2. Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
1. Identify the types of some musculoskeletal
injuries;
2. Perform proper first aid procedures for
common unintentional injuries; and
4. Appreciate the importance of basic first-aid
skill.
3. Musculoskeletal injuries involves sprain a stretched
or torn ligaments, a strain where there is stretching or
tearing of the tendon or muscle. Fractures are defined
as any break on the continuity of the bone. In addition,
heat emergencies and bleeding is also unintentional
injuries that may occur and needs first-aid attention.
RICE is the common first-aid formula for such sprains
and strains. It stands for Rest, Immobilize, Compression
and Elevation. Rest is important for soft tissue injuries.
Immobilize is done to the injured body with a sling or
splint.
4. Cold compress should be applied
periodically for around 15-20minutes at
a time. Elevate the injury above the
heart to reduce the localized swelling.
Do not elevate if it causes pain to the
victim. Fractures symptoms must be
observed attentively and must seek
professional help immediately.
5. Basic first-aid procedure for fracture is the
following:
Immobilize the injured area. Never try to realign the
bone or push the bone that is sticking out back in.
Apply a splint to the area above and below the
fracture sites. Padding can help reduce discomfort.
While waiting for medical help, stop any bleeding by
applying pressure to the wound with a sterile
bandage or a clean cloth.
Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours.
6. Call for an ambulance and seek professional
help immediately if you observed the following
symptoms.
Profuse bleeding is eminent.
The limb or joint appears deformed.
The bone has pierced the skin.
Gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
If you suspect, there is a broken bone on the
neck, head or back.
The extremity of the injured arm or leg is numb or
bluish.
7. 1.Recognize heat stroke
Seizure
Disorientation
Unconsciousness
Body temperature is above 39°C
Rapid pulse rate
Reduced sweating
Warm red and dry skin
8. 2. Lower body temperature quickly.
While waiting for medical care to arrive,
the following first-aid attention should be
given.
• Get the person into the cool shade, well–
ventilated place or air-conditioned area.
• Spray the victim with cool water, or apply
cold wet clothes or ice packs to the armpit,
neck and groin.
• Do not give the victim anything to drink if
the person is not responsive or vomiting.
9. 3. Treat Symptoms
• If the victim experiences
seizures, keep him or her safe
from injury.
• If the victim vomits, turn the
person on his or her side to
keep the airway open.
10. 4. Follow-up.
• The medical team or doctor
will rehydrate the person and
continue cooling a needed.
11. Bleeding first-aid procedures are the
following.
• Apply direct pressure on the injured area.
• Place sterile dressing over the injury and
secure with tape or tie just tight to control
the bleeding.
• Elevate the injured arm, leg or head
above the level of the heart to help control
the bleeding.
• Do not elevate or move an area of the
body with fracture until a splint is applied.
