FIRST AID BASICS

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FIRST AID BASICS

Just a little first aid knowledge can help you to cope better with emergencies.
Your skills might help you save the life of a family member or friend, or
a stranger in need. Whatever your reason for learning first aid, this leaflet
can help you remember the basic principles.

First aid situations are all different: some are simple, others are more complex.
You may only be required to give emotional support until help arrives. You
might feel anxious or worried but it is better to be prepared than not. If you
are faced with an emergency, remember:

Assess the situation

> Keep calm and look for any dangers to yourself or the casualty.
Make the scene safe
> Find out what happened and how
> How many casualties are there? Is there anyone around who can help you?
> Do you need an ambulance?

Treat serious injuries first

There are three conditions that immediately threaten life:
> Breathing problems
> Heart problems
> Serious bleeding
When there is more than one casualty, go to the quiet ones first. They may be
unconscious and need immediate attention.

CALLING AN AMBULANCE
To call an ambulance dial 999
Decide if the situation requires an ambulance. Is the situation life-threatening
or a serious injury? Could you take the casualty to an Accident and
Emergency department yourself? For less serious and non-emergency
conditions, a pharmacist might be able to help. If you are unsure, then call an
ambulance.
If you have difficulty speaking English, indicate when dialing 999 to the
operator your language as soon as possible, then wait for a few moments.
Another person will join the conversation who will be able to
translate for you. You will need to tell the operator:
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Your telephone number

The location of the incident
The type of incident
The number, sex and age of the casualties
Details about their condition
Details of any hazards such as gas, power line damage or fog,
e.g. electric cables

EMERGENCY FIRST AID TECHNIQUES

Adult resuscitation
If the person is not showing any obvious signs of life, you must call an
ambulance.
1. Pinch the persons nose, tilt the head back, place your mouth over the
persons mouth and by blowing steadily, give two rescue breaths. (1)
2. Place your hands on the breast bone as shown and press down 4-5 cm.
After every 15 chest compressions, give two breaths. (2)
3. Continue with rescue breaths and chest compressions until emergency
help arrives.

Child resuscitation (1-7 years)

If a child is not breathing and there are no obvious signs of circulation, call for
an ambulance.
1. Pinch the childs nose, tilt the head back, place your mouth over the childs
and blow, deliver two rescue breaths. (3)
2. Give chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand on the childs
breastbone as shown and compress to one-third of the depth of the chest. (4)
3. Continue the cycle of one rescue breath followed by five compressions until
emergency help arrives.

Infant resuscitation (under one year)

If an infant is not breathing and there are no obvious signs of circulation, call
for an ambulance.
1. Place your mouth over the mouth and nose of the baby and deliver two
gentle rescue breaths. (5)
2. Give chest compressions. Place your two fingers on the breastbone
between the nipples and compress to one third of the depth of the chest. (6)
3. Continue the cycle of one rescue breath followed by five compressions until
emergency help arrives.

Recovery position
If an adult or child (1-7 years) is unconscious but breathing, place him on his
side in the recovery position as shown. (7)
If an infant is unconscious, but breathing place them along the forearm as
shown below (8) ensuring that the head is lower than the body.

Bleeding
Blood loss can be serious and should be
treated as quickly as possible by
1. Pressing on the wound with your hand,
ideally over a clean pad.
2. If the casualty is bleeding from a limb,
raise it above the level of the heart.

Burns and scalds

Burns and scalds are among the most common injuries requiring emergency
treatment in the UK. Your aim is:
1. To cool the burn as quickly as possible by placing under cold running water
for at least 10 minutes.
2. Raise the limb to reduce swelling.
3. Cover the injury using a clean pad or kitchen film, and seek medical advice.

Heart attack
If you suspect someone is having a heart attack
1. Sit them down.
2. Call an ambulance immediately; even if you are not sure
3. If the person is conscious, give them a 300mg tablet of Aspirin to chew.
Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.

Heart disease
Heart disease is a very big problem in the UK. It is the most common cause
of death. Prevention is better than treatment. Your risk of heart disease can
be increased by:
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smoking
drinking alcohol
excessive weight and lack of physical exercise
high stress levels.

Try some of these simple tips to help you begin to reduce your risk of heart
disease:
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Take stairs, not the lift (even if just the last few floors)
Reduce cigarettes by a few a day
Go to the doctor for a health check
Grill meat occasionally instead of frying it
Walk short journeys instead of taking the car
Eat a piece of fruit instead of chocolate or a fatty snack

IF YOU LIKE THESE, DO MORE!

The British Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement the largest humanitarian organisation in the world.
There are Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies in 181 different countries,
with over 105 million members worldwide. The aim of the Movement is to
prevent and alleviate human suffering by providing neutral assistance in
times of war and disaster. We are committed to helping those most in need,
regardless of race, religion, nationality or political conviction.

Registered charity number 220949

UK Office
9 Grosvenor Crescent
London
SW1X 7EJ

Moorfields House
44 Moorfields
London
EC2Y 9AL

Tel 020 7235 5454

Fax 020 7245 6315
www.redcross.org.uk

(from December 2004)

Ref. No. 1728ENG