Introduction to First Aid

• First aid is the initial assistance given to someone who is injured or suddenly taken ill.
• It aims to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.
• First aid is usually performed by a layperson until professional medical help arrives.

Principles of First Aid

• Ensure safety: assess the scene for any dangers to yourself and the casualty.
• Assess the casualty: determine the nature of the injury or illness.
• Provide immediate care: prioritize life-threatening conditions.
• Seek medical assistance: call for professional help when needed.

Essential First Aid Kit Items

• Bandages: used to cover and protect wounds.
• Dressings: sterile pads applied directly to wounds.
• Antiseptic wipes: for cleaning wounds to prevent infection.
• Adhesive tape: secures bandages and dressings.
• Gloves: protect against infection during contact with bodily fluids.
• Scissors: for cutting bandages or clothing.
• Tweezers: for removing splinters or debris.
• CPR mask: for safe rescue breathing.
• Emergency blanket: to keep the casualty warm.
• Pain relievers: such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Focuses on maintaining the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
• Essential for casualties who are unresponsive or not breathing normally.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• CPR is a life-saving technique used when someone's heart has stopped.
• Involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate blood and oxygen.
• Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
• The depth of compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults.
• Rescue breaths involve sealing your mouth over the casualty's mouth and blowing air in.
• The ratio of compressions to breaths is typically 30:2 for adults.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• An AED is a device that delivers an electrical shock to restart the heart.
• AEDs are commonly found in public places.
• Follow the voice prompts of the AED to ensure proper usage.
• Apply the AED pads to the casualty's bare chest, as indicated on the pads.
• Ensure no one is touching the casualty when the AED delivers a shock.

Choking

• Occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing breathing.
• Mild choking: the person can cough forcefully. Encourage them to continue coughing.
• Severe choking: the person cannot breathe, talk, or cough.
• Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) by standing behind the casualty, placing a fist above their navel, and thrusting inward and upward.
• For pregnant women or obese individuals, perform chest thrusts instead.
• If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.

Wound Care

• Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.
• Elevate the injured limb if possible to reduce blood flow.
• Clean the wound with mild soap and water after bleeding has stopped.
• Apply an antiseptic to prevent infection.
• Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and bandage.
• Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, bleeds excessively, or shows signs of infection.

Burns

• Burns are tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
• First-degree burns: affect only the outer layer of skin (redness, pain). Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. Apply a sterile, non-adhesive bandage.
• Second-degree burns: affect deeper layers of skin (blisters, severe pain). Cool the burn, cover with a sterile dressing, and seek medical attention. Do not break blisters.
• Third-degree burns: destroy all layers of skin (white or charred appearance, may be painless). Seek immediate medical attention. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage. Do not apply ice or ointments.
• For chemical burns, flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical attention.

Fractures and Sprains

• Fractures: broken bones.
• Sprains: injuries to ligaments (tissues that connect bones at a joint).
• Symptoms: pain, swelling, deformity, inability to move the injured limb.
• Immobilize the injured limb with a splint or sling.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Seek medical attention.

Head Injuries

• Can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Symptoms: headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting.
• Monitor the casualty for any changes in mental status.
• Keep the casualty still and protect their head and neck.
• Seek immediate medical attention if there is loss of consciousness, seizures, or worsening symptoms.

Stroke

• Occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
• Symptoms (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.
• Note the time when symptoms first appeared.
• Keep the casualty calm and monitor their condition.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

Heart Attack

• Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.
• Symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating.
• Have the casualty sit or lie down and rest.
• If they are prescribed medication for chest pain (e.g., nitroglycerin), assist them in taking it.
• Call emergency services immediately.

Diabetes-Related Emergencies

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion. Give the person something sugary to eat or drink.
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision. Seek medical attention.

Seizures

• Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
• Protect the casualty from injury by clearing the area of hazards.
• Do not restrain the casualty or put anything in their mouth.
• Time the seizure.
• Seek medical attention if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if the casualty has multiple seizures.

Allergic Reactions

• Mild reactions: hives, itching, swelling. Administer an antihistamine.
• Severe reactions (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face and throat. Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if available and call emergency services.

Poisoning

• Identify the poison if possible.
• Call the poison control center for instructions.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.

Environmental Emergencies

• Hypothermia (low body temperature): Move the casualty to a warm place, remove wet clothing, and cover them with blankets.
• Heatstroke (high body temperature): Move the casualty to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and cool them with water.