INTRODUCTION TO FIRST AID - ENGLISH

                                             

                     INTRODUCTION TO FIRST AID IN ENGLISH

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FIRST AID

Definition-

First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person suffering from either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery. It includes initial intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for an ambulance, as well as the complete treatment of minor conditions, such as applying a plaster to a cut. First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical training.

History-

History of first aid involved warfare. Men injured in battles and the lack of medical attention usually resulted in loss of life. In 1099, religious knights trained in medical care organized the Order of St. John to specifically treat battlefield injuries. In other words, although these knights were considered laypersons, they were formally trained to provide "first aid."

In 1773, physician William Hawes began publicizing the power of artificial respiration as means of resuscitation of those who appeared drowned. This led to the formation, in 1774, of the Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned.

Napoleon's surgeon, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, created an ambulance corps (the ambulance volantes), which included medical assistants, tasked to administer first aid in battle.

In 1859 Jean-Henri Dunant witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, and his work led to the formation of the Red Cross, with a key stated aim of "aid to sick and wounded soldiers in the field" The Red Cross and Red Crescent are still the largest provider of first aid worldwide.

In 1870, Prussian military surgeon Friedrich von Esmarch introduced formalized first aid to the military, including training for soldiers in the Franco-Prussian War on care for wounded comrades using pre-learnt bandaging and splinting skills.

In 1872, the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in England changed its focus from hospice care, and set out to start a system of practical medical help, starting with making a grant towards the establishment of the UK's first ambulance service. This was followed by creating the St John Ambulance Association in 1877 to train men and women for the benefit of the sick and wounded.

Symbol of FIRST AID

The internationally accepted symbol for first aid is the white cross on a green background shown below.

Objectives of First Aid-

1.    Preservation of life.

2.    Promotion of recovery.

3.    Prevention of further injury.

4.    Transportation victim to hospital as early as possible.

5.    Relieving pain and discomfort.

6.    Protection of the unconscious.

7.    Prevention of excessive blood loss.

 

Basic principles of first aid include:

 

1.    Quick response to the emergency.

2.    Safe response to emergencies for the benefit of casualties, bystanders and rescuers

3.    Securing the emergency site to reduce further harm to the casualty

4.    Using appropriate first aid procedures and techniques.

5.    Safely moving the casualty, minimising pain and helping stabilise the condition

6.    Providing reassurance and guidance to the casualty

7.    Communication with bystanders and emergency services personnel

8.    Transportation of client to medical facility as early as possible.

9.    Clearing the crowd around to ensure fresh air to the victim.

10.Providing comfort and alleviating pain.

 

First aid box

           We should keep a first aid box at every place at home, at school, at factory, workplace or means of transportation like buses trains etc.    Basic first aid box is a - Plastic or metal box and contains following items

·       plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes

·       small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings

·       cotton roll

·       at least 2 sterile eye dressings

·       triangular bandages (2)

·       roller bandaves- 2”- 4” and 6”( 2 each )

·       crepe rolled bandages

·       safety pins

·       disposable sterile gloves

·       tweezers

·       scissors

·       alcohol cleansing wipes

·       sticky tape

·       thermometer (preferably digital)

·       cream or spray to relieve pain

·       antiseptic cream

·       painkillers such as paracetamol  or ibuprofen

·       antihistamine cream or tablets

·       distilled water for cleaning wounds

·       eye wash and eye bath

·       measuring cup or ounce glass