First Aid

Awareness Briefing

What is First Aid?

First Aid is the immediate treatment given to

a patient for an injury or an illness before the

arrival of someone medically trained, e.g.

a doctor, emergency services.

Recommended Contents of a First Aid Kit RECOMMENDED MATERIAL CONTENTS PER 11 – 25 PERSONS

• Adhesive Plasters 20

• Sterile eye pads 2

• Triangular Bandages 6

• Safety Pins 6

• Sterile Wound Dressing No. 8 2

• Sterile Wound Dressing No. 9 6

• Antiseptic wipes individually 3

• Wrapped 20

• Paramedic Shears 1

• Examination Gloves Pairs 10

• Sterile Water 2*500ML

• Pocket Face Mask 1

• Water Based burns Dressing 10* 10 1

• Water Based burns Dressing Large 1

• Crepe Bandage 7 cm 2

Aims of First Aid

PRESERVE LIFE Airway

Breathing

Circulation

PREVENT DETERIORATION Dress wounds

Immobilise fractures

Position casualty

PROMOTE RECOVERY Reassure

Relieve pain

Handle gently

Protect from cold

Personal Safety at the Scene

• Must ensure personal safety at the scene • Awareness of any dangers at the scene

– Fire --Fumes – Flooding --Falling Debris – Electrical --Wild Animals –Moving Vehicles --Water

“SCENE SAFETY” –Bodily Fluids/Cross infection

“CASUALTY IS DOWN SO I GLOVE UP”

Primary Survey

•Airway

•Breathing

• Circulation

Secondary Survey (Head to Toe)

4. Chest

1. Head

7. Lower Limbs

2. Neck

6. Pelvis Lower Back

5. Abdomen

8. Upper Limbs

3. Shoulders

Secondary Survey

Monitor Vital Signs

Pulse Rate

Breathing Rate

Skin Colour / Temperature

Level of response (A.V.P.U)

Levels of Response

lert Responds appropriately and is aware of place and time

erbal Responds in some manner to voice

ain (Check for reactions to pain Responds in some manner to painful stimuli

nresponsive Does not respond to painful stimuli

Recovery Position

Aid to Diagnosis

S

A

M

P

L

E

Signs and symptoms (How do you feel?)

Allergies

Medications

Past Medical History

Last oral intake (food/drink)

Events leading to incident (when/how?)

Early CPR Speed is Essential

• CPR if commenced within 3 minutes of arrest can prevent permanent brain damage.

• Buys time to allow successful defibrillation by trained personnel.

Chain of Survival

Early Access

Early CPR

Early Defib

Early ALS

Early Post Resuscitation Care

Defibrillation – The AED

An AED or Defibrillator is a device that analyses the heart rhythm and delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart muscle to stop Ventricular Fibrillation.

Choking Casualty

• Recognition = ASK • Can you cough? • Can you breath? • Are you choking? Provide: • 5 back slaps • 5 Abdominal thrusts

• MUST see a doctor after Abdominals

Asthma Treatment

• Reassure

• Tripod Position

• Take their own inhaler

–Blue Reliever

–Brown Preventative

• Get help if

–Getting Worse

– Inhaler does not provide relief after 5 min

Convulsion

Wound Types

Laceration Contusion

Incision Puncture

External Bleeding Arterial

• Spurts from wound

• Bright red blood

Venous

• Flows from wound

• Dark red colour

Capillary

• Oozes from wound

• Normal colour

Haemorrhage Control

(PEEPS)

Posture/Pressure

Elevation

Examination

Pad & Bandage

Shock

Signs and Symptoms of Shock • Rapid pulse • Pale skin • Grey skin • Cold clammy skin • Sweating As Shock Progresses • Weakness • Nausea • Thirst • Rapid/Shallow breathing • Restlessness • Failing level of consciousness

Treatment for Shock

• Ensure A B C’s are OK

• Urgent removal to hospital

• Treat the cause

• Raise lower limbs if possible (30 cm)

• Keep the patient warm

• Rest, positive reassurance

• Monitor the patient until the emergency services arrive

Elevated Sling

Signs/Symptoms of a Fracture

Swelling

Pain

Loss of Movement

Irregularity

Numbness

Tenderness

Shock

Treatment Upper Limb Fracture

Immobilise using triangular bandages

Rule of the Palm

The Palm of the Casualties Hand is equal to 1% of their total body surface area –

this includes the fingers and thumb.

Partial Thickness Burn

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain

• Raw Skin

• Blisters

These burns are considered critical if they involve more than 30% of the total body

surface in an adult and 20% in a child.

Full Thickness Burn

Signs and Symptoms

• Pale waxy skin

• Sometimes charred

These burns are the most serious. The

casualty often feels little or no pain, because the nerve endings have been destroyed.

Treatment of Minor Burns

Aim is to:

• Halt the burning process – cool.

• Relieve the swelling and pain – elevate.

• Minimise the risk of infection – cover.

• Seek medical advice.

Treatment of Major Burns Aim is to ensure:

• Halt the burning process by cooling.

• Call for an Ambulance.

• Remove clothing and jewellery not stuck to the affected area.

• Apply burn dressing and elevate.

• Treat for shock.

• Minimise the risk of infection.

Aftercare

• Warmth

• ABCs

• Rest & Reassurance

• Monitor vital signs every 10 minutes

THANK YOU

First Aid Briefing