First Aid Basics

Basic Principles

• First aid is the provision of initial care for a sudden injury or illness
• Goals:
  • Preserve life
  • Prevent further harm
  • Promote recovery
  • Comfort the patient

General First Aid Steps

1. Assess the situation: Check the scene for safety, call for help if needed
2. Check the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs): Ensure the patient is breathing, has a pulse, and is not choking
3. Provide care: Based on the patient's condition, provide appropriate care (e.g., CPR, bleeding control, splinting)

Common First Aid Scenarios

Bleeding

• External bleeding: Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for at least 5 minutes
• Internal bleeding: Monitor for signs of shock, call for medical help

Burns

• Assess the burn: Check the severity, size, and location
• Cool the burn: Run cool tap water over the burn for 10-15 minutes, or apply a cool compress
• Cover the burn: Use a non-stick dressing or bandage

Cardiac Emergencies

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Follow the CAB (Chest Compressions, Airway, Breathing) sequence
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Follow the device's instructions

Other Emergencies

• Allergic reactions: Administer epinephrine using an EpiPen, call for medical help
• Broken bones: Immobilize the affected area, apply ice, and monitor for shock
• Choking: Perform the back blows and abdominal thrusts, or use a first aid device
• Heat and cold emergencies: Recognize signs of heat stroke, hypothermia, and frostbite, and take appropriate action

General First Aid Kit

• Bandages and band-aids
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Antiseptic wipes and spray
• Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Antihistamines (e.g., for allergic reactions)
• Medical tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer (oral or digital)

Basic Principles of First Aid

• First aid is the initial care provided for sudden injuries or illnesses, aiming to preserve life, prevent further harm, promote recovery, and comfort the patient.

General First Aid Steps

• Assess the situation for safety and call for help if needed.
• Check the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) to ensure they are breathing, have a pulse, and are not choking.
• Provide care based on the patient's condition, such as CPR, bleeding control, or splinting.

Bleeding

• For external bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for at least 5 minutes.
• For internal bleeding, monitor for signs of shock and call for medical help.

Burns

• Assess the burn's severity, size, and location.
• Cool the burn by running cool tap water over it for 10-15 minutes or applying a cool compress.
• Cover the burn with a non-stick dressing or bandage.

Cardiac Emergencies

• Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) following the CAB (Chest Compressions, Airway, Breathing) sequence.
• Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) according to the device's instructions.

Other Emergencies

• For allergic reactions, administer epinephrine using an EpiPen and call for medical help.
• For broken bones, immobilize the affected area, apply ice, and monitor for shock.
• For choking, perform back blows and abdominal thrusts, or use a first aid device.
• For heat and cold emergencies, recognize signs of heat stroke, hypothermia, and frostbite, and take appropriate action.

General First Aid Kit

• Bandages and band-aids
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Antiseptic wipes and spray
• Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Antihistamines (e.g., for allergic reactions)
• Medical tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer (oral or digital)