BASIC FIRST AID +
BASIC FIRST AID
Every year many accidents occur. With some care, they can be prevented.
In case an accident does happen, you can be of help if you know Basic
First Aid. Read each of the following carefully. You will be able to
give vital first aid if needed. Remember always to seek help from an
adult.IMMEDIATELY.
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening.
5 steps are associated with First Aid , them being:
- Assess the surrounding areas.
- Move to a safe surrounding (if not already. example: road accidents are unsafe to be dealt with on roads.)
- Perform suitable first aid depending on the injury suffered by the casualty.
- Call for help. (Both professional medical help and people nearby who might help in first aid such as giving compression during CPR).
- Evaluate your casualty for any fatal signs or danger , or possibility of performing the first aid again.
Do not move the casualty unnecessarily. Keep him warm. Make a diagnosis, decide the treatment and treat. Remember the ABC of First Aid: See if his airways are clear, that he is breathing, and his blood circulation is patent.Basic points of these protocols include:
- Catastrophic bleeding (massive external bleeding)
- Airway (clearing airways)
- Breathing (ensuring respiration)
- Circulation (internal bleeding)
- Disability (neurological condition)
- Exposure (overall examination, environment)
A major benefit of these protocols is that they require minimum resources, time and skills with a great degree of success in saving lives under conditions unfavourable for applying first aid.
1. RESPIRATION
If it is failing, give artificial respiration - MOUTH to MOUTH or MOUTH to NOSE.
2. BLEEDING
Arrest the bleeding and protect the wound. Apply direct or indirect pressure. Cover with a dressing, apply a pad and firm bandage. Elevate. keep at rest. 
3. FRACTURES
IMMOBILISE it with a wellpadded stiff support reaching the joints on either side. Apply bandages on either side of the site and at the joints on either side, support. 
4. BURNSAND SCALDS
A burn is caused by dry heat and a scald by moist heat like steam, very hot water or oil. IMMEDIATELY cool the area with cold water-for 15 mins. till pain subsides. DO NOT break blisters, or apply anything on the burns. Cover with a sterile or clean cloth, pad and bandage. Give fluids.
Sit him up facing the breeze with the head slightly forward. Ask him to breath through the mouth and NOT to blow his nose. Apply a cold compress over the nose. The soft part of the nose may be pinched close with the fingers for 10 mins. Cold application on the back of the neck and forehead may help.
Do not press the bag (of the sting). Use foreceps and remove the sting. Apply cold or weak ammonia.
7. ANIMAL BITES
Wash with soap and plenty of water. Loose bandage may be applied. Get quick medical aid.
8. SNAKE BITES
Keep patient calm. Wash with plenty of water and soap. DO NOT RUB hard. First apply a constrictive bandage on the heart side of the bite (Not to be applied continuously for more than 20 mins.). Do not incise or attempt to suck the wound. Get aid quickly. Try to identify the snake.
Lay him down and loosen the clothing around chest and waist. Turn head to one side. The legs may be raised a little. DO NOT attempt to give any solids or liquids. On recovery a small quantity of a drink may be given and he may be allowed to sit up and move after rest.
If you are in doubt the treatment DO NOT DO anything. You may do more harm.
These are only hints. To be a good FIRST AIDER you can do the first aid course conducted regularly by the St. John Ambulance Association in all the states. Contact your State Centre for details. Also join the Ambulance Brigade in your State.
Nice caption 👌👏
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