Introduction to First Aid

1. To understand the principles, meaning and aims of First Aid

2. To know the qualities, responsibilities and duties of a First Aider

3. To know the basic contents of a First Aid Pouch & uses of these items

Learning Objectives

• Introduction

•Definition

• Aims of First Aid

•Duties, Qualities and Responsibilities of a First Aider

• Contents of First Aid Pouch

• Case study

• Conclusion

Scope

What is First Aid?

• First Aid is the

immediate assistance

or treatment given to

someone injured or

suddenly taken ill

before the arrival of an

ambulance, doctor or

other appropriately

qualified person

Aims of First Aid

• Preserve life

• Prevent the injury or illness from becoming worse

• To promote recovery

Duties of a First Aider

• Saving life

• Stabilising the condition of

victim

• Minimising late

complications

• Preparing the victim for

evacuation and evacuating

him with skill and dispatch

Qualities of a First Aider

A First Aider must be:

•Highly Trained

• Tested and regularly re-tested to maintain standard

•Up-to-date in knowledge and skills

Responsibility of a First AiderIn the management of a casualty, your

responsibility as a first aider is to:

•Assess the situation

• Identify the condition of the casualty/what he is suffering from

•Give immediate and appropriate treatment to the casualty

First Aid Pouch

ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN THE FIRST AID POUCH

• Individually wrapped adhesive dressings

• Bandages (Triangular, roller, elastic)

• Safety Pins

• First Aid Dressing (FAD) (No. 13 , 14, 15)

• Plasters

• Cotton Wool

Adhesive Dressing or Plaster• Used for minor wounds, best

choice for small wounds/cuts Sterile Dressing, FAD

• Easy to apply, ideal in emergencies. Comes in a range of sizes and in protective wrapping

Roller and Elastic Bandages• Supports joints, secures dressing,

restricts movement, maintains pressure on dressing and limits swelling

Triangular bandages• Made of cloth or strong paper. Used

for secondary bandages and slings

Item Descriptions

PARTS OF FAD

STERILE PADDING

Short End

Long End

The First Minutes- Group Discussion

You are faced with two casualties:

•During a PE lesson, a student fell and hit his head

against a sharp edge. There is a long deep gash

and blood is pouring from his head

•During lunch, a school mate in the canteen had

choked on a fish ball. He has lost consciousness

and his face is turning blue.

TAKE NOTE

• Immediate danger threatens the lives of these two victims.

• Life saving measures must be carried out immediately

• Delaying treatment until victims are evacuated or medical help arrives can result in death

AT SITE

Would you know how to render First Aid to these people?

Amputation injury

• Arrest haemorrhage

Heart attack

• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

ACTION TAKEN

REMEMBER!

• The first few minutes after an injury or

sudden illness are critical

• Any delay in starting treatment can cost

a life

• Accurate identification of an injury or

illness helps to determine proper

method of First Aid treatment.

Q & A

CONCLUSION

• First Aid Measures serve to minimise further

injuries or loss of lives.

• It is important to train First Aiders who are

proficient in their skills to be able to render

immediate assistance during Medical

Emergencies.