ROTC MS 1: MILITARY INDIVIDUAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MODULE

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT 1

OBJECTIVES: 

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand the goals, general rules and limitations of first aid;

2. Understand the Characteristics of a Good First Aider; and
3. Know/understand Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

What is First Aid? 

First – preceding all others in time or order

Aid – to provide with what is useful or necessary

First Aid – is an immediate care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly
taken ill. It includes self-help and home care if medical assistance is not available or delayed.

GOALS OF FIRST AID 

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD FIRST AIDER

1. Gentle – first aider should not cause, inflict pain as much as possible.
2. Resourceful – makes the best use of things at hand.

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 3. Observant – should notice all signs. Aware of what is happening and what may
happen.
4. Tactful – handling the victim with utmost care and in a calm manner.
5. Emphatic – should be comforting.
6. Respectable – maintains a professional and caring attitude.

PURPOSE AND LIMITATIONS

The objectives of first aid are to save life, prevent further injury, and limit infection. However, first
aid is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. Keep in mind the objectives of first aid.
Everyone must know when and how to apply first aid measures and must be prepared to give
assistance to persons injured.

The objectives of first aid are to save life, prevent further injury, and limit infection. However, first

aid is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. Keep in mind the objectives of first aid.
Everyone must know when and how to apply first-aid measures and must be prepared to give
assistance to persons injured in battle, collision, fire, and other mishaps.

In administering first aid, you have three primary tasks:
1.   Maintain breathing
2.   Stop bleeding/maintain circulation
3.   Prevent or treat for shock

The first step, of course, is to determine the victim’s injuries. When you treat a victim, first
consideration usually must be given to the most serious injury. In general, the order of treatment
is to restore breathing, stop bleeding, and treat for shock. Work quickly, but don’t rush around
frantically. Don’t waste time looking for ready-made materials. Do the best you can with
whatever is at hand. Send for medical help as soon as possible.

CARDIO – PULMONARY RESUSCITATION

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – is a lifesaving technique useful in many

emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or hearth
beat has stopped.

This is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Conditions when CPR is Needed

 The victim is UNCONSCIOUS
 PULSE is WEAK or NO PULSE
 NO BREATHING/DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING

Cardiac Arrest caused by Coronary Heart Disease, Dysrhythmias, Respiratory arrest,

Electrocution, Drowning, Choking and Trauma.

Chest Compressions
 A cycle of chest compression is composed of 30 compression at a rate of 80-100 per
minute.
 After a cycle, 2 rescue breaths are administered.

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 Rescue Breaths
 Giving oxygen via mouth to mouth.

CPR Cycles
 5 cycles composed of;
o Cycle 1
 30 compressions
 2 rescue breaths
o Cycle 2
 30 compressions
 2 rescue breaths
And so on and so forth until the 5th cycle.
 Re assess the victim after 5 cycles using the primary survey.
o C – Consciousness
o A – Airways
o B – Breathing
o C – Circulation

When to STOP the CPR

S –Spontaneous signs of circulation restored
T – Turned over to medical services or authorized personnel
O –Operator is already exhausted and cannot continue CPR
P – Physician assumes the responsibility

Care of the Victim After Successful CPR

 Transfer in a secured place.
 Place in a side lying position – Recovery position.
 Wait for the emergency response unit and continuously monitor the victim.

First Steps in First Aid (Scene and Patient Assessment)

Check for:
 Electrical hazards
 Chemical hazards
 Noxious & Toxic gases
 Ground hazards
 Fire
 Unstable equipment
In order for a person to survive, pay attention to:
 History – what happened; from the casualty or bystanders
 Symptoms – what only the casualty can tell you
 Signs – what you can see for yourself

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