FIRST-AID

FIRST AID

What is First Aid?

  • Definition: First Aid is the skilled application of treatment using available facilities or materials that any trained individual provides to an ill or injured person while waiting for medical assistance.

  • Purpose: It serves as immediate and temporary care given to a person suffering from sudden illness or an accident until medical professionals arrive.

Why First Aid is Important?

  • Timely Response: Trains individuals to take appropriate action at the right moment.

  • Accident Prevention: Helps in preventing accidents and associated dangers.

  • Injury Management: Aims to prevent additional injury or complications.

  • Reducing Suffering: Focuses on alleviating pain and suffering or preventing death.

  • Emergency Treatment: Provides essential treatment during emergencies.

Qualities of a Good First Aider

Gentle and Observant

  • Gentle: Must handle the victim carefully, avoiding causing further pain.

  • Observant: Ability to notice all signs and symptoms exhibited by the victim.

Resourceful and Sympathetic

  • Resourceful: Make optimal use of available resources to assist the victim.

  • Sympathetic: Must know how to provide comfort and support to the victim.

Tactful and Cheerful

  • Tactful: Should avoid alarming the victim to prevent panic or nervous breakdown.

  • Cheerful: A positive demeanor can help inspire confidence in the victim.

Nine General Directions for First Aiders

  1. Adjust the victim to a proper position.

  2. Examine the victim to check for injuries.

  3. Provide necessary first aid immediately.

  4. Maintain the victim’s body temperature.

  5. Call for a doctor or medical help.

  6. Keep curious onlookers away from the scene.

  7. Ensure the victim feels happy and comfortable.

  8. Provide proper and comfortable transportation with care.

  9. Do not administer any liquids to an unconscious victim.

Three Details to State When Calling for a Doctor

  1. Clearly state your name and precisely indicate the assistance needed.

  2. Provide the exact location of the accident, including landmarks for easier navigation.

  3. Explain clearly and accurately what happened during the incident.

Where Does the Duty of the First Aider Start and End?

  • Start: The duty of the first aider begins at the moment an accident occurs.

  • End: It concludes when the medical doctor arrives and takes over, but the first aider should remain available to report on the incident, the nature of injuries, and the first aid provided to the victim.