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Why do you need first aid?

First Aid provides the initial and


immediate attention to a person
suffering an injury or illness.
In many cases, first aid can reduce
the severity of the injury or illness.
First Aid
It is an immediate care given to a
person who has been injured or
suddenly taken ill.
It is an assessment and intervention
that can be performed by a slander
(or by the victim) with minimal or no
medical equipment
Aims of the First Aid

To preserve life
To prevent further harm
Promote recovery
CHARACTERISTICS OF A
GOOD FIRST AIDER

G-entle
R-esourceful
O-bservant
T-actful
E-mpathetic
R-espectable
First Aider
Gives emergency first aid to someone
who is injured or becomes ill while at
work.

ROLES AND REPONSIBILITIES OF


THE FIRST AIDER
1. Bridge that fills the gap between the
victim and the physician.
2. Ensure safety of him/herself and that of
bystanders.
3. Gain access to the victim.
4. Determine any threats to patients life.
5. Summon advanced medical care as
needed.
6. Provide needed care for the patient.
7. Assist advanced personnel.
8. Record all finding and care given to the
patient.
Hindrances in Giving First
Aid :

Unfavorable Surroundings
The Presence of Crowds
Pressure from Victim or Relatives
FIRST AID EQUIPMENT AND
SUPPLIES
Suggested first aid kit contents
(basic)
Rubbing alcohol Scissors
Providone iodione Forceps
Cotton Bandage
Tounge depressor (triangular)
Penlight Elastic roller
Band aid bandage
Gloves Occlusive dressing
Plaster
CLOTHE MATERIALS COMMONLY
USED IN FIRST AID
Dressing any sterile cloth material used to
cover the wound.
Bandage any clean cloth material sterile or
not use to hold the dressing in place.
GUIDELINES IN GIVING
EMERGENCY CARE
Getting started
Planning of action
Gathering of needed materials
Remember the initial response as follows:
A Ask for help
I intervene
D Do not further harm
Instruction to helper/s
EMERGENCY ACTION
PRINCIPLES
1. Survey the scene.
2. Conduct a primary survey and care for life-
threatening problems.
3. Conduct a secondary survey, when
appropriate and care for additional problems.
Survey the scene
1. Is the scene safe?
2. What happened?
3. How many victims are there?
4. Can bystanders help?
Primary survey
Check responsiveness (if unresponsive,
consent is implied)
If victim need assessment, activate medical
assistance
Protect spine if necessary
Check A Airway
Check B Breathing
Check C Circulation
Secondary survey
1. Question the victim and bystanders.
2. Check the vital signs.
3. Do a head-to-toe examination.
First Aid in your Work place

Medical and First-Aid Plans


The safety organization must make
and inform the workers of arrangements for
hospitals, doctors, nursing, and ambulance
service. When an injury occurs, prompt
treatment can help prevent aggravation of
the possible damage caused by the delay in
receiving medical attention.
How to establish the special
needs of your workplace
The factors that will determine your best
first aid plan depend upon the industry
you operate in and the specific activities in
your workplace. The method you must use
to look at your situation has three basic
steps:
Identifying hazards
Assessing risks
Eliminating or controlling risks
Factors to considered: Working
out your first aid requirements
Consider the type of work performed and
the nature of the hazards
Identifying potential injuries/illness, and
likely causes
Number and distribution of employees
and others
Size and lay-out of the Workplace
Location of the workplace
HAZARD TYPICAL PROBLEMS TYPICALLY INJURY/ILLNESS REQUIRING FIRST
AID

Manual handling Overexertion/Repetitive Movement Sprains, strains, fractures

Falls Falls from heights, slips and trips on uneven surfaces Fractures, bruises, cuts, dislocations,
concussion
Electricity Contact with electrical current Shock, burns, loss of consciousness, cardiac
arrest
Plant Being hit by projectiles, striking objects, being Cuts, bruises, dislocations, dermatitis,
caught in machinery overturning vehicles fractures, amputation, eye damage

Hazardous substances Exposure to chemicals, Dizziness, vomiting, respiratory problems,


burns to skin or eyes
e .g . solvents, acids,
hydrocarbons

Temperature, UV radiation Effects of heat or cold from weather or work Sunburn, frostbite, heat stress, heat stroke,
environment hypothermia

Biological Allergens, needle stick, exposure to infectious Severe allergic reaction, injuries, skin rash,
agents infection
Occupational violence Intimidation, conflict, physical assault Nausea, shock, collapse, physical injuries

This Tool is not a comprehensive guide to workplace hazards. It provides examples of typical problems created by workplace hazards, and
some of the resultant injuries and illnesses. You may have hazards other than those listed here. Your own list of potential injuries and illnesses,
and their likely causes, will be developed from information specific to your workplace and the type of work performed. Use this tool as a
starting point, to provide a framework for collecting the information you need.
Major Components
There are four major components of
workplace first-aid, namely;
First-aider
First-aid box
First-aid room
First-aid equipment
First Aider
Responsibilities of First-aider
Management of Casualty
Maintenance of Treatment Record
Responsibilities for Maintenance
of First-Aid Requirement
First-aid Box
Design
Location
Content
First aid room and how should
it be managed
Location
Workspace
Work environment
Signs
First Aid Equipment
Common Clinic Medicine instrument
facilities Medical apparatus
Stretcher carrier
Doctors desk Proper ventilation
Clinic bed Safety trash cans
Faucet and sink
Weighing scale
Who needs to know about your
first aid plan?
Trained first aiders need:
Written procedures (in the form of a first aid
plan) to ensure they understand their specific
first aid responsibilities, and area/times of
coverage.
Employees
Information about the first aid plan must be
provided to employees during their induction
and at regular intervals (at least annually).
Employees must understand:
Who to approach for first aid assistance
What role they have in first aid plan (e.g.
reporting accidents and incidents to supervisors);
Where to go first aid assistance

Managers and supervisors


Managers and supervisors must be familiar with first
aid arrangements, and must understand their
accountabilities under the first aid plan.

Contractors and visitors


Where practicable all people entering the workplace
should be provided with essential information about
first aid arrangements
Response procedure following
an accident requiring first aid
For example:
Employee notifies and first aider of accident
Supervisor alerts management First
aider attends to injured person Supervisor
manages employees in the vicinity of the
accident First aider or a designated
person notifies and co-ordinates ambulance
or medical assistance
First Aid Emergencies
Workplace emergencies often require a medical response.
The immediate response is usually first aid. Because there is
no way to predict when first aid may be needed, providing
first-aid training to employees should be part of preparing
for emergencies. In fact, in certain cases, OSHA requires
that companies have at least one employee on-site who has
been trained in first aid (CFR 1910.151). Figure 253
contains a list of the topics that may be covered in a first-
aid class for industrial workers.
Basic First Aid
Cardiopulmonary Choking on an
resuscitation obstruction
Heart attack Unconscious victim
Severe bleeding Head injuries and
Stroke recognition concussion
Broken bones and Eye injuries
fractures Cuts and abrasions
Moving an injured Chemical burns
person Electric shock
Burns Rescue
Drug overdose
Beyond Training
1. Have well-stocked first-aid kits
available
2. Have appropriate personal
protective devices available
3. Post emergency telephone numbers
4. Keep all employees informed
ABCs of First Aid
A = Airway
Is the airway blocked? If so, clear it quickly.
B = Breathing
Is the victim breathing? If not, begin
administering artificial respiration.
C = Circulation
Is the victim bleeding severely? If so, stop the
bleeding.
Is there a pulse? If not, begin administering
CPR.
FIRST STEPS IN FIRST AID
Three things are of primary importance when you
approach a seriously injured person.
Airway- Make sure the victims primary airway has
not been blocked by the tongue, secretions or some
foreign body.
Breathing- Make sure the person is breathing. If
not, administer artificial respiration.
Circulation- Make sure the patient has a pulse. If no
pulse is felt administer cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation. While giving CPR, check for bleeding.
Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely, or if he
has swallowed poison, or if his heart or breathing
has stopped. Every seconds counts.
Although most injured persons can be safety
moved, remember that it is vitally important not
to move a person with a serious injury of the neck
or back, unless it is necessary to save from further
danger.
Because life-and-death emergencies are rare, you
can usually start first with this step:
Keep the patient lying down and quiet. If he has
vomitted and if there is no danger that his neck is
broken- turn his head to one side to prevent choking.
Keep him warm with blankets or coats, but dont
overheat him or apply external heat
BREATHING STOPPED- ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
Lay the victim on his back. Wipe any foreign matter out his mouth with your
fingers. Place one hand under his neck. Lift up on neck and partially tilt the head
back.
Pull his chin upward.
Place your mouth firmly over the victims open mouth, pinch is nostrils shut, and
blow hard enough to make his chest rise. If the victim is small child, place your
mouth over his nose and mouth when blowing.
Remove your mouth and listen for the sound of exhaled air. Repeat the blowing
effort. If there is no air exchange, recheck the victims head and jaw position. His
tongue or something else may be blocking air passage. Try again.
If you still get no air exchange, turn the victim on his side and slap him sharply
several times between the shoulder blades in order to dislodge any foreign
matter from the throat. If the victim is a child, hang him momentarily head-
downward over your arm or lap and slap him sharply between the shoulder
blades. Wipe his mouth clear.
Resume mouth-to-mouth breathing. For adults, blow one vigorous breath every
five seconds. If you prefer, place a handkerchief over the victims mouth (or nose)
and blow through it.
Dont give up until the victim begins to breathe. Many persons have been revived
after hours of artificial respiration.
Call a doctor or ambulance as soon as possible. Place blankets or coats under and
over the victim for warmth. When revives, keep him comfortable and dont let
him get up at least an hour.
BREATHING STOPPED, NO PULSE Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
1. To administer CPR, First stretch the victim flat on his back on the ground or floor. Kneel at
his side and with your first strike his breastbone sharply .This may start the heart beating. If
it does not, feel the victims chest to locate the lower tip of his breastbone. Put one finger
of your left hand on the cartilage. Move the heel of the right hand (never use the palm)
against the finger. Place the left hand a top the right.
2. Now, with a quick firm thrust, push down. Use sufficient force to press the lower one
third of the breastbone down1 inches, letting your back and body do the work. Now lift
your weight. Repeat this rhythmic compression once per second;
pressreleasepressrelease. Each time you bear down, you squeeze the victims heart,
forcing blood out to his body, literally, substituting for his heartbeat.
3. If you are alone with the victim, stop after each 15 compression and give him two deep
breath mouth-to-mouth, continuing this 15-to-2 rhythm until help comes. If someone can
assist you, have him kneel at the victims head and give mouth-to-mouth respiration, at the
rate of 12 times minute-one breathe for each five compressions on the heart that you
perform.
4. Continue complete CPR until the victim revives- pupils constrict, color improves,
breathing begins, pulse returns. A person can be kept alive this way for at least an hour.
Cautions: Even when done correctly, CPR may cause cracked ribs. When done incorrectly,
the tip of the breastbone or a broken rib can puncture the liver or lung. Hence, proper
training in the technique is urged. But in crises, even if you arent trained, give CPR; without
it, anyone whose heart has stopped will die.
PATIENT CASUALTY HANDLING
Emergency Rescue is a rapid movement of patient from unsafe
place to place safety

Indications for Emergency Rescue


Danger of fire or explosion
Danger of toxic gases or asphyxia due to lack of oxygen
Serious traffic hazards
Risk of drowning
Danger of Electrocution
Danger of Collapsing walls
Method of Rescue
1. For immediate rescue without any assistance, drag or
pull the victim.
2. Most of the one-man drags/carries and other transfer
method can be used as methods of rescue.
Transfer is moving a patient from one pace to another after
giving first aid

Factors to be considered in the selection or choosing the


transfer method
Nature and Severity of the injury
Size of the victim
Physical capabilities of the first aider
Number of personnel and equipment available
Nature of evacuation route
Distance to be covered
Sex of the victims (last consideration)
Methods of transfer
3. Three-man carries
1. One-man Assist/carries/drags Bearers alongside (for narrow
Assist to work alleys)
Carry in arms (cradle) Hammock carry
Pack strap carry
Blanket Drag 4. Four/six/eight-man carry group
carries
Armpit/shoulder drag
Cloth drag
5. Blanket (demonstrate the
Feet Drag insertion, testing and lifting of
blanket)
2. Two-man assist/carries
Assist to walk
Four-Hand seat
Hands as a litter
Carry by extremities
Firemans carry with assistance
Initial Triage and Tagging
Triaging is sorting patience into categories of
priority for care and transport based on the
severity of injuries and medical emergencies.

Tagging of Patients
1. Priority one ( red tag)
2. Priority two (yellow tag)
3. Priority three ( green tag)
4. Priority four (black tag)
SHOCK
Shock is a depressed condition of many
body functions due to failure of enough
blood to circulate throughout the body
following serious injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Shock


Early Stage Late Stage
Face- pale or cyanotic in color Apathetic or relatively unresponsive
Skin- cold and clammy Eyes will be sunken with vacant
expression
Breathing- irregular Pupils are dilated
Pulse-rapid and weak Blood vessels may be congested
Nausea and vomiting producing mottled appearances
Weakness Blood pressure has very low level
Thirsty Unconscious may occur, body
temperature falls
Factors which contribute to Shock
P- Ain
R- ough handling
I-mproper transfer
C- ontinous bleeding
E-xtreme explosure to heat and cold
F-atigue
Objectives of First Aid Management
To improve circulation of the blood
To ensure an adequate supply of oxygen
To maintain normal body temperature
First Aid and Preventive Management of Shock
Proper positioning
Proper body temperature
Proper transfer
Danger of shock
Lead to death
Predisposes body to infection
Lead to loss of body part
Causes
Severe bleeding
Crushing injury
Infection
Heart attack Perforation
Shell bomb and bullet wound
Rupture of tubal pregnancies
Anaphylaxis
Starvation and disease may also cause shock
SOFT TISSUE INJURY
Soft Tissue Injury is a break in the continuity of a tissue of the body either internal or
external

Two Classification of Wound


1. Closed Wound:
Causes
Blunt object result in confusion or bruises
Application of external forces

Signs and Symptoms


Pain and tenderness
Swelling
Discoloration
Hematoma
Uncontrolled restlessness
Thirst
Vomiting or cough-up blood
Passage of blood in the urine or feces
Sign of blood along mouth, nose and ear canal
Symptoms of shock

First Aid Management


I -ce
S plinting
2. Open Wound
Classification of Open Wound
Causes Characteristics
Puncture Penetrating pointed instruments Deep and narrow, serious or slight
such us nails, ice picks, daggers, bleeding.
etc.

Abrasion Scrapping or rubbing against rough Shallow, wide, oozing of blood,


surfaces. dirty.

Laceration Blunt instruments such as Torn with irregular edges, serious


sharpnels, rocks, broken glasses, or slight bleeding
etc.

Avulsion Explosion, animal bites, Tissue forcefully separated from


mishandling of tools, etc. the body.

Incision Sharp bladed instruments such as Clean cut, deep, severe bleeding,
blades, razors, etc. wound is clean.
First Aid Management

Wound with severe bleeding


C -ontrol
C -lean
C -are
C onsult

Wound with bleeding not severe (home care)


Clean the wound with soap and water
Apply mild antiseptics
Cover wound with dressing and bandage
BURNS
Burn is an injury involving the skin, including muscles, bones,
nerves and blood vessels. This results from heat, chemicals,
electricity or solar or other forms of radiation.

Factors to Determine the Seriousness of Thermal Burns:

The Depth
The deeper the burn, the more severe it is. Three depth
classifications are used.

Layers of Burn:
Superficial Burn
Partial Thickness Burn
Full Thickness Burn
Types of Burn Injuries
1. Thermal Burns
Not all thermal burns are caused by flames, contact with hot objects,
flammable vapour that ignites and causes a flash or an explosion, and steams or hot
liquid are other common causes of burns.

Care for Thermal Burns


Care of First-Degree and Second-Degree Burns
-Relieve pain by immersing the burned area in cold water or by applying a
wet, cold cloth. If cold water is unavailable, use any cold liquid you drink to reduce the
burned skins temperature
-Cover the burn with a dry, non-slicking, sterile dressing or a clean cloth
Care for Third-Degree Burns
-Cover the burn with a dry, non-slicking sterile dressing or a clean cloth.
-Treat the victim for shock by elevating the legs and keeping the victim for
shock by elevating the legs and keeping the victim warm with a clean sheet or blanket.
2. Chemical Burns
Chemicals will continue to cause tissue destruction until the
chemical agent is removed.

Care for Chemical Burns


-Immediately remove the chemical by flushing with water.
-Remove the victims contaminated clothing while flushing
with water.
-Flush 20 minutes or longer. Let the victim wash with a mild
soap before a final rinse.
-Cover the burned area with a dry dressing or, for large areas, a
clean pillowcase.
-If the chemical is in the eye, flood it for at least 20 minutes,
using low pressure.
-Seek medical attention immediately for all chemical burns.
3. Electrical Burns
The injury severity from exposure to electrical current
depends on the type of current (direct or altering), the voltage ,
the area of the body exposed, and the duration of contact.

Care for Electrical Burn


-Unplug, disconnect, or turn off the power. If that is
impossible, call the Power Company or ask for help.
-Check the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
Provide Rescue Breathing (RB) or Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
-If the victim fell, check for spine injury.
-Treat the victim for shock.
-Seek medical attention immediately. Electrical injuries
are treated in burn center.
BANDAGING TECHNIQUE
Use of Triangular Bandage

Open Phase Cravat Phase


Head (topside) Forehead; eye
Face; back of the head Ear; cheek; jaw
Chest; back of chest Shoulder; hip
Hand; foot Arm; leg
Palm pressure bandage.
Use of Roller Bandage Palm bandage of open hand
1. Spiral
Open
Closed
2. Figure of eight
POISONING
Poison is any substance solid, liquid, or gas, that
tends to impair health or cause death when
introduced into the body or onto the skin surface. A
poisoning emergency can be life threatening.
Causes:
Common in suicide attempts.
Occasional accidental poisoning.
Ways in which Poisoning occur
Ingested by mouth
Inhaled- by breathing
Injected- by animal bites, stings, syringes.
Absorbed- by skin contact
1. Ingested Poison
Signs and symptoms
Altered mental status
History of ingesting poisons
Burns around the mouth
Odd breath odors
Nausea, vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea

Instances when vomiting should not be included


If unresponsive
Cannot maintain airway
Has ingested an acid, a corrosive such as lye, or petroleum product such as gasoline or furniture polish.
Has a medical condition that could be complicated by vomiting, such as heart attack, seizures and pregnancy

First Aid
1. Try to identify the poison
2. Place the victim on his or her left side
3. Monitor ABCs
4. Save any empty container, spoiled food for analysis
5. Save any vomitus and keep it with the victim if he or she is taken to an emergency facility.
2. Inhaled Poison
Signs and Symptoms
History of inhaling poison
Breathing difficulty
Chest pain
Cough, hoarseness, burning sensation in throat
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes)
Dizziness, headache
Seizures, unresponsiveness (advance stage)

First aid
Remove the victim from the toxic environment and into fresh air
immediately.
Monitor ABCs
Seek medical attention
3. Absorbed Poison
Signs and Symptoms
History of exposures
Liquid or powder on the skin
Burns
Itching, irritation
Redness, rash, blisters
First Aid
Remove the clothing
Then with a dry cloth blot the poison from the skin. If
the poison is a dry powder, brush it off
Flood the area with copious amounts of water.
Continually monitor the patients vital signs.
4. Injected Poison
General Care for poisoning

1.Survey the scene


2. Remove the victim from the source of the poison
3. Do a primary survey
4. Care for any life threatening condition
5. If the victim is conscious, do a secondary survey.
6. Do not give the victim anything by mouth unless
advised by medical professionals
BONE, JOINTS AND MUSCLE
INJURIES
1. Muscle Cramps is the sudden painful tightening of a muscle

First Aid
Have the victim stretch out the affected muscle to counteract the
cramps
Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently
Apply heat, moist heat is more effective than dry heat
2. Muscle Strain is the sudden, painful tearing of muscle fiber during
exertion
Signs and Symptoms
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Loss of efficient movement

First Aid
Apply cold compresses at once
Elevate the limb to reduce swelling and bleeding within the muscle.
Rest the pulled muscle for 24 hours.
Get medical help
3. Sprain is caused by tom fibers in a ligament
Signs and Symptoms
Swelling
Bruising
First Aid
Remove any clothing or jewelry from around the joint
Apply cold compresses at once
Elevate the affected joint with pillow or clothing
The victims physician may recommend an over the
counter anti-inflammatory medication (aspirin,
ibuprofen) appropriate for the victims general health.
4. Dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal position at a joint while
FRACTURE is break or disruption in bone tissue.

Signs and Symptoms


Pain
Misshapen appearance
Swelling
Loss and function

First Aid
Checks the victims ABC
Keep the victim still
Prevent infection by covering with a sterile dressing before immobilizing
Splint or sling the injury in the position, which you found it
Take steps to prevent shock
Get medical help

Immobilization
Arm support
Collarbone
Ankle
HEART ATTACK
Call an ambulance and notify the patient
doctor. If the patient is having trouble in
breathing, do not force him to lie down. Help
him take the position that is most comfortable
for him. Loosen tight clothing like belt and
collar. Dont attempt to lift or carry him. Dont
give him anything to drink. Remain calm, and
try to reassure him. Rehearse in our mind the
steps in CPR. In case the patient loses his
pulse and stops breathing.
FIRST AID FOR EYE
INJURIES
Be gentle with the employee. Dont Add to injury with
rough treatment
Do not attempt to remove objects embedded in the
eyeball.
Rinse the eyes with a copious mount of water for 15 to
30 minutes to remove the chemicals. Call for
professional help. Cover both eyes after the rinsing has
been completed
Never press on an injured eye or put any pressure on it
(as when covering the eyes).
Do not allow the employee to rub his or her eyes.

COMMON EMERGENCIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES

Hypothermia Exposure e to extreme cold for a short time or


moderate cold for a long time can cause hypothermia.

1. MILD HYPOTHERMIA The patient will present with


cold skin and shivering and will be alert and oriented.
2. SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA Patients may become
unresponsive. This is a true medical emergency that can lead
to death.
Three general types of Emergencies
1.Heat Cramps Sign and Symptoms:
A muscular pain and spasm due largely to loss of salt Cool, pale or red moist skin, headache, extreme thirst,
from the body in sweating or too inadequate intake or irrational behavior, weakness, dizziness, and
salt. unconsciousness.

Sign and Symptoms: First Aid:


Muscle cramping, often legs or abdomen, heavy Have the victim rest and elevate the cramping
perspiration, lightheadedness, weakness. muscle.
Keep the victim cool. Do not use alchohol rub.
2. Heat Stroke Relieve the cramps.
A response to heat characterized by fatigue, weakness, Monitor the victim and watch the signs of shock.
and collapse due to inadequate intake of water to Place the victim in the safest place to protect
compensate for loss of fluids through sweating. him/her from injury.
Give first aid for unconsciousness.
Sign and Symptoms: Get medical help.
Raise body temperature, dry, hot, red skin. Dark Place the patient in recovery position.
urine, rapid shallow breathing, extreme confusion,
weakness, sizures unconsciousness.

3. Heat Exhaustion
A response to heat characterized by fatigue, weakness,
and collapse due to inadequate intake of water to
compensate for loss of fluids through sweating.

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