Lecture 1: Introduction to

First Aid
First Aid (BAS3137)
DR. Manal
Lecturer Helmy
of Physical Therapy
sinaiuniversity.net
 Objectives of the Lecture:

1. Define First Aid and its aims.

2- Identify legal & emotional aspects of providing first
aid.
3- Explain roles & responsibilities of first aid providers.
4- List contents of First aid kit.
ctive
Obje

5- Recognize Safety, Protection & Prevention.

6- Identify Stress management in emergency situations.
7- Explain priorities of treatment.
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 • What is First Aid? P. 5

• Aims of First Aid? P.6

• Legal aspects of providing first aid P.7-8

• emotional aspects of providing first aid P.9-10

• Roles & Responsibilities of first aid providers P.11-12

INDEX

• First Aid Kit P.13

• Safety, protection & prevention P.14-15

• Stress Management P.16-18

• Priorities of Treatment P.19

 Introduction to First
Aid

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 What is First Aid ??

First aid is emergency help given to an injured or suddenly ill person

using readily available materials. A person who takes charge of an
emergency scene and gives first aid is called a first aider. The injured or
ill person is called a casualty.

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 Aims of First Aid

The three aims of first aid, in order of importance, are to (3Ps):

* Preserve life.
* Prevent the illness or injury from becoming worse.
* Promote recovery.

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 Legal aspects of providing first aid

The good Samaritan principle prevents

someone who has voluntarily helped another in
need from being sued for 'wrongdoing'. Since
governments want to encourage people to help
others.

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 Follow: Legal aspects of providing first aid

Whenever you help a person in an emergency situation, you

should abide by the following principles:
• You identify yourself as a first aider and get permission to help the
injured or ill person before you touch them—this is called consent.
• You use reasonable skill and care in accordance with the level of
knowledge and skill that you have.
• You are not negligent in what you do.
• You do not abandon the person.
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 Emotional aspects of providing first aid
Both the first aid provider and the victim may suffer
emotional distress during and/or following a traumatic
incident. The seriousness or horror of the incident will be a
factor in determining the amount of emotional distress. It may
be worse in human-made events; for example, a terrorist
attack or mass shooting. Providing first aid care for a seriously
injured or ill child is generally more emotionally difficult than
caring for an adult.

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 Follow: Emotional aspects of providing first aid
Symptoms of a traumatic stress reaction include a pounding heartbeat and fast
breathing which may begin during or within minutes of the traumatic event. Feelings of
guilt for not having done more, worrying about the safety of loved ones, nightmares, and
thinking about the event repeatedly may follow the incident.
Stress reactions are a normal, human response to a traumatic event and are usually
temporary. With the help of family and friends, most people gradually feel better as time
goes by. If you feel you need extra help coping after a traumatic event, call your doctor or
ask friends if they can recommend a mental-health professional.
The organization you work for may have an Employee Assistance Program available to
assist you.

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 Roles and responsibilities of first aid providers
Roles:

A basic role of a first aid provider is to recognize a

medical emergency and make a decision to help.
Your personal safety is your highest initial priority,
followed by the safety of the victim and any bystanders.

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 Roles and responsibilities of first aid providers
Responsibilities:
1- Maintain composure.
2- Maintain personal health and safety.
3- Maintain caring attitude.
4- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills.
5- Without putting yourself in danger, make the victims'
needs your main concern.
6- Do no further harm.
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 First Aid Kit

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 Safety, Protection and Prevention
Safety & personal protection:
In any emergency, first aid providers must always be aware of hazards and
give first aid safely. A hazard is anything that poses a risk of injury or
death to a first aid provider. There are three basic types of risks to be
aware of:
1) The energy source that caused the original injury—is the mechanism
that caused the original injury still active, causing injury to others?
2) There may be hazards caused by external factors.
3) There may be hazards associated with first aid procedures or a rescue.
Example: moving a heavy casualty could place the first aider at risk of
injury.
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 Follow: Safety, Protection and Prevention
Prevention:
Some hazards can be controlled by the first aid provider. When controlling
hazards, keep the following principles in mind:
- Use mechanical means whenever possible (broom, dustpan, tools, etc.)
- Be careful when lifting or moving objects on or near a casualty
- Have someone assist you where possible
- Turn on lights where no other risks to doing so exist
- Ensure safe footing (many injuries to first aiders are a result of slips and
falls).

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 Stress management in emergency situations
First aiders may experience a certain level of stress as a result of the
assistance they provide. Stress is the body’s normal reaction to physical
and psychological events. It can be seen in certain attitudes and
behaviors in both casualties and first aiders. It is a biological response
and may be reflected in:
- An increase in heart rate
- An increase in blood pressure
- An increase in blood sugar
- Dilation of the bronchi and pupils

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 Stress management in emergency situations
Possible reactions of casualties
Casualties may react to stressors in different ways and first aiders must observe and
adjust to such reactions which can include:

Denial—the casualty may deny the seriousness of the situation and refuse
assistance .
Resignation—the casualty may be resigned to dying even if their life does not seem
to be in danger, and doesn’t want to make any effort to do what is needed.
Aggressiveness—the casualty may be hostile.
Assertiveness—the casualty is positive, cooperative, and may even want to take
charge of their own care including directing the first aiders.

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 Stress Management
Managing stress in an emergency situation can make a significant
difference in the quality of first aid provided. Appropriate mental
preparation and regular first aid skill practice can help first aiders react
effectively when faced with an emergency situation. The negative
impact of stress can be reduced by understanding it and taking
measures to try and overcome it. After serious incidents, it is important
for first aiders to process their emotions.
When faced with a highly stressful situation some first aiders may
experience prolonged effects of stress and they should seek medical
assistance.

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 The priorities of treatment

Assess a situation quickly and calmly.

● Protect yourself and casualty from danger.
● Prevent cross contamination.
● Provide comfort and reassure the casualties.
● Give early treatment, most serious (life-threatening) first.
● Arrange appropriate help:-
- Call 911.
-Transfer to the care of a healthcare professional; or home.

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THANK YOU

For any
questions feel
free
to contact me
by mail
Dr.
Manal
Manal.
Lecturer of
Helmy
Physical
helmy@su.edu.
Therapy
eg