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When out and about
The first objective of first aid is to save the life that is to prevent the patient from dying before medical aid can be obtained. Therefore, look immediately for signs of asphyxia or severe bleeding and, if necessary, stop bleeding and begin artificial respiration. Remember that every second counts a lot.
The second objective is to prevent any deterioration in the condition of the patient. By attending to the injuries, which the patient has sustained, and preventing further injury.
When giving first aid remember that you may do more harm by doing too much than too little. Your attempts to treat serious burns or to straighten a fracture may make it more difficult for the doctor who later has to cure the patient.
Asphyxia
Asphyxia is a condition where by air is prevented from entering the lungs such as by suffocation, drowning, gas, electric shock and choking. If the patient has stopped breathing do not lose an instant, act quickly.
* Clear away any obstruction round the neck or face, or within the mouth or throat.
* Lay the patient on his back and kneel beside his head.
* Place one hand under his neck and the other hand on top of his head.
* Lift the hand and tilt the head backwards as far as possible, this may clear the airway and the patient may begin to breathe. If he does not, immediately commence artificial respiration.
Artificial respiration
* Keep the head tilted backwards.
* With one head pinch the patient’s nose shut and keep his head bent back while with the other hand hold his chin to keep his mouth open.
* Open your mouth wide, seal the patient’s mouth with your own and blow in smoothly.
* Watch out of the corner of your eye, if possible, for the rise of the chest. Now remove your mouth to allow the air out again and the chest to fall. At the same time you take another breathe in.
* Repeat 3 or 4 times as soon as his chest has fallen. For a baby or small child blow gently and carefully. In no circumstances blow violently into a baby’s lungs.
Remember your lips should be right around the patient’s mouth.
Drowning
* Quickly clear mouth of any false teeth, weeds, or obvious obstruction.
* Give artificial respiration.
* Maintain body heat of the patient by placing a rug or coat over and under him and continue artificial respiration.
* When consciousness returns, keep the patient lying down in recovery position and treat for shock.
Shock prevention
In any serious injury:
* Stop any bleeding
* Lay patient on his back with head to one side and legs slightly raised, unless they are fractured.
* Loosen clothing at neck and waist.
* Maintain body heat of the patient by placing rug or coat around the patient; do not give anything to drink or apply hot water bottles.
* Handle as gently as possible and avoid any unnecessary movements
* See there is plenty of fresh air, and protect against any inclemency of weather.
* Be cheerful and encouraging
* Get a doctor as soon as possible.
Electric shock
Act promptly, taking care not to electrocute yourself.
* Switch off the current if possible or unplug cable.
* If this is not possible stand on an insulating material like a dry rubber mackintosh, or piece of wood or pull the victim away by means of a rope or walking stick.
* Apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if breathing has stopped. Be aware of fracture and burnt areas.
Remember very high power currents like pylon wires power stations can be very dangerous if approached. Keep clear and do not attempt rescue until current is known to have been cut off.
Severe bleeding
With fingers and thumb press the wound edges firmly together. Keep this pressure for at least ten minutes to let a clot form. Raise the bleeding arm or leg. Replace your finger pressure by that of a firm dressing pad or bandage as soon as you can. Keep the injured part at rest. If blood continues through the bandage leave the bandage on and add more padding and firm bandaging over it.
Fainting
* If the patient feels faint, make him sit down and lower his head between the knees.
* Loosen cloth at neck and waist.
* Allow plenty of fresh air, but protect from cold.
* When the patient regains strength gradually raise him and give sips of water, tea or coffee.
Unconsciousness
* Examine the patient to see that he is breathing; if not, apply artificial respiration.
* If you suspect fractures, which would prevent moving him, turn the head to one side and ensure a clear airway by tilting the head slightly backwards.
* If he can be moved put him into the recovery position, turn the patient on to the side, with the lower leg and arm are stretched out behind him, the upper arm and leg should be bent so that the hip and elbow joints are at about a right angle. The head should be tilted slightly backwards.
* Do not give patient any thing to drink.
Burns and scalds
Never handle a burned area and do not apply any lotions or ointment. The objective of treatment of burns is to reduce the heat of the burn.
* Place the burnt area in cool clean water for at least ten minutes and until pain is relieved.
* Apply a clean dry dressing.
* Arrange for transport as soon as possible.
The transport of a seriously burnt patient should not be delayed.
* Burn blisters should not be pricked.
* Reassure the patient, as this is most important to his recovery. Guard against shock.
Fractures
Do not move the patient until the injured part is immobilized, unless life is in immediate danger from surrounding environment, i.e. falling buildings, fire, etc.
Poisoning
Poison fall into two categories.
* Those which burn
* Those which do not burn
Unconscious patient
* Ensure that the patient is breathing freely; place him in the recovery position.
* Should he not be breathing commence artificial respiration at once.
Transfer to hospital immediately.
Conscious patient
* Ask the patient exactly what happened
* If there are no stains on the lips or mouth, make him vomit, by giving him drink two table spoon of salt in a glass of water. Repeat this once.
* If there are stains, do not make him vomit, but dilute the poison by making him sip water, milk or barley water slowly.
* Transfer the patient to hospital without delay.
Remember, transfer patient to hospital at once without delay and in all cases of poisoning any bottle or other containers found must be sent with the patient to the hospital.
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