UNIT 1 FIRST AID IN EMERGENCI~%

Structure
1.0
1.1

Objectives Introduction Concepts and Principles of First Aid and Emergency 1.2.1 Meaning of First Aid 1.2.2 Objectives of First Aid 1.2.3 Principles of First Aid Cardio-pulmonaryResuscitation 1.3.1 Definition and Indications 1.3.2 Signs and Assessment of CPR 1.3.3 ABC of CPR 1.3.4 Techniques of CPR
1.3.5

12

1.3

CPR for Children

1.4

1.5

1.6

Selected Emergency Situations 1.4.1 Haernorrhage 1.4.2 Shock 1.4.3 Wounds 1.4.4 Burns and Scalds 1.4.5 Poisons 1.4.6 Choklng 1.4.7 Fractures 1.4.8 Injuries Insect Bites and Animal Bites 1.5.1 Bee and Wasp Stings 1.5.2 Scorpion Sting l S.3 Snake Bite 1.5.4 Dog Bite Emergencies Caused by Heat and Cold Heat Cramps Heat Stroke (~un'stroke) 1.6.3 Heat Exhaustion 1.6.4 Hypothennia 1.6.5 Frostbite
1 6. I

1.6.2

1.7

1.8
1.9

Other Emergency Situations 1.7.1 Angina Pectoris and Heart Attack 1.7.2 cardiac i4rrest (Cardio-pulmonary Arrest) Let Us Sum Up Model Answers

1.0 OBJECTIVES
AAer studying this unit, you should b ; able to: explain meaning of first aid and emergencies; describe the objectives and principles of first aid; explain the life saving techniques commonly use$ during emergencies, and provide first aid in certain emergencies which arise in community.

C a r e of M i n o r Ailments. and Emergencies

1.1 INTRODUCTION
In Block 1 you have learnt about concepts and principles,of community and family health. . While working with family or in community, you may come across many emergency situations. An'emergency is the unforseen medical condition which calls for prompt and quick action to save the life of a person or to prevent severe damage. If you happen to be at the site when an emergency arises you may have to deal with it promptly with knowledge, skill and confidelace. The main aim of providing prompt and proper first aid treatment in any emergency situation is to save life, provide relief from immediate danger and prevent further injury or impairment. In this unit you will learn about providing.first aid in certain common conditions which may occur accidentally in the family or in community. Let us begin with definition, meaning and principles of first aid.

1.2 CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY

As a health worker you should understand what are the principles and objectives of first aid and what do you mean by first aid? All these are described in the following subsections.

1.2.1 Meaning of First Aid

First aid is an immediate temporary assistance given to a person who is injured or has suddenly become ill (using facilities or materials available), at the site before regular medical help is made available. First aid includes assessing the victim fo; life threatening conditions, performing appropriate interventions to sustain life and keeping the person in the best possible physical and mental state until helshe is brought to the emergency or casualty unit in the hospital to save life and prevent further injury or damage.

1.2.2 Objectives of First Aid

The objectives of the first aid are to:

a preserve life.
prevent further injury and deterioration of the condition. prevent complications related to injury or illness.
. make

the victim as comfortable as possible to conserve strength.

a help the injured person to be able to reach for professional medic4 aid at the earliest.

1.2.3 Principles of First Aid

When you come across a seriously injured person you should follow the below mentioned principles i.e. :

a Make sure that victim's airway is not blocked by the tongue, secretions or some foreign
body. Make sure that the person is breathing, if not administer artifical respiration - restore respiration. . Make sure that patient has a pulse if no pulse is felt, adrninlster cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). (This is discussed in Section 1 3 . ) Check fot bleeding - take measures to control 8nd stop bleeding. Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely or he hasswallowed poison or.his heart beat or breathing has stopped "Every second is important".

a Arrange without delay for shifting the victim to hospital for medical attention. Although most injured persons can safely be moved, it is important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries unless you save him from further danger.
Keep the victim/patlent lying down. If he has vomited and there is no danger of his neck being broken - turn him on his side to prevent choking. Keep him wzrm with blankets or coats.