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First Aid Tips

WHAT IS FIRST AID?

FIRST AID

First Aid is the first assistance or treatment given for a sick or injured person (called casualty) before the arrival of an ambulance or qualified expert.

OBJECTIVES OF FIRST AID

TO SAVE LIVES

  • If unconscious keep the airway clear
  • Make sure the casualty is breathing
  • Stop any bleeding
  • Treat other injuries in the right order

TO PREVENT FUTHER INJURY

  • Never move the casualty unless there is danger, to avoid further injury
  • Comfort and reassure the casualty
  • Give protection from the cold, exercise heat or wet conditions

TO OBTAIN MEDICAL AID

  • Ask someone to call an ambulance or doctor as soon as possible.
  • Always stay with the victim until help arrives.


BLEEDING

If too much blood is lost from the body through a wound or other injury, the casualty may die, always stop the bleeding promptly.

WHAT TO DO

- If the wound is minor and dirty, lightly rinse it with running water,  if available, until it is clean.

- Wash your hands before and after giving first aid and avoid getting blood on your hands or body especially if you have any open cuts or wounds.

Wash Hands & Use Sterile Dressing

- Stop the flow of blood by pressing firmly on the wound, or hold the cut edges together. Put a bulky dressing firmly on the wound. If a suitable dressing cannot be found quickly, use a folded pad of material or tissues. Keep firm pressure on the wound for 10 minutes with the casualty lying down, if possible.

- If the wound is on a limb, raise the injured part to slow down bleeding. Comfort and reassure the casualty.

Stop the flow of blood by applying direct pressure and elevating the limb.

- If the blood comes through the first dressing pad, check that it is in the right place. If still bleeds, apply further pad – do not remove original pad.

- Keep the wounded part raised for a while, until the bleeding has stopped. A doctor should check all severe wounds. Some will need stitches to help them to heal.

- A puncture wound, such as an injury from a rusty nail, or a bite from a cat or dog, may become infected later. The casualty should see the doctor as soon as possible, because an anti-tetanus injection may be needed.