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Basic first aid for beginners

The document presents a basic first aid training session for beginners, focusing on key skills and knowledge to help manage emergencies effectively. Participants will learn various first aid techniques, including CPR, wound care, and responses to injuries like dislocations and bites. It emphasizes the importance of first aid in preserving life and preventing further harm until professional medical help arrives.

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Basic First Aid for Beginners-Africa • Presented to: • Scouts of Yei River County • Presented By: • Bilazio Angotowa Diaz • Cert. N, Cert. FA, Dip. MLS, AD HSM • Health Officer, TRI – SS, South Sudan
Scouts • The Scouts is an organization for children and young people which teaches them to be practical, sensible, and helpful. • A Scout is a member of the Scouts. • Scouting provides young people with opportunities to participate in programs, events, activities and projects that contribute to their growth as active citizens. • Through these initiatives, young people become agents of positive change who inspire others to take action.
Outline of the Presentation • By the end of this Presentation, Participants will be able to know: • First Aid and its Aims • Bandages and bandaging • Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) • Bleeding and how to stop it • Dislocation, sprain, strain and Fracture • Wounds, Burns and their first aid • Choking, shock, drowning and their first aid • Lifting/carrying of causalities • Snake and Dog Bites
First Aid •First Aid is the initial assistance given to a casualty/injured person or sudden ill person before the arrival of an ambulance, doctor, or other qualified personnel. Or before the person is taken to the Hospital/Health Centre. First Aid is generally performed by the layperson •Many people are trained in providing basic levels of first aid.
Aims of First Aid • The Four “R”, i.e. to: • Preserve life • Prevent the casualty’s condition from becoming worse • Promote recovery • Protect the unconscious
Why do we do First Aid? • Millions of people are killed from injuries every year because adequate and timely assistance is not provided effectively. First Aid reduces deaths, injuries and impact during disasters and daily emergencies. • It provides an immediate response to an emergency, taking life saving measures until professional help arrives. Simple first aid skills, and the confidence to use them, can save lives and everyone, if properly trained, has the potential to save lives.
Simple First Aid Kit • Keep it Simple! – Crepe Bandage – Roll of tape (Plaster) – Gauze pads – Roller bandage – Ace Wrap – GLOVES – Ice Pack – Disinfectants – Scissor – Triangular Bandage – Sutures ? etc
History of First Aid • A battle in northern Italy brought an idea of First Aid. • On 24 June 1859, Henry Dunant, a young Geneva businessman, witnessed suffering people following the battle of Solferino. • He mobilized the civilian population, mainly women and girls, to care for the wounded irrespective of their role in the conflict.
History of First Aid Cont. • He secured them with the necessary materials and supplies and helped in the establishment of temporary hospitals. His book “A memory of Solferino” inspired the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863. • Today, the need for humanitarian action is still as vital as it was in 1859.
History of First Aid Cont… • Providing first aid services to injured people was one of the first services provided by the Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers for over 100 years. • Now, almost all 187 Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) National Societies (NS) have first aid as their core activity. • RCRC National Societies are the major first aid educator and provider in the world.
History of First Aid Cont. • Today, there is a growing interest of private and public sectors in ensuring that their respective employees and the population at large receive first aid training. • Due to the awareness on the importance of first aid techniques knowledge in reducing the consequences of any type of accident, special attention is increasingly paid to first aid and prevention. • The general public should be encouraged to learn first aid since they are often the first present on the spot and thus the first link in any survival chain (pre- hospital care).
Responsibilities of First Aider • Assess the situation quickly and safely • Protect casualties and others at the scene from possible danger • Identify as far as possible, the nature of illness/injury/situation affecting casualty. • To give each casualty early and appropriate treatment and treating the most serious condition first.
Responsibilities of First Aider Cont. • To arrange for the casualty’s removal to hospital or Health Centre. • To remain with a casualty until appropriate care is available. • To report your observations to those taking care of the casualty • To give further assistance if required.
First Aid Priorities • Assess the situation quickly and calmly • Protect yourself and casualties from danger • Assess the conditions of all casualties • Comfort and reassure the casualties • Deal with any life threatening conditions first • Obtain medical aid if necessary
Priority of Causality • Save the conscious casualties before the unconscious ones as they have a higher chance of recovery. • Save the young before the old. • Do not jeopardize your own life while rendering First Aid. • In the event of immediate danger, get out of site immediately. • Remember: One of your aims is to preserve life, and not endanger your own in the process of rendering First Aid.
Priorities During First Aid Danger Response Airway Breathing Circulation D R A B C
D: Danger Take safety first. Assess the situation: are there any Dangers to yourself, injured person(s) or bystanders? If it is there, either remove the danger or take the casualty out of danger or do not preform first aid
R: Response Then assess the person for responsiveness: do they, he/she respond to your voice and being gently shaken?
Shake shoulders gently Ask “Are you all right?” If he/she responds, • Leave as you find him. • Find out what is wrong. • Reassess regularly. CHECKING RESPONSENESS
 A – Alert – will talk but may be drowsy.  V – Responds to Voice – responds to simple commands, e.g. ‘open your eyes’, or may respond to simple questions.  P – Responds to Pain – will react (e.g. make a noise) to a pinch on the back of the hand.  U – Unresponsive – there is no response at all. Levels of Responsiveness (consciousness)
A: Airway Check and open the airway; Place one hand on the forehead, tilt the head back and lift the chin Common causes of airway obstructions: 1. Flaccid tongue 2. Foreign body 3. Artificial tooth/teeth
B: Breathing • Look, Listen and Feel for breathing • Look for chest movement, listen for sounds of breathing and feel for breath on your cheek. • Do this for no more than ten seconds. • If the person is breathing normally, assess for life threatening injuries, maintain an open airway and place in the recovery position
Breathing Rates • Average breathing rates: • Adults: – 12 – 20 times per minute • Infants and Children: – 20 - 30 times per minute
C: Circulation Look for blood pumping or pouring out of a wound, control it with direct pressure, look for normal tissue color
Fundamentals of First Aid • 1. ABC (airway-breathing-circulation) • 2. Control bleeding • 3. Treat for Shock (medical emergencies) • 4. Open wounds & Burns • 5. Fractures & Dislocations • 6. Transportation
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) • Is a sequences of procedures performed to restore the circulation of oxygenated blood after a sudden pulmonary (lungs) and /or cardiac (heart) arrest • Or • Chest compressions and pulmonary ventilation performed by anyone who knows how to do it, anywhere, immediately, without any equipment
• Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest • Place other hand on top • Interlock fingers • Compress the chest CHEST COMPRESSIONS
30 CHEST COMPRESSIONS Approach safely Check response Shout for help Open airway Check breathing Call emergency number 30 chest compressions 2 rescue breaths
RESCUE BREATHS • Pinch the nose • Take a normal breath • Place lips over mouth • Blow until the chest rises • Take about 1 second • Allow chest to fall • Repeat
CONTINUE CPR 30 2
IF VICTIM STARTS TO BREATHE NORMALLY PLACE IN RECOVERY POSITION
Procedures for Recovering Position
Emergency Services • Always Give the Following Information: • Name and telephone number • Give exact location • Type of incident • Seriousness of incident • Number of casualties • Condition of casualties • Any hazards • DON'T HANG UP THE PHONE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO !
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved. 23 Hand Washing • After providing first aid care • Immediately after being exposed to contaminants, such as blood or other body fluids • After using the restroom • Before and after handling food
Wound • A wound is any type of injury to the skin. In general, wounds can be classified into two major types: • Closed wound • Open wound
1. Closed wound • Closed wound (where the skin stays intact).
2. Open wound • Open wounds can be classified according to the object that caused the wound. • The types of open wounds are: • 1. Abrasion • 2. Laceration • 3. Puncture • 4. Avulsion • 5. Incision • 6. Amputation
1. Abrasion wound • Abrasions, superficial wounds in which the topmost layer of the skin (the epidermis) is rubbed off. Abrasions are often caused by a sliding fall onto a rough surface
2. Laceration wound • Lacerations, irregular tear-like wounds caused by some blunt trauma. Accidents with knives, tools, and machinery are frequent causes of lacerations.
3. Puncture/Penetrating wound • A puncture is caused by a long, pointed object, such as a nail, needle. Sometimes, a bullet can cause a puncture wound. Punctures may not bleed much, but these wounds can be deep enough to damage internal organs. If you have a puncture wound, visit your doctor to get a tetanus vaccine to prevent infection.
4. Avulsion wound • An avulsion is a forcible separation or detachment: such as tearing away of a body part accidentally or surgically. • Avulsions usually occur during violent accidents, such as body-crushing accidents, explosions, and gunshots. They bleed heavily and rapidly.
5. Incision wound • Is a cut or incision in the skin that is usually made by a scalpel during surgery. • Is also a cut by a sharp objects like razorblade or knife
6. Amputation wound • Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part, usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg, that occurs as the result of an accident or injury.
First Aid for Wounds • Rinse the wound with water • Apply direct pressure if there is bleeding using bandage/clean cloth. • If blood soaks through the bandage/cloth, place another over the first and keep applying pressure. • Raise the injured body or part to slow bleeding. • When bleeding stops, cover the wound with a bandage/cloth
First Aid for Wounds • In case of penetrating wound with the object stuck in, do not remove the object, immobilize the object
Summary of Types of Wounds
Burns • A burn is a type of injury to skin, or other tissues, caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, friction, or radiation. Most burns are due to heat from hot liquids, solids, or fire.
Types of Burns • There are three primary types of burns: • First degree • second degree • Third-degree • Each degree is based on the severity of damage to the skin, with first-degree being the most minor and third-degree being the most severe.
Types of Burn cont. .. • first-degree burns: red, non blistered skin • second-degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin • Third-degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance • There are also fourth-degree burns. This type of burn includes all of the symptoms of a third-degree burn and also extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones.
Complications • Third-degree burns carry the most risk for complications such as: • Infections • Blood loss • Shock which could lead to death • At the same time, all burns carry the risk of infections because bacteria can enter broken skin.
First aid for Burns: • Cool the burn. • Immerse in cool water until pain subsides. • Protect burn. • Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth. ... • Transport to the hospital/health center
Bandage and Bandaging A bandage is a piece of cloth or other material used to bind or wrap a diseased or injured part of the body.
Uses of Bandages  Applying pressure to bleeding wounds.  Covering wounds and burns.  Provides support and immobilization for broken bones, strains and sprains.  Secures a splint to an injured part of the body
Bandages • Holds a dressing in place over a wound • Creates pressure that controls bleeding • Helps keep the edges of the wound closed • Secures a splint to an injured part of the body • Provides support for an injured part of the body 55
Types of Bandages • 1. Ordinary/Gauze Bandages • It is used to support dressing material on a wound
2. Triangular Bandages  Can be used as a cold compress or for padding when they are made into a pad.  When folded up they can be used to provide support or pressure.  When unfolded they can be used as a support sling or cover bandage.
3. Ice/Crepe/Elastic Bandages  Used to secure dressings in place or provide support, particularly in strains and sprains
4. Tubular Bandages  Larger ones are used to support joints or hold dressings in place  Smaller tubular bandages are ideal for finger injuries.
BANDAGES TYPES OF BANDAGES • ROLLER BANDAGES Differ in sizes, material (cotton, gauze) • Elasticity (non/elastic roller bandage) • TRIANGULAR BANDAGES Consist of base, point and ends ADHESIVE TAPE Often use to secure bandages in place, different types (paper, dermatologic etc.) ADHESIVE STRIPS Used for small cuts, combination of a dressing and a bandage
General Principles of Bandaging: • Work with the injured person, explaining what you are doing. • Work in front of the injured person where possible and from the injured side if you can. • Bandage firmly over bleeding and securely over broken bones, but not so tight as to compromise circulation below the site of the injury.
General Principles of Bandaging cont. … • Be aware that most injuries swell—check regularly to ensure that the bandage is still comfortable. Also check that the bandage remains firmly secured, particularly if the injured person has to move, as movement can loosen the bandage. • Secure bandages with tape, clips, a bow, or a square knot.
General Principles of Bandaging cont. … • Be aware that most injuries swell—check regularly to ensure that the bandage is still comfortable. Also check that the bandage remains firmly secured, particularly if the injured person has to move, as movement can loosen the bandage. • Secure bandages with tape, clips, a bow, or a square knot.
• Spiral Bandage – Used to apply an elastic bandage to an arm or leg • Spiral Reverse Bandage – Used to wrap an extremity that has vary thickness. – Provides a means to secure, smooth, even-fitting bandage on extremity. • Recurrent Bandage – Applied to hold pressure dressings in place over the tip end of a finger, toe, fist or on the head.
• Spiral Bandage – Used to apply an elastic bandage to an arm or leg • Spiral Reverse Bandage – Used to wrap an extremity that has vary thickness. – Provides a means to secure, smooth, even- fitting bandage on extremity. • Recurrent Bandage – Applied to hold pressure dressings in place over the tip end of a finger, toe, fist or on the head.
• Figure of 8 Bandage – Used whenever a joint is included in wrapping. – It protects dressings and keeps them in place, supports and limits the movement of the joint and promotes the venous blood return, which reduces swelling or edema. • Arm Sling – Patients who have an injury to the arm or shoulder often need to support the arm in an elevated position to avoid edema of the hand, pain, discomfort, and fatigue.
How to do an arm sling? 1. Put one end of the triangle over the shoulder on the uninjured side. 2. Place the point(apex) of the triangle toward the elbow. 3. Bring the other end over the injures arm and shoulder. 4. Tie the two ends with a square knot. 5. Fold the apex of the triangle neatly over the elbow toward the front. 6. Check the circulation in the fingers frequently.
How to do an arm sling?
Blood • The red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body.
Types of Blood and its functions • Blood consists of: 1. Plasma • Fluids –Contains antibodies and nutrients 2. Cells • Red blood cells (RBCs) = Erythrocytes –Responsible for carrying Oxygen and nutrients to tissues –Carry cellular waste products away from tissues
Types of Blood and its functions cont.…. • White blood cells (WBCs) = Leucocytes –Responsible for fighting against infections • Platelets = Thrombocytes –Responsible for blood clothing
Bleeding (Haemorrhage) • Is the scape of blood from blood vessel. • Bleeding is potentially dangerous because: – May cause weakness, leading to shock – May lead to serious injury and death • Most common cause of shock after trauma
Types of Bleeding (Haemorrhge) • Hemorrhage: Bleeding 1. External hemorrhage usually controlled by: • Direct pressure • Pressure bandage 2. Internal hemorrhage is usually only controlled by surgery.
The Significance of Hemorrhage • The body cannot tolerate more than 20% blood loss. – Typically, more than 1 L of blood loss will change vital signs. – Compensation depends on how rapid a person bleeds.
Bleeding from Blood Vessels • Bleeding from an open artery is bright red and spurting. • Bleeding from open veins is darker and flowing. • Bleeding from damaged capillary vessels is dark red and oozing.
How to stop Bleeding 1. Direct Pressure: Applying direct pressure to external wounds by using sterile cloth or gloved hands to control bleeding • Blood loss can be serious and should be treated as quickly as possible • Raise the wounded part above the level of the heart
How to stop Bleeding cont. .. 2. Elevation: Raise the injured part above heart level • If you have disposable gloves, use them if not then wear any plastic bag • Check whether there is an object embedded in the Wound if there is nothing embedded, press on the wound with your hand, ideally over a clean pad and secure with bandage
How to stop Bleeding cont. .. 3. Pressure Points –Rt. and Lt. Brachial Artery • Put Thumb on outside of arm, fingers on inside of middle upper arm and Squeeze…. –Rt. and Lt. Femoral • Place heel of hand directly over femoral artery (located between upper leg and pubic area), lean forward keeping arm straight and apply pressure.
Recovery Position If an adult or child is unconscious but breathing normally, place them on their side in the Recovery Position. 1.Place arm nearest you at a right angle with palm facing up
2. Move other arm, palm upwards against the person’s cheek. Then get hold of knee furthest from you and pull up until foot is flat on the floor 3. Pull the knee towards you, keeping the person’s hand pressed against their cheek and position the leg at a right angle Recovery Position cont..
Sprain and Strain • A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments or other structures in a joint. • Strain is an injury to a muscle (tear in tendon) in which the muscle fibers tear as a result of over-stretching.
Sprainand StrainTechnique • R. I.C.E. • R = rest • I = ice • C = compress • E = elevate
Sprainand StrainTechnique • A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments or other structures in a joint. • A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. • Common injury sites include the shoulder, elbow, finger, hip and ankle. • Mild sprains and strains will usually heal within 2 weeks. • If a sprain remains swollen and painful for several days, consult a physician.
First Aid for Sprain and Strain • Rest and do not put weight on the injured part • Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin moist cloth for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day for the first 2-3 days • Wrap an elastic bandage around the injury to control swelling • Wrap in an upward spiral, overlapping with each turn
First Aid for Sprain and Strain • Apply the bandage not so tightly that it cuts off circulation and causes the person to lose sensation beyond the injury • Check for sensation, warmth and color before and after applying the compression bandage • Raise the injured area above the heart, if it does not increase the pain
Dislocation • A dislocation occurs when a bone slips out of a joint. For example, the top of your arm bone fits into a joint at your shoulder. When it slips or pops out of that joint, you have a dislocated shoulder. You can dislocate almost any joint in your body, including your knee, hip, ankle, or shoulder.
Dislocation • The most common dislocations occur in the shoulder, elbow, finger, or thumb. • LOOK FOR THESE SIGNS: 1. swelling 2. deformed look 3. pain and tenderness 4. possible discoloration of the affected area
FIRST AID FOR DISLOCATION • 1. Apply a splint to the joint to keep it from moving. 2. Try to keep joint elevated to slow blood flow to the area 3. A doctor should be contacted to have the bone set back into its socket.
Fracture • A fracture is a break or crack of a bone • TYPES OF A FRUCTURE • All bone fractures, regardless of cause, are classified into two major types: • 1. Closed (Simple) and • 2. Open (Compound) fractures:
1. Closed (Simple) Fractures: • Are broken bones that remain within the body and do not penetrate the skin.
Open (Compound) Fractures: • Are broken bones that penetrate through the skin and expose the bone and deep tissues to the exterior environment(risk of infection)
Other types of Fractures • Comminuted fractures are severe fractures that involve the breaking of a bone into several smaller pieces. • Greenstick fractures are breaks in bones along only one side of the bone caused by a force perpendicular to the bone’s long axis. Greenstick fractures are seen only in children whose developing bones are more flexible than adult bones and therefore tend to bend and only partially break instead of breaking completely.
Other types of Fractures cont. • Bone fractures may occur at many different angles depending on the direction in which a force is applied to a bone. • Transverse fractures form perpendicular to the long axis of a bone and are the result of a force applied at a right angle to the bone. • Oblique fractures are slanted fractures that occur when a force is applied at any angle other than a right angle to the bone. • Spiral fractures are the result of an extreme twisting force being exerted on a bone.
SIGNS - local bruising and tenderness in the affected area - skin stretch marks - localized swelling - forming hematomas - pain - impaired function
FIRST AID TREATMENT - stop any bleeding - immobilize the injured area (a splint) - apply ice pack to limit swelling - help relive pain - treat for shock (head slightly lower than the trunk, elevate legs) - call emergency or transport to the hospital or health facility
Choking • Choking is a severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed throat or a lack of air. • Or Choking is the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs.
CAUSES: • Introduction of foreign object into airway, which becomes stuck • Respiratory diseases • Compression of airway (e.g. Strangling)
Recognition of choking • A person cannot Breathe • A person cannot Speak • A person cannot Cough • A person may Clutch Throat
SYMPTOMS: • Unable to speak or cry out • Face turns blue from lack of oxygen e.g. white persons • Victim grabbing at his/her throat • Weak coughing, laboured breathing produces high-pitched noise • Unconsciousness
First Aid for Choking: • Encourage victim to cough • Back slaps: Use of hard blows with heel of the hand on the upper back of the victim • Abdominal thrusts: Standing behind the victim and using hands to exert pressure on bottom of the diaphragm (May result in injuries like bruises or fracture of ribs) 5 Back Blows 5 Abdominal Thrusts