First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury.

It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care past the first aid intervention. It generally consists of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.

Aims
The key aims of first aid can be summarized in three key points:[5]

Preserve life: the overriding aim of all medical care, including first aid, is to save lives Prevent further harm: also sometimes called prevent the condition from worsening, or danger of further injury, this covers both external factors, such as moving a patient away from any cause of harm, and applying first aid techniques to prevent worsening of the condition, such as applying pressure to stop a bleed becoming dangerous. Promote recovery: first aid also involves trying to start the recovery process from the illness or injury, and in some cases might involve completing a treatment, such as in the case of applying a plaster to a small wound

First aid training also involves the prevention of initial injury and responder safety, and the treatment phases.

Migraine Headache Overview

Migraine headaches are one of the most common problems seen in emergency departments and doctors' offices. Migraines are due to changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours and vary in frequency fromdaily to fewer than 1 per year. Migraine affects about 15% of the population. Three times as many women as men have migraines. More than 80% of people with migraines (called migraineurs) have other members in the family who have them too.

Different types of migraine headaches

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Common migraine accounts for 80% of migraines. There is no "aura" before a common migraine. People with classic migraines experience an aura before their headaches. Most often, an aura is a visual disturbance (outlines of lights or jagged light images). Classic migraines are usually much more severe than common migraines. Status migrainosus is a migraine that does not go away by itself

Migraine Headache Causes

The exact cause of migraine headaches is not clearly understood, though experts believe they are due to a combination of the expansion of blood vessels and the release of certain chemicals, which causes inflammation and pain. The chemicals dopamine and serotonin are among those involved in migraine. These chemicals are found normally in the brain and can cause blood vessels to act abnormally if they are present in abnormal amounts or if the blood vessels are unusually sensitive to them. Various triggers are thought to bring about migraine in certain people prone to developing migraine. Different people may have different triggers:

Certain foods, especially chocolate, cheese, nuts, alcohol, and MSG, bring on headaches in some people. (MSG is a food enhancer used in many foods including Chinese food.) Missing a meal may bring on a headache. Stress and tension are also risk factors. People often have migraines during times of increased emotional or physical stress. Birth control pills are a common trigger. Women may have migraines at the end of the pill cycle as the estrogen component of the pill is stopped. This is called an estrogen-withdrawal headache. Smoking may cause migraines or interfere with treatment.

Migraine Headache Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person and from migraine to migraine. Five phases can often be identified:

Prodrome: A variety of warnings can come before a migraine. These may consist of a change in mood (for example, feeling "high," irritable, or depressed) or a subtle change of sensation (for example, a funny taste or smell). Fatigue and muscle tension are also common Aura: This is commonly a visual disturbance that precedes the headache phase. Some migraineurs develop blind spots (called scotomas); see geometric patterns or flashing, colorful lights; or lose vision on one side (hemianopsia). Headache: Although migraine pain usually appears on one side of the head, 30-40% of migraines occur on both sides. Throbbing pain may be present. More than 80% of migraineurs feel nauseated, and somevomit. About 70% become sensitive to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). This phase may last 4-72 hours. Headache termination: Even if untreated, the pain usually goes away with sleep. Postdrome: Other signs of the migraine (for example, inability to eat, problems with concentration, or fatigue) may linger after the pain has disappeared.

Migraine Headache Treatment

Self-Care at Home
Most migraineurs can manage mild-to-moderate attacks at home with the following strategies:

Using a cold compress to the area of pain Resting with pillows comfortably supporting the head or neck Resting in a room with little or no sensory stimulation (light, sound, odors) Withdrawing from stressful surroundings Sleeping Drinking a moderate amount of caffeine Trying certain over-the-counter headache medications Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): These include medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil),naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), andketoprofen (Orudis). Stomach ulcers and bleeding are serious potential side effects. This type of medication should not be taken by anyone with a history of stomach bleeding. A doctor or pharmacist should be asked about possible medicine interactions if the migraineur is taking other drugs. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen may be safely taken with NSAIDs for an additive effect. Taking acetaminophen by itself is usually safe, even with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Acetaminophen should not be taken if the migraineur has liver problems or has 3 or more alcohol drinks a day. Combination medications: Some over-the-counter pain relievers have been approved for use with migraine. These include Excedrin Migraine, which contains acetaminophen and aspirin combined with caffeine. A similar effect can be achieved by taking 2 aspirin or acetaminophen tablets with a cup of black coffee.

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Medical Treatment
Despite medical advances, migraines can be difficult to treat. About half of migraineurs stop seeking medical care for their headaches because they are dissatisfied with therapy. Migraines can be treated with 2 approaches: abortive and preventive.

Abortive: The goal of abortive therapy is to prevent a migraine attack or to stop it once it starts. The prescribed medications stop a headache during its prodrome stage or once it has begun and may be taken as needed. Some can be administered as a self-injection into the thigh; others, as a wafer that melts on the tongue. These forms of medication are especially useful for people who vomit during a migraine, and they work quickly. Abortive treatment medications include the triptans, which specifically target serotonin. They are all very similar in their action and chemical structure. The triptans are used only to treat headache pain and do not relieve pain from back problems, arthritis, menstruation, or other conditions.

Drowning Treatment
Call 911 if: Someone is drowning. 1. Get Help

Notify a lifeguard, if one is close. If not, ask someone to call 911.

If you are alone, follow the steps below.

2. Move the Person

Take the person out of the water.

3. Check for Breathing

Place your ear next to the person's mouth and nose. Do you feel air on your cheek? Look to see if the person's chest is moving.

4. If the Person is Not Breathing, Check Pulse

Check the person's pulse for 10 seconds.

5. If There is No Pulse, Start CPR Carefully place person on back.

For an adult or child, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest at the nipple line. You can also push with one hand on top of the other. For an infant, place two fingers on the breastbone. For an adult or child, press down about 2 inches. Make sure not to press on ribs. For an infant, press down about 1 and 1/2 inches. Make sure not to press on end of breastbone. Do 30 chest compressions, at the rate of 100 per minute or more. Let the chest rise completely between pushes. Check to see if the person has started breathing.

6. Repeat if Person Is Still Not Breathing

If you've been trained in CPR, you can now open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the nose of the victim closed. Take a normal breath, cover the victim's mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and then give 2 one-second breaths as you watch for the chest to rise. Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts breathing or emergency help arrives.

Dealing with depression: First aid for your mood

What's in your mental health first aid toolkit? THE BLUES OR DEPRESS ION? Did you know that depression is one of the most common mental health concerns reported by UBC students? [1] Everyone experiences changes in their mood and it is normal to have days where you feel sad or blue. However, depression is more than just feeling down and it can have an impact on many aspects of your life, including your academic performance. Depression is a persistent low mood that lasts for more than two weeks. It is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities. If you are depressed you may also experience:

difficulties with concentration and retaining information loss of energy and motivation trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much poor appetite or overeating increased restlessness or irritability thoughts that you are worthless thoughts of suicide
The symptoms of depression can interfere with your ability to perform at your best and can make it difficult for you to fully participate in the campus community. You may struggle with simple daily activities and feel reluctant to reach out for support. FIRST AID FOR M ANAGI NG YOUR MOOD There are several strategies you can use to care for yourself. They are especially important when your mood is low. [2] Set small, specific, and realistic goals When your mood is low you are more likely to feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities. By prioritizing what needs to be done and setting clear doable goals, you will maximize your likelihood of success. Meeting your goals has a positive impact on your mood. Develop a sustaining lifestyle and practice self-care When your mood is low it is especially important to pay attention to maintaining a balance of regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep (seven to eight hours a night). Having fun is also important. Regular activities that you enjoy go a long way to managing your mood. Avoid alcohol and other substances Alcohol or other substances can be tempting when your mood is low. However, using alcohol or other substances as a coping strategy can exacerbate a low mood and make problems worse in the long run.

Challenge negative thinking with self-supportive thoughts How you feel and how you act depends to a large degree on how you think. When your mood is low, you tend to view situations through a negative, distorted lens. To think more positively, imagine putting on a pair of blue-tinted glasses. Developing and repeating realistic self-supportive thoughts (such as everyone makes mistakes) can help you to counter negative thinking and regain a more balanced perspective. Connect socially and reach out for support Staying connected with supportive others makes you less vulnerable to depression, enhances your self-esteem, and helps you to recover from episodes of low mood faster. When you are feeling down, talk to people who care about you. Get more good ideas Many students feel particularly concerned about their mood at one time or another. Check out more helpful options for managing your mood by using the Antidepressant Skills workbook, or other self-help guides at COMH - Self-Management Resources.

Fever

Fever is higher-than-normal body temperature (Normal temparature-370C or 98.60F) Indicates an abnormal process in the body Fever is a symptom and not disease Also called 'pyrexia' Low fever:98.80F to 100.80F Mild to moderate:1010F to 1030F High fever:1040F and above

Causes Hot weather Childhood immunization Bacterial/viral infection Spending much time in sun Allergy to medication / food Symptoms Hot flushed face Lack of interest in food Nausea Vomiting Head and body ache

 Constipation Diarrhea High fevermaybe associated with Delirium Convulsion

Treatment Monitor temperature using a thermometer Remove the excess clothing Keep the person in a cool place Give a sponge bath in luke warm water Give plenty of fluids Give prescribed doses of acetaminophen /paracetamol Do not give aspirin to a person with fever Do not wrap the person in blankets / warm clothing

Consult a Doctor in case of Irregular breathing Stiff neck Confusion Rashes Persistent sore throat Vomiting Diarrhea Painful urination Convulsions
SPRAIN

Sprain is the stretch/tear of ligament connecting bones Occurs in both the upper & lower part of the body Most common sites - ankle/wrists/knee Causes Trauma/accidents Lifting heavy objects Sporting injuries Symptoms Pain Swelling Lumps other than swelling Bruising/redness at site of injury Numbness Inability to move the joint Treatment Apply a cold compress to injured area for 20 min This may be done 4-8 times a day Use a plastic bag with crushed ice, wrapped in a towel Use compression bandages to reduce swelling Keep the injured leg elevated on a pillow Take anti inflammatory pills if necessary Take rest for the recommended period When pain/swelling is diminished, do recommended exercises Consult a doctorIf the following occurs Severe pain/numbness

Inability to move the joint Inability to assess the severity of injury Steps To Avoid Do not return to normal activities if not completely cured This could lead to the problem turning chronic Prevention Avoid exercising/sporting when tired Eat a well balanced meal-for healthy muscles Avoid unhealthy weight gain Exercise daily-particularly stretching exercises Do warm-up before exercising Practice safety measures, like avoiding clutter Run on even surface Do not wear ill-fitting shoes

STROKE

Stroke is also called 'Cerebrovascular Accident' It is an acute neurological injury It may be due to blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic) Leads to stoppage of blood supply to a part of brain Oxygen supply is decreased This initiates 'ischemic cascade'-causes brain cell death/damage This results in a cerebral stroke Causes/Risks High Blood Pressure Diabetes Cigarette smoking Heart Disease Symptoms Numbness/weakness of an arm/leg/face/one side of body Sudden confusion in speaking/understanding speech Impaired vision in one or both eyes Sudden headache Loss of balance/co-ordination Dizziness Treatment If you suspect stroke, call emergency medical help Reassure the patient Lay the patient down with head and shoulders slightly elevated If patient is not breathing well do a CPR Place the patient on the left side if breathing/not responsive Keep the chin slightly extended Steps To Avoid Never give a suspected stroke victim anything to eat/drink Do not permit the victim to move Prevention Do regular checkups for BP Eat food with less salt Exercise regularly Eat a balanced, healthy diet Take the BP pills regularly

PROFUNE BLEEDING

Causes Symptoms Treatment Consult a doctor Steps To Avoid

Overview Severe bleeding involves loss of large amount of blood This may occur externally through natural openings, like mouth A cut on the skin too can lead to bleeding Internal bleeding occurs due to an injury to blood vessel Causes Accidents/Falls Blow to the head Injuries, like scalp wounds Tooth Extraction Certain medications Illnesses like a. Hemophilia b. Scurvy c. Cancer d. Thrombocytopenia e. A plastic Anemia f. Leukemia g. Hemorrhage h. Peptic Ulcer i. Platelet Disorder j. Liver Disease k. Septicemia Symptoms Discharge of blood from a wound Bruising Blood in stool/urine Blood coming from other areas, like mouth/ear Treatment Wash hands well before administering to patient Wear synthetic gloves Make the victim lie down Slightly elevate the legs If possible keep the affected area elevated Remove any obvious debris/particle Apply direct pressure using clean cloth/bandage Use hand if cloth is not available Apply pressure continuously for at least 20 minutes

Do not remove the cloth to check the bleeding Hold the bandage in place using an adhesive tape If bleeding seeps through bandage, do not remove it Add extra bandage on top of the first one Apply direct pressure on the artery if necessary The pressure points for arm--below arm- pit/above elbow For leg--behind knee/near groin Squeeze the artery keeping finger flat Continue applying pressure on the wound Once bleeding stops immobilize the affected part See a doctor Consult a doctor If bleeding does not stop If bleeding occurs through nose, ears etc Coughing up blood Vomiting Bruising/deep wounds Abdominal tenderness Fracture Shock Steps To Avoid Do not try to replace a displaced organ Just cover the wound with a clean cloth Do not try to remove an embedded object What is heart attack? Occurs when blood supply to vital organs gets blocked >50years / menopausal women at greater risk Occurs with / without chest pain Sudden arrest of breathing / heart function May result in cardiopulmonary arrest Clot in the arteries blocks blood supply Occurs due to: a. Deposits of calcium / cholesterol b. Hereditary factors c. Tobacco d. Obesity e. High blood pressure f. Emotional stress g. Inflammatory disease of arteries h. Trauma / disease of heart

Symptoms

Chest pain Shoulder/arm pain Shortness of breath Sweating Heartburn Nausea Abdominal pain First aid

Try to relax Loosen tight clothes Take medicines if any Pain subsides within 3 min of medicine intake If not, see a doctor. Give artifical respiration if required Give Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): a. If no pulse is detected b. By placing palm on chest to pump 15 pumps are followed by 2 artificial respiration Continue till ambulance / doctor arrives Prevention

Routine health check-up Avoid stress Quit smoking / alcohol Eat sensibly Control blood pressure / diabetes Control weight

POISONING

Poisons are substances that cause injury, illness or death

These events are caused by a chemical activity in the cells Poisons can be injected, inhaled or swallowed Poisoning should be suspected if a person is sick for unknown reason Poor ventilation can aggravate Inhalation poisoning First aid is critical in saving the life of victims

Causes Medications Drug overdose Occupational exposure Cleaning detergents/paints Carbon mono oxide gas from furnace, heaters Insecticides Certain cosmetics Certain household plants, animals Food poisoning (Botulism) Symptoms Blue lips Skin Rashes Difficulty in breathing Diarrhea Vomiting/Nausea Fever Head ache Giddiness/drowsiness Double vision Abdominal/chest pain Palpitations/Irritability Loss of appetite/bladder control Numbness Muscle twitching Seizures Weakness Loss of consciousness Treatment Seek immediate medical help

Meanwhile, Try and identify the poison if possible Check for signs like burns around mouth, breathing difficulty or vomiting Induce vomiting if poison swallowed In case of convulsions, protect the person from self injury If the vomit falls on the skin, wash it thoroughly Position the victim on the left till medical help arrives For inhalation poisoning Seek immediate emergency help Get help before you attempt to rescue others Hold a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth Open all the doors and windows Take deep breaths before you begin the rescue Avoid lighting a match Check the patient's breathing Do a CPR, if necessary If the patient vomits, take steps to prevent choking

Steps to Avoid Avoid giving an unconscious victim anything orally Do not induce vomiting unless told by a medical personnel Do not give any medication to the victim unless directed by a doctor Do not neutralize the poison with limejuice/honey Prevention Store medicines, cleaning detergents, mosquito repellants and paints carefully Keep all potentially poisonous substances out of children's reach Label the poisons in your house Avoid keeping poisonous plants in or around house Take care while eating products such as berries, roots or mushrooms Teach children the need to exercise caution

2ND DEGREE BURN

Second-degree burns Burns extends to middle skin layer, dermis Swelling, redness and pain observed Burnt area may turn white on touch Blisters develop, that ooze a clear fluid Scars may develop Restricts movement, if injury occurs at joint Dehydration may occur Healing time varies, depends on extent of injury Treatment Clean the affected area thoroughly Gently dry Apply antibiotic cream over affected area Make the patient lie down Keep burnt body part at a raised level Skin graft may be required Physical therapy may be essential to aid mobility Splints may be used to rest affected joints Hospitalization is essential