.

Get medical help if:

The wound is deep.
The wound has widely separated sides.
The injury oozes blood after pressure has been applied.
The injury is from an animal or human bite.
The injury is a puncture, burn, or electrical injury .
You think there is arterial bleeding.
Blood is soaking through the bandages.
The bleeding is not stopping.

If you are taking the person to the hospital, make sure that you have someone else who can keep administering first aid while you drive.

First Aid for Choking

Science Photo Library / Getty Images

Choking happens when a person’s windpipe ( trachea ) gets blocked by food or an object. It is a serious event that can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

Signs of choking include:

Gagging, gasping, or wheezing
Inability to talk or make noise
Turning blue in the face
Grabbing at the throat
Waving arms
Looking panicked

Using the Heimlich Manuever

The Heimlich maneuver is a series of abdominal thrusts that can help dislodge the thing a person is choking on. This first aid technique should only be done if someone is truly choking.

Before doing anything, ask the person if they are choking. Remember: If someone is coughing or talking, they are not choking.

If someone is choking, you should know how to use the Heimlich maneuver .

Here are the steps:

Stand behind the person and lean them slightly forward.
Put your arms around their waist.
Clench your fist and place it between their belly button (navel) and rib cage.
Grab your fist with your other hand.
Pull your clenched fist sharply backward and upward under the person’s rib cage in five quick thrusts.
Repeat until the object is coughed up.

For someone who is obese or pregnant, perform the thrusts around the chest instead of the abdomen.

If someone is choking and becomes unconscious:

Place them on their back and kneel over them.
Place the heel of your hand slightly above their belly button.
Place your other hand on top of it.
Give quick upward thrusts to dislodge the object.

Helping a Choking Infant

If a baby is choking, you need to use different first aid techniques to help them.

Start with back blows:

Lay the baby across your forearm, face down.
Support them with your lap or upper thigh.
Hold their chest in your hand and jaw between your fingers (the baby’s head should be pointed down so it’s lower than their body).
With the heel of your free hand, give five quick, forceful blows to the baby’s back between the shoulder blades.

If back blows don’t work, try chest thrusts:

Turn the baby face up, keeping them on your lap for support.
Keeping their head angled down, lower than their body, hold the back of their head with your hand to steady it.
Place two or three of your fingers in the center of the baby’s chest just below the nipples.
Give five quick thrusts downward so the breastbone gets pushed in about 1.5 inches.

If a choking infant loses consciousness, you may need to do CPR until emergency help arrives.

What to Do if You're Alone and Choking

You can give yourself the Heimlich maneuver even if you are alone.

Call 911 first, even though you will not be able to speak. Leave the phone connected. 911 can pinpoint your location and send emergency help. Use a landline if available. If a landline isn't available, a cell phone can be used.
Grasp one fist with the other hand and place above your belly button.
Thrust inward and upward with your fist. Repeat until the object is dislodged.
You can also bend over a hard surface such as the back of a chair. Use the hard surface to apply repeated thrusts to your abdomen. Repeat until the object is dislodged.

First Aid for Burns

The first step to treating a burn is to stop the burning process.

This might mean:

Cleaning up chemicals
Turning off electricity
Cooling heat with running water
Covering up or taking a person inside out of the sun

The severity of a burn is based on how deep in the skin it is and how big it is:

First-degree burn: This kind of burn only affects only the outer layer of skin and causes redness and swelling. It is considered a minor burn.
Second-degree burn: This kind of burn affects two layers of skin and causes blistering, redness, and swelling. It is considered a major burn if it’s more than 3 inches wide or is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks, or over a major joint.
Third-degree burn: This kind of burn affects deeper layers of skin and causes white or blackened skin that can be numb. It is always considered a major burn.

Major burns need emergency medical attention. Once you’ve stopped the burning process, call 911 or get someone else to.

For burns that are not an emergency, you can take these first aid steps:

Flush the burned area with cool running water for several minutes. Do not use ice.
Apply a light gauze bandage. If the burn is minor, you can put on an ointment, like aloe vera, before you cover it.
Take Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain relief if you need it.
Do not break any blisters that form.

First Aid for Blisters

Rattanakorn Songrenoo / Getty Images

Blisters protect damaged skin while it heals.

Some blisters need to be treated and others don’t. Whether you need to treat a blister depends on how bad it is and your overall health.

If the blister is small, not open, and doesn’t hurt, it’s best to leave it alone. You can cover it to prevent rubbing, which could cause it to swell and burst.

Do not pop a small blister. This could let bacteria get inside it and cause an infection.

If the blister is big or painful, you need to take different steps to treat it.

Here are the first-aid steps to take for a more serious blister:

Wash your hands.
Sterilize a needle with alcohol.
Make small holes at the edge of the blister.
Gently push out the fluid.
Apply antibiotic ointment.
Put on a bandage.
If possible, take steps to protect the area from further rubbing or pressure.

If you have a compromised immune system , you are more likely to get an infection and should not drain a blister on your own. However, your healthcare provider may want to drain it to help prevent infection.

If a blister breaks open on its own:

Gently wash the area with clean water only.
Smooth the flap of broken skin over the newly exposed skin, unless it’s dirty, torn, or there is pus under it.
Put petroleum jelly on it.
Cover it with a bandage.

Change the bandage any time it gets wet. Take it off when you go to bed to give the area a chance to air out.

First Aid for a Broken Bone or Fracture

Odilon Dimier / Getty Images

Any injury to your limbs, hands, and feet needs to be treated as a broken bone until an X-ray can be done.

While broken bones or fractures do need medical treatment, they do not all require an emergency trip to the hospital. First aid steps can help stabilize the bone until you can see a healthcare provider.

In some cases, you will need emergency medical care to deal with a broken bone.

Call 911 if:

The person is bleeding a lot, is unresponsive, is not breathing, or has more than one injury.
You think a person has a fracture or other serious injury in their spinal column, head, hip, pelvis, or thigh. In this case, do not move the person.
A broken bone is poking through the skin ( open or compound fracture ).
The area below an injured joint feels cold and clammy or looks bluish.
You cannot keep the injury from moving well enough to transport the person.

Otherwise, you can use first aid, then go to urgent care or contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Here’s what to do next:

Do not try to straighten the bone.
For a limb, use a splint and padding to keep it still, then elevate it.
Put a cold pack on the injury—but not directly on the skin. Use a barrier between the ice and the skin to keep the tissue from being damaged. If all you have is ice, put it in a plastic bag and wrap it in a shirt or towel before applying it.
Give the person anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) for pain.

Some research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Aleve can slow bone healing. However, short-term NSAID use appears to have little or no effect on healing. You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as an alternative for pain relief.

First Aid for Sprains

Adam Burn / Getty Images

A sprain is an injury to the connective tissues that hold bones, cartilage , and joints together ( ligaments ).

Sprains are most often caused when the twisting of a joint overstretches or tears these tissues. They tend to happen in the ankles, knees, and wrists.

The symptoms of a sprain are similar to those of a broken bone. A person will need to have an X-ray to figure out which injury they have.

The first thing to do is make sure that the injured person stops any unnecessary activity, as moving can make the injury worse.

Sprains often don’t require emergency treatment. However, you should get immediate medical care if the injured person:

Has severe pain when they move or are touched
Cannot put any weight on the injured joint
Has increased bruising
Has numbness or pins-and-needles near the sprain
Shows signs of infection
Has little or no improvement during the first week after the injury happens

If emergency care is not needed, follow these first aid steps:

Keep the limb as still as possible.
Apply a cold pack .
Elevate the injured part if you can do so safely.
Use NSAIDs for pain.
Ask your provider about any other treatment for a sprain you might need.

First Aid for Nosebleeds

KidStock / Getty Images

Nosebleeds can have various causes. In children, the most common cause of a nosebleed is digital trauma—better known as picking your nose.

Other causes of a bloody nose include:

Dry or hot air
High altitudes
Chemical fumes that irritate the nasal passages
Colds and allergies
Blowing your nose hard or often
Trauma to the nose
Deviated septum (crooked nasal cartilage)
Nasal polyps (non-cancerous or cancerous growths in the nasal passage and sinuses) or nasal tumors
Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia and leukemia )
High blood pressure
Frequent use of nasal sprays, decongestants, and antihistamines
Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
Cocaine and other drugs that are inhaled or snorted

Many of these things dry out or damage the delicate membranes in your nostrils, causing them to get crusty and burst when irritated.

First aid for a nosebleed has a few simple steps.

If your nose is bleeding:

Lean slightly forward, not back.
Pinch your nose just below the bridge. It needs to be high enough that the nostrils are not pinched closed.
After five minutes, check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If not, continue pinching and check after another 10 minutes.
Apply a cold pack to the bridge of your nose while you’re pinching.

In some cases, you will need to let your provider know if you have a bloody nose.

Call your provider if:

You get frequent nosebleeds.
You have anemia symptoms (e.g., weakness, faintness, fatigue, and pale skin).
You’re taking blood thinners.
You have a clotting or bleeding disorder .
You just started a new medication.
You also have unusual bruising .

You might need to seek emergency medical care for a bloody nose.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if:

The bleeding will not stop even after more than 15 minutes of direct pressure.
There is a lot of blood loss.
You have a hard time breathing.
You’ve swallowed a lot of blood and vomited it up.
You’ve had a serious injury or a blow to the head .

First Aid for Frostbite

Dean Mitchell / Getty Images

Frostbite happens when the body’s tissues freeze deeply in the cold. This is the opposite of a burn, but the damage it does to your skin is almost the same.

Treating frostbite involves carefully and gradually warming the affected area. If at all possible, it should only be done by a medical professional. The most important reason to wait for rewarming is if there is any risk of refreezing.

If that’s not possible, or while you’re waiting for an ambulance, you can begin first aid for frostbite.

Get out of the cold.
Put the affected area in warm water (98 to 105 degrees) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do not rub the affected area.
Do not use sources of dry heat (e.g., heating pads, fireplace).
For fingers and toes, you can put clean cotton balls between them after they have warmed up.
Loosely wrap the area with bandages.
Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) for pain.
Get medical attention as soon as possible.

For small areas of minor frostbite, you can also warm the area with skin-to-skin contact (putting your skin on someone else’s).

Get emergency treatment if the skin is hard and begins turning white.

First Aid for Bee Stings

HAYKIRDI / Getty Images

Bee stings can hurt a lot but are only a minor problem for many people. However, for people who are allergic to bee venom, a sting can be deadly.

An allergy can develop at any time—that’s why it’s important to always watch for an allergic reaction after a bee sting.

Signs of an allergic reaction to a sting include:

Swelling away from the area that was stung
Hives (raised, large red or skin-colored bumps)
Signs of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause hives, swelling, chest pain, confusion, sweating, blue lips and nails, and trouble breathing)

Call 911 immediately or get the person to the hospital if they have signs of an allergic reaction to a bee sting.

If the person who was stung has a known allergy to bee stings, use an EpiPen to prevent anaphylaxis.

In someone without a known bee allergy, watch for signs of an allergy while you’re performing first aid:

Get the stinger out immediately. This will prevent additional venom from getting into the person. To remove a stinger, it is best to use a straight-edged object such as a credit card to scrape the stinger out of the skin. Avoid squeezing the venom sac with tweezers or your fingers, as this can inject venom into the skin.
Wash the area with soap and water.
Use a cold pack to help with the swelling at the site; however, do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Use an allergy medication or antihistamine (like Benadryl) to reduce swelling and itching.

First aid kits are sold at many pharmacies and department stores, but you can also make your own. You should keep one in your vehicle and in your home.

A basic first-aid kit should contain:

Adhesive bandages in multiple sizes and shapes
Gauze pads in multiple sizes
Compress dressings
Adhesive cloth tape
A roll of gauze
Antiseptic wipes
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrocortisone ointment
A breathing barrier for performing CPR
An instant cold compress
Baby aspirin
An oral thermometer
An emergency blanket

If you can get formal first aid training, that’s the best way to know what to do if a medical emergency happens to you, a loved one, or even a stranger.

Even without formal training, it helps to know the ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation) and how to do CPR.

Attempting to provide first aid care is often better than doing nothing. Sometimes, acting quickly can save a person’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and assessing and treating minor injuries like wounds, burns, sprains, and broken bones are common first aid procedures covered in a basic first aid course.

This is best left to healthcare professionals, as there are big risks to using a tourniquet—even when it’s done the right way. However, if direct pressure is not stopping the bleeding and a person’s life is in danger, anyone can make a tourniquet using a belt or torn piece of fabric.

American Red Cross. What is AED?

American Heart Association. Saving lives: why CPR AED training matter .

Charlton NP, Pellegrino JL, Kule A, et al. 2019 American Heart Association and American Red Cross focused update for first aid: presyncope: an update to the American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid . Circulation . 2019;140(24):e931-e938. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000730

AlSabah S, Al Haddad E, AlSaleh F. Stop the bleed campaign: a qualitative study from our experience from the middle east . Ann Med Surg (Lond) . 2018;36:67-70. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2018.10.013

Nemours Foundation. First aid: cuts .

National Library of Medicine. Bleeding .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Choking: First aid and prevention .

National CPR Foundation. Choking, hypothermia & dehydration .

National Library of Medicine. Choking - infant under 1 year .

American Burn Association. Initial first aid treatment for minor burns .

National Library of Medicine. Burns .

Hyland EJ, Connolly SM, Fox JA, Harvey JG. Minor burn management: potions and lotions . Aust Prescr . 2015;38(4):124-127. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.041

National Library of Medicine. Minor burn - aftercare .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Blisters .

Michigan Medicine. Blister care .

National Library of Medicine. Broken bone .

Wheatley BM, Nappo KE, Christensen DL, Holman AM, Brooks DI, Potter BK. Effect of NSAIDs on bone healing rates: a meta-analysis . J Am Acad Orthop Surg . 2019;27(7):e330-e336. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00727

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprains, strains and Other soft-tissue injuries .

Nemours Foundation. First aid: strains and sprains .

Womack JP, Kropa J, Stabile MJ. Epistaxis: outpatient management . Am Fam Physician . 2018;98(4):240-5.

Nemours Foundation. Nosebleeds .

Beck R, Sorge M, Schneider A, Dietz A. Current approaches to epistaxis treatment in primary and secondary care . Dtsch Arztebl Int . 2018;115(1-02):12-22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0012

Nemours Foundation. First aid: frostbite .

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Insect sting allergies .

American Red Cross. First aid steps .

Galante JM. Using Tourniquets to Stop Bleeding . JAMA. 2017 Apr 11;317(14):1490. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.8581

By Rod Brouhard, EMT-P Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.

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First Aid and Emergency Health Care
Resuscitation (CPR)

Basic First Aid: The Three Cs, Caring for Common Injuries & More

Last Updated: July 25, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS . Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 29 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,002,315 times.

Basic first aid refers to the initial process of assessing and addressing the needs of someone who has been injured or is in physiological distress due to choking, a heart attack, allergic reactions, drugs, or other medical emergencies. Basic first aid allows you to quickly determine a person's physical condition and the correct course of treatment. You should always seek professional medical help as soon as you are able, but following correct first aid procedures can be the difference between life and death. Follow our entire tutorial, or find specific advice by checking out the sections listed above.

Things You Should Know

Perform the 3 Cs of first aid before doing any care work—check your surroundings for safety, call for help, and then care for the person.
Check if an unconscious person is responsive or breathing. Give rescue breaths and chest compressions if they’re unresponsive but have a pulse.
Wear gloves to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens while treating cuts, scrapes, minor burns, or other injuries.

Performing the Three Cs

If approaching the victim will endanger your life, seek professional help immediately; they have higher levels of training and know-how to handle these situations. First aid becomes useless if you can't safely perform it without hurting yourself.

Caring for an Unconscious Person

During the COVID-19 pandemic, only look for signs of breathing rather than listening to or trying to feel the person’s breath to avoid exposure. [4] X Research source

Keep the head and neck aligned.
Carefully roll them onto their back while holding their head.
Open the airway by lifting the chin.
During COVID-19, it’s recommended that you don’t use rescue breaths if the person has a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus. [8] X Research source

Step 5 Perform 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths as part of CPR.

If you’re worried about COVID-19 exposure, just do continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. [10] X Research source
Even if you only do chest compressions, it’s better than not performing CPR at all.

Airway. Does the person have an unobstructed airway?
Breathing. Is the person breathing?
Circulation. Does the person show a pulse at major pulse points (wrist, carotid artery, groin)?

Step 7 Make sure the person is warm as you wait for medical help.

Do not feed or hydrate an unconscious person. This could cause choking and possible asphyxiation.
Do not leave the person alone. Unless you absolutely need to signal or call for help, stay with the person at all times.
Do not prop up an unconscious person's head with a pillow.
Do not slap or splash with water an unconscious person's face. These are movie gimmicks.
If the person appears in danger due to an electric shock, you may attempt to move it, but only with a non-conductive object.

Treating Common Problems In First Aid Scenarios

Step 1 Protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens.

Treat a bullet wound . Bullet wounds are serious and unpredictable. Read on for special considerations when treating someone who has suffered a gunshot wound.

Immobilize the area. Make sure that the broken bone doesn't have to move or support any other body parts.
Numb the pain. Often, this can be done with an ice pack covered by a towel.
Make a splint . A bundle of newspapers and sturdy tape will do just the trick. A broken finger, for example, can also use another finger as a stabilizing splint.
Make a sling , if necessary. Tie a shirt or a pillowcase around a broken arm and then around the shoulder.

One of the ways to help a choking victim is the Heimlich maneuver . The Heimlich maneuver is performed by straddling the victim from behind and bear-hugging them with your hands interlocked above their belly button but beneath their breastbone. Thrust upward to expel air from the lungs and repeat until you are successful in clearing the object from the windpipe.

Loss of consciousness following the injury
Disorientation or memory impairment
loss of memory of recent events(short terms memories)

Treating Rarer Cases in First Aid Scenarios

Clear the surroundings to protect the person from hurting themselves. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Activate emergency medical services if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if the person is not breathing afterward.
After the episode has ended, help them to the floor and put something soft or flat under their head. Turn them onto their side to ease breathing, but do not hold the person down or try to stop their movements.
Be friendly and reassuring as their consciousness returns and do not offer food or water until fully alert.

Expert Q&A

If a person is impaled on an object, do not remove it unless it is obstructing an airway. Removing the object is likely to cause additional injuries and increase the severity of bleeding. Avoid moving the person. If you must move them, you may shorten and secure the object. [5] X Research source <i>Survival, Evasion and Recovery</i> - U.S. Military Field Manual FM 21-76-1 (1999) Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If possible, use latex gloves or other barriers to protect yourself from others' bodily fluids. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
As much as this article can cover, you will only learn so much from reading steps on how to do this. As such, try to find training in first aid and/or CPR if at all possible - this gives you, the reader, the ability to learn hands-on exactly how to bind fractures and dislocations, bandage moderate to severe wounds, and even perform CPR, and you will find yourself better prepared for treating those in need after the training. In addition, these certifications also protect you in the event of legal action - while Good Samaritan laws will protect you in these cases, certifications simply bolster this. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Moving someone with spinal cord damage may increase the likelihood of paralysis or death. Thanks Helpful 119 Not Helpful 12
Do not touch someone who is being shocked by an electrical current. Turn off the power or use a piece of non-conductive material (e.g., wood, dry rope, dry clothing) to separate him from the power source before touching him. Thanks Helpful 108 Not Helpful 16
Do not move the person. It could harm them even more; unless they are in immediate danger. Wait for the ambulance to arrive to take over treatment of the person. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 0
Never, ever put yourself in danger! As much as this seems to lack compassion, remember that being a hero, in this case, means nothing if you come back dead. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 0
If you aren't sure what to do, leave it to the professionals. If it's not a life-critical injury, doing the wrong thing can endanger the patient. See the note about training, up above in tips. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
Never try to reset a broken or dislocated bone. Remember, this is first aid - if you are doing this, you are preparing a patient for transport. Unless you are 110% sure of what you are doing, resetting a dislocation or broken bone runs a strong risk of making things worse. Only doctors are qualified to do this. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Before touching a victim or rendering any aid, get consent to treat! Check the laws in your area. Rendering aid without consent may lead to legal action. If someone has a "Do not resuscitate" order, respect it (only if you see proof). If the person is unconscious and at risk of death or injury, without any known "Do not resuscitate" order, go ahead and treat by implied consent . If consciousness is not yet known, tap them on the shoulder and say "Sir/Ma'am, are you alright? I know how to help you." before proceeding to render first aid. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
It is dangerous to give aspirin to anyone under the age of 16 as it can cause potentially fatal damage to the brain and liver before this age. Aspirin should also not be given to anyone with dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, gastritis, or a peptic ulcer, as aspirin is gastrolesive. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Accidents-and-first-aid/Pages/The-recovery-position.aspx
↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000022.htm
↑ https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/coronavirus-information/first-aid-cpr-aed-care-during-covid-19
↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Survival, Evasion and Recovery - U.S. Military Field Manual FM 21-76-1 (1999)
↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600
↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-cpr/FA00061
↑ http://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/basics/first_aid.htm

About This Article

To do basic first aid, remember the 3 C's. First, check your surroundings for possible hazards, and move the person if necessary unless they have a spine or neck injury. Second, call emergency services for help. Finally, care for the person by performing CPR if necessary and stopping any bleeding. If they're bleeding, apply pressure to their wound with a cloth or t-shirt. For more tips, including how to treat a broken bone, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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First aid refers to the emergency or immediate care you should provide when a person is injured or ill until full medical treatment is available. For minor conditions, first aid care may be enough. For serious problems, first aid care should be continued until more advanced care becomes available.

The decision to act appropriately with first aid can mean the difference between life and death. Begin by introducing yourself to the injured or ill person. Explain that you are a first aid provider and are willing to help. The person must give you permission to help them; do not touch them until they agree to be helped. If you encounter a confused person or someone who is critically injured or ill, you can assume that they would want you to help them. This is known as “implied consent.

FIRST AID BASICS

The first step in any emergency is the recognition of the problem and providing help. When in doubt or when someone is seriously injured or ill, you should always activate the emergency response system by calling 911 in the United States, or your own locality’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number. If you’re not sure how serious the situation is, the 911/EMS operator will ask you a series of questions to determine the severity of the situation.

Remain on the line until additional help arrives, or until the 911/EMS operator tells you to hang up. Emergency system dispatchers can guide you through the steps of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), or delivering basic care until additional help arrives.

Whether you are at home, work, or school, know where the first aid kit and the AED are kept and be familiar with their contents. Know how to activate the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in your area. Be aware of any policies in the workplace regarding medical emergencies.

After determining the problem, the next step in providing help is to determine the responsiveness of the injured or ill person. The best way to determine this is to tap the person and talk loudly to them: “Are you okay?” After determining responsiveness, yell for help. Look for any medical identifications, such as a necklace or a bracelet. This may provide a valuable clue to the cause of the situation.

SCENE SAFETY

Assessing the safety of the surroundings is critical when approaching any scene. You do not want to become another person who is injured or ill, so look for any potential dangers. Remove the person from any dangers, such as the presence of water at the scene. Be especially alert to avoid danger from automobile traffic.

HANDWASHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR

Handwashing is essential in the prevention of disease and illness. Wash your hands after each episode of care and after taking off gloves. When a sink is not available, use hand sanitizers. (Most hand sanitizers are alcohol-based and are a substitute for handwashing when needed.)

Proper handwashing technique is fairly simple:

Completely wet your hands and generously apply soap.
Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds (Figure1) .
Rinse your hands with plenty of running water.
Dry your hands with a towel or air dryer.

Using personal protective gear is an important strategy to minimize the risk of blood and bodily fluid exposure. If the person is bleeding, always wear gloves and protective eyewear when giving first aid care. The universal precaution is to use personal protective equipment whenever there is possible exposure to blood or bodily fluids; it reduces the risk for both the rescuer and the injured/ill person to be exposed to a blood-borne disease. Gloves protect your hands from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, while eye protection prevents accidental exposure from splashing fluids.

Consider a pocket mask as part of your personal protective gear as it provides safety during rescue breathing. Be sure to dispose of all equipment that has touched bodily fluids in a biohazard bag when available.

When taking off the gloves, avoid touching the outer contaminated surface. Slowly pull one glove off while turning it inside out (Figure 2a) . Place the glove in the palm of the other gloved hand (Figure 2b) , and then remove the second glove while turning it inside out (Figure 2c) .

FIRST AID KIT

Consider purchasing a commercially available first aid kit or making your own. Having a kit in your home, your car, and at your place of work is essential to stay prepared.

Common items found in a first aid kit are:

Bandages, roller bandages, and tape
Sterile gauze
Antiseptic wipes and swabs
Absorbent compresses
Antibiotic cream
Burn ointment
Mask for breathing (rescue breathing/CPR)
Chemical cold pack
Eyeshield and eyewash
First aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers

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By administering immediate care during an emergency, you can help an ill or injured person before EMS, Emergency Medical Services arrive. And you may be able to help save a life. However, even after training, remembering the right first aid steps – and administering them correctly – can be difficult. In order to help you deliver the right care at the right time, we've created this simple step-by-step guide that you can print up and place on your refrigerator, in your car, in your bag or at your desk.

Checking an Injured or Ill Person

1 CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent, and use personal protective equipment (PPE)

2 If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout

Note: CHECK for no more than 10 seconds

3A If the person does not respond, responds but is not fully awake, is not breathing or is only gasping, or has life-threatening bleeding or another obvious life-threatening condition, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so. Then, give CARE based on the condition found and your level of training and continue your check to determine if additional care is needed

Note: For a person who is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR and use an AED immediately

3B If the person is responsive or responds to stimulation and is fully awake and does not appear to have a life-threatening condition:

Interview the person (or bystanders, if necessary), ask questions about signs and symptoms, allergies, and medications and medical conditions (SAM)
Do a focused check based on what the person told you, how the person is acting and what you see

Note: Do not ask the person to move if you suspect a head, neck or spinal injury. Do not ask the person to move any area of the body that causes discomfort or pain

Note: As you check the person, take note of any medical identification tags

4 After completing the CHECK step, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so (if needed). Then, give CARE based on the condition found and your level of training

Be Prepared

You can also sign up for a get First Aid/CPR/AED certified , where you'll learn the latest techniques and earn a two-year certification in first aid from the American Red Cross.

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Teaching Basic First Aid to Kids

The more time you spend outside with your kids, the more likely we all are to encounter some sticky situations. Cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises can happen. Even when we’re being careful. And as kids get older and more independent, they’re more likely to need some basic first aid knowledge and skills. Today, we have Creative Team member, mom of two and nurse, Ashley Greenhalgh here to give you a primer on teaching basic first aid to kids. Take a little time to familiarize yourself with the basics and then go over these practical first aid tips with your child. That way you can both be more confident and capable on your next outdoor adventure!

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How to Teach Basic First Aid to Kids - Tips and advice from a nurse and mom

Teaching basic first aid to kids

Whether we spend a little or a lot of time outside with our children, there comes a point when they will be venturing off on their own. We are trying to raise our kids to be kind, curious, thoughtful, and smart. We want them to make good decisions for themselves. But even when they do, injuries can happen. In that case, we want them to be as prepared as they can be to take care of themselves (and others). Injuries and medical care can be intimidating for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little knowledge, preparation, and forethought, you can prepare your kids to handle the basics of first aid.

This article is designed to help your children help themselves. Whether that’s in an emergency scenario or an everyday situation where basic first aid is necessary. Teaching first aid to children is something that will make you and your children more safe and confident in the outdoors.

Outdoor injuries happen…

While enjoying an outdoor adventure, there are inherent risks. Kids playing outside are running, jumping, climbing, roasting marshmallows over a fire, crossing a river, riding bikes, and countless other amazing activities. These things foster creativity, independence, self-esteem as well as mental and physical health. Nothing comes more naturally to children than play. And we want nothing more than for them to enjoy these activities with full abandon! Yet, injuries do happen.

When a child gets an injury while outside, usually, someone runs for an adult. But, wouldn’t it be amazing if your kids could properly care for their own minor injuries when there isn’t a knowledgeable adult nearby? Wouldn’t that give you more peace of mind and give your child more independence?

This article will assist you in teaching your child some basic first aid. We’ll cover (1) how to treat minor injuries, (2) what skills to use, (3) kid-friendly first aid supplies, and (4) other helpful first aid tips.

…so, don’t panic

First things first. If you can only teach your child ONE thing, it should be to stay calm in an emergency. When panic sets in, many times multiple people will be injured instead of just one. Things can go from bad to much worse if you panic. Injuries can be scary, so staying calm is easier said than done. But, with a little advanced preparation and knowledge, it’s much easier to keep your cool.

In any situation, the first and most important thing to do is to assess the situation. When something scary happens, one way to slow down panic is to count backward in your head before acting. “Three, two, one… ACT.” This allows just enough time for your brain to assess what needs to be done and cut down on mistakes. Also, practicing deep breathing (big breath in through your nose, out through your mouth) can have a calming effect on our bodies.

Roleplay with your kids to prepare

One of the best ways to teach children first aid is through scenarios and role play. Be aware that scenarios involving mom or dad getting hurt can cause anxiety in children; so try to keep it light-hearted and not super scary. Explain the situation and ask your child what to do first. Always remind them to take some time to fully assess the situation and think about it before acting or blurting out an action plan. This will remind your child to stop the panic and think.

Teaching kids to care for scrapes and cuts

While jumping on rocks, climbing trees, or making marshmallow sticks; scrapes and cuts are some of the most common injuries of children. Most of these will be minor and washing with soap and water and keeping it clean will aid in healing.

Simple steps for taking care of a cut:

Stay calm and assess the situation.
If there is major bleeding, immediately ca ll for help and apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding.
If the injury is not major, apply pressure (usually just a few minutes) to stop bleeding and allow the body to form a clot.
Clean the area with soap and water if available, if not wipe with an alcohol wipe or iodine swab and let dry.
Apply an antibiotic ointment.
Apply a clean bandage or piece of gauze (secure with tape or Tegaderm), as needed.

If there is a laceration that is deep and won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure, a SteriStrip may be necessary. A SteriStrip can be used in place of stitches in a pinch. Say your child fell and hit her head on a rock and now has a two-inch long gash that is 2cm deep and looks like it will need stitches. Now imagine you’re three hours from an urgent care or ER. A SteriStrip will do wonders until you can seek proper medical attention.

Steps to apply a SteriStrip:

As previously stated, apply pressure to get the bleeding to stop or slow enough to apply the bandage.
Clean the area as much as possible with soap and water and/or sterile gauze.
Open the SteriStrip and measure the length of the cut and cut the appropriate number of strips that match the wound length.
Remove the backing from one side of the SteriStrip and apply the adhesive to one side of the cut.
When the adhesive has attached to the skin, pull the other side of the Steristrips across the laceration (this will close the wound)
Remove the backing and press to adhere the other side to the skin.

We recommend keeping SteriStrips in your first aid kit and practice using them (and let the kids practice) before you ever need to use them in real life.

Jet Boil - First Aid for Children Treating and Preventing Burns

How to treat minor burns

What is camping without a fire? We all love sitting around a campfire, telling stories and roasting marshmallows! These nostalgic moments can be cut short if someone touches a burning stick or spills a hot meal or drink on themselves. A burn is essentially your flesh cooking, and it is very painful. To stop the pain, you must stop the cooking.

Your first instinct may be to run to the nearest ice-cold stream and place the affected body part in the water. However, you can actually do more harm that way. Very cold water can constrict the bloodflow and cause damage to the surrounding tissues.

If you or your child gets a small burn, apply a clean, cool (but not ice cold) wet towel or sheet to the affected area to cool it down and keep it clean. Do not apply a tight dressing over a burn, as it can attach to the flesh and peel away tissue upon removal.

Clear away any hanging or dead tissue with clean scissors or nail clippers. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment, and a clean dry bandage or gauze. This only applies to small burns. For larger and more serious burns, you need to seek medical attention right away.

Burn prevention

Prevention of burns is something worthwhile to teach children. Some burn prevention basics are:

“Stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.
When pouring hot liquids, set the cup or bowl on a hard, stable surface to reduce the risk of tipping the liquid over.
Emphasis walking around fires and stoves, no running or jumping close to a fire.
Never touch items used for cooking without a potholder (they could be hot).

Also, be aware of basic (and sometimes innocuous looking items) that can cause burns. If you’ve used a JetBoil (amazing and so convenient when camping!), you know how benign this piece of equipment can look. It’s small, quiet, and the flame is tiny. However, there are metal elements that heat quickly and can cause burns. We love our JetBoil , but it can be very dangerous for little ones.

Be aware and cautious about any item that gets hot or is used in cooking. If you get new camping cooking equipment, be sure to test it out and know how it works before letting your kids try it. It is so fun to learn about a new piece of equipment together – review the dangers and read the instructions.

DIY First Aid Kit for Outdoor Adventures - Exactly what to pack in your first aid kit for kids

How to handle a twisted ankle

Unfortunately, twisted ankles (ligaments stretching or tearing) are a common injury for children and adults. Running, jumping, climbing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, you name it…all put you at an elevated risk for a sprained ankle. Getting your children into the habit of wearing stable footwear while enjoying outdoor activities is the best way to prevent such injuries.

However, if you or your child gets injured, these steps can help them get to medical care safely.

First, have them sit in a safe place and take off their shoes and socks. This allows you to look at both feet and ankles together – for comparison. The injured ankle may be bruised or swollen, and painful.

Check for a broken bone. If there is an obvious deformity that would likely indicate a broken bone, you’ll need to call for help to have the injured person evacuated or taken to a medical facility for care. Keep the injury resting with no pressure put on it.

If there is not an obvious broken bone, apply ice or a cold pack for 20 minutes. This can help with swelling and pain. Another option would be to place the foot and ankle in a cold stream or lake – the cold water will do the same thing.

Next, elevate the affected area. If you’re sitting on the ground, rest the sprained foot up on a backpack, for example. This will also help reduce swelling.

After a period of rest, the next step is to assess the range of motion. Move the foot up and down, and side to side. If there is minimal pain and swelling, and if the person can move the ankle through the full range of motion, likely the injury can be treated in the field with athletic tape and you can head back to your home or vehicle to continue resting. Or if you have a SamSplint (more on this near the end of the article), you can use that.

How to tape up a twisted ankle

Step 1: To tape an unstable ankle, first, wrap a piece of tape completely around the leg about two inches above the ankle bone. This is called the landmark tape.

Teaching Children First Aid - How to Splint a Sprained Ankle

Step 1 – Apply athletic tape as a landmark; 2 inches above ankle bone

Step 2: Apply three additional pieces of tape in a U-shape (like a stirrup) to support the foot. Start at the landmark tape, then pull the tape below the foot and up the other side. Cut the tape and repeat twice, overlapping the tape.

Step 2 – Apply athletic tape stirrup

Step 3: Apply three additional strips of tape in a J-shape for additional stability. Again, start at the landmark tape on the uninjured side of the leg, pull the tape down below the foot, over the top of the foot and secure back where you started the J-shape. Repeat this two more times, overlapping the tape.

Teaching Children First Aid - Ankle Sprains and How to Bandage

Step 3 – Apply athletic tape in a J-shape. Repeat three times.

Step 4: Apply athletic tape in a figure-eight. Start where the J-shape begins. Pull the tape below the foot, up the opposite side of the foot, over the top and around the back of the ankle, then over the top again and attach. Repeat this two additional times, overlapping the tape. Ensure that the injured person’s toes are pink, can wiggle, and they can feel them. This is known as “CMS” – circulation, motor, sensory.

When comfortable, walk out slowly, and seek additional medical treatment if needed. If the foot is not too swollen, the shoe can be worn for the walk out.

Again, this is an activity you can practice at home (while safe and calm) before ever having to use these skills out in a real-life situation. Practicing taping an ankle will give your kids confidence to know exactly what to do in case the situation ever arises.

How to stop a nose bleed safely and effectively (first aid tips for kids)

How to treat a bloody nose

More than likely, either you or your child has experienced a bloody nose at some point. You’ve probably heard many different tactics on how to stop a bloody nose. The problem is, many of the previous recommendations (tilting your head back, for example) can result in swallowing blood. This can result in your child throwing up. Our bodies do not like blood in our stomachs, and as a result, it will force itself to expel the blood.

The better and easiest way to stop a bloody nose is to sit down, lean your head slightly forward, and pinch your nose just below the bridge (where you can feel the bony area stop and the cartilage (the soft tissue that forms your nostrils). Continue to apply pressure for about 5 minutes until the bleeding stops. Many times, this is enough time for a clot to form. Try not to be alarmed when you attempt to remove the tissue and a large clot pulls away from the nostril. This is normal. If the bloody nose cannot be stopped after trying this technique, please seek medical attention.

First aid kit for kids

Teaching kids first aid tips and techniques is one thing. If you want your children to feel not only cool but also confident in their first aid abilities, let them take some basic first aid supplies along with them on their adventures. We have put together first aid kits for our girls and they love being able to help others or themselves when someone has an injury. This list of items can easily fit into a daypack and can treat most minor injuries.

First Aid Supplies for your Children to Carry

Top row (left to right): Tegaderm, Ace Bandage, tweezers, Welly first aid kit Middle row: gauze, Steristrip, SamSplint, iodine swab, antibiotic ointment Bottom row: alcohol swabs, small scissors, athletic tape, and contact solution

Make your own first aid kit for kids

Tegaderm – Tegaderm bandages are incredibly useful if you have an injury in an area that may get wet. They are clear and gentle on the skin, and also water-resistant! Say you have a cut and have cleaned it well, but will be out camping for a couple more days. If you put a Tegaderm bandage over clean gauze for a cut, it will stay on, keep moisture out of the area, and you can see any redness (a sign of infection) through the bandage. After a few days, you can gently peel the Tegaderm off in the shower. I’ve used these extensively throughout my career as a nurse, and I cannot recommend these enough.

Ace bandage – As mentioned above, Ace bandages would be applied over a splint or large bandage to reduce mobility and can provide some compression.

Multipurpose tool – A good multipurpose tool provides tweezers, a knife, and small scissors all in one compact tool. These are great for removing splinters and hang nails, and cutting gauze or athletic tape.

Welly Kits – We love the Welly Kits . The adorable metal container includes first aid basics such as bandages for small cuts, antibiotic cream, hand sanitizer, and hydrocortisone cream. I start with these kits and leave a few of those items in the container, then add a few more items to it to make it even more functional. The container keeps everything secure and dry when in a larger kit or backpack.

Burn bandages – These handy bandages are great for protecting a scalding burn.

Gauze – It’s definitely worth carrying some gauze with you when adventuring outside. Usually, gauze is individually wrapped (to keep sterile), great for cleaning wounds and applying to cuts/ abrasions on top of antibiotic ointment. You can then apply a Tegaderm directly on top of the gauze to keep it in place or apply another type of bandage.

SteriStrips – As previously stated, SteriStrips are great alternative to stitches when you’re away from medical help. Apply pressure to the cut to get the bleeding to stop. Clean the area as much as possible with soap and water and/or sterile gauze. Open the SteriStrips , measure the length of the cut and cut the appropriate number of strips that match the wound length. Remove the backing from one side of the SteriStrips and apply the adhesive to one side of the cut. When the adhesive has attached to the skin, pull the other side of the SteriStrips across the laceration to close the wound. Remove the backing and press to adhere the other side to the skin.

SamSplint – I learned about the SamSplint a few years ago when I earned my Advanced Wilderness Life Support certification. These things are amazing! You can splint an arm, ankle, wrist, etc. so quickly! They even have instructions printed right on the front! Use the SamSplint , then apply an Ace Bandage to keep the splint in place while you evacuate the area and get to professional medical care. When splinting a bone, remember the anatomical position. For example, our youngest broke her radius and ulna a few weeks ago after a fall. The correct way to splint the area was to have her bend her elbow, then support the broken bones from beneath. This not only provides a degree of pain relief, but aids in appropriate healing.

Alcohol wipes or Iodine swabs – Both are a great option for cleaning injuries. You will want to choose alcohol wipes if you have an iodine allergy, or vice versa. In a pinch, smelling an alcohol wipe can also decrease nausea. Make sure to remove any debris from the injury with clean hands or a tweezer. Then wipe the area with either an alcohol wipe or Iodine swab. Let the area dry, then apply the appropriate bandage or dressing.

Antibiotic ointment – After cleaning a cut, abrasion, small burn, or other minor injury, apply antibiotic ointment directly to the CLEAN DRESSING (bandage, gauze, etc.). DO NOT apply directly to the skin, as you can contaminate the entire tube of ointment if you touch the container to the skin. Antibiotic ointment will help kill any germs that are present on the skin.

Athletic tape – This can be used to secure a bandage or dressing, to splint a sprained ankle, or fix that hole in your tent! Talk about multipurpose!

Contact solution – A few weeks ago, we were playing down by a river with some friends and one of the kiddos, unfortunately, got sand in her eye. If you’ve ever had a corneal abrasion, you know how painful it can be! Luckily we had some contact solution on hand and we squeezed it into the girl’s eye and were able to remove the sand before it did any major damage. A travel-sized container of contact solution works well. I’ll always carry one in my first aid kit now.

First Aid Guide – Last but definitely not least, is a First Aid Guide . It’s a great addition to any outdoor adventure to assist with any first aid you or your children may need. Adrenaline can sometimes get in the way of logic, so a book for reference is a great item to have on hand. This one is not only lightweight but waterproof!

First aid lessons for kids

Teaching first aid basics to kids is a great step in raising strong, capable, confident, and helpful children. I hope this article was informative and will help you (and your child) feel more prepared for your next outing! Educating your child about outdoor safety, injury prevention and treatment is so important. Plus, having a first aid kit equipped with the right supplies can make or break a trip. I wish you all happy and safe trails. And if you or your child are injured, I hope you now feel more confident to handle it!

Take care, Ashley (RN)

About the author

Ashley is an RN certified in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She’s a nature-loving mother of two who is passionate about outdoor education for parents and their children. Ashley grew up in Alaska, where her family spent most of their time outdoors fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. She currently lives with her husband and children near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe, where they can be found outdoors year-round; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and camping. She is also very passionate about photography and owns a small photography business. You can find more from Ashley in the following online locations: Instagram: @sage.and.summit Website: Sage & Summit Photography RWMC posts: Ashley Greenhalgh

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We need to acknowledged with the first aid and what our next step for a help provided to a friend, colleague. This is fantastic you’ve been exploring some tips for the first aid. Even If I’m writing my assignment for my teacher but I decided to pay attention on the information provided above. Thank you!

Came here for this after hearing you on the podcast, thank you so much for this post and the product recommendations! I’ll definitely be having this talk with my kiddos now.

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Great information. I am a paramedic and have to teach a 30-minute lecture to a group of 5th and 6th grade girls at our church Pioneer Girls club. Was looking for some basics to get me started. This is perfect. Thanks!

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Introduction, Definition, Qualities, Aims, Scope of First Aid | Nursing - First Aid | 11th Nursing : Chapter 9 : First Aid

Chapter: 11th nursing : chapter 9 : first aid, introduction.

First aid to sick and wounded has been practiced since ancient times. But an organized world wide effort for giving first aid came only in the year 1877 with the formation of St. John ambulance association of England after the Great apostle of St. John.

In 1920, Red Cross Society of India was established. With more than 400 branches all over India, great success has been achieved in the improvement of health and prevention of diseases. Since then the universal need and utility of first aid has been increasing in this modern mechanized civilization.

Definition of First aid

· First aid is simple medical treatment given the earliest possible to a person who is injured or who suddenly becomes ill.

· First aid is the initial assistance or treatment given to a casualty for any injury or sudden illness before the arrival of an ambulance, doctor or other qualified person. First aid is not an end by itself. It indicates that the person is in need of a “ Secondary Aid”.

First Aider

The person who is trained to render emergency service on the spot until the medical aid is obtained is called a “ First Aider”.

Qualities of a First Aider.

· Calm

· Confident

· Willing to offer assistance whenever necessary

Aims of first aid:

3Ps Preserve life

Prevent injuries /condition from worsening

Promote Recovery

Scope of First Aid

The scope of first aid includes

a) Diagnosis

b) Treatment

c) Disposal of the case.

(a) Diagnosis

Know the possible cause of accident or sudden injury.

Gather information from casualty and bystanders.

Watch for symptoms like faintness, bleeding, thirst, pain or shivering

Watch for abnormal signs like swelling, paleness etc.

(b) Treatment

Remove the causative agent from the casuality eg. falling machinery, fire, electrical wire, poision etc.

(c) Disposal

Arrange for the safe transportation of the casuality to the care of a doctor or hospital as soon as possible.

Inform the family or relatives at once.

Introduction

What to do after an incident, the recovery position.

Every year in the UK, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents. Many deaths could be prevented if first aid is given before emergency services arrive.

If someone is injured you should:

first check that you and the casualty aren’t in any danger, and, if possible, make the situation safe
if necessary, phone 999 for an ambulance when it’s safe to do so
carry out basic first aid

Read more about what to do after an incident .

If someone is unconscious and breathing

If a person is unconscious but breathing, and has no other injuries that would stop them being moved, place them in the recovery position until help arrives.

Keep them under observation to ensure they continue to breathe normally, and don’t obstruct their airway.

If someone is unconscious and not breathing

If a person isn’t breathing normally after an incident, phone an ambulance and start CPR straight away. Use hands-only CPR if you aren’t trained to perform rescue breaths.

Read more about CPR , including instructions and a video about hands-only CPR.

Common accidents and emergencies

Below, in alphabetical order, are some of the most common injuries that need emergency treatment in the UK and information about how to deal with them:

anaphylaxis (or anaphylactic shock)
burns and scalds
choking
drowning
electric shock (domestic)
fractures
heart attack
poisoning
shock

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis (or anaphylactic shock) is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after an insect sting or after eating certain foods. The adverse reaction can be very fast, occurring within seconds or minutes of coming into contact with the substance the person is allergic to (allergen).

During anaphylactic shock, it may be difficult for the person to breathe, as their tongue and throat may swell, obstructing their airway.

Phone 999 immediately if you think someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock.

Check if the person is carrying any medication. Some people who know they have severe allergies may carry an adrenaline self-injector, which is a type of pre-loaded syringe. You can either help the person administer their medication or, if you’re trained to do so, give it to them yourself.

After the injection, continue to look after the person until medical help arrives. All casualties who have had an intramuscular or subcutaneous (under the skin) injection of adrenaline must be seen and medically checked by a healthcare professional as soon as possible after the injection has been given.

Make sure they’re comfortable and can breathe as best they can while waiting for medical help to arrive. If they’re conscious, sitting upright is normally the best position for them.

Haemostatic dressings and tourniquets

In certain situations, where bleeding is very severe and from the body’s extremities, such as the head, neck and torso, it may be appropriate to use haemostatic dressings or a tourniquet.

Haemostatic dressings contain properties that help the blood to clot (thicken) quicker. A tourniquet is a band that’s wrapped tightly around a limb to stop blood loss. Haemostatic dressings and tourniquets should only be used by people who have been trained to apply them.

Burns and scalds

If someone has a burn or scald:

cool the burn as quickly as possible with cool running water for at least 10 minutes, or until the pain is relieved
phone 999 or seek medical help, if needed
while cooling the burn, carefully remove any clothing or jewellery, unless it’s attached to the skin
if you’re cooling a large burnt area, particularly in babies, children and elderly people, be aware that it may cause hypothermia (it may be necessary to stop cooling the burn to avoid hypothermia)
cover the burn loosely with cling film; if cling film isn’t available, use a clean, dry dressing or non-fluffy material; don’t wrap the burn tightly, because swelling may lead to further injury
don’t apply creams, lotions or sprays to the burn

For chemical burns, wear protective gloves, remove any affected clothing, and rinse the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes to wash out the chemical. If possible, determine the cause of the injury.

In certain situations where a chemical is regularly handled, a specific chemical antidote may be available to use.

Be careful not to contaminate and injure yourself with the chemical, and wear protective clothing if necessary.

Phone 999 for immediate medical help.

Read more about how to treat burns and scalds .

The information below is for choking in adults and children over 1 year old.

Mild choking

If the airway is only partly blocked, the person will usually be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe. In situations like this, a person will usually be able to clear the blockage themselves.

If choking is mild:

encourage the person to cough to try to clear the blockage
ask them to try to spit out the object if it’s in their mouth
don’t put your fingers in their mouth to help them because they may accidentally bite you

If coughing doesn’t work, start back blows.

Severe choking

If choking is severe, the person won’t be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe, and without help they’ll eventually become unconscious.

To help an adult or child over 1 year old:

Stand behind the person and slightly to one side. Support their chest with one hand. Lean the person forward so that the object blocking their airway will come out of their mouth, rather than moving further down.
Give up to 5 sharp blows between the person’s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand (the heel is between the palm of your hand and your wrist).
Check if the blockage has cleared.
If not, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts.

Abdominal thrusts shouldn’t be used on babies under 1 year old, pregnant women or obese people.

To perform abdominal thrusts on a person who is severely choking and isn’t in one of the above groups:

Stand behind the person who is choking.
Place your arms around their waist and bend them well forward.
Clench one fist and place it just above the person’s belly button.
Place your other hand on top of your fist and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
Repeat this up to 5 times.

The aim is to get the obstruction out with each chest thrust, rather than necessarily doing all 5.

If the obstruction doesn’t clear after 3 cycles of back blows and chest thrusts, phone 999 to ask for an ambulance, and continue until help arrives.

The person choking should always be seen by a healthcare professional afterwards to check for any injuries or small pieces of the obstruction that remain.

If someone is in difficulty in water, don’t enter the water to help unless it’s absolutely essential.

Once the person is on land, if they’re not breathing, open the airway and give 5 initial rescue breaths before starting CPR. If you’re alone, perform CPR for 1 minute before phoning for emergency help.

Find out how to give CPR, including rescue breaths.

If the person is unconscious but still breathing, put them into the recovery position with their head lower than their body and phone an ambulance immediately.

Continue to observe the casualty to ensure they don’t stop breathing or that their airway becomes obstructed.

Electric shock (domestic)

If someone has had an electric shock, switch off the electrical current at the mains to break the contact between the person and the electrical supply.

If you can’t reach the mains supply:

don’t go near or touch the person until you’re sure the electrical supply has been switched off
once the power supply has been switched off, and if the person isn’t breathing, phone 999 for an ambulance

Afterwards, seek medical help – unless the electric shock is very minor.

It can be difficult to tell if a person has a broken bone or a joint, as opposed to a simple muscular injury. If you’re in any doubt, treat the injury as a broken bone.

If the person is unconscious, has difficulty breathing or is bleeding severely, these must be dealt with first, by controlling the bleeding with direct pressure and performing CPR .

If the person is conscious, prevent any further pain or damage by keeping the fracture as still as possible until you get them safely to hospital.

Assess the injury and decide whether the best way to get them to hospital is by ambulance or car. For example, if the pain isn’t too severe, you could transport them to hospital by car. It’s always best to get someone else to drive, so that you can deal with the casualty if they deteriorate – for example, if they lose consciousness as a result of the pain or start to vomit.

However, if:

they’re in a lot of pain and in need of strong painkilling medication, don’t move them and phone an ambulance
it’s obvious they have a broken leg, don’t move them, but keep them in the position you found them in and phone an ambulance
you suspect they have injured or broken their back, don’t move them and phone an ambulance

Don’t give the casualty anything to eat or drink, because they may need an anaesthetic (numbing medication) when they reach hospital.

Heart attack

A heart attack is one of the most common life-threatening heart conditions in the UK.

If you think a person is having, or has had, a heart attack, sit them down and make them as comfortable as possible, and phone 999 for an ambulance.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

chest pain – the pain is usually located in the centre or left side of the chest and can feel like a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing
pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is travelling from the chest down one or both arms, or into the jaw, neck, back or abdomen (tummy)

Sit the person down and make them comfortable.

If they’re conscious, reassure them and ask them to take a 300mg aspirin tablet to chew slowly (unless you know they shouldn’t take aspirin – for example, if they’re under 16 or allergic to it).

If the person has any medication for angina , such as a spray or tablets, help them to take it. Monitor their vital signs, such as breathing, until help arrives.

If the person deteriorates and becomes unconscious, open their airway, check their breathing and, if necessary, start CPR . Re-alert the emergency services that the casualty is now in cardiac arrest.

Poisoning is potentially life-threatening. Most cases of poisoning in the UK happen when a person has swallowed a toxic substance, such as bleach, taken an overdose of a prescription medication, or eaten wild plants and fungi. Alcohol poisoning can cause similar symptoms.

If you think someone has swallowed a poisonous substance, phone 999 to get immediate medical help and advice.

The effects of poisoning depend on the substance swallowed, but can include vomiting, loss of consciousness, pain or a burning sensation. The following advice is important:

Find out what’s been swallowed, so you can tell the paramedic or doctor.
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink unless a healthcare professional advises you to.
Do not try to cause vomiting.
Stay with the person, because their condition may get worse and they could become unconscious.

If the person becomes unconscious while you’re waiting for help to arrive, check for breathing and, if necessary, perform CPR .

Don’t perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if the casualty’s mouth or airway is contaminated with the poison.

Don’t leave them if they’re unconscious because they may roll onto their back, which could cause them to vomit. The vomit could then enter their lungs and make them choke.

If the casualty is conscious and breathing normally, put them into the recovery position and continue to monitor their conscious state and breathing.

In the case of a serious injury or illness, it’s important to look out for signs of shock.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to provide enough oxygenated blood to the body and, as a result, deprives the vital organs of oxygen.

This is usually due to severe blood loss, but it can also occur after severe burns, severe vomiting, a heart attack, bacterial infection or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

The type of shock described here isn’t the same as the emotional response of feeling shocked, which can also occur after an accident.

Signs of shock include:

pale, cold, clammy skin
rapid, shallow breathing
weakness and dizziness
feeling sick and possibly vomiting

Seek medical help immediately if you notice that someone has any of the above signs of shock. If they do, you should:

phone 999 as soon as possible and ask for an ambulance
treat any obvious injuries
lie the person down if their injuries allow you to and, if possible, raise and support their legs
use a coat or blanket to keep them warm
don’t give them anything to eat or drink
give them lots of comfort and reassurance
monitor the person – if they stop breathing, start CPR and re-alert the emergency services

The FAST guide is the most important thing to remember when dealing with people who have had a stroke . The earlier they receive treatment, the better. Phone for emergency medical help straight away.

If you think a person has had a stroke, use the FAST guide:

Facial weakness – is the person unable to smile evenly, or are their eyes or mouth droopy?
Arm weakness – is the person only able to raise one arm?
Speech problems – is the person unable to speak clearly or understand you?
Time to phone 999 – for emergency help if a person has any of these symptoms

Read more about the symptoms of a stroke .

If someone is injured in an incident, first check that you and the casualty aren’t in any danger. If you are, make the situation safe.

When it’s safe to do so, assess the casualty and, if necessary, phone 999 for an ambulance. You can then carry out basic first aid.

Assessing a casualty

The 3 priorities when dealing with a casualty are commonly referred to as ABC, which stands for:

Circulation

If the casualty appears unresponsive, ask them loudly if they’re OK and if they can open their eyes. If they respond, you can leave them in the position they’re in until help arrives. While you wait, keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response:

are they alert?
do they respond to your voice?
do they respond to pain?
is there no response to any stimulus (are they unconscious)?

If there’s no response, leave the casualty in the position they’re in and open their airway. If this isn’t possible in the position they’re in, gently lay them on their back and open their airway.

To open the airway, place one hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilt their head back, lifting the tip of the chin using 2 fingers. This moves the tongue away from the back of the throat. Don’t push on the floor of the mouth, as this will push the tongue upwards and obstruct the airway.

If you think the person may have a spinal injury, place your hands on either side of their head and use your fingertips to gently lift the angle of the jaw forward and upwards, without moving the head, to open the airway. Take care not to move the casualty’s neck. However, opening the airway takes priority over a neck injury. This is known as the jaw thrust technique.

To check if a person is still breathing:

look to see if their chest is rising and falling
listen over their mouth and nose for breathing sounds
feel their breath against your cheek for 10 seconds

If they’re breathing normally, place them in the recovery position so their airway remains clear of obstructions and continue to monitor normal breathing. Gasping or irregular breathing is not normal breathing.

If the casualty isn’t breathing, phone 999 or 112 for an ambulance and then begin CPR .

If the casualty isn’t breathing normally, then you must start chest compressions immediately.

Agonal breathing is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating). Agonal breathing is sudden, irregular gasps of breath. This shouldn’t be mistaken for normal breathing and CPR should be given straight away.

This page provides information and guidance about hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and CPR with rescue breaths.

Hands-only CPR

To carry out a chest compression:

Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers.
Position yourself with your shoulders above your hands.
Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.
Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow the chest to return to its original position.
Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute until an ambulance arrives or you become exhausted.

When you phone for an ambulance, telephone systems now exist that can give basic life-saving instructions, including advice about CPR. These are now common and are easily accessible with mobile phones.

CPR with rescue breaths

If you’ve been trained in CPR, including rescue breaths, and feel confident using your skills, you should give chest compressions with rescue breaths. If you’re not completely confident, attempt hands-only CPR instead.

Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the person’s chest, then place the other hand on top and press down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Tilt the casualty’s head gently and lift the chin up with 2 fingers. Pinch the person’s nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for about 1 second. Check that their chest rises. Give 2 rescue breaths.
Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

Children over 1 year old

Open the child’s airway by placing 1 hand on the child’s forehead and gently tilting their head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.
Pinch their nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth, checking that their chest rises. Give 5 initial rescue breaths.
Place the heel of 1 hand on the centre of their chest and push down by 5cm (about 2 inches), which is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. The quality (depth) of chest compressions is very important. Use 2 hands if you can’t achieve a depth of 5cm using one hand.
After every 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute, give 2 breaths.
Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

Infants under 1 year old

Open the infant’s airway by placing 1 hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.
Place your mouth over the mouth and nose of the infant and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth, checking that their chest rises. Give 5 initial rescue breaths.
Place 2 fingers in the middle of the chest and push down by 4cm (about 1.5 inches), which is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. The quality (depth) of chest compressions is very important. Use the heel of 1 hand if you can’t achieve a depth of 4cm using the tips of 2 fingers.
After 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute, give 2 rescue breaths.

If a person is unconscious but is breathing and has no other life-threatening conditions, they should be placed in the recovery position.

Putting someone in the recovery position will keep their airway clear and open. It also ensures that any vomit or fluid won’t cause them to choke.

You can follow these steps:

with the person lying on their back, kneel on the floor at their side
place the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body with their hand upwards, towards the head
tuck their other hand under the side of their head, so that the back of their hand is touching their cheek
bend the knee farthest from you to a right angle
carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee
the top arm should be supporting the head and the bottom arm will stop you rolling them too far
open their airway by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin, and check that nothing is blocking their airway
stay with the person and monitor their condition until help arrives

Spinal injury

If you think a person may have a spinal injury, don’t attempt to move them until the emergency services reach you.

If it’s necessary to open their airway, place your hands on either side of their head and gently lift their jaw with your fingertips to open the airway. Take care not to move their neck.

You should suspect a spinal injury if the person:

has been involved in an incident that’s directly affected their spine, such as a fall from height or being struck directly in the back
complains of severe pain in their neck or back
won’t move their neck
feels weak, numb or paralysed
has lost control of their limbs, bladder or bowels

Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window

Last updated: 09 February 2023

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Resuscitation Council (UK)
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Meaning of First Aid
Aims of First Aid
Basic Objectives of Psychological First Aid
History of First Aid
Scope of First Aid
Golden Rules of First Aid
Principles of First Aid
Importance of First Aid
Qualities of a First Aider
Responsibilities of a First Aider
Limitations of the First Aider
Skills Required for the First Aider
Seeking Immunization
Coping with Unpleasantness
Taking Stock after an Emergency
Preparing for Emergencies
Goals of Emergency Medical Treatment
Principles Applied in Emergency Management
Obtaining Data from the Patient
Recording of Data
Action at an Emergency
Consent to Treatment
Emergency Doctrine
Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Mandatory Reporting
Physical Evidence and chain of Custody
Transfer Laws
Solutions Used in First Aid
By Getting others to Help You
Determine the Priorities of Treatment
Highest Priority
Second Priority
Lowest Priority
Calling for Assistance
Procedure for Counting Respiration
Breathing is Increased in
Breathing is Decreased in
Sites to Check the Pulse Rate
Procedure for Counting the Pulse
Pulse Increases (Tachycardia) during
Pulse Decreases (Bradycardia) during
Pupil Reaction
Level of Consciousness and Possible Cause
Sites Where Temperature is Recorded
Instrument by Which Temperature is Recorded
Recording of Temperature
Procedure for Taking Temperature by Mouth
Procedure for Taking a Temperature in Axilla or Groin
Procedure for Taking Rectal Temperature
Body Temperature
Ability to Move
Reaction to Pain (Table 2.4)
Systolic Pressure
Diastolic Pressure
Hypertension
Signs of Death
Secondary Victim Assessment
Examining the Head
Examining the Lips
Examining of Teeth
Examining the Eyes
Examining the Nose
Examining the Face
Examining the Ears
Examining the Skull
Examining the Spine
Examining the Lower Spine
Examining the Trunk
Examining the Arms
Examining the Legs
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of Bandaging
Functions of Bandages
General Principles
Types of Bandages
Materials Used for Bandage
Assessing before Applying Bandage
Eye Bandage (Monocular)
Bioccular Bandage
Ear Mastoid Bandage
Jaw Barton Bandage
Capeline Bandage (Head Bandage)
Shoulder Spica
Width of the Bandages
General Rules for Applying Bandages
Applying Roller Bandage
General Rules for Applying Roller Bandage
Points to be Observed
Hand Bandage
Wrist and Forearm Bandage
The Upper Arm Bandage
Finger Bandages
Spica of Thumb Bandage
Method for Thumb Spica
Spica of Shoulder Bandage
Bandages for the Foot, Ankle and Leg
Bandage for the Knee
Spica of Hip Bandage
Spica of Groin Bandage
Head and Other Bandage
Stump Bandage
Many-Tailed Bandages
Application of an Abdominal Many-Tailed Bandage
‘T’-Bandages
Adhesive Bandage
Tubular Gauze Bandage
Triangular Bandage
Hip and Groin
Eye, Ear, Cheek Forehead and Jaw
Uses of Slings
Large Arm Sling
Collar and Cuff Sling
Triangular Sling
Purpose of Binder
Straight Binders
Breast Binder
Abdominal Binders
Classification of Wounds (Fig. 5.1)
Control of Bleeding
First Aid Measures in Minor Wounds
Chest Wounds
Abdominal Wound
Eye Injuries
The Signs of Infection will Include
Prevention of Infection can be Obtained by
Purpose of Dressing
Types of Dressing
General Instructions
Preliminary Assessment
How to Use Sterile Dressing?
External Hemorrhage
Internal Hemorrhage
Symptoms and Signs
Varicose Veins
Adult and Child Basic Life Support
Basic Life Support 2011 Guidelines
Steps of Basic Life Support
Check Responsiveness
Activate EMS (Emergency Medical System)
Position the Unresponsive Victim
Open the Airway
Check for Breathing
Mouth-to-Mouth Method
Mouth-to-Nose Method
Mouth-to-Stoma Method
Mouth-to-Barrier Device
Check for a Pulse
Chain of Survival
Follow these Steps to Accomplish Effective Chest Compression
Switching Functions
Complications of CPR
Positioning an Unresponsive Infant
Opening the Airway
Rescue Breathing
Check for Pulse
Chest Compressions
Injury Assessment
Dislocation
Movable Joints
Immovable Joints
Chest Injuries
Rib Fracture
Flail Chest
Penetrating Abdominal Injuries
Assessment for Abdominal Injuries
Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Emergency Management
Head Injury
Signs and Symptoms (Figs 7.5A and B)
Signs and Symptoms
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Injury Include the Following
The Measures of First Aid are as Follows
Immediate Action
Moving a Casualty
Removal of Trapped Casualty
Accidents with Dangerous Substances
Effects of Shock
Causes of Shock
Progress of Shock
Factors Influencing the Degree of Shock
Hospital Treatment
Sign and Symptoms
Emergency Treatment
Clinical Care
Electrocardiogram
Swan-Ganz Catheter
In case of chest or abdomen injuries
Causes of Unconsciousness
Classification of Coma
Clinical Manifestations of Brief Unconsciousness
Early Symptoms of Supratentorial Coma
Later Symptoms
Manifestations of Infratentorial Coma
Manifestations of Metabolic Coma
Diagnosis of Unconsciousness
Pharmacological Management
Observation and Charting
Eliminations
Prevention of Contractures
Care of Pressure Areas and the Prevention of Foot Drop
Causes of Fracture
Types of Fracture (Fig. 10.2)
Immobilization of the Fractured Part
Cheekbone and Nose Fractures
First Aid Measures
First aid measures
Fracture of the Ribcage
Flail Chest Injuries
Materials Used
Types of Splints
Technique of Padding Splint
Nursing Care of Patients after Application of Splints
Circular Casts
Model Casts
Preparation of Plaster Bandages
Purposes of Plaster Casts
Preparation of the Patient
Method of Application
Care of the Patient after 24 Hours
Removal of the cast
After Care of the Equipment
Skin Traction
Skeletal Traction
Principles Applied when Maintaining Traction and Extension
Nursing Care and Value in Traction and Extension
Blanket Lift
Emergency Lift
Burns Classification
Burns are Caused by the Following
Scalds are Caused by the Following
Surface Area of the Body Burned
For First and Second-Degree Burns
For Third-Degree Burns
Management of Burns
Burns management includes
Wound Care in Burns
Management of Chemical Burns
Chemical Burns of Eye
Preventive Measures
Causes of Poisoning
Sources of Poisoning
Mechanism of Action of Poison
General Symptoms and Signs of Poisoning
Self-care to be Taken by the Aider
General Rules for Treatment of Swallowed Poisoning
Type of Poisons
The Goals of Emergency Treatment
General Management
HOUSEHOLD POISONS
First Aid to be Given
Drug Poisoning
Depressants
Aspirin Overdose
In Early Stages of Unconsciousness
In Later Stages of Unconsciousness
Classification
General Treatment
Atropa Belladonna
Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT)
Petroleum Distillates
Organophosphorus Compounds
Naphthalene
Strychnos Nux Vomica (Kuchla)
Clinical Manifestations
Clinical Features
First Aid Management
Hospital Management
Bee and Wasp Bites
Tick and Mite Bites
Spider Bite (Figs 13.6A and B)
Leech Bite (Fig. 13.7)
Fish Stings
Foreign Bodies in the Alimentary Tract
Foreign Bodies in the Stomach
Remember the Following Points to Avoid Severe Loss by the Foreign Bodies
Fish Hook in the Skin
Foreign Bodies in the Nose
What Not To Do?
Introduction
Abdominal Thrusts
In Case of Unconscious Casualty
First Aid for Child
First Aid for Choking Infants (Conscious)
First Aid in Unconscious Infant
Causes Affecting the Respiratory Tract
Causes Affecting the Respiratory Mechanism
Causes Affecting the Respiratory Center
Early Stages
Later Stages
General Rules for Treatment of Asphyxia
First Aid in Special Cases
General Symptoms and Signs
General Measures
First Aid in Inhalation of Fumes
Classification of Shock
Signs and Symptoms of Shock
First Aid in Shock
Respiratory Signs Include
Skin Manifestations
Cardiovascular Manifestations
Gastrointestinal Discomforts
Additional Treatment as Indicated
Clinical Manifestation
Metabolic Consideration
Diagnostic Evaluation
Medical Management
Nursing Management
Preventive Measures of Extreme Heat
Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite Include
Preventive Measures for Extreme Cold
It Occurs After
Treatment (Fig. 16.1)
Tension-type Headache
Migraine Headache
Signs and Symptoms of Migraine Headache
Prophylactic Treatment
Cough is Induced by the Following
Different Respiratory Disorders Present Different Types of Cough
Therapeutic Measure
Nursing Assessment
Nursing Intervention
Therapeutic Measures
Hypoxemic Hypoxia
Circulatory Hypoxia
Anemic Hypoxia
Histotoxic Hypoxia
Interventions
Nursing Measures
It is Manifested by
Complications of Respiratory Acidosis are
Etiology and Risk Factors
Adrenergic Manifestation
Neuroglycopenic (Decreased Glucose to Brain) Manifestation
The Physiologic Causes of Syncope Fall Under Two Categories
Vasovagal Syncope
Postural Hypotension (Orthostatic)
Cardiac Syncope
Carotid Sinus Syncope
Cerebral Syncope
Hematologic Causes of Syncope
Pulmonary Disorders
Diagnosis is Made by
Reproducing Syncopal Attacks
Nursing Responsibility
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING AND TRANSPORT OF INJURED
LIFTING THE CASUALTY
MANUAL LIFTS
CARRIES FOR ONE FIRST AIDER
Four-handed Seat
Two-handed Seat
Chair Method
LIFTING A CASUALTY IN A WHEEL CHAIR
Types of Stretcher
PREPARING A STRETCHER OR A TROLLEY BED
Loading a Casualty on to a Pole-and-Canvas Stretcher
Placing a Blanket Under the Casualty
Carrying a Stretcher
For Four Bearers
Crossing Uneven Ground
Crossing a Wall
Moving a Stretcher From One Level to Another
LOADING AN AMBULANCE
UNLOADING AN AMBULANCE
Parts of the Body do Sports Injuries Affect
Sprains and Strains
Minor Head Injuries
Tennis Elbow
Golfer's Elbow
Knee Pain (Runner's Knee)
Stress Fractures
Cartilage Damage
Broken Bones
Severe Head Injuries
Ligament Damage
THE BODY HEALING PROCESS
The History of Injury
McMurray's Test
Apley's Grinding Test
Non-operative Management
Operative Management
Osteogenic Causes of Shin Pain
Achilles Tendonitis
Retrocalcaneal Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Athlete's Foot
Frozen Shoulder
Wrist Pain in Gymnasts
Finger Tendon Injury
Dental Injuries
Under Water Diving Injuries
Maxillofacial Injuries
Nasal Injuries
Treatment of Sports Injuries
Immobilization
Therapeutic Heating
Infrared Radiation
Conduction Heat
Microwave Diathermy
Short Wave Diathermy
Pulse Short Wave
Faradic Stimulation
High Voltage Stimulation
Rehabilitation
Electro Stimulation
Cold/Cryotherapy
Heat/Thermotherapy
Arthroscopy
Tissue Engineering
Targeted Pain Relief
Advances Might we Expect in the Future
MANUAL THERAPY
Tips for Preventing Injury
Prevention of Sports Injuries
Natural Disaster
Man-made Disaster
Impact of Disaster on Community
Role of ICN in Disaster Preparedness
Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness Activities
Disaster Response
Disaster Recovery
Relief Response
Disaster Management
Preparedness
I. Levels of Disaster and Agency Involvement
American Red Cross
Other Voluntary Organizations
Business and Labor Organizations
Disaster Management by Health Sector in India
IMPORTANT AGENCIES IN INDIA
Principles of Disaster Plan
Hospital Disaster Manual
Objectives of Triage Nursing
Principles of Triage
Function of Triage
Goals of Triage
Triage Acuity Determinates
Key Points in Triage in the Emergency Department
Triage Team Members
Triage Set-up
Before Admission to the Hospital
The Admission Process
Triage is Important
Respiration
Blood Pressure (BP)
State of Consciousness
Driving the Ambulance to the Scene
Understanding the Law
Facts to be Known by the Driver
During Emergency Operations, the Driver May
Driver Should Realize that
Visual Warning Signal
Stopping Distance
Standing Water
Poor Visibility
Steering Failure
Brake Failure
Accelerator Failure
Objects on the Roadway
Animals in the Roadway
People in the Roadway
Night Driving
Education and Licensing
Requirements
Administrative Duties
Medical Duties
Telephone Triage
The Types of Patients who Attend Casualty Services are
FUNCTIONS OF EMERGENCY CARE/CASUALTY
INFRASTRUCTURE AND DESIGN OF CASUALTY DEPARTMENT (FIG. 22.1)
Facilities for Management
STAFF REQUIREMENT IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
COMMON PROBLEMS FACED IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Traffic Control
Communication
Availability of All Medical Supplies
Medicolegal Aspects of Emergency Department
Nursing Assignment
Nursing Diagnosis
Implementation
Benefits for the Client
Benefits for the Nurse
A Framework for Accountability
Prerequisites to Assessment
Sources of Data
Methods of Data Collection
Guidelines for Data Collection
Diagnostic Reasoning
Errors in Diagnosis
Using a Nursing Diagnosis
Ten Rules for Writing a Nursing Diagnosis
Collaborative Problems
Phases of Planning
Setting Priorities
Establishing Goals for Nursing Action
Team Planning
Formulating the Nursing Care Plan
Characteristics
Providing Self-care
Nursing Roles
Formal Evaluation Models
The Following Points are to be Kept in Mind while Doing Palpation
Methods of Percussion
Auscultation
Manipulations
Testing of Reflexes
General Appearance
Mental Status
Skin Conditions
Head and Face
Mouth and Pharynx
Extremities
Genital and Rectum
Neurological Tests
Articles Appropriate for Specific Examination
Preparation of the Environment
Preparation of the Equipment (Fig. 24.2)
Physical Preparation
Mental Preparation
Principle in Physical Examination
To Take Height and Weight
To Measure the Skull Circumference
Examination of the Eyes
Examination of the Ears
Examination of the Nose, Throat and Mouth
Examination of the Neck
Examination of the Chest
Examination of the Abdomen
Examination of Genitalia
Examination of Rectum
Examination of Upper Extremities
Examination of Lower Extremities
Examination of Back
Care after Examination
Nurse's Responsibilities during Physical Examination
Nose and Sinuses
Breasts and Armpits
Front of Chest and Lungs
Rectum and Anus
Reproductive Organs
Musculoskeletal System
Blood Vessels
Neurologic Screen
The 12 Nerves in the Head (Cranial)
Purpose and General Action of Drugs
The Routes can be Broadly Divided into Two Groups
Following are some of the Important Routes, through which Drugs are Administered.
Side Effects
Toxic Effects
Additive Effects
Potentiation
Cumulative Action
Adverse Effects of Drugs
Important Antidotes
Factors Involved in Adverse Effects of Drugs
Weights and Measurement
The Nature of Drug
Drugs are Classified According to their Action
Special Points to be noted during any Injection
Drugs Generally Used
Vasodilators
Goals of Oxygen Therapy
Indications
Mechanism of Action
Description
Descriptions
Precautions
Assessment and Diagnostic Methods
Non-surgical Measures Include
Surgical Management
Causes of Epilepsy
Differential Diagnosis
Anticonvulsant Drug Therapy
Surgical Treatment
Nursing Management of Patients with Seizures
Patient Education and Rehabilitation
Risk Factor
Pathophysiology
Epidemiology
Recognized Causes or Predisposing Conditions
I. Infective Causes
Noninfective Causes
Coagulation Disorder
Types of Strokes
Cerebral Thrombosis
Cerebral Embolism
Cerebral Ischemia
Causes of Hemorrhagic Stroke
Risk Factors for Stroke
Internal Carotid Artery
Anterior Cerebral Artery
Middle Cerebral Artery
Posterior Cerebral Artery
Basilar Artery
Manifestation of Hemisphere Involvement
I. First Aid in Stroke
II. Medical Management
III. Surgical Treatment
IV. Nursing Management
Psychological Needs
Discharge Planning and Continuity of Care
Nurses Responsibilities in Prevention of Strokes
How to Recognize Heart Attack
First Aid in Heart Attack
Reducing the Result of Sexual Assault
Three Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS
Measures to be Taken during Such Condition Lie
Premonitory Stage
Tonic Stage
Clonic Stage
Comatose Stage
Prevention of Infection
Description of the Procedure
Immediately after Procedure
The Delivery of the Placenta (Afterbirth)
If the Bleeding is Still not Under Control
Care of the Baby after Birth
Cutting the Cord
Atonic Uterus
Traumatic Hemorrhage in Third Stage
Blood Coagulation Disorders
Immediate Measures
Management Steps
Supportive Therapy
Active Management
Nursing Considerations
Scar Rupture and Dehiscence
Complete and Incomplete Rupture
Spontaneous and Traumatic Rupture
Risk Factors
Nursing Care
Once a Rupture is Diagnosed
Pelvic Examination
Advice on Discharge
Manifestations
Risks of PROM
Preterm PROM
Signs of Obstructed Labor
Effects on Mother
Effects on the Fetus
Management of Obstructed Labor
Measures of Management
Obstetric Management
Assessment in Accident and Emergency
Measures to Ameliorate the Problem
Depth of Injury
Percent of Body Surface Area Involved
Location of the Burns
Association with Other Injuries
The Most Common Cause of Burn are
Immediate Management
Laboratory and Imaging Studies
Emergency Care
Care in the Hospital
Composition
Small Objects
Anatomic Location
Degree of Air Passage Obstruction
Complications
Diagnostic Evaluations
Approach to the Child
Termination of Exposure to the Poison
Immediate Removal of the Poison
Non-corrosive Substances
Diagnostic valuation
Etiopathology of Prenatal Asphyxia
Prophylactic
Babies with Apgar Score: 7–10
Babies with Apgar Score: 4–6
Babies with Apgar Score Below 4
Prognosis: It Depends Upon
Resuscitation Equipment and Medications
Resuscitation—Stepwise Approach
Bag and Mask Ventilation
Chest Compression
Endotracheal Intubation
Medications
High-risk Pregnancies
High-risk Newborns
Screening for High-risk
Special Care Neonatal Units (SCNUs)
Before an Earthquake
During an Earthquake
After an Earthquake
Before a Cyclone
When Cyclone Approaches
After a Cyclone
Principles of First Aid in War
Types of Warfare
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
CHEMICAL WARFARE
Radiation Sickness
Injuries from Blast
Labeling of Casualties in War
Oxygenation
Airway Adjuncts
Ventilation Circuits
Support of Circulation
ECG Monitoring
Defibrillation
Electrical Defibrillation
Correction of Acidosis and Fluid Replacement (Figs 31.3A and B)
Volume replacement
Drugs in Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Termination of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Fig. 31.4)
Defibrillator
Current-based Defibrillator
Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Mode of Pacing (Figs 31.9A and B and 31.10)
Depending on the Place of Action
Indications for Artificial Pacemakers
Temporary Pacemakers
Permanent Pacemakers
Patient Teaching
Trouble Shooting
External Transcutaneous Pacemakers
Obtaining Sample for Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
Obtaining Sample by Direct Puncture
Interpretation of Arterial Blood Gas
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Ventilators are not Respirators
Indications for Ventilatory Support
Types of Positive-Pressure Ventilators
Modes of Mechanical Ventilation
Special Positive-Pressure Ventilation Technique
Newer Modes of Mechanical Ventilation
Pressure Support Ventilation
High Frequency Ventilation
Type of Ventilation
Fluid Retention and Hemodynamic Alteration
Ventilator Troubleshooting
Respiratory Parameters as Criteria for Weaning (Huba)
Signs of Fatigue
Psychological Readiness
Methods of Weaning
Causes of Failure to Wean
Patient who is Fighting the Ventilator
Route of Insertion
Types of Tube
Physical Management
Psychological Care of the Patient
Laryngeal and Tracheal
Client/family Teaching
Implementation Phase
Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Suctioning
Orotracheal and Nasotracheal Suctioning
Client/Family Teaching
Belated Nursing Care
Parts of the Tracheostomy Tube (Fig. 31.19)
Indications for Tracheostomy
Complications of Tracheostomy
32: Terminology

Chapter Notes

Introduction to first aid 1.

First aid is the initial assistance or treatment given to a casualty for any injury or sudden illness, before the arrival of an ambulance, doctor or other qualified person. The ‘first aid’ itself signifies that the casualty is in need of ‘secondary aid’.
First aid is the immediate care given to the injured or suddenly ill person. First aid does not take the place of proper medical treatment. It consists only of giving temporary assistance until, competent medical care, if needed, is obtained, or until the chance of recovery without medical care is ensured. Most injuries and illnesses require only first aid care.
To save the life.
To ease the pain.
To limit the effects of the condition.
To promote recovery.
To prevent conditions that might increase the original injury.
To arrange for transportation to the hospital.
To preserve life.
To prevent further injury and deterioration of the condition.
To prevent complications related to injury or illness conditions.
To make the victim as comfortable as possible to conserve the strength.
To put the injured person under professional medical care at the earliest.
To establish a human connection in a non-intrusive, compassionate manner.
To enhance immediate and ongoing safety, and provide physical and emotional comfort. Calm and orient emotionally-overwhelmed or distraught survivors.
To help survivors to articulate immediate needs and concerns, and gather additional information as appropriate.
To offer practical assistance and information to help survivors address their immediate needs and concerns.
To connect survivors as soon as possible to social support networks, including family members, friends, neighbors and community helping resources.
To support adaptive coping, acknowledge coping efforts and strengths, and empower survivors; encourage adults, children and families to take an active role in their recovery.
To provide information that may help survivors to cope effectively with the psychological impact of disasters.
Facilitate continuity in disaster response efforts by clarifying how long the psychological first aid provider will be available and (when appropriate) linking the survivor to another member of a disaster response team or to indigenous recovery systems, mental health services, public-sector services and organizations.
To determine the nature of the case requiring attention so far, as is necessary for intelligent and efficient treatment or diagnosis.
To decide on the character and extent of the ‘treatment’ to be given and to apply the treatment, which is most suited to the circumstances until medical aid is available.
To arrange for the ‘disposal’ of the casualty by shifting him either to his home or other suitable shelter or to hospital. 4
Do ‘first things first quickly’, quietly and without fuss or panic.
‘Give artificial respiration’, if breathing has stopped—every second counts.
‘Stop’ any bleeding.
‘Guard against or treat for shock’ by moving the casualty as little as possible and handling him gently.
‘Do not attempt too much’—do the minimum that is essential to save life—and prevent the condition from worsening.
‘Reassure the casualty’ and those around thus help to lessen anxiety.
Do not allow people to crowd a round, as fresh air is essential.
Do not remove clothes unnecessarily.
Arrange for the removal of the casualty to the care of a doctor (or) hospital, as soon as possible.
Make sure that victim's airway is not blocked by the tongue, secretions or some foreign body— restore respiration.
Make sure that the person is breathing, if not administer artificial respiration—restore respiration.
Make sure that the patient has a pulse or no pulse, if no pulse is felt, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—restoration of circulation.
check for bleeding—take measures to control bleeding.
Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely or if he has swallowed poison or if his heart or breathing has stopped. Every second counts for his survival.
Arrange without delay for shifting of victim to the hospital for medical attention, even the most injured persons can be safely moved. It is vitally important not to move a person with serious neck and/or back injuries unless taking proper measure to ensure and to save him from further danger.
Keep the victim/patient lying down and quiet. If he has vomited and there is no danger that his neck is broken, turn him on his side to prevent choking. Keep him warm by covering him with blankets or coats.
Have someone called for medical assistance while applying first aid. The person who summons help should explain the nature of the emergency and ask what should be done if the arrival of the ambulance is pending.
Examine the victim gently, cut clothing if necessary to avoid abrupt movements, which add up pain. Do not pull clothing away from burns, unless it is still smouldering.
Reassure the victim, try to remain calm yourself. Your calmness can allay his fear and panic.
Do not give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious persons by slapping or shaking.
Look for an emergency identification card for medical information related to victim.
The immediate objective of first aid at a given situation is to save the life of the individual.
It is the first objective of first aid to reduce pain. 5
First aid should help to avoid further injury. It should correct situations, which tend to increase the original injury.
The first aid should form a basis for subsequent treatment by the doctor or the hospital staff.
It can be done by supplying details of accident, injury, the first aid treatment given, etc. The ultimate aim of first aid is to prevent disability and death.

Observant: Noting the cause and signs of injury.
Tactful: Avoiding thoughtless questions and learning the symptoms and history of the case.
Resourceful: Using whatever is at hand to the best advantage so as to prevent further damage.
Explicit: Giving clear instructions to the patient and advice to the assistants.
Discriminating: First aider may decide which of the several injuries should be given attention.

Gain access to the patient in easiest and safest way.
Observe the accident scene and assess the situation.
If necessary, direct others to direct traffic, keep bystanders at a safe distance and make essential telephone calls. Turn off all engines that may be still running.
To find out whether casualty is unconscious, conscious, alive or dead.
Identify the disease or condition from which the casualty is suffering.
Give immediate, appropriate and adequate treatment considering priority of first aid measures. Such as first priority will be of restoration of breathing and circulation, while second will be stopping the bleeding.
Should bear in mind that a casualty may have more than one injury and that some casualties will require more urgent attention than others. 6
Arranging without delay for shifting of the casualty to a doctor, hospital or home according to the condition in such a manner that the injury is not complicated or the victim is not subjected to unnecessary discomfort.
Keeping the record of the patient and of the incidence, addresses and witness.
Once a first aider has voluntarily started care, he should not leave the scene, or stop the care until a qualified and responsible person relieves him.
The first aider should be observant with the rules or objectives of first aid and act quickly and vigilantly.
He should inspire confidence in the patient and others closely related to the patient.
If breathing movements are not proper, the lips, tongue and finger nails become blue. In such a situation, artificial respiration should be started immediately.
If there is heavy bleeding; it may be from wounds through one or more large vessels. In this condition, pressure should be applied directly over the wound. For this, a clean handkerchief or a pad may be kept on the wound and pressed firmly with one or both hands, then apply a firm bandage.
The third important factor to be attended immediately is shock. Shock accompanies severe injury or emotional disturbance. Cold and clammy skin, beads of perspiration on the forehead and palms. Pale face, nausea and vomiting are the common symptoms of shock.
Control the scene of accident.
Gain access to the patient.
Evaluate the scene in terms of safety and possible cause of accident.
Gather information from patient and bystanders.
Determine vital signs (pulse, breathing, skin temperature).
Determine diagnostic signs and relate those to possible injuries or sudden illnesses that require emergency care.
Open airway.
Breathing (breathlessness—provide artificial ventilation).
Circulation (pulselessness—provide one and two rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Bleeding control (hemorrhage controlled by direct pressure and elevation, pressure points and tourniquets).
Diagnosis and care for shock.
Diagnosis and care for soft tissue and internal injuries including basic dressing and bandaging techniques.
Diagnosis and care for open and closed fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations, including cold treatment and basic splinting techniques.
Detect and care for poisoning including alcohol and drug abuse.
Diagnosis and care for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, coma, insulin shock and epileptic or other seizures. 7
Diagnosis and care for facial injuries, head injuries, neck and spinal injuries and chest injuries including fractured ribs, flail chest and penetrating chest wounds.
Diagnosis and care for burns and smoke inhalation.
Diagnosis and care for exposure to heat and cold, which includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia and frostbite.
Assist in childbirth and care of the newborn.
Psychological and proper emergency care to victims of crisis and disasters.
Perform proper transformation techniques.
If you become concerned that you might have caught something after you have given first aid, contact your doctor.
Regular first aiders should seek medical advice about immunization against hepatitis B.
Protection by immunization can also sometimes be offered following exposure.
The practice of first aid is sometimes messy, smelly and distasteful and you may be afraid that you will not be able to cope with unpleasantness.
In the event, such fears are usually groundless and most people perform very well.
Taking a first aid course will, however, greatly improve confidence and self-reliance.
The thorough training received will help to control emotions, and carry through many difficult situations.
Having given first aid and handed your casualty over, take stock of your own feelings. These may well have been put to one side as you took action. Assisting at an emergency is a stressful event and it is not uncommon (a ‘delayed reaction’ to strike the first aider sometime afterwards).
Hopefully, your feelings will be of satisfaction or even elation, but it is not uncommon to feel upset, particularly if you have assisted a stranger, then you may thus never know the outcome of your efforts.
Above all, never reproach yourself, or bottle up your feelings. It will often help greatly to talk over your experience with a friend, your doctor or your first aid trainer.
These are sensations that the casualty feels or experiences and may be able to describe. You may need to ask questions to establish their presence or absence.
Ask a conscious casualty if there is any pain and exactly where it is felt. Examine that part particularly and then any other sites where pain is felt; severe pain in one place can mask a more serious, but less painful injury at another place.
Other symptoms that may help you include nausea, giddiness, heat, cold, weakness, and impaired sensation.
All symptoms should be assessed and confirmed, wherever appropriate, by an examination for signs of injury or illness.
These are details discovered by applying your senses—sight, touch, hearing, and smell, often in the course of an examination.
Common signs of injury include bleeding, swelling, tenderness or deformity; signs of illness that are very often evident are a pale or flushed skin, sweating, a raised body temperature and a rapid pulse.
Many signs are immediately obvious, but others may be discovered only in the course of thorough physical examination.
If the casualty is unconscious, your diagnosis may have to be formed purely on the basis of the circumstances of the incident, information obtained from onlookers and the signs you discover.
Keep important information about you and your family in a handy place. Information regarding address, age, medical condition, allergies, prescription, doctor's name and phone number.
Learn and stay practiced in first aid skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Keep the first aid kit readily available in your home, workplace, leisure center, and cars. Any first aid kit must be kept in a dry place and checked and replenished regularly, so that items are always ready for use. 9
To prevent deterioration before more definitive treatment can be given.
To restore the patient to useful living.
Maintain a patent airway and provide adequate ventilation, employing resuscitation measures when necessary. Assess for chest injuries with subsequent airway obstruction.
Control hemorrhage and its consequences.
Evaluate and restore cardiac output.
Prevent and treat shock; maintain or restore effective circulation.
Carry out a rapid initial and ongoing physical examination; the clinical course of the injured or seriously ill patient is not static.
Assess whether or not the patient can follow commands, evaluate the size and reactivity of the pupils and motor responses.
Start electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, if appropriate.
Splint suspected fractures, including fractures of the cervical spine in patients with head injuries.
Protect wounds with sterile dressings.
Check to see if the patient has a medical alert tag or any similar identification designating allergies.
Start a flow sheet of the patient's vital signs, blood pressure, neurological status, etc. to guide decision making.

What were the circumstances, forces, location and time of the injury?
When did the symptoms appear?
How did the patient reach the hospital?
What was the health status of the patient before the accident or illness?
Is there a past history of illness? of past admissions?
Is the patient currently taking any medications especially hormones, insulin, digitalis, anticoagulants?
Does the patient have any allergies?
Does the patient have any bleeding tendencies?
When was the last meal eaten? (Important if an anesthetic is to be given)
Is the patient under a physician's care? Name of physician?
What was the date of the patient's most recent tetanus immunization?
Preserve life.
Prevent deterioration in the casualty's condition.
Promote recovery.
A rapid but calm approach.
A quick assessment of the situation and the casualty.
A correct diagnosis of the condition based on the history of the incident, and the casualty's history, symptoms and signs.
Immediate and appropriate treatment of any conditions diagnosed.
Proper disposal of the casualty according to the injury or condition.
Informed consent to treatment means that clients are knowledgeable of all treatments and procedures and agree to these before implementation.
The information must be presented in a language in which the client is fluent and at an appropriate level so that the client understands the implications of any treatments. 11
By being informed, clients also have the right to refuse any treatments or procedures before they are implemented.
When a client is unable to give consent or is unconscious, emergency treatment can be provided under the emergency doctrine.
This doctrine implies that the client would have considered to treatment if able, because the alternative would have been death or disability.
The emergency doctrine removes the need for obtaining informed consent before emergency treatment and care are initiated.
All clients have a right to privacy and clients with emergencies are no different. This right includes the need for consent to use names and photographs of the client; not allowing unauthorized persons into the client's hospital area and not disclosing private facts to the public or falsely representing the client to the public.
Information about the client's condition, treatments and outcomes are to be respected and handled with discretion.
Any communication about the client's conditions, treatments and documentation are confidential and disclosed only with the client's permission.
Mandatory reporting laws require hospitals, nurses and physicians to notify the appropriate local, state or federal agency when certain conditions or incidents occur
These include child, spouse or elder abuse; motor vehicle crashes; injuries resulting from violence; attempted suicides; animal bites; overdoses and poisonings.
Certain communicable disorders such as meningitis, sexually transmitted diseases and food poisonings are also reportable to the state health department.
When injuries are suspected or identified, the nurse must notify the physician in charge of the care and other individuals identified by hospital policy. The appropriate agency must be notified and a report filed.
Meticulous documentation and handling of evidence are of particular concern, in situations in which injury is resulted from a violent crime, such as shooting or sexual assault.
All evidence discovered during the examination is recorded. Documentation of samples includes—the bodily location, from which the sample was obtained and when and to whom it was delivered.
Evidence should be maintained in its original condition. Clothing is stored in a paper bag instead of a plastic bag, to prevent decomposition.
If clothing needs to be cut off the client, special attention is taken not to destroy evidence inadvertently. 12
Bullets removed from the client's body or recovered from clothing are handled with care. From the bullet removed, the physician usually makes a mark on the bottom of the bullet.
The identifying mark is referred to later during an investigation or trial. The bullet is then placed in a sealed bag, labeled and given to proper authorities.
The bag is sealed so that removal of the seal will be obvious. If the bullet is kept in the emergency department for any reason, it is kept in a locked and a secure place.
All persons having access to the bullet must sign for it; thus, a chain of custody is maintained. This information is included in the medical record.
Specimens obtained for legal purposes, as opposed to clinical purposes, include blood samples. For example, determination of blood alcohol levels and items obtained during the examination of an alleged sexual assault victim.
When a blood alcohol determination is desired by the client or legal authorities, the client's written permission must be obtained before drawing the specimen.
No client may be forced into having a blood sample drawn. In many instances, police officers have a kit with the necessary equipment for drawing the specimen.
Isopropyl alcohol or any antiseptic solution containing alcohol must not be used as a skin preparation before a blood alcohol specimen is drawn. These agents may falsely elevate the blood alcohol level and render the test invalid.
The nurse must know the laws within the state that identify who may draw blood for alcohol level determinations.
Once the specimen is drawn, it is handed to a police officer, who signs that the specimen has been received. The tube is sealed with an identifying mark placed on the seal. The chain of custody is similar to that for bullets.
Documentation of the procedure on the client's clinical record along with the nurse's signature and the name and badge number of the officer is important.
Gauze dressing 5 and 10 cm square in individual sterile package.
Rolls of gauze bandages 5 and 8 cm wide.
Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
Roll of absorbent cotton.
Adhesive tape.
Mild antiseptic.
Scissors, tweezers, safety pins.
Tube of petroleum jelly.
Laundered, ironed sheets of cotton about 1 meter and square for making slings and bandages.
Paper and pencil to record clues including patients pulse rate.
Tongue depressor.
Thermometer.
Rubber catheter, tourniquet.
Mackintosh.
Dettol: It is used to clean wounds and surrounding area (2–4 teaspoonful in 500 ml of water). It is also used to sterilize instruments that cannot be sterilized by heat.
Savion: It is used to wash hospital equipment, disinfect soiled linen and spray patients room (half measure in 2 liters of water). It is also used to clean wounds.
Potassium permanganate: It is used for throat gargles, bladder wash (1 : 60). It is also used in snake bites. It can be used for purification of water.
Spirit: It is used for disinfection of skin, instruments and ampules. It should not be applied to wounds or raw surfaces because it removes coagulum formed on the raw area.
Boric acid: It is used in solution form (5%) as mouthwash and for irrigation of the urinary bladder, skin and mucosal inflammation like eczema, burns, bed sores, etc. It can be used in ointment form and as dusting powder.
Iodine: It is used in the form of tincture (2%) for disinfection of skin, treatment of wounds, etc.
Acriflavine: It is an aniline dye used as an antiseptic (1:1000) for dressing wounds. Glycerin acriflavine is useful for edematous and infected wounds. 14
Nitrofurazone: It is used as an antibacterial agent for dressing wounds.
Hydrogen peroxide: It is used for cleaning wounds on contact with tissues, it releases nascent oxygen which oxidizes necrotic material and the tissue debris and necrotic material float on the bubbles formed. Some heat is generated in the process.
Gentian violet (1% solution): It is used in the application to infected wounds, mucous membranes and serous surfaces. It is used for treatment of monilial infections of throat and vagina.
Carbolic acid: It is used to cauterize dog bites, snake bites, etc. It is also used to sterilize sharp instruments like scissors and scalpels.
Harkreader H. Fundamentals of nursing: Caring and clinical judgment. W.B. Saunders. Philadelphia: 2004.
Hogan MA, Thobaben M. Harkreader, H. Study guide for fundamentals of nursing: Caring and clinical judgment. WB Saunders. Philadelphia: 2004.
Hogan MA, Thobaben M. Harkreader, H. Study guide for fundamentals of nursing: Caring and clinical judgment. W.B. Saunders. Philadelphia: 2004.
Jarvis, C. Physical exam and health assessment. W.B. Saunders. Philadelphia: 2004.
Mosby's medical, nursing & allied health dictionary (5th ed.). (1998). Mosby. St Louis: (If you already have a medical dictionary check with the course chair to see if it is acceptable)
Perry, Pottor. Basic Nursing Essential for practice. Mosby; New York; 5th ed. 1995.

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First Aid One-Pager Assignment by HEALTH and WEALTH go hand in hand
Free Printable Packet for Kids to Learn About First Aid
First Aid Kit Checklist Preschool
4 Key Steps of First Aid for Emergencies
First Aid Lesson Plan
Science Chapter_3, Safety And First Aid

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First Aid Lessons, Worksheets and Activities
First aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury,with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and/or promote recovery. It includes initial intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, such as performing CPR while awaiting an ambulance ...
First Aid
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Correct application of first aid can mean the difference between life and death., Proper first aid includes seeking medical care for all injuries and sudden illness., A layperson is under no legal obligation to render assistance to an injured person. and more.
First Aid Scenarios and Discussion Answers
1. It looks like the man has injured himself while chopping wood. Check the scene and make sure it's safe to approach. Identify yourself as being trained in first aid and offer to help. 2. Have your brother call 911 while you tend to the victim. Have your brother stay on the phone with the operator until help arrives.
Introduction to First Aid
Definition of first aid. When you provide basic medical care to someone experiencing a sudden injury or illness, it's known as first aid. In some cases, first aid consists of the initial support ...
First Aid Assignment Flashcards
Push the bone back through the skin before splinting. Apply a tourniquet to the arm to stop the bleeding before immobilizing. Align the break before splinting and wrapping the wound. Immobilize the arm using the areas above and below the break. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Enrique must perform CPR on his ...
First Aid Instructions for 10 Medical Emergencies
If someone is unconscious or unresponsive, the basic principle of first aid that you need to know is ABC: airway, breathing, and circulation . Airway: If someone's not breathing, the first thing you need to do is open their airway. Breathing: If you have cleared a person's airway but they're still not breathing, provide rescue breathing.
PDF First Aid: Basics
It", "First Aid: What is it", and "First Aid Kit: Where and What" lessons. DEFINTION . The term "first aid" is defined as, "The emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained." According to OSHA, first aid often consists ofa one-time, short-term treatment that requires little
School Resources
For Educators of Grades 6-12. The American Heart Association provides you with materials, teaching aids and online resources to start a program at your schools. Training high school students prior to graduation can add millions trained rescuers and create our next generation of lifesavers.
PDF Comprehensive First Aid/CPR/AED
3. Give 30 chest compressions.Q Place the heel of one hand in the center of the child's che. t, with your other hand on top. Position your body so that your shoulde. s are directly over your hands. (Alternatively, in a small child, you can use a one-handed CPR technique: place the heel of one hand in the.
Heartsaver
The AHA's Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
American Heart Association CPR & First Aid
CPR and ECC. The AHA is the leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and publisher of the official Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Millions of healthcare providers and others trust the AHA for their lifesaving training, and 100% of the AHA's profits go back into supporting its lifesaving mission. Find a CPR Course. Browse CPR and ECC.
How to Do Basic First Aid: Treat Cuts, Burns & More
Perform 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths as part of CPR. In the center of the chest, just below an imaginary line running between the nipples, put your two hands together and compress the chest down approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) at a rate of 100 compressions per minute (or to the beat of "Staying Alive").
First Aid Basics
Figure 1. Completely wet your hands and generously apply soap. Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds (Figure1). Rinse your hands with plenty of running water. Dry your hands with a towel or air dryer. Using personal protective gear is an important strategy to minimize the risk of blood and bodily fluid exposure.
What is First Aid?
The goal of first aid is twofold. First, it helps you recognize the signs that someone actually needs help and, second, it prepares you to respond when minutes matter. Remember, an emergency can happen when you least expect it, whether you're at home with your family, at work, at the grocery store, or hiking on a nature trail.
First Aid Steps
Checking an Injured or Ill Person. 1 CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent, and use personal protective equipment (PPE) 2 If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout.
Teaching Basic First Aid to Kids • RUN WILD MY CHILD
Step 1 - Apply athletic tape as a landmark; 2 inches above ankle bone. Step 2: Apply three additional pieces of tape in a U-shape (like a stirrup) to support the foot. Start at the landmark tape, then pull the tape below the foot and up the other side. Cut the tape and repeat twice, overlapping the tape.
First Aid
First Aid. Introduction. First aid to sick and wounded has been practiced since ancient times. But an organized world wide effort for giving first aid came only in the year 1877 with the formation of St. John ambulance association of England after the Great apostle of St. John. In 1920, Red Cross Society of India was established. With more than ...
First aid
Below, in alphabetical order, are some of the most common injuries that need emergency treatment in the UK and information about how to deal with them: anaphylaxis (or anaphylactic shock) bleeding. burns and scalds. choking. drowning. electric shock (domestic) fractures. heart attack.
First Aid Assignment Flashcards
third. What are three symptoms that can indicate an allergic reaction? -skin reactions such as hives and itching, as well as flushed or pale skin; -swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or throat; -a feeling of warmth throughout the body; -the sensation of a lump in the throat; constriction of airways, which can cause wheezing and troubled breathing;
First Aid Assignment
First Aid Assignment - Free download as Word Doc (.doc), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. This document provides instructions for a first aid research assignment. Students must choose an aspect of first aid to research from a provided list or negotiate another topic. For their chosen area, they must investigate and report on the nature of the condition, appropriate ...
First aid
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with either a minor or serious illness or injury, [1] with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive. First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training.
JaypeeDigital
Introduction to First Aid 1. INTRODUCTION. First aid to sick and wounded has been practiced since ancient times. The famous German surgeon, General Esmarch (1823-1908) is considered to have conceived the idea of 'first aid'. But, an organized worldwide effort of giving first aid came only in the year 1877 with the formation of St John ...

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Coloring Pages

First Aid Scenarios and Discussion Answers

Cite this work

First Aid Instructions for 10 Medical Emergencies

First Aid Kit List

ABCs of First Aid

Where to Get First Aid Training

First Aid for a Stopped Heart

First Aid for Bleeding

First Aid for Choking

Using the Heimlich Manuever

Helping a Choking Infant

What to Do if You're Alone and Choking

First Aid for Burns

First Aid for Blisters

First Aid for a Broken Bone or Fracture

First Aid for Sprains

First Aid for Nosebleeds

First Aid for Frostbite

First Aid for Bee Stings

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic First Aid: The Three Cs, Caring for Common Injuries & More

Things You Should Know

Performing the Three Cs

Caring for an Unconscious Person

Treating Common Problems In First Aid Scenarios

Treating Rarer Cases in First Aid Scenarios

Expert Q&A

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FIRST AID BASICS

SCENE SAFETY

HANDWASHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR

Proper handwashing technique is fairly simple:

FIRST AID KIT

Common items found in a first aid kit are:

First Aid Steps

Checking an Injured or Ill Person

Be Prepared

Teaching Basic First Aid to Kids

Teaching basic first aid to kids

Outdoor injuries happen…

…so, don’t panic

Roleplay with your kids to prepare

Teaching kids to care for scrapes and cuts

Simple steps for taking care of a cut:

Steps to apply a SteriStrip:

How to treat minor burns

Burn prevention

How to handle a twisted ankle

How to tape up a twisted ankle

How to treat a bloody nose

First aid kit for kids

Make your own first aid kit for kids

First aid lessons for kids

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Introduction, Definition, Qualities, Aims, Scope of First Aid | Nursing - First Aid | 11th Nursing : Chapter 9 : First Aid

Definition of First aid

First Aider

Qualities of a First Aider.

Aims of first aid:

Scope of First Aid

(a) Diagnosis

(b) Treatment

(c) Disposal

Introduction

If someone is unconscious and breathing

If someone is unconscious and not breathing