Basic First Aid

Here are some basic principles of first aid that you should be able to perform without too much thought.

With all first aid make sure you do not put yourself at risk, one casualty is better than two. Wear protective equipment (surgical gloves and a mouth shield) when dealing with a casualty.

1. Bleeding.

 Minor bleeding only requires cleaning and drying the wound after making sure your own hands are clean and applying a sticky plaster.

If someone is bleeding severely you need to deal with the situation in a calm but quick manner. Follow the steps below to deal with the situation.

1. Apply direct pressure over the wound with  your fingers or palm, preferably over a sterile dressing or clean pad ( do not waste time hunting for a dressing)
2. Raise and support an injured limb above the level of the casualty’s heart. If there may be a broken bone be very gentle with the limb
3. Lay the casualty down, this will both reduce blood flow to the wound and help to prevent shock.
4. Seek medical help. A serious wound will require stitching and proper medical attention.

2. Choking

 If some one’s airway is obstructed you will most likely see them coughing and they will probably signal for help.

1. Stand them up and bend them forward. Give them five sharp slaps between their shoulder blades. This should eject the object from their airway.
2. If they are still choking give them five abdominal thrusts. Place your right hand in a fist below their rib cage with the other hand on top. Pull sharply inwards and upwards. This uses the casualty’s diaphragm to force air out of the lungs.
3. If the casualty becomes unconscious they will require medical attention.

3. Sprains and Twists

 For injuries to the body’s soft tissues remember the following mnemonic.

     R = Rest the injured part

     I = Apply Ice of a cold compress

    C = Compress the injury

     E = Elevate the injured part

4. Unconsciousness

 This is the most difficult and possible most stressful casualty to deal with as they cannot tell you what is wrong. Follow the steps below to assess and manage your casualty. If someone has lost consciousness medical help should ALWAYS be sought.

1. Assess your casualty. Remember A B C

A = Is their airway open?

B = Are they breathing?

C = Do they have a pulse?

                Send someone to get help and call an ambulance

2. If they are breathing they will have a pulse. If you do not suspect any head, neck or back injuries place them in the recovery position.

 * check out the british red cross website for more information  http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=56899 
 

BBC first aid animation page

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/first_aid/skills_programme/index.shtml