Basic First Aid: CPR, Choking, and Bleeding - Grade 12 Caregiving PDF

**Basic First Aid, CPR, Choking, and Bleeding**\ **Grade 12 Caregiving** **Learning Objectives** By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Understand the basics of first aid and your role as a caregiver in emergency situations. 2. Apply the correct techniques for performing CPR on...

**Basic First Aid, CPR, Choking, and Bleeding**\ **Grade 12 Caregiving** **Learning Objectives** By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Understand the basics of first aid and your role as a caregiver in emergency situations. 2. Apply the correct techniques for performing CPR on an adult. 3. Respond to choking emergencies using the Heimlich maneuver. 4. Provide first aid for bleeding, including both minor and severe cases. **1. Introduction to Basic First Aid** **What is First Aid?** - Immediate care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until medical help arrives. - It can prevent further harm and save lives. **Why is First Aid Important?** - Reduces risk of permanent injury or death. - Helps manage common injuries and emergencies. - Allows caregivers to stay calm and provide proper care. **Your Role as a Caregiver:** - You must know basic first aid to assist clients, particularly those with special needs. **2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)** **What is CPR?** - A life-saving technique for when someone\'s heart or breathing stops. - Combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep vital organs alive. **Steps for Performing CPR on an Adult:** 1. **Assess the Situation**: - Check if the person is breathing. If not, call emergency services (dial 911). 2. **Start Chest Compressions**: - Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, just below the breastbone. - Place your other hand on top, interlace your fingers, and press hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. 3. **Give Rescue Breaths**: - After 30 chest compressions, tilt the person's head back to open the airway. - Pinch their nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give 2 breaths (1 second each). - Repeat the cycle until the person starts breathing or help arrives. 4. **Use an AED if Available**: - If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is nearby, turn it on and follow the instructions. **3. Choking and the Heimlich Maneuver** **What is Choking?** - Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. **Signs of Choking:** - Difficulty breathing, wheezing, inability to speak, or holding the throat. **Steps to Respond to Choking:** 1. **Assess the Situation**: - If the person is coughing or gagging, encourage them to continue. - If they cannot breathe, speak, or cough, perform the Heimlich maneuver. 2. **Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)**: - Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. - Place a fist just above the navel, grasp it with your other hand, and perform quick, inward and upward thrusts. - Continue until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious. 3. **If the Person Becomes Unconscious**: - Lower them to the ground and start CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths). **4. Bleeding and Wound Care** **Types of Bleeding:** - **Minor Bleeding**: Small cuts, abrasions, or scrapes. - **Severe Bleeding**: Large, deep wounds with significant blood loss. **First Aid for Minor Bleeding:** 1. **Clean the Wound**: - Wash the wound with clean water and mild soap. - Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. 2. **Stop the Bleeding**: - Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. - Elevate the injured area if possible. 3. **Cover the Wound**: - Once the bleeding stops, cover the wound with a bandage or gauze. **First Aid for Severe Bleeding:** 1. **Apply Direct Pressure**: - For large or deep cuts, apply pressure with a clean cloth or dressing. 2. **Elevate the Limb**: - Raise the limb above the heart to slow blood flow. 3. **Tourniquet (for life-threatening bleeding)**: - If bleeding cannot be controlled, apply a tourniquet above the injury and tighten it until the bleeding stops. - Record the time the tourniquet was applied. 4. **Seek Immediate Medical Help**: - Call for emergency medical assistance if the wound is severe or if there are signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, confusion). **5. Conclusion and Recap** **Key Points to Remember:** - **CPR**: Essential for restarting the heart and breathing. - **Choking**: Use the Heimlich maneuver to clear the airway. - **Bleeding**: Control bleeding with pressure, elevation, and use of a tourniquet if necessary. **Remember**: First aid skills can save lives, so it's important to practice and feel confident in applying these techniques in real-life situations.