Introduction to First Aid

By:
Dr. Khalil Abdulqawi El-Aajam
PhD, M.Sc. B.Sc.

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• In this lecture we will explore the following:
1. Subject objectives
2. Learning outcomes
3. Course contents
4. Teaching and evaluating methods
5. Introduction
6. References

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Objectives
• By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Acquire knowledge of the basic first aid.
2. Understand the principles on which first aid treatment based.
3. Carry out the essential emergency treatment of an injury.
4. Apply the simple rules for dealing with a casualty before
transporting to hospital.
5. Participate with other medical personnel.

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learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding
• Recognize the importance of well being
• Understanding the pre-hospital & in-hospital triage system.
• Identify the importance of nursing considerations during
transporting of victim/ patient with emergency conditions.
• Understanding the importance of ethical and legal issues
encountered in dealing with victim / patient in emergency
condition.

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2. Cognitive skills (thinking and analysis).
• Analyze the client’s condition according to triage system.
• Synthesize critical thinking process when dealing with different
types of emergency situations.
• Recognize the first aid measures and nursing management for
patients with trauma as gastrointestinal bleeding, allergic or
hypersensitivity, toxicological cases.

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3. Communication skills
• Demonstrating effective communication with patients, patient’s
families and healthcare providers.
• Demonstrating the proper documentation of essential data
pertinent to patient/victim condition or trauma.
• Recognize the importance of supporting the family of
victim/patient in emergency.

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• Practical and subject specific skills
• Demonstrate professional documentation and writing skills.
• Demonstrate using of problem solving skills when dealing with
crisis.

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 Course contents:
1. Introduction:
• Concepts & objectives of the first aid
• Responsibilities of the first aid providers
2. Hemorrhage & cuts wounds:
• External bleeding, internal bleeding and cuts wounds
3. Shock:
• Definition & types of shock and first aid treatment of shock
Unconsciousness:
• Definition and first aid treatment of unconsciousness
• Definition and first aid treatment of epileptic fits.
• Coma, due to hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic

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4. Fractures & dislocation:
• Definition, signs and symptoms, types of fracture and dislocation and first
aid treatment
5. Splints and bandage:
• The aims of bandaging & splinting in first aid - the methods of apply
bandages
6. Burns and scalds:
• Heat burn and chemical scalds and the first aid treatment
• Asphyxia & cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
artificial respiration
7. Poisoning:
• Action to prevent poisoning
• First aid treatment for poisoning by mouth & all other poisons

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8. Vital signs:
• Blood pressure (BP), pulse, respiration, and temperature
9. Injections:
• IM and IV injection and test for allergy

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Introduction
• Accidents and emergencies happen anywhere at any time. At work,
injuries and illnesses kills more than two million people in the world
each year. That is one death every fifteen seconds… or six thousand
people a day.
• Safe practice at work and home, can prevent many injuries, illnesses,
and deaths. However, once an injury or sudden illness has occurred,
effective first aid can often improve recovery and even prevent
permanent disability.

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• First aid is the initial care provided for an acute illness or injury when
the advanced care procedures are not readily available.
• First aid is intended to preserve life, alleviate suffering, prevent
further illness or injury and promote recovery. It can be initiated by
anyone in any situation.
• First aid provider is someone trained to do the following:
 Recognize, assess, and prioritize the need for first aid.
Provide an appropriate care.
 Recognize limitations.
 Seek professional medical assistance if needed.

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Recognize the emergency

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• Often, emergency situations are unexpected and can be confusing.
• When you first observe an emergency scene, the first impression is a
quick sense of what has occurred or occurring.
• Where is the person located?
• How is the person’s body located?
• Does the person look sick, injured, or unconscious?
• Is it safe for me to be here?

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Personal safety
• Emergency scenes are often unsafe. Putting your self in danger to
help someone make the situation worse. So, your personal safety is
the highest priority.

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• If you decided to help there is a legal aspects of providing first aid:
 you are reasonably carful
You act not for a reward
You do not provide care beyond your skill level

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• Every health care provider must be aware regarding:
 Emotional aspects of client
Infectious diseases

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First aid provider’s responsibilities:
Maintain composure
Maintain personal health and safety
Maintain caring attitude
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills
Without putting yourself in danger, make the victim’s needs your
main concern
Do not further harm

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Emergency action steps:
• Remember!!!
1. Whenever you recognize an emergency, you should assess the
scene for safety. Pause for a moment as you approach the victim. If
the scene is not safe or at any time become unsafe, GET OUT!!
2. Assess the victim: is the victim responsive? Appears badly hurt,
seriously ill, or quick gets worse……
3. Alert EMS 911 or call for help
4. Attend to the victim, check airway, breathing, and circulation

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References:
• St. John Ambulance Reference Guide Part Number 6504-11
• Emergency First Aid James Kavanagh Ra

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