Basic First Aid

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Basic First Aid: A Comprehensive Guide to Accidents &

Emergencies

Introduction
Accidents and emergencies are an unfortunate reality of life, often occurring unexpectedly and without warn-
ing. From minor cuts and burns to more serious situations like choking or cardiac arrest, being prepared
to handle such events can make a critical difference in the outcome. While professional medical care is
always necessary, possessing basic first aid knowledge empowers you to take immediate action, potentially
stabilizing a victim before paramedics arrive. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge
and skills to confidently approach and manage common emergencies, including choking, shock, burns, and
cardiac arrest.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional first aid training.
Always prioritize your safety and seek qualified medical assistance as soon as possible.

1 General First Aid Principles


Before diving into specific first aid procedures, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental principles that guide
any emergency response:

1.1 Assess the Situation (DRSABCD)


The DRSABCD action plan provides a systematic approach to assessing and managing an emergency situ-
ation:

1. Danger:
• Prioritize your safety and the safety of others above all else.
• Carefully scan the scene for any potential hazards to yourself, bystanders, and the victim.
• Look for:
– Fire, smoke, or explosions
– Falling debris, unstable structures, or uneven ground
– Traffic, moving vehicles, or dangerous roadways
– Water, ice, or potential drowning hazards
– Electrical wires, downed power lines, or electrical equipment
– Chemical spills, fumes, or hazardous materials
– Violence, weapons, or aggressive animals
• Do not put yourself in danger. If the scene is unsafe, move to a safe distance and call for help.

2. Response:
• Check if the victim is conscious and responsive.
• Gently shake their shoulders and ask loudly, ”Are you OK? Can you hear me?”

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• If they respond:
– Introduce yourself and explain that you’re trained in first aid.
– Ask for their consent to help.
– Ask them what happened and if they have any pain.
– Reassure them that help is on the way.
• If they are unresponsive, move to the next step.
3. Send for Help:

• If the victim is unresponsive or the situation appears serious, immediately call your local emer-
gency number (e.g.,1122).
• If possible, have someone else make the call while you begin providing first aid.
4. Airway:

• If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, open their airway using the head-tilt-
chin-lift technique:
– Place one hand on their forehead and gently tilt their head back.
– With your other hand, lift their chin to open the airway.
5. Breathing:
• Check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds by:
– Looking for chest movements (rising and falling).
– Listening for breath sounds.
– Feeling for air on your cheek.
• If the victim is not breathing normally, begin CPR (see Section 4).
6. CPR:

• If the victim is not breathing and you are trained in CPR, start CPR immediately.
• Continue CPR until professional help arrives or there are obvious signs of life, such as breathing
or movement.
7. Defibrillation (AED):

• If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible.


• AEDs are designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart, potentially restoring a normal rhythm
in cases of cardiac arrest.
• Most AEDs provide voice prompts and instructions to guide you through the process.

1.2 Importance of Consent


• Always obtain consent from a conscious victim before providing any first aid.
• Explain what you are going to do and why.

• If the victim refuses help, respect their decision and call for professional medical assistance if necessary.
• If the victim is a minor or unconscious, consent is implied.

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1.3 Universal Precautions
Universal precautions are essential safety measures to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious diseases
when providing first aid:

• Gloves: Wear disposable gloves whenever there’s a risk of contact with blood or bodily fluids.
• Hand Hygiene:

– Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after providing
first aid.
– If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
• Protective Barrier: Use a protective barrier, such as a face shield, pocket mask, or CPR mask, when
performing CPR to minimize the risk of disease transmission through respiratory droplets.

• Cleaning and Disinfection:


– Clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids using a disinfectant
solution.
– Properly dispose of contaminated materials, such as gloves and dressings.

2 Common First Aid Emergencies


2.1 Choking
Choking occurs when a foreign object lodges in the airway, obstructing airflow to the lungs, which can be a
life-threatening situation requiring immediate action.

2.1.1 Recognizing Choking


The signs of choking can vary depending on the size of the obstruction and the age of the victim. Common
signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing: A choking person may struggle to breathe in or out, and
their breathing may sound high-pitched or wheezy.
• Inability to speak or cough forcefully: If the airway is completely blocked, the person will be
unable to speak, cough, or make any sounds.
• Skin turning blue (cyanosis), especially around the lips and fingernails: This indicates a lack
of oxygen.

• Clutching at the throat (universal sign for choking): This is a natural reflex when someone is
choking.
• Wheezing sound when trying to breathe: This can occur if the airway is partially blocked.

• Sudden inability to cry or make noise in infants: Infants may suddenly stop crying or making
noise if they are choking.

2.1.2 What to Do
The appropriate response to choking depends on the age of the victim and whether they are conscious and
responsive.

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For Adults and Children Over 1 Year Old:
1. Encourage Coughing: If the person can cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing. This
may be enough to dislodge the object.
2. Five Back Blows:
• Stand behind the person and slightly bend them forward.
• Support their chest with one hand.
• Give five firm blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand.
3. Five Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver):
• Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against their abdomen, just above the navel
and below the ribcage.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand and give five quick, upward thrusts.
4. Repeat: Continue alternating between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is
dislodged or help arrives.
5. Call Emergency Services: If the person becomes unconscious, call your local emergency number
immediately and be prepared to perform CPR.

For Infants (Under 1 Year Old):


1. Support the Infant: Sit down and support the infant’s head and neck with one hand. Lay the infant
face down along your forearm, resting their body on your thigh.
2. Back Blows: Give up to five firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades using the heel of
your hand.
3. Chest Thrusts: If back blows do not dislodge the object, turn the infant face up (supporting their
head and neck) and place two fingers on the center of their chest, just below the nipple line. Give up
to five sharp chest thrusts.
4. Repeat: Continue alternating between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or
the infant becomes unresponsive.
5. Call for Help: If the infant becomes unresponsive, call your local emergency number immediately
and begin infant CPR.

2.2 Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to deliver sufficient oxygen-
rich blood to the body’s vital organs. This can result from various causes, including:
• Hypovolemic Shock: Caused by severe blood or fluid loss, such as from heavy bleeding, severe burns,
or severe dehydration.
• Cardiogenic Shock: Caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, such as during a heart
attack or heart failure.
• Distributive Shock: Caused by the widening of blood vessels, leading to a drop in blood pressure.
Types of distributive shock include:
– Septic Shock: Caused by a severe infection.
– Anaphylactic Shock: Caused by a severe allergic reaction.
– Neurogenic Shock: Caused by damage to the nervous system, such as from a spinal cord injury.
• Obstructive Shock: Caused by a blockage in the circulatory system, such as a pulmonary embolism
(blood clot in the lungs) or cardiac tamponade (fluid buildup around the heart).

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2.2.1 Recognizing Shock
Early recognition of shock is crucial, as it allows for prompt intervention and improves the chances of survival.
The signs and symptoms of shock can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity, but common
signs include:

• Altered Mental State: The person may appear confused, disoriented, anxious, restless, or agitated.
In severe cases, they may lose consciousness.

• Pale, Cold, and Clammy Skin: Reduced blood flow to the skin can cause it to become pale, cool,
and clammy to the touch.
• Weak and Rapid Pulse (Tachycardia): The heart beats faster to compensate for the reduced
blood flow.
• Rapid, Shallow Breathing (Tachypnea): The body tries to take in more oxygen due to reduced
blood circulation.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Reduced blood flow to the digestive system can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Insufficient blood flow to the brain can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness,
and fainting.

• Decreased Urine Output: The body tries to conserve fluids, resulting in decreased urine production.

2.2.2 What to Do
1. Call Emergency Services: Immediately call your local emergency number for professional medical
assistance.
2. Improve Circulation:

• If there are no suspected spinal injuries, lay the person down on their back and elevate their legs
about 12 inches to improve blood flow to vital organs.
• If you suspect a spinal injury, keep their head and neck immobilized and avoid moving them unless
absolutely necessary.

3. Keep Warm:
• Cover the person with a blanket or coat to prevent heat loss and maintain body temperature.
• Shock can lead to hypothermia, even in warm environments.
4. Control Bleeding:

• If there is external bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean dressing or cloth.
• Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops or medical help arrives.
5. Do Not Give Anything to Eat or Drink: Providing food or drink can worsen their condition and
may interfere with medical treatment.

6. Monitor Breathing: Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.


7. Reassure the Victim: If the person is conscious, stay with them and provide reassurance while you
wait for help to arrive.

2.3 Burns
Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

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2.3.1 Types of Burns
1. First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns):
• Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
• Characterized by redness, pain, and minor swelling.
• Usually heal within a few days without scarring.
2. Second-Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns):
• Affect deeper layers of skin (dermis) and cause blistering, severe pain, redness, and swelling.
• Often require medical attention and can result in scarring.
3. Third-Degree Burns (Full-Thickness Burns):
• Damage all layers of skin and may extend to underlying tissues, muscles, bones, or nerves.
• Appear white or charred, may be numb, and require immediate medical attention.

2.3.2 What to Do
1. Stop the Burning Process:
• Remove the source of heat or move the person away from it.
• If clothing is on fire, use the ”stop, drop, and roll” method to extinguish flames.
• For chemical burns, brush off any dry chemicals from the skin before flushing with water.
• For electrical burns, ensure the person is no longer in contact with the electrical source before
approaching.
2. Cool the Burn:
• For first- and second-degree burns, immediately cool the burn with cool running water for at least
10-20 minutes.
• Do not use ice, ice water, or very cold water as this can further damage the skin.
• Cooling the burn helps to reduce pain, swelling, and the depth of the burn.
3. Remove Constrictive Clothing:
• Gently remove any jewelry or clothing that may restrict blood flow around the burn area.
• However, do not attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.
4. Cover the Burn:
• Loosely cover the burn with a sterile dressing or clean cloth to protect it from infection.
• Do not apply any ointments, creams, or butter to the burn, as these can trap heat and worsen
the injury.
5. Pain Relief:
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
• Follow the recommended dosage instructions.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Seek professional medical attention for:
• Any burn that is larger than 3 inches in diameter
• All third-degree burns
• Burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints

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• Burns that encircle a limb
• Burns that appear deep or infected
• Burns that cause difficulty breathing
• Chemical burns
• Electrical burns

3 CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)


CPR is a life-saving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to manually circulate
blood and deliver oxygen to the brain and other vital organs when a person’s heart has stopped beating
(cardiac arrest).

3.1 Understanding Cardiac Arrest


Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. This can happen due to a
heart attack, electrocution, drowning, or other medical conditions. When the heart stops beating, the body
is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and, if untreated, death within minutes.

3.2 When to Perform CPR


CPR is performed when a person is experiencing cardiac arrest, which is characterized by:

• Unconsciousness: The person is unresponsive and does not wake up when you shake them and shout.

• Absence of Breathing: The person is not breathing or only gasping occasionally. Gasping is not
considered normal breathing.
• No Pulse: You cannot feel a pulse within 10 seconds of checking at the carotid artery (neck) or radial
artery (wrist).

3.3 CPR Steps (Adult)


1. Check for Safety:
• Before approaching the victim, quickly scan the area for any potential hazards to yourself or
bystanders.
• Ensure the scene is safe to proceed.
2. Check for Response:
• Gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask loudly, ”Are you OK?”
• If they respond, they do not require CPR. Assess their condition and provide appropriate first
aid if necessary.
3. Call Emergency Services:
• If the person is unresponsive, immediately call your local emergency number (e.g., 1122).
• If possible, have someone else make the call while you begin CPR.

4. Chest Compressions:
• Position the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
• Kneel next to the person’s chest.
• Identify the correct hand placement:

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– Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone
(sternum).
– This is the area between the nipples.
• Position your other hand:
– Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlacing your fingers.
– Keep your fingers off the chest wall; only the heel of your bottom hand should be in contact
with the chest.
• Body position is key:
– Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly over your hands. This allows you to use
your body weight to deliver effective compressions.
• Compress the chest:
– Press down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
– Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep for adults.
• Allow for chest recoil:
– Allow the chest to recoil completely after each compression.
– This allows the heart to refill with blood before the next compression.
• Minimize interruptions:
– Continue chest compressions until professional help arrives or there are obvious signs of life,
such as normal breathing or movement.
– Only interrupt compressions for as little time as possible to deliver rescue breaths (if trained
and willing) or if an AED becomes available.

3.4 CPR with Rescue Breaths (Optional)


• While chest compressions alone can be effective, providing rescue breaths can deliver additional oxygen
to the person’s lungs.
• However, it’s important to note that many organizations, including the American Heart Association
(AHA), now emphasize hands-only CPR for untrained bystanders.

If you are trained and comfortable providing rescue breaths, follow these steps:
1. Open the Airway: After every 30 chest compressions, open the person’s airway using the head-tilt-
chin-lift technique.
2. Seal the Mouth: Pinch their nose closed with your thumb and index finger. Take a normal breath
and seal your mouth over the person’s mouth, creating a tight seal.

3. Deliver Breaths: Blow into their mouth for about one second, watching for their chest to rise. Give
two rescue breaths, allowing the chest to fall between each breath.
4. Resume Compressions: Resume chest compressions immediately after giving two breaths.
5. Continue Cycles: Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives
or the person shows signs of life.

3.5 CPR for Children and Infants


• The basic principles of CPR are the same for children and infants as they are for adults, but there are
some important differences in technique based on the victim’s size and age:

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Child CPR (1-8 Years Old)
• Chest Compressions:
– Use one hand for chest compressions, placing the heel of your hand on the center of the chest.
– Compress the chest about 2 inches deep.

• Rescue Breaths:
– Give rescue breaths with less force than for adults.
– Ensure you see the chest rise with each breath.

Infant CPR (Under 1 Year Old)


• Chest Compressions:

– Use two fingers (index and middle fingers) for chest compressions, placing them on the center of
the chest, just below the nipple line.
– Compress the chest about 1.5 inches deep.
• Rescue Breaths:

– Give gentle puffs of air into the infant’s mouth and nose, covering both with your mouth.

Conclusion
Knowing basic first aid is an invaluable life skill that empowers you to take potentially life-saving actions in
emergency situations. By understanding these fundamental techniques and practicing them regularly, you
can become a vital link in the chain of survival for someone experiencing a medical crisis. Remember to stay
calm, assess the situation, provide appropriate first aid based on your training and comfort level, and always
seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible. Your actions can make a significant difference.

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