First Aid and Principles of First Aid
The primary survey is a systematic approach to identify and manage life-threatening conditions. It is crucial to follow the ABC steps in order:
Airway (A):
Assessment: Check if the airway is open and clear. Look for any obstructions such as the tongue, vomit, or foreign objects.
Management: If the airway is blocked, use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open it. For suspected spinal injuries, use the jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head.
Breathing (B):
Assessment: Look for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air movement. Check for normal breathing patterns.
Management: If the person is not breathing, provide rescue breaths. If trained, use a bag-valve mask. For conscious individuals with difficulty breathing, assist them to a comfortable position and provide oxygen if available.
Circulation (C):
Assessment: Check for a pulse, skin color, and temperature. Look for signs of severe bleeding.
Management: Control severe bleeding by applying direct pressure, using dressings, and elevating the injured part. If there is no pulse, begin chest compressions immediately.
2. Qualities of a Good First Aider
A good first aider possesses several key qualities that enable them to effectively manage emergencies:
Calm and Composed: Maintaining composure helps in making clear decisions and reassures the injured person.
Knowledgeable: Being well-trained in first aid techniques ensures proper care is given.
Empathetic: Showing empathy helps in comforting and gaining the trust of the injured person.
Decisive: Quick decision-making is crucial in emergencies to provide timely interventions.
Communicative: Clear communication with the injured person, bystanders, and emergency services is essential for effective management.
3. First Aid Measures
Cuts and Scrapes:
Cleaning: Rinse the wound with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Use mild soap if necessary.
Antiseptic Application: Apply an antiseptic solution or cream to prevent infection.
Dressing: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing to protect it from further contamination.
Bruises:
Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
Elevation: Elevate the affected area above heart level to minimize swelling.
Sprains:
Rest: Avoid using the injured joint to prevent further damage.
Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage to compress the area and reduce swelling.
Elevation: Keep the injured limb elevated to decrease swelling.
Strains:
Rest: Allow the affected muscle to rest and avoid activities that cause pain.
Ice: Apply ice to the strained muscle for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
Compression: Use a compression bandage to support the muscle.
Elevation: Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling.
Fractures:
Immobilization: Keep the injured area still and use a splint to immobilize the fracture.
Support: Use padding around the splint for comfort.
Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Burns:
Cooling: Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
Covering: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cloth.
Avoiding: Do not apply creams, ointments, or ice directly to the burn.
Nosebleeds:
Positioning: Sit the person down and lean them slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing down the throat.
Pinching: Pinch the soft part of the nose just below the bridge for 10-15 minutes.
Avoiding: Avoid lying down or tilting the head back, as this can cause blood to flow into the throat.
4. First Aid Procedures
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):
Assessment: Check for responsiveness and normal breathing.
Calling for Help: Call emergency services or ask someone else to do so.
Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, place the other hand on top, and interlock fingers. Press down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Rescue Breaths: If trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and breathe into the mouth.
Heimlich Maneuver:
Positioning: Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
Fist Placement: Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel.
Thrusts: Perform quick, upward thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.
Applying a Sling:
Support: Support the injured arm at a right angle across the chest.
Bandage Placement: Place a triangular bandage under the arm and over the shoulder.
Tying: Tie the ends of the bandage at the neck, ensuring the arm is supported and immobilized.
5. Sports Injuries: Classification
Soft Tissue Injuries:
Abrasion: Superficial damage to the skin caused by friction. Clean the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.
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Contusion: Bruising caused by a direct blow, leading to bleeding under the skin. Apply a cold compress and elevate the area.
Laceration: A deep cut or tear in the skin. Clean the wound, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover with a sterile dressing.
Incision: A clean cut, often caused by a sharp object. Clean the wound, apply pressure, and cover with a sterile dressing.
Sprain: Stretching or tearing of ligaments, often in the ankle or wrist. Use the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
Strain: Stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons, commonly in the back or hamstring. Rest, apply ice, use compression, and elevate the area.