Basic Principles of First Aid

Basic Principles of First Aid

• The goal of first aid is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery.
• First aid should only be performed by someone trained in the proper techniques.

Assessing the Situation

• Check the scene for safety before approaching the victim.
• Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) and provide rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
• Identify the type and severity of the injury or illness.

Wound Care

• Stop bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
• Clean wounds with cool or lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.

Bleeding Control

• Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze.
• Elevate the injured limb above heart level, if possible.
• Apply a tourniquet or hemostatic agent, if trained to do so.

Burns

• Stop the burning process by removing the source of heat or flame.
• Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove clothing and jewelry near the burned area.
• Apply a topical antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

Cardiac Emergencies

• Recognize the signs of a heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, lightheadedness.
• Call for emergency medical services (EMS) if symptoms persist for 5 minutes.
• Begin CPR if the victim is unresponsive.

Allergic Reactions

• Recognize the signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing.
• Administer epinephrine using an EpiPen, if available and trained to do so.
• Call for EMS and provide rescue breathing and CPR, if necessary.

Other Emergencies

• Stroke: recognize the signs of a stroke using the FAST method (Face, Arm, Speech, Time).
• Poisoning: identify the poison, if possible, and call the national poison control center.
• Shock: recognize the signs of shock (pale or cool skin, fast or weak pulse, shallow breathing).

Goals and Principles of First Aid

• Preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery
• Only performed by someone trained in proper techniques

Assessing the Situation

• Check the scene for safety before approaching the victim
• Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
• Provide rescue breathing or CPR if necessary
• Identify the type and severity of the injury or illness

Wound Care

• Stop bleeding with pressure and a clean cloth or bandage
• Clean wounds with cool or lukewarm water and mild soap
• Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage

Bleeding Control

• Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze
• Elevate the injured limb above heart level, if possible
• Apply a tourniquet or hemostatic agent, if trained to do so

Burns

• Stop the burning process by removing the source of heat or flame
• Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes
• Remove clothing and jewelry near the burned area
• Apply a topical antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing

Cardiac Emergencies

• Recognize signs of a heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, lightheadedness
• Call for EMS if symptoms persist for 5 minutes
• Begin CPR if the victim is unresponsive

Allergic Reactions

• Recognize signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing
• Administer epinephrine using an EpiPen, if available and trained to do so
• Call for EMS and provide rescue breathing and CPR, if necessary

Other Emergencies

• Stroke: recognize signs using the FAST method (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)
• Poisoning: identify the poison, if possible, and call the national poison control center
• Shock: recognize signs (pale or cool skin, fast or weak pulse, shallow breathing)