Basic First Aid

1. BASIC
FIRST AID

2. Introduction to First Aid & Basic Life Support
First Aid
Is immediate help provided to a sick or injured
person until professional medical help arrives or
becomes available.
Basic Life Support
Are emergency procedure that consists of recognizing
respiratory or cardiac arrest or both and the proper
application of CPR to maintain life until a victim recovers or
advanced life support is available.

3. Objectives of First Aid
First aid aims to accomplish the following goals:
 Preserve life.
 Prevent further harm and complications.
 Seek immediate medical help.
 Provide reassurance.

4. Legal Concerns
 Consent
 Duty to Act
 Standard of Care
 Negligence
 Abandonment
 Confidentiality

5. Health Hazards and Risks
 Herpes
 Meningitis
 Tuberculosis
 Hepatitis
 Human Immune Deficiency
Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Common Transmittable Diseases

6. Prevention and Protection
Universal Precautions are a set of strategies developed to prevent
transmission of blood borne pathogens.
Body Substance Isolation (BSI) are precautions taken to isolate or
prevent risk of exposure from body secretions and any other type of
body substance such as urine, vomit, faeces, sweat, or sputum.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specialized clothing,
equipment and supplies that keep you from directly contacting infected
materials.

7. QUESTIONS

8. Emergency Action Principles
MODULE 2

9. Scene Size-up
I. Scene Safety
II.Knowing What Happened
• Cause of injury
• Nature of illness
III.Role of bystanders
IV.Number of casualties
V.Asking permission or consent

10. Primary Assessment
I. Assessing Responsiveness
A patient’s response level can be summarized in the AVPU
mnemonic as follows:
 A – Alert
 V – Responsive to Voice
 P – Responsive to Pain
 U – Unresponsive/Unconscious

11. III. Airway
An open airway allows air to enter the lungs for the
person to breathe. If the airway is blocked, the person
cannot breathe.

12. IV.Breathing
While maintaining an open airway, quickly check an
unconscious person for breathing by doing the LLF technique
for no more than 10 seconds.

13. I. Circulation
 Pulse
Check for definitive pulse at carotid area for adult or child, while
brachial for infant (Applicable for Professional Rescuers and
Healthcare Providers).
 Bleeding
Quickly look for severe bleeding by looking over the person’s body
from head to toe for signals such as blood-soaked clothing or blood
spurting out of a wound.
 Shock
If left untreated, shock can lead to death. Always look for the signals
of shock whenever you are giving care.
 Skin color, temperature and moisture.
Assessment of skin temperature, color, and condition can tell you
more about the patient’s circulatory system.

14. Secondary Assessment
If you determine that an injured or ill person is not in an immediately life-
threatening condition, you can begin to check for other conditions that may need
care.
 Interviewing the person and bystanders
 Checking the person from head to toe.
 Checking for vital signs.

15. QUESTIONS

16. MODULE 3

17. Heart Attack
Also called myocardial infarction occurs when the blood and oxygen
supply to the heart is reduced causing damage to the heart muscle
and preventing blood from circulating effectively. It is usually caused
by coronary heart disease.

18. Is a condition occurs when the heart stops contracting and no
blood circulates thru the blood vessels and vital organs are
deprived of oxygen.
Cardiac Arrest

19. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
Is a combination of chest compression and rescue breathing.

20. QUESTIONS

21. Airway and Breathing Emergencies
MODULE 4

22. Foreign-body Airway
Obstructions
Also known as choking, is a common breathing emergency that occurs when
the person’s airway is partially or completely blocked by a foreign object, such
as a piece of food or a small toy; by swelling in the mouth or throat; or by fluids,
such as vomit or blood.

23. Two Types of Obstruction
1. Anatomical Obstruction. When tongue drops
back and obstructs the throat. Other causes are
acute asthma, croup, diphtheria, swelling and
whooping cough.
2. Mechanical Obstruction. When foreign objects
lodged in the pharynx or airways; solid or liquid
accumulate in the back of the throat.

24. Is a first aid procedure that is performed on a person who is chocking. This is
done by applying pressure on the upper abdomen or at the chest at the center
of the breastbone from the back so as to remove the chocking object.
Abdominal/Chest thrust

25. Respiratory Arrest
Respiratory arrest is a type of breathing emergencies which occurs when
breathing has stopped.

26. Rescue Breathing
Is a technique of breathing air into a person to supply him or her
with the oxygen needed to survive. Rescue breathing is given to
victims who are not breathing or inadequate but still have pulse.

27. Asthma Attack
Asthma is an illness in which certain substances or conditions; called
“triggers,” cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, making
breathing difficult.

28. First Aid Management
 Remain calm.
 Help the person to sit comfortably.
 Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and abdomen.
 Assist the person with his or her prescribed quick-relief medication
under the following conditions:
 The victim states that he or she is having an asthma attack and has
medications (e.g., a prescribed bronchodilator) or an inhaler.
The victim identifies the medication and is unable to administer it
without assistance.

29. Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation occurs when a person’s breathing is faster and more
shallow than normal. When this happens, the body does not take in
enough oxygen to meet its demands.

30. First Aid Management
 Help the person rest in a comfortable position.
 If the person is conscious, check for other conditions.
 Try to reassure the person to reduce their anxiety.
 If bystanders are present ask them what they know about the person’s
condition.
 Tell the person to relax and breathe slowly.
 Seek medical help immediately.

31. MODULE 5
Bleeding and Shock

32. Bleeding
Bleeding is the loss of blood escaping from the circulatory system.
Techniques to Control Bleeding
 Direct pressure
 Pressure bandage

33. Shock
Shock is a condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver
enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and vital organs.
First Aid Management
 Make the person lie down.
 Control any external bleeding.
 Legs may be raised 6 to 12 inches.
 Help the person maintain normal body temperature.
 Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
 Reassure the person every so often.

34. QUESTIONS

35. MODULE 6
Soft Tissue Injuries

36. Closed Wound
A closed wound is a wound where the outer layer of the skin is
intact and the damage lies below the surface.

37.  Apply an ice pack.
 Elevate the injured part.
 Do not assume that all closed wounds are minor injuries.
 Help the person to rest.
 Provide comfort and reassure the person.
First Aid Management

38. Open Wound
In an open wound, the outer layer of skin is broken. The break in the skin can
be as minor as a scrape of the surface layers or as severe as a deep
penetration.

39. General care for open wounds includes controlling bleeding, preventing infection
and using dressings and bandages correctly.
First Aid Management
Minor Open Wounds
 Use a barrier between your hand and the wound.
 Apply direct pressure.
 Wash abrasions and other superficial wounds.
 Apply a Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) antiseptic solution or, if available, a triple antibiotic
ointment or cream.
 Cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
 Wash your hands immediately after giving care.

40.  Call the local emergency number.
 Put on PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
 Control bleeding by applying direct pressure or employing a pressure
bandage.
 Monitor airway and breathing.
 In cases where the injured party is in shock, keep him or her from
experiencing chills or feeling overheated.
 Have the person rest comfortably and provide reassurance.
 Wash your hands immediately after giving care.
Major Open Wounds

41. Burns
Are injuries to the skin and to other body tissues that is caused by heat,
chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

42. First Aid Management
Thermal burns
 Check the scene for safety.
 Stop the burning by removing the victim from the source of the burn.
 Check for life-threatening conditions.
 Cool the burn with large amounts of cold running water.
 Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing.
 Prevent infection. Do not break blisters.
 Apply a triple antibiotic ointment if the person has no known allergies or
sensitivities to the medication.
 Take steps to minimize shock.
 Comfort and reassure the victim.

43. First Aid Management
Chemical Burns
• Remove the chemical from the skin as quickly as possible.
• Flush the burn with large amounts of cool running water.
• If an eye is burned by a chemical, flush the affected eye with water until advanced
medical personnel take over.
• If possible, have the person remove contaminated clothes to prevent the spread
of infection while you continue to flush the area.

44. First Aid Management
Electrical Burns
 Never go near the person until you are sure that he or she is no longer in contact
with the power source.
 Turn off the power at its source and be aware of any life threatening conditions.
 Call the local emergency number.
 Be aware that electrocution can cause cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
 Care for shock and thermal burns.
 Look for entry and exit wounds and give appropriate care.
 Remember that anyone suffering from electric shock requires advanced medical
attention.

45. First Aid Management
Radiation Burns
• Care for a radiation burn, i.e. sunburn, as you would for any thermal burn.
• Always cool the burn and protect the area from further damage by keeping
the person away from the burn source.

46. QUESTIONS

47. Poisoning
MODULE 7

48. Ingested Poison
Poisoning by ingestion is considered any substance
that's harmful to the body when ingested, whether
intentionally or unintentionally.

49. • If the person is in a toxic area, remove the person from the scene.
• Check the person’s level of consciousness and breathing.
• Check for any life-threatening conditions.
• Ask questions to get more information if the person is conscious.
• Look for any containers and take them with you to the telephone area.
• DO NOT give the person anything to eat or drink. Do not induce vomiting
unless instructed by a medical professional.
• Save some samples of the person’s vomit if you do not know how to
classify the poison.
First Aid Management

50. Inhaled Poison
Poisoning by inhalation occurs when a person
breathes in toxic fumes.
• Remove the victims from the toxic environment.
• Open all doors and windows.
• Maintain a patient’s airway if the victim is
unconscious.
• Seek medical attention.
First Aid Management

51. Injected Poison
Injected poisons enter the body through the bites or stings of insects, spiders,
ticks, snakes and some marine life. It could also enter the body through the
insertion of a hypodermic needle.

52.  Reassure the patient who may be very anxious.
 Avoid any interference with the bite wound such as incising, rubbing,
vigorous cleaning, massaging or applying herbs or chemicals to it.
 Immobilize the patient’s body by laying him/her down in a comfortable
and safe position.
 A broad elastic roller bandage should be used to cover the bitten limb.
 Do not remove the trousers as the movement of doing so will only assist
the venom into entering the blood stream.
 Do not attempt to kill the snake as this may be dangerous.
First Aid Management for Snakebites

53.  Remove any visible stinger.
 Wash the site with soap and water.
 Cover the site with a dressing.
 Apply a cold pack to the area to reduce pain and swelling.
 Call the local emergency number if the person has any trouble breathing or shows
any other signals of anaphylaxis.
First Aid Management for Bee Stings

54. Absorbed Poison
An absorbed poison enters the body after it comes in contact with the skin.
Examples
Insects
Plants

55. QUESTIONS

56. Head and Spine Injuries
MODULE 8

57. Types
 Head injury
 Concussion
 Contusion
 Spinal injury

58. • Call the local emergency number.
• Minimize movement of the head, neck and back.
• Check for life-threatening conditions.
• Maintain open airways.
• Monitor consciousness and breathing.
• Control any external bleeding with direct pressure unless the bleeding is
located directly over a suspected fracture.
• Help victim normal body temperature.
First Aid Management

59. Bones, Joints and Muscle Injuries
Types
• Strain
• Sprain
• Dislocation
• Fracture

60. • R – Rest.
• I – Immobilize.
• C – Cold.
• E – Elevate.
First Aid Management

61. QUESTIONS

62. Medical Emergencies
MODULE 9

63. Stroke
A Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain which may cause
permanent damage to the brain tissue. This is also called a cerebrovascular
accident (CVA).

64. Recognize the “signals” and take action:
• Call the local emergency number immediately. Minutes count!
• Have the person stop what he or she is doing and have them rest
comfortably by sitting or lying down.
• Give the victim supportive care and reassurance.
• Be prepared to perform CPR if the victim becomes unresponsive.
First Aid Management

65. Seizures
is when the normal functions of the brain are disrupted by injury, disease, fever,
poisoning or infection, the electrical activity of the brain becomes irregular.
• Reassure the victim that you are going to help.
• Remove nearby objects that might cause injury.
• Protect the victim’s head by placing a thinly folded towel or piece of clothing beneath it.
• Do not hold or restrain the patient when a seizure is in progress.
• Do not place anything between the victim’s teeth or put anything in the victim’s mouth.
• Loosen clothing and fan the victim if the seizure was caused by a sudden rise in body temperature.
• Ensure that the victim’s airway is open and check for breathing and other injuries once the seizure is
over.
• Stay and watch over the victim until the victim is fully conscious.
First Aid Management

66. Fainting
Fainting is a partial or complete loss of consciousness resulting from a
temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain.
• Position the victim on his or her back.
• Keep the victim in a lying position.
• Loosen any restrictive clothing, such as a tie or a buttoned-up collar.
• Check for any other life-threatening and non-life-threatening conditions.
• Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink.
First Aid Management

67. QUESTIONS

68. Environmental Emergencies
MODULE 10

69. Heat-related Emergencies
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful involuntary muscle cramps that can occur during and after
exercise or work in a hot environment.

70. • Remove the patient from the hot environment.
• Encourage the patient to drink a beverage containing salt.
• If ORS packets are not available, make an oral rehydration solution.
• Stretch the affected muscle and massage the area once the spasm has passed.
First Aid Management

71. Heat Exhaustion
is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after exposure to high
temperatures. This may also be a result of inadequate fluid intake or the insufficient
replacement of fluids.
• Remove the patient from the hot environment. Fan the body, place ice bags, or
spray water on the skin.
• Start oral rehydration with a beverage containing salt, or make them drink an
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
• Put Ice pack in the cervical neck.
First Aid Management

72. Heat Stroke
Is a form of hyperthermia. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can contribute to
failure of the body’s temperature control system.
• Call or have someone call the local emergency number.
• Move the person into a cool place, a shaded area, or an air-conditioned room.
• Cool the patient immediately by immersing him/her in water.
• If water immersion is not possible or is delayed, the following actions can be
performed: Douse the patient with copious amounts of cold water, spray the patient
with water, fan the patient, or cover the patient with ice towels or surround the
patient with ice bags.
• Respond to any life-threatening conditions that may come about.
First Aid Management

73. Cold-related Emergency
Hypothermia
Is the general cooling of the entire body. In
hypothermia, body temperature drops below 35º C.

74. • Gently move the person to a warm place.
• Care for any life-threatening conditions.
• Call the local emergency number.
• Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.
• Warm the person by wrapping him/her in blankets or by replacing the person’s
clothes with dry clothing (passive re-warming)
• If available, apply heat pads or other heat sources to the body.
• Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm
water. Rapid warming may cause dangerous heart rhythms.
• If the person is alert, give warm liquids that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.
First Aid Management

75. The End