FIRST AID

M A N U A L

Prepared by: HOPE, TIP MANILA

 FIRST AID

First Aid - The Philippine Red Cross defined first aid as immediate care given to a person who
has been injured or suddenly taken ill. It includes self-help and home care if medical assistance
is delayed or not available.

OBJECTIVES OF FIRST AID:

The Three Ps (PPP)

1. To promote recovery
One of the primary objectives is to be able to help reduce or totally alleviate suffering which
can be done by means of providing comfort, giving assurance and attempting to relieve pain
and other similar efforts to the victim. These helpful acts for emergency situations and first
aid will likely vary depending on specific circumstances.

2. To prevent added/further injury or danger

The goal is to prevent the condition from worsening, or danger of further injury first aid
measures aim to preserve and sustain life. As a first responder to an emergency situation,
you must do what you can to keep the victim in stable condition until medical professionals
arrive. It can mean transferring the victim to a safer area, applying first aid, stabilizing them,
or just staying with the victim and giving comfort.

3. To prolong life
The first main concern should be to preserve life. You may have to do CPR, stop bleeding, or
make another move to preserve the victim’s life. Start with C-A-B—circulation, airway, and
breathing. Assess the quality of the victim’s circulation and adjust if necessary. Second,
ensure that the victim has no blocks to their airway and that they are breathing. The goal is
to save the victim from imminent danger.

First Aider
The first aider deals with the whole situation involving the patient and the injury or illness. The
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) conducts training for people who like to become first aiders. If
interested parties are physically and mentally fit, they can go to their local PRC chapter and
register for free. The one-week or two (2) day training focuses on basic first aid and provides the
needed medical kit.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FIRST AIDER
1. Bridge that fills the gap between the victim and the physician.
 It is not intended to compete with or take the place of the services of the physician.
 It ends when the services of a physician begin.

2. Ensure the safety of him/herself and that of bystanders.

3. Gain access to the victim.
4. Determine any threats to the patient’s life.
5. Summon advanced medical care as needed.
6. Provide needed care for the patient.
7. Assist advanced personnel.
8. Record all findings and care given to the patient.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD FIRST AIDER

A good first aider must be gentle, resourceful, observant, tactful, empathetic, and respectful.
He/She should maximize the use of materials at hand, know how to improvise and how to
assess the situation and the victim properly, and exhibit professionalism. Moreover, he/she
must not cause further harm by making the victim panic.

1. Gentle - He/She should not cause or inflict pain as much as possible.

2. Resourceful - He/She makes the best use of things at hand.
3. Observant - He/She should notice all signs. It also means being aware of what is
happening and what are the possible things that may occur.
4. Tactful - He/She is handling the victim with utmost care and in a calm manner.
5. Empathetic - He/She should be comforting.
6. Respectable - He/She maintains a professional and caring attitude.

HINDRANCES IN GIVING FIRST AID

1. Unfavorable surroundings.
 Night time
 Crowded city streets, churches, markets, or shopping malls
 Busy highways
 Cold and rainy weather
 Lack of necessary materials or helper

2. Presence of crowds.
 Crowds curiously watch, sometimes interrupt, and sometimes suggest incorrect
advice.
 They may demand quickness in transportation or attempt other procedures.

3. Pressure from victim or relatives.

 The victim usually welcomes help, but if he is drunk, he is open hard to look at
and handle, and is frequently deceptive in his reaction.

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  The panic of the relatives of the victim, the evidence of pain, blood, and possible
early death, exert incredible tension on the first aider.
 The first aider may neglect to look cautiously and might be convinced to do what
he would know in quiet minutes to not be right.

TRANSMISSION OF DISEASES

1. Direct Transmission – Infectious diseases are usually spread through direct contact or when
a person touches an infected person’s body fluids.

2. Indirect Transmission – Infectious diseases can also be spread indirectly through the air and
other mechanisms. It occurs when a person touches objects that have been contaminated
by the blood or another body fluid of an infected person.
 Airborne Transmission – It happens when an individual breathes in
contaminated droplet that have gotten airborne as an infected person
coughs or sneezes.
 Vector Transmission – It happens when an animal like dogs or insects
transmit a pathogen into the body through a bite.

BODY SUBSTANCE ISOLATION

These are precautions taken to isolate or prevent the risk of exposure to any type of bodily
substance.
1. Personal Hygiene
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Gloves  Gowns
 Masks  Eye protection
3. Equipment Cleaning and Disinfecting

Suggested First Aid Kit Contents

NAME FUNCTION IMAGE

Rubbing Alcohol Used to disinfect the skin
around a wound and sanitize
hands or tools before giving
first aid

Povidone Iodine Acts as an antiseptic to clean

wounds and prevent
infection before applying a
bandage or dressing

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Gauze Pads Used to cover open wounds,
absorb blood, and help
control bleeding while
keeping the area sterile

Cotton Used to apply antiseptics,

clean wounds, or absorb
small amounts of blood—
though not ideal for covering
open wounds directly due to
fiber residue

Penlight Used to check pupil response

(neurological assessment), or
to inspect the throat, ears, or
injuries in low light
conditions

Band-Aid Plaster Used to cover small cuts,

blisters, or abrasions to
protect from infection and
promote healing

Occlusive Dressing Used to seal wounds,

especially chest wounds (like
a sucking chest wound), to
prevent air from entering the
body cavity

Elastic Roller Bandage Used to secure

dressings, provide
compression to
control swelling or
bleeding, and support
sprains or strains

Triangular Bandage Extremely versatile; used to

create slings, immobilize
limbs, or wrap around the
head, arm, or leg to secure
dressings

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 Forceps Used to safely remove
foreign objects from wounds
(like glass or splinters) or to
handle sterile items without
contamination

Scissors Used to cut bandages, gauze,

tape, or clothing to access a
wound

Gloves Provide a protective barrier

between the first aider and
the injured person to prevent
transmission of infections
through blood, bodily fluids,
or open wounds

Suggested First Aid Equipment

NAME FUNCTION IMAGE

Spine Board Immobilizes a patient with
suspected spinal injury

Kendrick’s Extrication Device Stabilizes the spine during

seated extrication

Set of Splints Immobilizes broken or

injured limbs

Poles Supports improvised

stretchers or splints

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 Space Blanket Retains body heat to prevent
hypothermia

Cloth Materials Commonly Used in First Aid

1. Dressing - any sterile cloth material used to cover the wound.
2. Bandage - any cloth material sterile or not used to hold the dressing in place.
Other uses of bandages:
 Control bleeding.
 Tie splints in place.
 Immobilize body parts.
 For arm support – use as a sling.

Emergency Action Principles

Safety First!

Survey the scene

 Is the scene safe? Safe for you and the injured person?
 What happened? How many people are injured?
 Is there someone who can help?
 Get consent before giving first-aid care.

Primary Survey
I. Assessing Responsiveness
A patient's response level can be summarized in the AVPU mnemonic as follows:

A - Alert

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 V - Verbal Response
P - Pain Response
U - Unresponsive/Unconscious

II. Activate Medical Help

Ask someone to call for local emergency number.

II. Check for A-B-C of Life

Airway – Breathing – Circulation

SHOCK

SHOCK
Many people consider "shock" as emotional distress or sudden fright because of a horrible
accident. However, in clinical terms, "shock" is a condition in which the circulatory system fails
to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and vital organs. It is a dangerous
health-related crisis.

A drop in blood pressure lessens the progression of oxygen and supplements to an individual's
vital organs for example their heart and lungs. In the event that the bloodstream is not re-
established, the individual may suffer death from complexities because of the absence of
oxygen supply to significant organs of the body.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF

DANGERS OF SHOCK CAUSES OF SHOCK
SHOCK

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  Lead to death  Severe bleeding  Face - pale or cyanotic
 Predisposes body  Crushing injury in color
infection  Infection  Skin- cold and clammy
 Lead to loss of body  Heart attack  Breathing - irregular
parts  Perforation  Pulse - rapid and weak
 Shell bomb and bullet  Nausea and vomiting
wound  Weakness
 Rupture of tubal  Thirsty
pregnancies
 Anaphylaxis
 Starvation and
disease

TYPES OF SCHOCK
1. CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - due to heart problems
2. HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK - caused by too little blood volume
3. ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK- caused by an allergic reaction
4. SEPTIC SHOCK - due to infections
5. NEUROGENIC SHOCK - caused by damage to the nervous system

OBJECTIVES OF FIRST AID FOR SHOCK

1. To improve circulation of blood.
2. To ensure an adequate supply of oxygen.
3. To maintain normal body temperature.

FIRST AID MANAGEMENT FOR SHOCK

Clinical "shock" is a life-threatening emergency situation and for that reason, effective first aid
and prompt medical attention can save a person’s life. If you suspect a person is in
shock, call 911 or your local emergency number. Then, immediately take the following actions:
If the person is unconscious, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR).
1. Check the A-B-C of life to see if
he still breathing and has a
heartbeat.

2. If you do not detect breathing or

a heartbeat, begin

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 If the person is conscious, 4. Help the person maintain normal
body temperature.
1. Make the person lie down.
5. Do not give the person anything
2. Control any external bleeding.
to eat or drink.
3. Legs may be raised 6 to 12
6. Reassure the person every so
inches.
often.

GIVE PROPER FOR SHOCK

PROPER

POSTURE HEAT TRANSFER

WOUND

SOFT TISSUE INJURIES

Soft tissue injuries refer to any damage to our skin, tendons, ligaments, or muscles all through
the body that can cause a significant interruption to a person’s regular daily life. These sorts of
injuries can happen during sports, workouts, or even ordinary exercises. Being aware of the
basic types of soft tissue injuries is perhaps the most ideal approach to maintaining a strategic
distance from them. Beneath, you will go through the two types of soft tissue injuries, their
causes, and first aid management for them.

WOUND
A wound is any physical injury involving a break in the layers of the skin. Wounds are generally
classified as either closed or open.

Complications:
 Bleeding
 Infection
 Tetanus
 Rabies

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 CLASSIFICATION OF WOUND
CLOSED WOUND
A closed wound is a wound where the outer layer of the skin is intact and the damage lies
below the surface.

Signs and Symptoms of Closed Wound Causes of Closed Wound

 Tender, swollen, bruised, or  Blunt objects resulting in contusions
hard areas of the body or bruises
 Rapid, weak pulse  Application of external forces
 Skin that feels cool, moist or
looks pale or bluish
 Vomiting of blood or coughing
up blood
 Excessive thirst
 An injured extremity that is
blue or extremely pale
 Altered mental state

FIRST AID MANAGEMENT FOR CLOSED WOUND

I- Ice application
C- Compression
E- Elevation
S- Splinting

 Apply an ice pack.

 Elevate the injured part.
 Do not assume that all closed wounds are minor injuries.
 Help the person to rest.
 Provide comfort and reassurance to the person.

OPEN WOUND
In an open wound, the outer layer of skin is broken. The break in the skin can be as minor as a
scrape of the surface layers or as severe as a deep penetration.

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 CLASSIFICATION OF OPEN WOUND
TYPES CAUSES CHARACTERISTICS EXAMPLES
PUNCTURE harp, pointed
objects like  Small, deep hole in the skin.
nails, needles,  Minimal bleeding externally,
or animal but high risk of internal
bites damage and infection (e.g.,
tetanus).

ABRAISION Skin scraping

against a  Superficial wound with
rough surface scraped or rubbed-off skin.
 Usually minor bleeding, but
very painful due to exposed
nerve endings.

LACERATION Blunt or sharp

trauma  Jagged, irregular edges.
causing the  Moderate to severe bleeding
skin to tear depending on depth and
location.

AVULSION Forceful  A flap of skin or tissue is torn

tearing of skin loose or hanging.
and tissue  Heavy bleeding and often
damage to deeper tissues.

INCISION Sharp-edged  Clean, straight edges.

object like a  May bleed heavily if blood
knife, razor, or vessels are cut; lower
glass. infection risk than
lacerations.

AMPUTATION Trauma or  Complete or partial removal

surgical of a body part (like a finger
removal or limb).
 Profuse bleeding and life-
threatening without prompt
first aid.

Dangers of Open Wound

 Hemorrhage
 Infection
 Shock

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FIRST AID MANAGEMENT FOR OPEN WOUND
With Severe Bleeding (4Cs):

C- Control Bleeding
C- Cover the wound
C- Care for shock
C- Call or refer to physician

 Call the local emergency number.

 Put on PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
 Control bleeding by applying direct pressure by employing a bandage.
 Monitor airway and breathing.
 In cases where the injured person is in shock, keep him or her from feeling
overheated.
 Have the person rest comfortably and provide reassurance.
 Wash your hands immediately after giving care.

Bleeding Not Severe (Home Care):

 Clean the wound with soap and water.
 Apply mild antiseptics.
 Cover the wound with a dressing and bandage.
 Wash your hands immediately after giving care.

BURN

BURN
These are injuries to the skin and other body tissues that are caused by heat, chemicals,
electricity, or radiation.

CLASSIFICATIONS:
1. Superficial (first-degree) burns – This burn affect only the skin surface.

2. Partial-thickness (second-degree) burns – This burn affect the outermost and second
layer of the skin.

3. Full-thickness (third-degree) burns – This burn have killed the skin all the way to the
person’s fatty tissue.

Append:
Fourth degree – Destroys the skin plus fat, muscle, and sometimes bone.

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COMMON CAUSES OF BURN
1. Carelessness with match and cigarette smoking.
2. Scald from hot liquid.
3. Defective heating, cooking, and electrical equipment.
4. Immersion in overheated bath water.
5. Use of such chemicals such as lye, strong acids, and strong detergents.

TYPES OF BURN

1. THERMAL BURN - Not all thermal burns are caused by flames. Contact with hot
objects, flammable vapor that ignites and causes a flash or an explosion, and steams or
hot liquid are other common causes of burns.

FACTORS TO DETERMINE THE SERIOUSNESS OF BURNS

1. The depth
a. 1st degree – superficial thickness burn
b. 2nd degree – partial thickness burn
c. 3rd degree – full-thickness burn
2. The Extent to the affected Body Surface Area-Rule of Nine, Rule of Palm
3. Location of the Burns
4. Victim’s Age and Medical Condition

CARE FOR THERMAL BURN

First and Second-Degree Burn
 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 can drink to reduce the
burned skin’s temperature.

Third Degree Burn

 Cover the burn with a dry, non-sticking, sterile dressing or a clean cloth.

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  Treat the victim for shock by elevating the legs and keeping the victim warm
with a clean sheet or blanket.

2. CHEMICAL BURN - Chemicals will continue to cause tissue destruction until the
chemical agent is removed.
 Immediately remove the chemical by flushing it with water.
 Remove the victim’s contaminated clothing while flushing it with water.
 Flush for 20 mins. or longer. Let the victim wash with mild soap before a final
rinse.
 Cover the burned area with a dry dressing or for large areas use a clean
pillowcase.
 If the chemical is in the eye, flush it for 20mins. using low pressure.
 Seek medical attention immediately for all chemical burns.

3. ELECTRICAL BURN - The injury or severity from exposure to electrical current

depends on the type of current (direct or alternating), 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.
 Call the emergency number.
 Check the CABCs (Consciousness, Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
 Provide Rescue Breathing or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation if needed.
 If the victim fell, check for spine injury
 Treat the victim for shock
 Seek medical attention immediately. Electrical injuries are treated in burn
centers.

4. RADIATION BURN - Radiation burn or radiation dermatitis is a common side effect

of external beam radiation therapy to treat some forms of cancer. It occurs when the
skin or tissue is damaged by exposure to radiation. This type of burn is not caused by
heat but by ionizing or non-ionizing radiation.

ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE AREA BURN

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RULE OF NINE
It is a quick way to determine the extent of burns in adults by dividing the body into multiples of
nine and the sum total of these parts is equivalent to the overall body surface area injured.

 Head and Neck: 9%

 Anterior Trunk: 18%
 Posterior Trunk: 18%
 Each Arm: 9% (including the hand)
 Each Leg: 18% (including the foot)
 Genitalia: 1%

RULE OF PALM
Since the rule of nine is inaccurate for estimating the child’s burned surface area, the rule of
palm is another way to determine the burn injury for children. This work by using the victim's
palm (not fingers or wrist area) to assess the burned body surface area. The palm of the person
who is burned is equal to 1% of the body.

BANDAGING
BANDAGE
This is a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body.

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BANDAGING
It is an act or process of applying a bandage to a person's injured body part.

APPLICATION OF BANDAGE

C – careful (not to cause pain)

A – accurate (bandage the right area)
N – neatness (should look good)
S – speed (done with reasonable time)

TYPES OF BANDAGES
FUNCTION Image
Roller Bandages Used to secure dressings and
apply pressure to control
bleeding or support injured
areas.

Self-adhering, conforming Used to hold dressings in

Bandage place snugly and conform to
body contours without the
need for clips or tape.

Elastic Roller Bandages Used to provide compression

and support to reduce
swelling in sprains, strains, or
soft tissue injuries.

Triangular Bandage Used to immobilize limbs or

make slings for arm and
shoulder injuries.

TRIANGULAR BANDAGE
A piece of cloth material that can be utilized in an emergency. Among all the bandages, it is
practically the most readily available since you can convert any clothing material into a
triangular bandage in the event of an emergency.

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PURPOSES OF TRIANGULAR BANDAGE
1. To hold the dressing in place
2. To prevent infection
3. To apply direct pressure
4. To secure a splint
5. To immobilize and support body parts

PARTS OF TRIANGULAR BANDAGE

The triangular bandage is composed of three corners. On the upper part, it is called
"apex/point" the other two corners are called "end". It also has three borders. The longest
border is called "base" and the two borders are called "slide/side".

SQUARE KNOT
 Also known as Sailor’s or Reef Knot
 Easy to tie and untie
 Neat with a comfortable flat surface

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USES OF OPEN PHASE
1. Arm Sling
Applied when there is a fracture on
either the left or right forearm of
the victim.

2. Under Arm Sling

Applied when there is a dislocation
on either the left or right elbow of
the victim.

3. Chest
Applied when there is a wound on
either
left or right chest of the victim.

4. Hand
Applied when there is a burn on the hand.

USES OF SEMI-CRAVAT
1. Legs
Used to secure a splint or dressing on the lower leg to immobilize an injury.

2. Thigh
Used to hold a dressing in place or support a splint for a thigh injury.

3. Knee
Used to wrap and support the knee, especially to hold a compress or dressing
over a wound or swelling.

4. Hip bandage
Used to wrap and support the knee, especially to hold a compress or dressing
over a wound or swelling.

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USES OF NARROW CRAVAT PHASE
1. Forehead
Applied when the victim has a wound on the forehead.

Remember!
Bandaging Techniques depend upon:
1. Size and location of the wound.
2. Your first-aid skills.
3. Materials at hand.

TRIAGE

TRIAGE - Triage derives from the French verb, “trier” and means “to sort”. Triage is a process
of assigning priorities for transport/evacuation or medical care in situations involving multiple
or mass casualties.

OBJECTIVES OF TRIAGE
The objective of “classical” field triage is to identify victims needing immediate transport to
healthcare facilities and those who can be delayed. Triage in the Mass Casualty Management
system is essentially based on urgency (the victim’s status), and, secondly, on the likelihood of
survival.

WHO CAN DO TRIAGE?

Field triage can be conducted by first responders who have had training in triage techniques
such as Red Cross personnel, police, or fire service personnel. The triage must be repeated upon
arrival at the hospital and this should be done by a medical doctor or a nurse trained in the
techniques of triage.

FIELD TRIAGE
Field triage is the process by which emergency medical services providers decide on the
destination for the injured subject. Proper field triage ensures that patients are transported to
the most appropriate healthcare facility that best matches their level of need.

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PROCEDURE
It is easy to remember the system as the three T's: Tag, Treat, and Transfer.
The transfer of victims should ideally take place in a manner that ensures a safe, quick, and
efficient evacuation by appropriate vehicles to an appropriate and prepared healthcare facility.

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 EMERGENCY HOTLINES

SERVICE HOTLINE NUMBER

National Emergency Hotline in the 911
Philippines
Philippine Red Cross: 143 or (02) 8527-8385 to 95

Bureau of Fire Protection (02) 8426-0219 or (02) 8426-3812

Philippine National Police Hotline: 117 or (02) 8722-0650

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