Basic Life Support and

First Aid Management

MCWTS02X
Course Pack
No. 04

NSTP Department S.Y. 2023-2024

 In our first set of lessons, we will focus on First Aid and Emergency
Safety Measures, covering critical topics such as rescue breathing and CPR
to respond effectively in life-threatening situations. Additionally, we will
explore essential common safety measures for various scenarios, including
animal bites, burns, bumps, bruises, drowning, electric shock, and fainting.
In the subsequent sessions, we will delve into the Principles of Bandaging,
encompassing rules for proper application, limb immobilization techniques,
and various bandage types, such as roller, tubular, and triangular bandages.
Additionally, we'll learn essential knotting skills like the reef knot and how to
create arm slings, elevation slings, and improvised slings to provide optimal
care during emergencies.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lessons, 100% of the students are expected to:

a. equip the students with the basic first aid management to the
victims/ patients;
b. demonstrate the proper bandaging technique and CPR;
c. present the outcome of their undertakings, which highlight the
different learned skills from the previous lessons; and
d. apply the skills acquired during the training and seminar.

• First aid and emergency safety measures

a. Rescue breathing and CPR
b. Other important Common First aide Safety Measures
1. Animal bites
2. Burns
3. Bumps and bruises
4. Drowning
5. Electric shock
6. Fainting
• Principles of Bandaging
a. Rules for applying a bandage
b. Immobilizing a limb
c. Techniques and equipment
1. Roller Bandages
2. Tubular Bandages
3. Triangular Bandages
4. Reef knots
5. Arm sling
6. Elevation Sling
7. Improvised sling
 As you explore this module, you will be geared up towards the lesson.
These questions will guide you throughout the lessons.

1. What is CPR or (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)?

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2. What are the different types of bandages?
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Let’s deeper your understanding leading towards the lessons.

Contemplate and reflect on the concepts of the lesson and consider its
implications to what will have read allowing the ideas to resonate and provoke
your thoughts.

1. How would your deal whenever there will be emergency medical

situations?
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2. What are the common physical related injuries that commonly happen
everyday?
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First Aid and Emergency Safety Measures (Kemper, 1994)

Rescue Breathing and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Improper CPR or CPR performed on a person whose heart is still beating can
cause serious injury. Never perform CPR unless:

1. the victim has stopped breathing

2. the victim has no pulse
3. there is no one else with training in CPR who can do it.

For basic life support, think ABC: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.
Establish an open airway to start breathing and give the rescue breathing before you
can begin the chest compression needed if the victim has no pulse.
Step 1: Check for consciousness
Grasp the victim by the shoulders and shout, "Are you. okay?" If he/she does
not respond, roll him onto his/her back after making sure that he/she has no spinal
injury. It he/she has spinal injury, gently roll his/her head, neck, and shoulders
together as a unit until he/she is on his/her back. If the victim does not respond,
call for help.

1. For children aged 8 and under: Give one full minute of rescue breathing (and CPR
if there is no pulse)

Step 2: Open the airway

Check for breathing. See if the victim's chest and abdomen are moving. Listen
and feel for air moving out of the mouth. If the victim is not breathing, open the
airway:

1. Tum the head to one side and clear any foreign material from the mouth with your
fingers.
2. Place one hand on the victim's forehead and tilt the head back gently.
3. Place the fingers of your hand under the chin and lift to pull it forward.
4. Sometimes, just opening the airway will allow the victim to breathe. Keep the
airway open and look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. If the victim still does
not breathe, begin rescue breathing immediately.

Step 3: Begin rescue breathing

1. Pinch the victim's nostrils shut with your thumb and forefinger. With your other
hand, continue tilting the chin forward to keep the airway open.
2. Take a deep breath and place your mouth over the victim's, making a tight seal
For an infant, place your mouth over
the mouth and nose.
3. Blow air slowly until the victim's chest rises. Take 1% to? seconds to give each
breath. Remove your mouth from the victim's and take a deep breath between rescue
breaths. Allow the victim's chest to fall and feel the air escape.
4. Give two full breaths, then check for circulation.

Step 4: Check for circulation

1. Locate the carotid artery in the neck.
2. Find the voice box or Adam's apple. Slide the tips of your index and middle finger
into the groove beside it.
3. Feel for a pulse for 5-10 seconds.
a. If there is no pulse, begin chest compression.
b. If there is a pulse, continue rescue breathing only until help arrives or the
victim starts to breathe on his/her own. If he/she begins breathing again,
he/she still needs to be seen by a health professional.
4. Give rescue breaths:
a. Adult (aged 9 and older): 1 breath every 5 seconds.
b. Children (aged 1 to 8): 1 breath every 4 seconds
c. Infant (under 1 year): 1 breath every 3 seconds

Step 5: Begin chest compression

1. For adults, kneel next to the victim. Use your fingers to locate the end of the
breastbone (sternum), where the ribs come together. Place two fingers at the tip of
the breastbone.
Place the heel of one hand directly above your finger.
2. Place your other hand on top of the one that is in position.
Do not allow your fingers to touch the chest as that may
damage the ribs.
3. Straighten your arms, lock your elbows, and center your shoulders directly over
your hand.
4. Press down in a steady rhythm, using your body weight and keeping your arms
locked. The force from each thrust should go straight down into the sternum,
compressing it 1½ to 2 inches. It may help to count "one and two and three and
four..." up to 15 compressions. Give one downward thrust each time you say a
number; lift your weight, but not your hand; open the victim's chest on the upstock.
5. After 15 compressions, quickly do the head tilt/chin lift, and give two full, slow
breaths, taking one breath in between.
6. Repeat the 15 compressions, 2 breaths cycle, 4 times. Check the pulse again. If
there is no pulse, continue rescue breathing and chest compression until help
arrives, or the victim's pulse and breathing return.
7. For a child, use the heel of one hand, press with less force, compressing the
sternum 1 to 1½ inches.
8. For an infant, place two fingers on the sternum, about one finger width below an
imaginary line connecting the nipples. Press with gentle force, compressing the
sternum about ½ inch.
9. For adults, give five chest compressions, then breathe.
Repeat four times and check the pulse again. If there is still no pulse, continue rescue
breathing and chest compression until help arrives or until the victim's pulse and
breathing are restored.

CPR Ready Reference (Guidelines from the American Heart Association)

Adults Children Infants
If the victim has a 5 seconds 4 seconds 3 seconds
pulse, give one
rescue breath
every:
If the victim has no Trace ribs into Same as adult 1 finger width
pulse, locate the notch; place 2 below nipple line
chest compression fingers on
mark. sternum
Do chest 2 hands stacked; Heel of 1 hand on 2 or 3 fingers on
compression with: heel of one hand sternum sternum
on sternum
Rate of 80 to 100 80 to 100 At least 100
compression per
minute:
Compression depth 1 ½ to 2” 1 to 1 ½” ½ to 1”
Ratio of 15:25:1 5:15:1 5:15:1
compressions to
breath:
1 rescuer
2 rescuers

More About Rescue Breathing

Air in the stomach
Sometimes during rescue breathing, the rescuer may breathe air into the
victim's stomach. Air in the stomach can be a serious problem. It can cause the
victim to vomit. When an unconscious person vomits, the stomach contents may go
into the lungs, thus leading to death.
 Air can enter the stomach in three ways:
• When the rescuer keeps breathing into the victim after the chest has risen,
causing extra air to fill the stomach;
• when the rescuer has not tilted the victim's head back far enough to open the
airway completely and must breathe with greater pressure to fill the victim's
lungs;
• When the rescue breaths are given too quickly. Quick breaths are given with
higher pressure, causing air to enter the stomach.

To avoid forcing air into the stomach, make sure you keep the victim's head tilted
all the way back. Breathe into the victim only enough to make the chest rise. Don't
give breaths too quickly; pause between breaths long enough to let the victim's lungs
empty and for you to get another breath.
If you notice that the victim's stomach has begun to bulge, make sure that the
head is tilted back far enough and make sure you are not breathing too hard or too
fast into the victim.

Vomiting
Sometimes while you are helping an unconscious victim, the victim may
vomit. If this happens, turn the victim's head and body to the side, quickly wipe the
material out of the victim's mouth and continue where you left off.

Other Important Common First Aid Safety Measures

First aid is the immediate and temporary care given to a victim of an accident
or sudden illness until the service of a physician can be obtained. Proper first aid
reduces suffering and makes the physician's task easier when he/she assumes the
care of the patient. The responsibilities of the first aider stop when the physician
starts doing his/her duty.

Animal Bites
When bitten by an animal, most people want to know if they need a rabies
shot. The main wild animal carriers of rabies are bats, mice, foxes, etc. Pet dogs and
cats that have been vaccinated rarely have rabies. However, stray animals are often
not vaccinated. Rabies is quite rare, but is fatal if not treated. The treatment is no
more painful than a typical injection.
Bites that break the skin often cause bacterial infections. Cat and human bites are
particularly prone to infection. Tetanus can occur if shots are not up to date.

Prevention

1. Vaccinate all pets against rabies.

2. Do not keep wild animals as pets.
3. Do not disturb animals while they are eating, even if they are your family pets.
4. Do not play with stray dogs and cats.
5. Do not touch wild animals or provoke them to attack.
6. Do not handle sick or injured animals.

Home Treatment
1. Scrub the bite immediately with soap and water. Treat it as a puncture wound.
2. If you are bitten by a pet dog or cat, find out whether it has been vaccinated for
rabies.
3. A healthy pet that has bitten someone should be confined and observed for 10
days to see if it develops symptoms of rabies. Contact the local health department
for proper animal observation.
4. If you are bitten by a wild animal, contact the health department to determine
whether a treatment is needed.

Burns
Burns are classified as first, second, or third degree depending on their depth,
not on the amount of pain or the extent of the burn.
A first-degree burn involves only the outer layer of skin. The skin is dry,
painful, and sensitive to touch.
Example: A mild sunburn

A second-degree burn involves several layers of skin. The skin becomes

swollen, puffy, weepy, or blistered.
A third-degree burn involves all layers of skin and any underlying tissues or
organs. The skin is dry, pale, white or charred black, swollen, and sometimes it
breaks open. Nerves are destroyed or damaged, so there may be little pain except on
the edge where there is a second-degree burn.

Prevention
1. Install smoke detectors in your home.
2. Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Have it inspected early.
3. Set your water heater at 120°F or lower to avoid burns.
4. Do not smoke in bed.

If your clothing catches fire

1. Do not run, as it will fan the flames. Stop, drop, and roll on the ground to smother
the flames.
2. Smother the flames with a blanket, rug, or coat.
3. Use water to douse the fire and cool the skin.

To avoid kitchen burns

1. Use a pot holder when handling hot kitchen cooking equipment or any container
of hot food.
2. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
3. Smother burning food or grease with lid or pot.
4. Supervise children closely.

Bumps and Bruises

Bumps and bruises are the most common types of injury, and in most cases,
they require the least amount of first aid. Shocks come from common household
items and outlets.

1. Bumps and bruises are types of damage that occur in the soft tissue under the
skin. There is no need to call for medical assistance when a person suffers a cut,
scrape, bump, or bruise if:

a. The injury is small (less than ½ inch around).

b. There is no bleeding, or only slight bleeding.
c. The victim does not feel the numbness or tingling.
d. The person is not suffering from any paralysis.

2. First aid for cuts and scrapes:

a. If the injured area has a skin scrape, wash it with mild soap and lukewarm water.
b. Apply antibacterial cream or spray to prevent infection. c.
Cover the wound with a sterile gauge pad and tape or a simple band-aid.

3. Steps for treating bruises:

a. Immediately apply an ice pack on the bruise to reduce swelling.
b. If possible, elevate the bruised area so that it is higher than the heart to prevent
blood "pooling" in the affected area.
c. Seek prompt medical help if there is any swelling around the bruise. This can
signal danger to nerves, muscles, and bones.

Drowning
Death by drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death.
Drowning doesn't just happen in sea, lakes, and rivers, but it can also happen in a
swimming pool or even in a bath tub.
Drowning may be due to heart attack or stroke that causes unconsciousness.
Head injury may also be caused by diving into shallow water. Cramps that cause
panic can lead to drowning.

Water Rescue
Rescue in a large body of water is not quite easy. It is possible when the
rescuer knows what he/she is doing.

1. If a lifeguard is nearby, let him/her do the rescuing. Otherwise, shout for help as
loud as you can.
2. Try to reach the injured person without leaving the shore. Use your arm, life
preserver, rope or rescue pole, or anything that can float.
3. Hold on to something on solid ground with your other hand to prevent yourself
from getting swept away by strong currents.
4. Locate a boat and find someone to assist you to reach the victim from the shore.
5. Even if you are good swimmer, always have a flotation device with you. You can
give this to the victim to hold on to as you swim back to the shore.

Reviving someone who has drowned or swallowed water

Rescue is only half the job. Reviving a person who drowned or who had
swallowed water is the other important half when it comes to saving life. This involves
performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Implement universal safety guidelines in
applying these important first aid emergency
measures.

1. Turn the drowning person's head to the side, allowing any water to drain from his
mouth and nose.
2. Turn the head back to the center.
3. Begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on land or in the water if the injured person
needs immediate life-and-death measures. (See Lesson 9-B on pages 158-168.)
4. Strongly breathe four times into the mouth of the injured person as you pinch the
nose. This helps air to get past any water that is clogging the breathing passageways
and the lungs.
5. After four strong breaths, put your ear near the mouth and watch the chest for
any breathing movement.
6. Check the pulse for signs of life.
7. Repeat the cycle.
8. Take the drowning victim to the hospital for further medical help.
Dealing with electric shock
Electricity causes burns via the flow of electric voltage through the skin. But
electric shock can cause more than burns.

It can cause tissue damage, and extremely high voltages may even stop heartbeat.

1. Steps in handling emergencies involving electric shock

a. Don't waste time to switch off or remove plugs.
Immediately switch off the master fuse to turn off all the power. These are things you
can do to help without injuring yourself.
b. Stand on a thick pile of newspapers or a rubber mat if the ground is wet. Wetness
makes you a conductor of electricity regardless of what you are standing on.
c. Try to push the injured off the live wire by using a wooden broom, mop, or pole.
Your hands must be dry.

2. Treating for electrical shock before help arrives

a. Because shock is more of a risk with electricity than other types of burn, check
the injured person's ABC (Airways, Breathing, and Circulation) and take the
appropriate measures. If the person is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation.
b. Apply small amount of anti-bacterial or burn ointment on the burned skin.
c. Keep the injured person on his/her back with his/ her feet and legs elevated.
d. If the injured person is unconscious, gently turn him/her to the side, supporting
the head with a pillow. This will aid breathing and keep shock damage from
increasing.
e. Gently cover the injured person with a blanket.

Fainting
Fainting during the Victorian times was considered feminine and a sign of
aristocratic good breeding. Today, fainting is a signal that something is wrong inside
the body.
It can be a sign of danger to the heart or brain, a panic attack, hyperventilation,
malnutrition, or even pregnancy or menopause.

1. Warning signs to faint

а. Sudden paleness of the face
b. Cold, clammy skin
c. Dizziness and nausea
d. Numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
e. Sudden rapid or weak pulse
f. Feeling of panic
g. Blurred vision

2. Treatment
Step-by-step guide for maintaining medical safety when a person fainted;
a. Lay the person down on the floor on his back.
b. Practice your ABC of first aid. Make sure that the airways are clear; that the
person is breathing; and that blood is circulating (listen for heartbeats).
c. Loosen clothing if necessary to make sure the victim is comfortable and able
to breathe clearly.
d. Open windows when inside a building to allow air to circulate.
e. Turn head to the side and wipe the mouth with a piece of cloth, if victim'
vomits.
f. Keep chin up to prevent the victim's tongue from obstructing the throat.
 g. Wipe the victim's face with a damp cool piece of cloth.
h. If the victim remains unconscious, or conscious but groggy, disoriented, and
nauseated, it is best to call for medical help.

3. The least you need to know

а. Fainting in and of itself is not usually an emergency condition, but it is a
signal of an underlying problem, and it can create its own set of problems.
b. Be aware of fainting signs: clammy skin, dizziness, a pale face, and nausea.
с. Follow the 'five minutes' rule: If a person remains unconscious for more than
five minutes, get help.
d. Do not use smelling salts to revive someone.
е. Place the fainted person in a prone position; loosen his/her clothes and open
nearby windows.
f. Make sure the person's airways are clear; breathing is regular; and circulation
is normal.

PRINCIPLES OF BANDAGING
There are a number of different first aid uses for bandages: they can be used
to secure dressings, control bleeding, support and immobilize limbs and reduce
swelling in an injured limb. There are three main types of bandages. Roller bandages
secure dressings and support injured limbs. Tubular bandages hold dressings on
fingers or toes, or support injured joints. Triangular bandages can be used as large
dressings, as slings to secure dressings or folded to immobilize limbs. If you have no
bandage available, you can improvise from everyday items; for example, you can fold
a square of fabric, such as a headscarf, diagonally to make a triangular bandage.

RULES FOR APPLYING A BANDAGE

• Reassure the casualty before applying a bandage and explain clearly what you
are going to do.
• Help the casualty to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
• Support the injured part of the body while you are working on it. Ask the
casualty or a helper to assist.
• Work from the front of the casualty, and from the injured side where possible.
• Pass the bandages through the body’s natural hollows at the ankles, knees,
waist and neck, then slide them into position by easing them back and forth
under the body.
• Apply bandages firmly, but not so tightly that they interfere with circulation
to the area beyond the bandage (opposite).
• Fingers or toes should be left exposed, if possible, so that you can check the
circulation afterwards.
• Use reef knots to tie bandages (p.250). Ensure that the knots do not cause
discomfort, and do not tie the knot over a bony area. Tuck loose ends under a
knot, if possible, to provide additional padding.
• Check the circulation in the area beyond the bandage (opposite) every ten
minutes once it is secure. If necessary, unroll the bandage until the blood
supply returns, and reapply it more loosely.

IMMOBILISING A LIMB
When applying bandages to immobilize a limb you also need to use soft, bulky
material, such as towels or clothing, as padding. Place the padding between the legs,
or between an arm and the body, so that the bandaging does not displace broken
bones or press bony areas against each other. Use folded triangular bandages and
tie them at intervals along the limb, avoiding the injury site. Secure with reef knots
(p.250) tied on the uninjured side. If both sides of the body are injured, tie knots in
the middle or where there is least chance of causing further damage.

CHECKING CIRCULATION AFTER BANDAGING

When bandaging a limb or applying a sling, you must check the circulation in
the hand or foot immediately after you have finished bandaging, and every ten
minutes thereafter. These checks are essential because limbs can swell after an
injury, and a bandage can rapidly become too tight and restrict blood circulation to
the area beyond it. If this occurs, you need to undo the bandage and reapply it more
loosely.

RECOGNITION
• If circulation is impaired there may be:
• A swollen and congested limb
• Blue skin with prominent veins
• A feeling that the skin is painfully distended
Later there may be:
• Pale skin
• Skin cold to touch
• Numbness and tingling followed by severe pain
• Inability to move affected fingers or toes

What to do:
1. Press one of the nails or the skin beyond the bandage, for five seconds until it
turns pale, then release the pressure. If the color does not return within two seconds,
the bandage is too tight.

2. Loosen a tight bandage by unrolling enough turns for

warmth and color to return to the skin. The casualty may feel a tingling sensation. If
necessary loosen and reapply the bandage. Recheck every ten minutes.

TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT

ROLLER BANDAGES

This type of bandage can be made of cotton, gauze, elasticated fabric or linen and is
wrapped around the injured part of the body in spiral turns. There are three main
types of roller bandage.
• Open-weave bandages are used to hold dressings in place. Because of their
loose weave they allow good ventilation, but they cannot be used to exert direct
pressure on the wound to control bleeding or to provide support to joints.
 • Self-adhesive support bandages are used to support muscle (and joint)
injuries and do not need pins or clips.
• Crêpe bandages are used to give firm, even support to injured joints.

SECURING ROLLER BANDAGES

There are several ways to fasten the end of a roller bandage. Safety pins or
adhesive tape are usually included in first aid kits. Some bandage packs may contain
bandage clips. If you do not have any of these, a simple tuck should keep the bandage
end in place.

Adhesive tape
The ends of bandages can be folded under and then stuck down with small
strips of adhesive tape.

Bandage clip
Metal clips are sometimes supplied with crêpe roller bandages for securing the
ends.

Tucking in the end

If you have no fastening, secure the bandage by passing the end around the
limb once and tucking it in.

Safety pin
These pins can secure all types of roller bandage. Fold the end of the bandage
under, then put your finger under the previous layer of bandage to prevent injury as
you insert the pin (right). Make sure that, once fastened, the pin lies flat (far right).

CHOOSING THE CORRECT SIZE OF BANDAGE

Before applying a roller bandage, check that it is tightly rolled and of a suitable width
for the injured area. Small areas such as fingers require narrow bandages of
approximately 2.5cm (1in) wide, while wider bandages of 10–15cm (4–6in) are more
suitable for large areas such as legs. It is better for a roller bandage to be too wide
than too narrow. Smaller sizes may be needed for a child.

APPLYING A ROLLER BANDAGE

Follow the general rules below when applying a roller bandage to an injury.
• Keep the rolled part of the bandage (the “head”) uppermost as you work. (The
unrolled short end is called the “tail”.)
 • Position yourself in front of the casualty, on the injured side.
• Support the injured part while you apply the bandage.

Once you have applied the bandage, check the circulation in the limb beyond it.
This is especially important if you are applying an elasticated or crêpe bandage
since this mold to the shape of the limb and may become tighter if the limb swells.

WHAT TO DO

1. Place the tail of the bandage below the injury. Working from the inside of the limb
outwards, make two straight turns with the bandage to anchor the tail in place.

2. Wind the bandage in spiraling turns working from the inner to the outer side of
the limb, and work up the limb. Cover one half to two- thirds of the previous layer of
bandage with each new turn.

3. Finish with one straight turn. If the bandage is too short, apply another one in
the same way
so that the injured area is covered.

4. Secure the end of the bandage, then check the circulation beyond the bandage
(p.243).
If necessary, unroll the bandage until the blood supply returns, and reapply it more
loosely. Recheck every ten minutes.
ROLLER BANDAGES
CAUTION:
• If the dressing slips out of place, remove it and apply a new one.
• Take care not to impair the circulation beyond the bandage.

ELBOW AND KNEE BANDAGES

Roller bandages can be used on elbows and knees to support soft tissue
injuries such as strains or sprains. To ensure that there is effective support, flex the
joint slightly, then apply the bandage
in figure-of-eight turns rather than the standard spiraling turns. Work from the
inside to the outside of the upper surface of the joint. Extend the bandaging far
enough on either side of the joint to exert an even pressure.

WHAT TO DO

1. Support the injured limb in a comfortable position for the casualty, with the joint
partially flexed. Place the tail of the bandage on the inner side of the joint. Pass the
bandage over and around to the outside of the joint. Make one-and-a-half turns, so
that the tail end of the bandage is fixed and the joint is covered.

2. Pass the bandage to the inner side of the limb, just above the joint. Make a turn
around the limb, covering the upper half of the bandage from the first turn.
3. Pass the bandage from the inner side of the upper limb to just below the joint.
Make one diagonal turn below the elbow joint to cover the lower half of the bandaging
from the first straight turn.

4. Continue to bandage diagonally above and below the joint in a figure-of-eight.

Increase the bandaged area by covering about two-thirds of the previous turn with
each new layer of bandage.

5. To finish bandaging the joint, make two straight turns around the limb, then
secure the end of the bandage. Check the circulation beyond the bandage as soon as
you have finished, then recheck every ten minutes. If necessary, unroll the bandage
and reapply more loosely.

HAND BANDAGES
A roller bandage may be applied to hold dressings in place on a hand, or to
support a wrist in soft tissue injuries. A support bandage should extend well beyond
the injury site to provide pressure over the whole of the injured area.

WHAT TO DO
1. Place the tail of the bandage on the inner side of the wrist, below the base of the
thumb. Make two straight turns around the wrist.
2. Working from the inner side of the wrist, pass the bandage diagonally across the
back of the hand to the nail of the little finger, and across the front of the casualty’s
fingers.

3. Pass the bandage diagonally across the back of the hand to the outer side of the
wrist. Take the bandage under the wrist. Then repeat the diagonal over the back of
the hand.

4. Repeat the sequence of figure-of-eight turns. Extend the bandaging by covering

about two-thirds of the bandage from the previous turn with each new layer. When
the hand is completely covered, finish with two straight turns around the casualty’s
wrist.

5. Secure the end. As soon as you have finished, check the circulation beyond the
bandage, then recheck every ten minutes. If necessary, unroll the bandage until the
blood supply returns and reapply it more loosely.
TUBULAR GAUZE BANDAGES
Caution:
Do not encircle the finger completely with tape because this may impair
circulation.

These bandages are rolls of seamless, tubular fabric. The tubular gauze
bandage is used with an applicator that is supplied with the bandage. It is suitable
for holding dressings in place on a finger or toe, but not to control bleeding. Use
hypoallergenic tape to secure the bandage if the casualty has an allergy to adhesive
tape.

APPLYING A TUBULAR GAUZE BANDAGE

1. Cut a piece of tubular gauze about two-and-a- half times the length of the
casualty’s injured
finger. Push the whole length of the tubular gauze on to the applicator, then gently
slide the applicator over the finger and dressing.

2. Holding the end of the gauze on the finger, pull the applicator slightly beyond the
fingertip, leaving a layer of gauze bandage on the finger. Twist the applicator twice to
seal the bandage over the end of the finger.

3. While still holding the gauze at the base of the finger, gently push the applicator
back over the finger to apply a second layer of gauze. Once the gauze has been
applied, remove the applicator from the finger.
4. Secure the gauze at the base of the finger with adhesive tape, that does not encircle
the finger. Check the circulation to the finger, then again, every ten minutes. Ask the
casualty if the finger feels cold or tingly. If necessary, remove the gauze and apply it
more loosely.

TRIANGULAR BANDAGES
This type of bandage may be supplied in a sterile pack as part of a first aid
kit. You can also make one by cutting or folding a square meter of sturdy fabric (such
as linen or calico) diagonally in half. The bandage can be used in the following three
ways.
• Folded as a broad-fold bandage or narrow-fold bandage (below) to immobilize
and support a limb or to secure a splint or bulky dressing.
• Opened to form a sling, or to hold a hand, foot or scalp dressing in place.
• If from a sterile pack, folded into a pad and used as a sterile dressing.

MAKING A BROAD-FOLD BANDAGE

1. Open out a triangular bandage and lay it flat on a clean surface. Fold the bandage
in half horizontally, so that the point of the triangle touches the center of the base.
2. Fold the bandage in half again in the same direction, so that the first folded edge
touches the base. The bandage should now form a broad strip of fabric.

MAKING A NARROW-FOLD BANDAGE

1. Fold a triangular bandage to make a broad-fold bandage (above).
2. Fold the bandage horizontally in half again. It should form a long, narrow, thick
strip of material
STORING A TRIANGULAR BANDAGE
Keep triangular bandages in their packs so that they remain sterile until you
need them. Alternatively, fold them as shown (right) so that they are ready-folded for
use as a pad or bandage, or can be shaken open for use as a sling.

1. Start by folding the triangle into a narrow-fold bandage (Above right). Bring the
two ends of the bandage into the center.
2. Continue folding the ends into the center until the bandage is a convenient size
for storing. Keep the bandage in a dry place.

REEF KNOTS
When securing a triangular bandage, always use a reef knot. It is secure and
will not slip, it is easy to untie and it lies flat, so it is more comfortable for the
casualty. Avoid tying the knot around or directly over the injury, since this may
cause discomfort.

TYING AND UNTYING A REEF KNOT

1. Pass the left end of the bandage (dark) over and under the right end (light).
2. Lift both ends of the bandage above the rest of the materials.
3. Pass the end in your right hand (dark) over and under the left end (right).
4. Pull the ends to tighten the knot, then tuck them under the bandage.

Untying a reef knot

Pull one end and one piece of bandage from the same side of the knot firmly
so that the piece of bandage straightens. Hold the knot and pull the straightened
end through it.
HAND AND FOOT COVER BANDAGE
An open triangular bandage can be used to hold a dressing in place on a
hand or foot, but it will not provide enough pressure to control bleeding. The
method for covering a hand (right) can also be used for a foot, with the bandage
ends tied at the ankle.

1. Lay the bandage flat. Place the casualty’s hand on the bandage, fingers towards
the point. Fold the point down over the hand.

2. Cross the ends over the hand, then pass the ends around the wrist in opposite
directions. Tie the ends in a reef knot (above) at the wrist.

3. Pull the point gently to tighten the bandage. Fold the point up over the knot and
tuck it in.

ARM SLING
An arm sling holds the forearm in a slightly raised or horizontal position. It
provides support for an injured upper arm, wrist or forearm, on a casualty whose
elbow can be bent, or to immobilize the arm for a rib fracture. An elevation sling is
used to keep the forearm and hand raised in a higher position.
WHAT TO DO
1. Ensure that the injured arm is supported with the hand slightly higher than the
elbow. Fold the base of the bandage under to form a hem. Place the bandage with
the base parallel to the casualty’s body and level with his little finger nail. Slide the
upper end under the injured arm and pull it around the neck to the opposite
shoulder.

2. Fold the lower end of the bandage up over the forearm and bring it to meet the
upper end at the shoulder.

3. Tie a reef knot (opposite) on the injured side, at the hollow above the casualty’s
collar bone. Tuck both free ends of the bandage under the knot to pad it. Adjust the
sling so that the front edge supports the hand – it should extend to the top of the
casualty’s little finger.
4. Hold the point of the bandage beyond the elbow and twist it until the fabric fits
the elbow snugly, then tuck it in (inset). Alternatively, if you have a safety pin, fold
the fabric and fasten it to the front.

5. As soon as you have finished, check the circulation in the fingers. Recheck every
ten minutes. If necessary, loosen and reapply the bandages and sling.

ELEVATION SLING
This form of sling supports the forearm and hand in a raised position, with
the fingertips touching the casualty’s shoulder. In this way, an elevation sling helps
to control bleeding from wounds in the forearm or hand, to minimize swelling. An
elevation sling is also used to support the arm in the case of an injured hand.

WHAT TO DO
1. Ask the casualty to support his injured arm across his chest, with his fingers
resting on the opposite shoulder.

2. Place the bandage over his body, with one end over the shoulder on the
uninjured side. Hold the point of the bandage just beyond his elbow.
3 Ask the casualty to let go of his injured arm while you tuck the base of the
bandage under his hand, forearm and elbow.

4. Bring the lower end of the bandage up diagonally across his back, to meet the
other end at his shoulder.

5. Tie the ends in a reef knot at the hollow above the bone. Tuck the ends under the
knot to pad it.
6. Twist the point until the bandage fits closely around the casualty’s elbow (inset).
Tuck the point in just above his elbow to secure it. If you have a safety pin, fold the
fabric over the elbow and fasten the point at the corner. Check the circulation in the
thumb every ten minutes; loosen and reapply if necessary.

IMPROVISED SLINGS
If you need to support a casualty’s injured arm but do not have a triangular
bandage available, you can make a sling by using a square meter (just over one
square yard) of any strong cloth. You can also improvise by using an item of the
casualty’s clothing (below). Check circulation after applying support and recheck
every ten minutes.

Caution:
If you suspect that the forearm is broken, use a cloth sling or a jacket corner to
provide support. Do not use any other improvised sling: it will not provide enough
support.

Jacket corner
Undo the casualty’s jacket. Fold the lower edge on the injured side up over his arm.
Secure the corner of the hem to the jacket breast with a large safety pin. Tuck and
pin the excess material closely around the elbow.
Button-up jacket
Undo one button of a jacket or coat (or waistcoat). Place the hand of the injured arm
inside the garment at the gap formed by the unfastened button. Advise the casualty
to rest his wrist on the button just beneath the gap.

Long-sleeved shirt
Place the injured arm across the casualty’s chest. Pin the cuff of the sleeve to the
breast of the shirt. To improvise an elevation sling (opposite), pin the sleeve at the
casualty’s opposite shoulder, to keep her
arm raised.

Belt or thin garment

Use a belt, a tie or a pair of braces or tights to make a “collar-and-cuff” support.
Fasten the item to form a loop. Place it over the casualty’s head, then twist it once to
form a smaller loop at the front. Place the casualty’s hand into the loop.
GROUP ACTIVITY:
ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

1. In a group often (10) members, role-play the steps in an escape plan or

fire drill in case of fire outbreak in school or in the community. A student
observer must present to the team leader an incident report which is also to
be submitted to the professor.

2. Present a news report or forecast related to common safety and health

regulations for the home. The group leader and members should present the
topic in a panel discussion format. Draw the topic to be presented by lottery.

ON FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY SAFETY MEASURES.

1. Describe how to handle the following emergency cases and give the
treatment or rescue intended for:
a. Animal bites
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b. Burns
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c. Drowning
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Lee, S. J. (2019) National Service Trainig Program. Civic Welfare Training Service
(CWTS) 1. Literacy Training Service (LTS) 1 A Source Book, 4th Edition. C &
E Publishing, Inc.
Austin, M., Crawford, R., Klaasen, B. (2016) St. Andrew’s First Aid and British Red
Cross First Aid Manual: The Authorised Manual of St John Ambulance, St
Andrew’s First Aid and the British Red Cross Revised 10th Edition. Dorling
Kindersley Limited.