Lesson 3: First Aid and Bandaging

First Aid

It is the immediate care given to a person or victim who has suddenly become ill or has been injured.

3C’s of First Aiding

Check, Call, Care.

Gentle

Shouldn’t cause pain.

Resourceful

Makes best use of all things.

Observant

Notice all signs.

Sympathetic

Should be comforting.

Tactful

Shouldn’t be alarming.

Fainting

Caused by a sudden fall in the supply of blood to the brain that results in temporary loss of consciousness.

Nose Bleed

Occurs when a small blood vessel in the lining of the nose breaks.

Wounds

Break in the continuity of a tissue either external or internal, usually caused by external physical forces.

Open (External) Wound

Break in the skin or in a mucous membrane.

Closed (Internal) Wound

Involves underlying tissues without a break in the skin or a mucous membrane.

Abrasion

Results from scraping the skin, causing oozing of blood from ruptured small veins and capillaries.

Puncture

Produced by bullets and pointed objects; may penetrate deeply, causing internal bleeding and a high risk of infection.

Avulsion

Forcible separation or tearing of tissue from the body, often involving heavy bleeding.

Laceration

Jagged, irregular, or blunt tears in the soft tissues; often more severe and contaminated than cuts.

Contusion

Blunt trauma causing pressure damage to the skin and/or underlying tissues, including bruises.

Blisters

Fluid-filled pockets under the skin.

Hematoma

A blood-filled area that develops under the skin or body tissue due to internal blood vessel damage.

Fracture

A medical condition where there is a break in the continuity of the bone.

RICE Protocol

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation – used to control pain, bleeding, and inflammation.

Rest

Protect the injured area by stopping play or using a protective device.

Ice

Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.

Compression

Lightly wrap the injured area with a soft bandage to reduce swelling.

Elevation

Raise the injured area above the level of the head to reduce swelling.

Fracture

A break or crack in the bone caused by impact, stress, or weakened bones.

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete fracture where the bone bends and breaks, commonly in children.

Transverse Fracture

A fracture at a right angle to the bone’s axis, often resulting from a strong perpendicular force.

Spiral Fracture

A fracture with a curved or sloped pattern, often caused by twisting injuries.

Comminuted Fracture

A break or splinter of the bone into more than two fragments, usually from high-impact trauma.

Compound Fracture

A fracture where bone ends are no longer touching, often requiring surgery to prevent infection.

Bandaging

Applying pressure to wounds, covering burns, and providing support and immobilization for injuries.

Types of Bandages

Gauze, Elastic, Triangular, Tubular.

Head Top

For head injuries; involves folding the base, crossing over at the back, and securing with a knot.

Chest Bandage

Apex at the shoulder, secured with a square knot at the back, and tied with the apex.

Hand Bandage

Covers the hand with the apex over the fingers, crossing ends over the wrist and tying with a knot.

Arm Sling

Supports an injured arm by placing a folded base vertically, tying at the neck, and securing with a knot.

Underarm Sling

Similar to the arm sling but with the lower end of the base tucked under the injured arm.

Cravat Bandage

A versatile bandage used for various body parts, applied by wrapping and tying securely over the injury.