First Aid Basics: Assessing the Scene and Providing Care

First Aid: Before Giving Care and Checking an Injured or Ill Person

First aid is a crucial skill that everyone should know. It's a set of procedures designed to provide emergency assistance to someone who is injured or ill. Before providing care, it is essential to ensure your safety and assess the situation. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do before giving care and checking an injured or ill person:

Check the Scene for Safety

Before approaching the person, ensure the scene is safe. Look for any hazards that could put you or the person at risk, such as live wires, gas leaks, or unstable structures. Once you've determined the scene is safe, proceed with caution.

Form an Initial Impression

Approach the person calmly and ask if they need help. If they are unresponsive or in distress, use the 'shout-tap-shout' method to check for responsiveness:

1. Shout their name and ask if they are okay.
2. Tap their shoulder and ask if they are okay.
3. If there is no response, shout again and perform rescue breathing and chest compressions, if necessary.

Obtain Consent and Use PPE

Always obtain the person's consent before providing first aid. If they are unconscious, you may not be able to get their explicit consent. In such cases, implied consent is acceptable. Additionally, use personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Check for Life-Threatening Conditions

If the person is unresponsive or not breathing, call for emergency assistance immediately. If they are responsive, ask about signs and symptoms, allergies, and medical conditions (SAM). Perform a focused physical examination based on their response and the information you have gathered.

Call for Help and Provide Care

Once you have assessed the situation, call for emergency assistance if necessary. Then, provide care based on the condition found and your level of training. Continue checking the person to determine if additional care is needed.

Remember, the key to providing effective first aid is to act quickly and confidently. Knowing these steps can help you respond effectively in an emergency situation.