What is First Aid

• First aid :
Is helps given to sick or injured
person, until to professional medical
treatment’s is available
 The AIM’s of a first aid("3 Ps“)

These three points given all the actions

undertaken by a first aider

Ø Prevent further injury

Ø Preserve life
Ø Promote recovery
 Qualities of a Good First Aider

1. Quick Thinking
Ø You can’t lose a single second (every second is
countered)

2. First Aider
Ø Remain calm and never show panic
Ø The victim and people around look at you for guidance
Ø To be get ready for any situation without hesitation
 Cont.. Qualities of a Good First Aider

3. Resourceful
ØFirst aid to be given with resources which
you have
ØSubstitutes to be used

4. Leadership skills
Ømanage the crowd
ØAsking for bystanders
ØTasks be given to people around
 Cont.. Qualities of a Good First Aider

5. Skills
Ø The basic knowledge and skill about relative
conditions
Ø The ability of handle equipment and devices
Ø Must be practiced the ability through Demonstration
and lectures etc…

6. Efficient
Ø To avoid extra pain on the patient
Ø Efficiency of using utilizing time, people and
resources
 Cont.. Qualities of a Good First Aider

7. Good communication skills

8. Ability to work as a team
9. Ability to work under pressure
10. Knowledge of their own limits
Assessment Principles of First Aid
q D - Danger
q R - Response
q S - Shout for help
q A - Air way
q B - Breathing
q C - Compressions
q D - Defibrilator
 Minimising the Risk of Cross
Infection
1. Wash hand
2. Wear the surgical gown, aprons and gloves if
available
3. Cover wounds on your hands
4. Dispose all waste safely
5. Do not touch wound
6. Do not breathe, cough or sneeze over a wound
Emergencies
Snake Bite
 Land snakes in Sri Lanka
Highly venomous snakes
• Russell’s viper
• Common krait
• Cobra
• Viper
• Green Pit viper
 First aid in snake bite
• Reassure the victim who may be very anxious.
• If facilities available, wash the bitten area with
soap & water.
• Immobilize the bitten limb with a splint or sling
as any muscle movement or contraction
increases the venom absorption.
• Immediate transfer to a hospital
 Scorpion Stings
•Venom gland and stinger
found in the tail end.
•Most stings are only painful.
•Provide BLS care and
transport
•Transport may not be needed
Dog Bites
 Dog Bites – First Aid
• Wash the wound with soap and running water.
• Gently press a clean cloth over the wound to
stop the flow of blood.
• Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound.
• Cover with a sterile bandage.
• Seek the medical advice if you suspect
infection or possible exposure to rabies, or if the
wound is severe.
Burns
 Levels of Burn
1. First Degree Burn (superficial)
ü Affect only the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis.
ü The burn site is red, painful
eg: mild sun burn

2. Second Degree Burn

ü Involve the epidermis and part of the dermis.
ü The burn site red and presence in blisters.
 Levels of Burn…….

3. Third Degree Burn

ü The burn may go to the innermost layer in the
skin (the subcutaneous tissue.)

4. Fourth Degree Burn

ü Burns go through the tissue level. possibly
involve deep muscles and bone.
 Clothing on Fire

Always follow this procedure: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

 First aid for burns
• Immediately get the person away from the heat
source to stop the burning
• Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes –
don't use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy
substances such as butter
• Remove any clothing or jewelry that's near the burnt
area of skin, including babies' nappies - but don't
move anything that's stuck to the skin
 First aid for burns……
• Make sure the person keeps warm – by using a
blanket, for example, but take care not to rub it
against the burnt area
• Use painkillers such as paracetamol or
ibuprofen to treat any pain
• If the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as
possible, rather than lying down
• Call emergency service
ELECTRICAL INCIDENTS
 ELECTRICAL INCIDENTS
• The passage of electrical current through the
body may be causing his breathing and
heartbeat to stop.
• The electrical current can also cause burns
• An electrical burn may appear very small or
not be visible on the skin, but the damage can
extend deep into the tissues.
 Electrocution may be caused to

• Severe burns
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rhythm problems
• Cardiac arrest
• Muscle pain and contractions
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
 First aid for Electrocution

• Turn off the source of electricity,

• Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of breathing
and circulation.
• Try to prevent the injured person from becoming
chilled.
• Apply a bandage. Cover any burned areas with a
sterile gauze bandage, if available
• waiting for medical help
CHOKING ADULT
 First Aid For Chocking
• A foreign object that is stuck in the throat may
block
• If blockage of the airway, it is severe, unable to
speak, cough, or breathe, and will level of
consciousness.
• Given five back blows and five abdominal
thrust.
• Be prepared to begin CPR .
Bleeding
TYPES OF BLEEDING
 First Aid for Bleeding
• Apply direct pressure over the wound with your
fingers using a sterile dressing or clean, gauze
pad.
• The injured limb above the heart level of the
casualty to reduce the blood loss.
• Do not allow the casualty to eat or drink
• If the casualty loses consciousness start CPR
• Remove or cut clothing as necessary to expose
the wound
 First Aid for Bleeding……..

• If bleeding shows through the dressing, apply a

second one on top of the first.
• If blood seeps through the second dressing, remove
both and apply a fresh one,
• Support the injured part in a raised position with a
sling and/or bandage. Check the circulation beyond
the bandage every ten minutes. If the circulation is
impaired, loosen the bandage and reapply.
• Monitor and record vital signs—level of response,
 Bites and Stings
• If possible and apply a cold compress such as
an ice pack to minimize swelling.
• Monitor vital signs and level of response
• Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as
wheezing, swelling, itchy skin.
• Get a medical advice if needed
 Insect Sting
• Usually, a sting from a bee, is painful rather
than dangerous. An initial sharp pain is followed
by mild swelling, redness, and soreness.

• Reassure the casualty

Chemical burn to the eye
 Chemical burn to the eye
• Wash your eye with water or normal saline if
available for at least 20 minutes.
• Remove contact lenses. If they don't come out during
the flush, then take them out
• Don't rub the eye — this may cause further damage.
• Don't put anything except water or saline rinse in the
eye.
• Don't use eyedrops
• Seek emergency medical assistance
 Eye Wound
• Help the casualty into a sitting position
• Tell him to keep both eyes still because the
movement of the “good” eye will cause
movement of the injured one.
• Give the casualty a sterile dressing or a clean,
pad to hold over the affected eye.
• If it will take some time to obtain medical help,
secure the pad in place with a bandage.
• Do not apply pressure to the injured eye
• The casualty to the hospital
 Bleeding From The Ear
• This may be due to a injured to eardrum, an ear
infection or an explosion
• Help the casualty into a sitting position, with his
head tilted to the injured side to allow blood to
drain from the ear.
• Hold a sterile dressing or a clean, gauze pad
lightly in place on the ear. Do not plug the ear.
• Send or take the casualty to the hospital.
 Bleeding From Nose
• Bleeding from the nose most commonly occurs
when tiny blood vessels inside the nostrils are
ruptured,
• Do not let the casualty tip his head back because
blood may then run down the throat and induce
vomiting.
• Tell the casualty to sit down and his head forward
to allow the blood to drain from the nostrils.
• Ask him to breathe through his mouth and to pinch
the soft part of his nose for up to ten minutes
 Bleeding From Nose…..
• Advise the casualty not to speak, swallow, cough, spit
• After ten minutes, release the pressure. If the bleeding
has not stopped, reapply the pressure for again ten
minutes.
• Once the bleeding has stopped, clean around the nose

• If the nosebleed is severe arrange to take send the

casualty to the hospital.
Inhalation of Carbon Monoxide
 First Aid for Inhalation
• Call for emergency help.
• Help the casualty away from the fumes into
the fresh air.
• Do not enter the fume-filled area yourself.
• Support the casualty and encourage him to
breathe normally.
• Monitor and record the casualty’s vital signs
and level of response
Bone, Joint, And Muscle Injuries
 First Aid Injuries
• Don't move the person except if necessary to
avoid further injury.
• Stop any bleeding, Apply pressure to the wound
with a sterile bandage,
• Immobilize the injured area. don't try to relocate
the bone
• If you've been trained in how to apply splint , you
can do it.
• Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve
pain. Don't apply ice directly to the skin.
 First Aid Injuries…..

• If the person feels faint or is breathing in short,

rapid breaths, lay the person down with the
head slightly lower than the trunk and, if
possible, elevate the legs.
 If you suspect someone has a spinal
injury
• Get help. Call emergency medical help.
• Keep the person still. Place heavy towels or rolled
sheets on both sides of the neck or hold the head
and neck to prevent movement.
• If the person shows no signs of circulation begin
CPR, but do not move the head back to open the
airway.
• If the person is wearing a helmet, don't remove it.
• Don't roll alone. work together to keep the
person's head, neck and back aligned while rolling
the person onto one side.
 First Aid for Sprain
• Recommended RICE method for treat the sprain.
• That aim of reduce swelling, reduce pain and speed
up healing process.

q R – Rest
q I - Ice
q C – Compression
q E - Elevation
 First aid for Poisoning
• When to suspect poisoning checked the signs
and symptoms
• Burns or redness around the mouth and lips
• Breath that smells like chemicals, such as
gasoline or paint thinner
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Confusion or other altered mental status
 First aid for Poisoning……..
• Swallowed poison. Remove anything remaining in
the person's mouth. If the suspected poison is a
household cleaner or other chemical, read the
container's label and follow instructions for
accidental poisoning.
• Poison on the skin. Remove any contaminated
clothing using gloves. Rinse the skin for 15 to 20
minutes in a shower or with a hose.
• Poison in the eye. Gently flush the eye with water
for 20 minutes or until help arrives.
• Inhaled poison. Get the person into fresh air as
soon as possible.
 First aid for Poisoning……..

• If the person vomits, turn his or her head to the

side to prevent choking.
• Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life,
such as moving or breathing
• Call Poison Help your regional poison control for
additional instructions.
• Have somebody gather pill bottles, packages or
containers with labels, and any other information
about the poison to send along with the ambulance
team.
 Heart attack, follow these first-aid
steps
• Call emergency medical assistance.
• Chew aspirin. Aspirin is a blood thinner. It
prevents clotting
• Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed directed.
• Begin CPR on the person having a heart attack.
• If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is
immediately available and the person is
unconscious, follow the device instructions for
using it.
Common Hypoglycemia Symptoms
 Hypoglycemia
• Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar
levels drop down abnormally low. It normally occurs
in
• patients taking diabetes medication
• High alcohol consumption
• missing or delaying meals
• exercising without any adjustments in the food
intake
• insulin overdosing
 Hypoglycemia ……..
• The warning signs are hypoglycemia
• Pale skin which feels cold and clammy
• Feeling weak
• Confusion of mind
• Irritational behavior
• Rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness
 First Aid for Hypoglycemia

• Help the patient sit on a chair or floor if he is

fainting.
• If the patient is conscious, give him fruit juice,
glucose or sugar drink.
• Check for the response, feeling is better, give him
some snack such as a cereal bar, a piece of fruit or
a biscuit and milk.
• Check for the blood glucose level if the glucometer
is available.
• If there is no improvement in the condition, It’s
important to seek medical advice.
 First Aid for Seizures
• In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall,
shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s
going on around them.
• Here are things you can do to help someone who
is having seizure:
• stay person on the floor.
• Turn the person gently onto one side. This will
help the person breathe.
• Clear the area around the person of anything hard
or sharp.
 First Aid for Seizures…..

• Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket,

under his or her head.
• Remove eyeglasses.
• Loosen ties or anything around the neck that
may make it hard to breathe.
• Time the seizure. Call ambulance.
Fainting
 Fainting

• • Fainting occurs when your brain

temporarily doesn't receive enough blood
supply, causing you to lose consciousness.
 If someone faints
• If there are no injuries and the person is
breathing, raise the person's legs above heart
level — about 12 inches (30 centimeters) — if
possible. Loosen belts, collars or other
constrictive clothing.
• To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get
the person up too quickly. If the person doesn't
regain consciousness within one minute, call the
emergency number.
 If someone faints……
• Check for breathing. If the person isn't
breathing, begin CPR.
• Call your local emergency number if
necessary .
• If the person was injured in a fall associated
with a faint, treats appropriately.
 Allergy & Anaphylaxis
• A life-threatening allergic reaction
(anaphylaxis) can cause shock, a sudden drop in
blood pressure, and trouble breathing.
 Symptoms of anaphylaxis
• Skin reactions, itching, pale, clamy and skin that
becomes changes color
• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or throat
• Narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing
and trouble breathing or swallowing
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dizziness, fainting, or unconsciousness
 First aid for Anaphylaxis
• Immediately call your local medical emergency
number.
• Ask if the person is carrying an epinephrine
autoinjector (EpiPen)
• If the person needs to use an autoinjector, ask
whether you should help inject the medication.
 First aid for Anaphylaxis
• Loosen tight clothing and cover the person
with a blanket.
• Don't give the person anything to drink.
• If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth,
turn the person to the side
• If there are no signs of breathing, begin CPR.
• Get emergency treatment even if symptoms
start to improve.
Cold and Heat Emergencies
 Hypothermia
• Lowering of the body temperature below
95°F (35°C)
• Weather does not have to be below freezing
for hypothermia to occur.
• Older persons and infants are at higher risk.
• People with other illnesses and injuries are
susceptible to hypothermia.
 Signs and Symptoms of
Hypothermia
Mild Hypothermia Moderate Severe
Hypothermia Hypothermia
Shivering Shivering stops Shivering stop
Rapid Pulse and Skin – pale or Muscular activity
Respirations cyanotic decreases.
Red, Pale, Cyanotic Muscle rigidity Fine muscle activity
Skin develops ceases.
Decreased Eventually, all
pulse(irregular) and muscle activity stops.
respirations
Pupils dilate Unresponsive to pain
 First Aid for Local Cold Injury
• Remove the patient from further exposure
to the cold.
• Handle the injured part gently.
• Administer oxygen.
• Remove any wet or restrictive clothing
• Never rub the area.
• Do not break blisters
• Transport.
 Heatstroke
• True environmental emergency occurring
when the body’s hypothalamic temperature
regulation is lost.
Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke
• Hot, dry skin
• Change in behavior leading to
unresponsiveness
• Pulse rate is rapid, then slow
• Blood pressure drops.
• Death can occur if the patient is not treated.
 First aid for Heat Stroke
• Cover the patient with wet towels or sheets.
• Aggressively fan the patient.
• Notify the hospital of patient’s condition.
• Remove from the hot environment.
• Give cool fluids by mouth or IV route
• Cover with a sheet and soak with cool water.
• Set A/C on high.
• Place ice packs on groin and axilla
• Immediately transport patient.
 Inflammation
• Inflammation is a defined as the local response
of living tissues to injurious agent.
• Inflammation divided mainly two types
Ø Acute Inflammation
Ø Chronic Inflammation
 Signs of Inflammation
• Pain
• Redness
• Loss of Function
• Swelling
• Heat