First Aid in Health Emergencies

Health Emergency

• Defined as a situation posing a risk to a person's health due to sudden illness or accident requiring immediate help.
• Common emergencies include electric shock, breathing difficulties, burns, bleeding, fractures, and heart attacks.

Human Body

• The adult human body consists of approximately 100 trillion cells organized into various systems.
• A newborn has over 300 bones, while an adult has 206 bones.
• Major body systems include musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, integumentary, urinary, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, and reproductive.

Breathing

• Essential for life, an individual breathes around 20,000 times each day.
• The respiratory system comprises the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs.

Blood Circulation

• Composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• The heart, situated between the lungs and slightly left, pumps blood through systemic and pulmonary loops.

Health and Safety

• Risk factors relate to the probability of experiencing adverse health effects at work, influenced by exposure to various hazards.

Types of Hazards

• Biological Hazards: Result from living organisms like bacteria, viruses, insects, and animals.
• Chemical Hazards: Include risks from acids, poisons, and cleaning agents, dependent on toxic properties.
• Radiation Hazards: Associated with exposure to radioactive substances.
• Ergonomic Hazards: Caused by poor posture and repetitive movements, leading to discomfort and fatigue.
• Physical Hazards: Include slippery surfaces, sharp tools, and excessive noise, which can cause stress and health risks.
• Psychosocial Hazards: Arise from workplace stressors, violence, and discrimination.
• Safety Hazards: Involve risks like slipping, equipment malfunctions, and accidents causing injuries.

Three Basic Objectives of First Aid

• Preserve Life: Focus on keeping the casualty alive and addressing life-threatening injuries.
• Prevent Illness or Injury from Worsening: Contain injuries to stop further complications.
• Promote Recovery: Execute first aid measures to encourage healing and stop bleeding.

Characteristics of a Good First Aider

• Assess the situation quickly without panic to understand the incident and affected individuals.
• Comfort and reassure the casualty while explaining the actions being taken.
• Protect oneself and the casualty from additional danger, moving the latter only if necessary.

Common Ailments and Over-the-Counter Drugs

• Allergies: Cetrizines tablet
• Headache: Saridon, Aspirin
• Heartburn: Digene tablet or syrup
• Nasal Congestion: Vaporub
• Cough and Cold: OTC cough tablets or syrups
• Fever or Flu: Paracetamol
• Constipation: Isabgol Husk
• Sprains and Strains: Flexon or Combiflam
• Dehydration: Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS)

General Guidelines for First Aid

• Assess the scene and individual before providing care.
• For responsive individuals without severe bleeding, check for injuries.
• If unresponsive, determine if they are breathing and proceed with a head-to-toe check if they are.
• If breathing, gather information and monitor conditions; if not, initiate CPR.

Specific Conditions and First Aid

• Heatstroke: Recognizable by body temperature over 104°F; cool the person with wet towels and provide electrolytes.
• Back Pain: Caused by spinal issues; relieve with hot/cold packs and painkillers.
• Asthma: Characterized by wheezing and breathlessness; administer asthma inhalers for relief.
• Food-borne Illness: Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting; provide ORS for dehydration, seek urgent care if severe.
• Preparation of ORS: Mix 1 litre of water, six teaspoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt.