First Aid Priorities and Responsibilities

Aims of First Aid

• Save life
• Prevent illness or injuries from becoming worse (complications)
• Relieve pain and suffering as far as possible
• Promote recovery
• Protect the unconscious
• Prepare for medical treatment
• Assist the medical team
• Arrange for transport to hospital or to be seen by a medical practitioner for further treatment

First Aiders' Priorities/Responsibilities

• Respond quickly, gently, and methodically, and call for assistance if necessary
• Make a quick and calm assessment of the situation
• Protect self, casualties, and others at the scene from possible danger, and never put oneself at risk
• Comfort and reassure victims at all times

Control of the Emergency Situation

• Assess the patient's:
  • General condition
  • Emergency complications or serious injuries
  • Minor injuries
  • Special needs (children, elderly, disabled people, women, etc.)
• Identify emergency priorities or complications and deal with them immediately

Treatment of Emergency Priorities

• Treat the most urgent condition first
• Interference with breathing:
  • Remove foreign objects from the mouth and throat (e.g., denture, food)
  • Commence mouth-to-mouth breathing
  • Ambulance attendants will bring airway, Ambu bags, and oxygen equipment
• Severe bleeding:
  • Apply pressure hard over the wound with fingers
  • Apply a thick pad and firm bandages over the wound if there is a delay in proper treatment
  • If bleeding is from a limb, raise the limb, but keep the head and trunk flat
  • Check the pulse below the bleeding wound
• Unconsciousness:
  • Place the patient in the left lateral position with the face directed slightly downwards
  • Ensure the patient's tongue remains forward in the mouth, not relaxing backwards into the pharynx
  • Place a pillow behind the patient to maintain their position
  • Maintain an open airway and do not leave it
  • Lift the patient carefully, keeping their head, body, and legs at the same level