❤️‍🩹First Aid Unit 1 – First Aid Basics and Emergency Readiness

Key Concepts and Terminology

• First aid involves providing immediate care to an injured or ill person until professional medical help arrives
• The primary survey (DRABC) assesses danger, responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation
• The secondary survey is a head-to-toe examination to identify additional injuries or illnesses
• The recovery position helps maintain an open airway and prevents choking in an unconscious but breathing person
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygenation
• An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart during cardiac arrest
• The chain of survival refers to the sequence of events that must occur rapidly to maximize the likelihood of survival from cardiac arrest (early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced care)
• Universal precautions involve treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) to prevent exposure

Emergency Assessment and Scene Safety

• Ensure personal safety by assessing the scene for potential hazards (traffic, fire, gas leaks, unstable structures) before approaching the victim
• Call for help or ask a bystander to call emergency services while you attend to the victim
• Identify yourself as a first aider and obtain consent before providing care, if the victim is conscious
• Perform a primary survey (DRABC) to quickly assess the victim's condition and prioritize care
  • Check for danger to yourself, the victim, and bystanders
  • Check for responsiveness by gently tapping the victim's shoulders and asking, "Are you okay?"
  • Open the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver
  • Check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for air movement
  • Check for circulation by feeling for a pulse and observing for signs of life (movement, color, temperature)
• Perform a secondary survey to identify additional injuries or illnesses not found during the primary survey
  • Examine the victim from head to toe, looking for signs of injury, illness, or discomfort
  • Ask the victim about any pain, allergies, medications, past medical history, last meal, and events leading up to the incident (SAMPLE history)

Basic Life Support Techniques

• Perform CPR if the victim is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse
  • Compress the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults
  • Provide rescue breaths at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths if trained and willing
  • Continue CPR until professional help arrives, the victim starts breathing, or you become exhausted
• Use an AED as soon as possible if available
  • Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts
  • Attach the electrode pads to the victim's bare chest as shown on the diagrams
  • Ensure no one is touching the victim before delivering the shock
• Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if the victim is choking and unable to cough, speak, or breathe
  • Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around their waist
  • Make a fist with one hand and place it above the victim's navel
  • Grasp the fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts until the object is dislodged or the victim becomes unconscious
• Place an unconscious but breathing victim in the recovery position to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration
  • Kneel beside the victim and extend the arm nearest to you above their head
  • Bring the far knee up to a 90-degree angle
  • Roll the victim towards you onto their side, supporting their head and neck
  • Tilt the head back slightly to keep the airway open

Common Injuries and Their Treatment

• Treat bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing, elevating the wound above the heart (if possible), and using a tourniquet for severe, life-threatening bleeding
• Manage burns by cooling the affected area with cool running water for at least 10 minutes, covering with a sterile, non-stick dressing, and seeking medical attention for severe burns (larger than a quarter, involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals)
• Immobilize fractures and dislocations using splints or slings to prevent further injury and reduce pain
  • For arm injuries, use a triangular bandage to create a sling and secure the arm to the body
  • For leg injuries, use a rigid object (board, rolled newspaper) to splint the leg in the position found
• Treat sprains and strains with the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation
  • Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours
  • Use an elastic bandage to compress the area and reduce swelling
  • Elevate the injured limb above the heart to minimize swelling
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion (headache, confusion, dizziness, memory loss) and seek medical attention for any head injury involving loss of consciousness

Medical Emergencies and Response

• Identify the signs and symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat) and call emergency services immediately
  • Have the person rest in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing
  • Administer aspirin (if not allergic) to reduce blood clotting and improve survival
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke (sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, severe headache) and act F.A.S.T.
  • Face: Ask the person to smile and check for drooping on one side
  • Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and check for weakness or drift
  • Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase and check for slurring or difficulty
  • Time: Call emergency services immediately if any of these signs are present
• Manage seizures by ensuring the person's safety (remove nearby objects, cushion the head), timing the seizure, and providing reassurance and support after the seizure ends
  • Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth during the seizure
  • Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or the person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness
• Treat anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) by administering epinephrine (if prescribed) and calling emergency services
  • Help the person use their epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) by pressing it firmly against the outer thigh and holding for 10 seconds
  • Monitor the person's breathing and start CPR if necessary

First Aid Kit Essentials

• Assemble a well-stocked first aid kit containing essential supplies for treating common injuries and illnesses
  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes) for minor cuts and scrapes
  • Sterile gauze pads and rolls for covering wounds and controlling bleeding
  • Elastic bandages (ACE wraps) for supporting sprains and strains
  • Triangular bandages for creating slings and securing splints
  • Adhesive tape for securing dressings and bandages
  • Scissors and tweezers for cutting dressings and removing splinters or ticks
  • Disposable gloves for protecting against blood and body fluids
  • Instant cold packs for reducing swelling and pain
  • Oral thermometer for monitoring body temperature
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution for cleaning wounds
  • Antibiotic ointment for preventing infection in minor wounds
  • Hydrocortisone cream (1%) for treating insect bites and rashes
  • Burn gel or dressings for cooling and covering burns
  • Oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) for reducing pain and fever
  • Antihistamines for treating mild allergic reactions
  • First aid manual or quick reference guide for providing step-by-step instructions
• Store the first aid kit in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets
• Check the kit regularly and replace any expired or used items

Emergency Preparedness and Planning

• Create an emergency action plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting places, and emergency contacts
  • Identify safe locations inside and outside the home for sheltering from various hazards (storms, earthquakes, fires)
  • Establish a communication plan with family members and designate an out-of-area contact
  • Practice evacuation drills regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency
• Assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items for survival (water, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio, batteries, first aid kit, medications)
  • Store enough supplies to last at least 72 hours for each family member
  • Include copies of important documents (identification, insurance cards, medical information) in a waterproof and portable container
• Learn about the types of disasters and hazards that are most likely to occur in your area (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires) and how to prepare for them
  • Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency management agencies
  • Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings to receive timely information
• Participate in community preparedness activities and training (first aid classes, CPR certification, volunteer opportunities) to enhance your skills and contribute to local resilience

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Understand the principles of consent and confidentiality when providing first aid
  • Obtain consent from the victim (if conscious) or implied consent (if unconscious) before providing care
  • Respect the victim's privacy and keep their personal information confidential
• Recognize the limitations of your skills and training and do not exceed your scope of practice
  • Provide care within your level of training and comfort
  • Do not attempt advanced procedures (medication administration, needle decompression) unless specifically trained and authorized
• Be aware of Good Samaritan laws that protect first aiders from liability when providing care in good faith and without expectation of compensation
  • These laws vary by jurisdiction, so familiarize yourself with the specific provisions in your area
• Document the care provided and any changes in the victim's condition to ensure continuity of care and legal protection
  • Record the time, date, and location of the incident
  • Describe the victim's condition, the care provided, and the victim's response to treatment
  • Include any witness statements or other relevant information
• Maintain your own safety and well-being while providing care
  • Use personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) to prevent exposure to blood and body fluids
  • Practice proper body mechanics and lifting techniques to avoid injury
  • Recognize signs of stress and seek support (debriefing, counseling) after a traumatic event