First Aid Lecture: Societal Wellness & Healthy Living

 Fourth Quarter Societal Wellness for Active and Healthy Living An accident is an unexpected and unintentional event that results in damage, injury, or loss. It often occurs suddenly and may be caused by human error, environmental factors, or mechanical failure. Injury is physical harm or d...

 Fourth Quarter Societal Wellness for Active and Healthy Living An accident is an unexpected and unintentional event that results in damage, injury, or loss. It often occurs suddenly and may be caused by human error, environmental factors, or mechanical failure. Injury is physical harm or damage to the body caused by accidents, falls, hits, burns, cuts, or other external forces. It can range from minor bruises to severe wounds or fractures. Signs refer to observable indicators of a person's medical condition or injury. These can be seen, heard, or felt by the first aider. Common signs in first aid include: 1.Bleeding – Visible blood from a wound. 2.Swelling – Enlarged or inflamed area on the body. 3.Bruising – Discolored skin due to internal bleeding. 4.Unconsciousness – Lack of response or awareness. 5.Difficulty breathing – Gasping, wheezing, or irregular breathing. 6.Pale or bluish skin – Possible sign of shock or lack of oxygen. 7.Rapid or weak pulse – Could indicate shock or circulatory problems. 8.Vomiting – May be a sign of poisoning, concussion, or illness. 9.Burn marks – Signs of heat, chemical, or electrical burns. Symptoms refer to what a person feels or experiences but cannot be directly observed by a first aider. Symptoms are reported by the injured or ill person and help in diagnosing the condition. Common Symptoms in First Aid: 1.Pain – Sharp, dull, or throbbing discomfort in a specific area. 2.Dizziness – Feeling lightheaded, faint, or unsteady. 3.Nausea – Feeling like vomiting. 4.Headache – Pain or pressure in the head. 5.Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath. 6.Numbness or tingling – Loss of sensation in certain body parts. 7.Blurred vision – Difficulty seeing clearly. 8.Weakness or fatigue – Feeling extremely tired or weak. 9.Chest pain – Can indicate a heart attack or other serious condition. 10.Chills or fever – May indicate infection or illness. First aid is the immediate care or treatment given to a person who has been injured or suddenly taken ill before professional medical help arrives. It includes basic medical procedures such as stopping bleeding, performing CPR, treating burns, and stabilizing fractures to prevent the condition from worsening. First aid is any initial assistance or temporary solution provided to address a problem or emergency situation.  First aid is the immediate care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly taken ill. It includes self-help and home care if medical assistance is not available or delayed. The objectives of first aid: * To lessen suffering * To prevent further injury or danger * To preserve life * To hasten recovery A first aider is a person trained to provide immediate medical assistance in emergencies before professional medical help arrives. They are equipped with basic first aid skills, such as CPR, wound care, and handling minor injuries, to prevent conditions from worsening. Who is first aider? A first aider is a trained personnel who provides first aid. Since accidents or unintentional injuries may happen anytime. Characteristics of a Good First Aider > Gentle. One who does not cause any pain > Resourceful. One who makes use of things at hand with the best capability > Observant. One who notices all signs > Tactful. One who does not make the victim worry. > Sympathetic. One who comforts the victim > Respectable. One who has a professional and caring attitude > Calm and confident. One who does not easily panic and knows what he/she is doing Roles and Responsibilities of a First Aider:  He/She bridges the gap between the victim and the physician  He/She does not take the place of the services of the physician. His /her role ends when physician begins.  He/She ensures the safety of him/herself and that of bystanders  Gains access to the victim  He/she determines any threats to the patient’s life  He/She summons advanced medical care as needed  He/She provides needed care for the patient  He/She records all findings and care given to the patien. First Aid for Commom Conditions 1. Insect bites Some insect bites are minor while others can be deadly. One must know the proper prevention and treatment for such types of injuries. Some people are allergic to certain kinds of insect bites, such as bees, wasps and ants. Severe reactions might lead to the victim’s death within an hour’s time. For non –allergic people, they usually experience pain, redness and itchiness. Common first aid for insects bite:  Examine the area sting by the insect. If a stinger penetrates under the skin, do not forcer the stinger out because it will result in the penetration or more venom into the body.  Place ice on the sting area to relieve pain, redness and itchiness  Observe the victim’s skin at least 30 minutes for signs of an allergic reaction.  If the victim experiences dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, immediately seek medical attention or bring him to the nearest clinic or hospital. 2. Animal bites Animal bites from dogs, cats, rats and even humans can result in tetanus. If the animalwho bites get sick or dies afterward, it may carry rabies that can be fatal. Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted through bites from an infected animal to another. But it can also spread if the animal;s saliva gets directly into person’s eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound ( such as a scratch, or scrape). First should be performed immediately: > Wash the animal bite with soap and water > Since the major concern in animal bites is bleeding, put antiseptic and cover the wound with a clean and dry cloth or gauze > Go immediately to the nearest hospital or medical facility and ask for help from a professional doctor to treat tetanus aor rabies. 3. Wounds Wounds are injuries to the skin and body tissues. These happen as a result of an accident that may cause cuts scrapes, and punctured skin. First Aid treatment for cuts and wounds:  Wash your hands.  Stop the bleeding  Clean the cut or wound  Disinfect  Dress the wound 4. Burn Happens when the skin or other tissues are damaged. This may be caused by heat. When the skin is damaged, it can no longer function effectively against infection.  Place the burned area under running cool water for at least minutes to reduce swelling  Apply an antiseptic spray, antibiotic ointment or aloe vera cream to soothe the area  Loosely wrap a gauze bandage around the burn 5. Bleeding or Hemorrhage It occurs when blood vessel is damaged and constricted. This can be life-threatening if the body loses an excessive amount of blood. Stopping the blood flow is very important. First Aid to Control Bleeding  Apply direct pressure to the wound  Raise and support the injured part  Lay the victim down  Bandage dressing in place  Call for emergency help 6. Fainting Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness due to poor blood flowing to the brain. Weakness, cold perspiration, paleness and dizziness are the symptoms before the victim becomes unconscious. First Aid Steps in Fainting:  Ventilate the area  Let the victim lie down or bend 9ver and lower the head to bring back the normal flow of blood.  If the victim does not recover within five minutes seek medical help  Apply rescue breathing if necessary while waiting for medical help 7. Poisoning Occurs when poison or a toxic substance is taken into or absorbed by the body, sufficiently enough to cause temporary or permanent damage. A poison can enter the body through swallowing, skin absorption, inhalation, splashing into the eyes. 8. Choking occurs when an airway is blocked, making breathing difficult. Airway may be blocked by a piece of food or a small object. Choking is life-threatening because it cuts off oxygen to the brain 9. Hyperventilation Also known as rapid fast breathing or over breathing. This condition occurs when there is an imbalance of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide due to emotional states such as anger, depression, anxiety and stress. 10. Heat-related conditions or hyperthermia – these are caused by high temperature and humidity from exposure to hot weather and sun. Three forms of hyperthermia: a. Heat cramps –are muscle spasms caused by the loss of too much salt and other electrolytes during too much sweating First Aid of Heat Cramps 1. Have the victim rest in a cool place and administer sips of half-glass water or sports drink every 15 minutes 2. Apply moist towels to the forehead and the cramping muscles. Gently stretch cramp muscles 3. Avoid the victim from forcing action for at least 12 hours. B. Heat Exhaustion – is a condition less severe than heatstroke. This occurs when exposed to high temperatures and experience heavy sweating and rapid pulse. First Aid for Exhaustion 1. Move the victim to a cool place and remove as mush clothing as possible. Fan the victim lightly. Make sure the victim does not shiver or get chilled. 2. Let the victim lie down with feet raised 8-12 inches 3. If the victim is fully conscious, give water or sports drink in a half glass every 10 minutes for one hour. Monitor the victim’s temperature every 5- 10 minutes. 4. Call emergency help if the victim vomits, the temperature is above 38.5C or the victim does not improve. c. Heatstroke – it is life-threatening emergency caused failure to regulate body temperature. It is characterized by extreme fever, hot and dry or moist skin, delirium, coma or even death. First Aid for Heatstroke 1. Establish an airway and if possible, move to a cool place. Remove as much clothing as possible. 2. Pour or spray cool water and fan vigorously. If the victim begins to shiver, slow the cooling method. Never use isopropyl alcohol. 3. Monitor the victim’s temperature unti emergency personnel arrive. COMMON UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES &APPROPRIATE FIRS AID PROCEDURES Musculoskeletal Injury – refers to any damage to the muscular or skeletal systems, usually due to strenuous activities. It can be sprain, fracture, strain or disclocation. a. Sprain – an ijury to the ligaments around the joint that may be stretched or torn. Ankle and knee sprains are usually the most common sprain injuries. First Aid for a sprain: Remember R.I.C.E 1. REST – rest the injured part 2. ICE - apply ice packs or cold pads to the injured area 3. COMPRESSION – wrap the injured part with an elastic compression bandage 4. Elevation – lift the injured part, as much as possible above the level of the heart to prevent or limit swelling