First Aid, CPR, and Bleeding Control for 12th Grade

• First aid basics, CPR, choking response, and bleeding control for Grade 12 caregiving
• The goal is to understand first aid, perform adult CPR, use the Heimlich maneuver, and handle bleeding.

Introduction to First Aid

• First aid is immediate care for injuries or illness before medical help arrives.
• It prevents further harm and saves lives.
• First aid reduces the risk of permanent injury or death.
• It helps manage common injuries and emergencies.
• First aid allows caregivers to stay calm and provide proper care.
• Caregivers must know basic first aid, especially for clients with special needs.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• CPR is a life-saving technique for when someone stops breathing or their heart stops.
• CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep vital organs alive.

CPR Steps:

• First, check if the person is breathing, if not, call 911.
• Place the heel of one hand on the chest center, just below the breastbone.
• Put the other hand on top, interlace fingers, and press hard/fast to a depth of at least 2 inches at 100-120 compressions/minute.
• After 30 chest compressions, tilt the head back to open the airway for rescue breaths.
• Pinch the nose, cover the mouth, and give 2 breaths (1 second each).
• Repeat until breathing restarts, or help arrives.
• If available, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Choking and the Heimlich Maneuver

• Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing.
• Signs include trouble breathing, wheezing, inability to speak, or holding the throat.

Steps to Respond to Choking:

• If coughing or gagging, encourage them to continue.
• If they cannot breathe, speak, or cough, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
• Wrap arms around their waist from behind.
• Place a fist just above the navel, grasp with the other hand, and perform quick, inward and upward thrusts.
• Continue until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.
• If the person becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground and start CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths).

Bleeding and Wound Care

• Minor Bleeding: Small cuts, abrasions, or scrapes.
• Severe Bleeding: Large, deep wounds with significant blood loss.

First Aid for Minor Bleeding:

• Wash with clean water and mild soap, avoiding hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
• Elevate the injured area if possible.
• Cover the wound with a bandage or gauze.

First Aid for Severe Bleeding:

• Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing.
• Elevate the limb above the heart to slow blood flow.
• For life-threatening bleeding use a tourniquet above the injury until bleeding stops.
• Record the time the tourniquet was applied.
• Seek immediate medical help, especially if the wound is severe or there are signs of shock.

Conclusion and Recap

• CPR is essential for restarting the heart and breathing.
• Choking requires using the Heimlich maneuver to clear the airway.
• Control bleeding with pressure, elevation, and a tourniquet if needed.