First Aid is the initial assistance or help given to a casualty for any injury or sudden illness before the arrival of an ambulance, doctor, or other qualified
personnel.
AIMS OF FIRST AID
Preserve life
Prevent the casualty’s
condition from becoming worse Promote recovery
RESPONSIBILITIES AS A FIRST AIDER
Assess the situation quickly and safely and summon
appropriate help Protect casualties and others at the scene from possible danger To identify, as far as possible, the nature of illness or injury affecting casualty. To give each casualty early and appropriate treatment, treating the most serious condition first.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FIRST AIDER
To arrange for the casualty’s removal to hospital or into
the care of a doctor. To remain with a casualty until appropriate care is available. To report your observations to those taking care of the casualty, and to give further assistance if required.
PRIORITY OF CASUALTIES
Save the conscious casualties before the unconscious
ones as they have a higher chance of recovery. Save the young before the old. Do not jeopardize your own life while rendering First Aid. In the event of immediate danger, get out of site immediately. Remember: One of your aims is to preserve life, and not endanger your own in the process of rendering First Aid.
Casualties should always be treated in the order of
priority, usually given by the “3 Bs”:
Breathing Bleeding
Bones
Approach and Action
Assess the situation
Telephone for help Assess any further danger Can you cope Do you need assistance Begin Treatment
General rules of First Aid
Stay calm
Be prepared Use Universal Precautions
Universal Precautions
Blood and body fluids of all persons are considered
infectious
Body fluids are: saliva, nasal and wound drainage,
vomit, urine and feces
Universal Precautions
Hand washing
Gloves