Principles of first aid
- 1. Principles of First Aid What is first aid? The initial help or care given to a person who is suddenly sick or injured. It is the care given as soon as possible after an accident or illness prior to the arrival of expert medical help. First aid can sometimes save a person’s life.
- 2. Role of a first aider Aims of first aid – The 3P’s Preserve Life Prevent Worsening Promote Recovery
- 3. Preserve Life • Your first aim is to preserve life by carrying out emergency first aid procedure. • Preserving life is the ultimate aim of a first aider which also includes your own life, you should never put yourself or others in danger. • The first stage in a first aid situation is to do a risk assessment and check for any danger to yourself or others. • If the situation is too dangerous, stay back and call for professional help.
- 4. Prevent Worsening • Second aim of a first aider is to prevent the casualty's condition form worsening any further. • Prevent further injuries. E.g. Dress wounds, Support fracture, make the area safe and removing the casualty from danger.
- 5. Promote Recovery • Final aim is to promote recovery by arranging prompt emergency medical help. • Perform simple first aid to avoid any long term risk. E.g. Reassure, Monitor airway, breathing and circulation.
- 6. Role of a first aider Responsibilities of a first aider • Protect from danger. • Identify the illness or injury. • Decide on priorities of care. • Ensure dignity of the patient. • Transportation as appropriate. • Good communication to the patient. • Good documentation.
- 7. Role of a first aider Risks in a first aid setting First aiders should be aware of the potential danger to themselves when entering a situation to perform first aid. You have to consider two types of danger Environmental danger • Such has falling masonry, chemicals, broken glass or fast moving cars. Human danger • Danger from the people at the scene including the victim, mostly risk of infection. • One of the main danger is bodily fluids – They can carry infection and deceases and pose a risk of cross contamination How to minimise risk • Always be aware of your surroundings and be alert for any change around you. • Approach the victim with your gloves on.