Basic First Aid Principles

Basic First Aid Principles

• First aid is the immediate, temporary care given to a person who is injured or suddenly ill before professional medical help arrives.
• The primary goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.
• Assess the scene for safety and the victim's condition before providing assistance. Look for any dangers that may affect the safety of yourself/the victim and avoid any potential harm before intervening.
• Call emergency services if needed. Dial the appropriate emergency number (e.g. 911), and give necessary information such as location, nature of the emergency, number of victims, and your contact information.
• Check for responsiveness and breathing in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Control any life-threatening bleeding. Using direct pressure and elevation to the injured area.
• Maintain an open airway.
• Treat and stabilize any shock and obvious immediate injuries.
• Provide comfort and reassurance.
• Stay calm and focused to ease the situation and assure the victim and those around.

Common Injuries and Treatments

• Minor cuts and scrapes: Clean the wound with soap and water (or antiseptic solution), apply gentle pressure or a bandage to stop the bleeding, and cover to prevent infection.
• Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound, elevate the injured area if possible, and use a clean cloth or dressing to absorb the blood. If bleeding is severe and continuous, call emergency services immediately.
• Burns: Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10-20 minutes. Do not apply ice or any ointments. Cover loosely with a sterile dressing. Do not attempt to remove any clothing stuck to a burn. Avoid any self-treatment for severe burns or chemical burns.
• Fractures: Immobilize the injured limb using a splint or other supportive materials. Avoid moving the injured area unnecessarily; do not attempt to realign or set a fracture. Call for immediate emergency assistance.
• Sprains and strains: Apply RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Use a mild pain reliever as directed by a medical professional if applicable. Provide support to the injured area to prevent further damage.

Unconsciousness and Choking

• Unconsciousness: Check for responsiveness and breathing. If unconscious and not breathing, begin CPR immediately. Call emergency services.
• Choking: If a person is choking and can cough effectively, encourage them to continue coughing. If they cannot cough or make sounds, perform the Heimlich maneuver as appropriate. Call emergency services.

First Aid Kit Contents

• A well-stocked first aid kit should contain supplies to address common injuries and illnesses. Common supplies in a first-aid kit encompass:
• Bandages (various sizes & types)
• Gauzes and sterile dressings
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Adhesive tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Pain relievers
• Safety pins
• Medical Gloves
• Burn dressings or ointments
• Cold packs and/or ice

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

• CPR is a technique used to save lives by restoring breathing and heartbeat. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths.
• CPR steps include:
• Check for responsiveness and breathing.
• Call emergency services.
• Begin chest compressions.
• Provide rescue breaths (if trained and necessary).
• CPR training is essential for effective application. Seek training to improve first-aid skills and reaction time to potentially save a life.

Allergic Reactions

• If a person shows signs of an allergic reaction, immediately call emergency services. Be aware of potential triggers, and ensure the environment is safe and conducive to quick response and assistance.

Other important points

• Hygiene: Maintain hygiene around the scene and avoid transferring any possible contaminants to yourself.
• Patient safety: Be mindful of protecting the scene and the victim.
• Personal safety: Protect yourself and take necessary precautions to ensure your well being while assisting.
• Proper procedures and training: Always work in accordance with specific training protocols concerning handling injuries and situations and adhere to necessary standard procedures.

This quiz covers essential first aid principles, including the steps to take in an emergency, how to assess the scene, and the techniques to preserve life and prevent further injury. Learn how to provide immediate care and the importance of staying calm during a crisis.