Introduction to First Aid

Definition
• Immediate assistance
• To someone injured or taken ill
• Before arrival of ambulance or qualified person

First-aid in the workplace includes the provision of first-aid facilities, services and personnel
required for the initial treatment of persons suffering from injury or illness at a workplace. It is
the immediate treatment or care given to a victim of an accident or sudden illness before
qualified health personnel attend to provide treatment. – DOSH Guideline
Objective
• To preserve life
• To prevent condition from becoming worse
• To promote recovery

• Preserve life;
• Prevent illness or injury from becoming worse;
• Reduce pain;
• Promote recovery; and
• Care of unconscious.
From: DOSH Guideline
Who is first aider
• Have completed a First Aid course in theory & Practical
• Passed a professionally supervised examination
• Have a passionate to help wounded or ill person
Responsibilities
• To assess situation and summon help
• To identify injury or illness
• To give early and appropriate treatment
• To arrange for transfer to hospital
• To remain with the casualty
• To report observation
• To prevent cross infection
First Aid Kit
Recommended Contents of a First-Aid Box
• 5 Triangular bandages 130cm x
90cm x 90cm
• Sterile eye pads
• Non-sterile 4x4” gauze pads
• Sterile 4x4” gauze pads
• Sterile 10x10” gauze pads
• Elastic bandage
• 4 Roller bandages 7.5 cm
• 4 Roller bandages 3 cm.
• 4 Roller bandages 2.5 cm
• Cold pack compress gel
• Burn sheet/dressing
• Pairs of gloves (disposable/ non
sterile)
• Stainless steel bandage scissors
• Adhesive tape
• Sterile multi-trauma
dressing/gauze
• Alcohol prep pads
• Cetavlon(antiseptic)
• Cotton buds
• Barrier device for CPR (pocket
mask, face shield)
• Elastoplasts/sterile adhesive
dressing
• Safety pin for triangular bandages
• Thermometer
• First aid manual
• Waterproof waste bag
• Inventory of box contents
(checklist)
Wounds and Bleeding
Wounds and bleeding: Definition
• Wound- abnormal break in the skin or body surface
• Bleeding – loss of blood from the circulatory system
Wounds: Types of Wounds
• Open wound • Closed wound
• Incised Wound • Contusion / Bruise
• Laceration • Haematoma
• Puncture Wound
• Gunshot Wound
• Amputation
• Abrasion
Blood vessel
• Vein
• Artery
• capillary
Type of bleeding ???
Management
• Control blood loss
• Cover open wound with dressing to prevent infection
• Treat for shock
• Pay attention to hygiene
Bleeding: Internal bleeding Signs & Symptoms
• Pallor
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Pain
• Thirst
• Restless
• Bruising
• Bleeding from Cavity
Bleeding: Nose Bleeding
• Sit the casualty down & lean the head forward
• Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes, and repeat if necessary
• Breath through the mouth & do not blow the nose
Fractures & Dislocations
Fractures & Dislocations: Definition
• Fracture: A break or crack in a bone
• Dislocation: Partial or full displacement of bones at a joint
Fractures & Dislocations: Causes
• Fracture:
• Direct Force
• Indirect Force
• Violent Muscle Contraction
• Dislocation:
• Strong force wrenching the bone into an abnormal position
Types of fracture
• Open fracture: skin is broken, bone is exposed to contamination,
external bleeding
• Closed fracture: skin is intact, internal bleeding
Fracture: Signs & Symptoms
• Deformity
• Unable to move
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Crepitus
• Loss of sensation
• Irregularity
• Pain
• bruise
Fracture: Management for Open Fracture
DO DON’T
• Cover up the wound • Do not press down directly on a
• Apply pressure to control bleeding protruding bone end.
• Carefully place clean padding over & • Do not move the casualty until the
around dressing injured part is secured and supported,
unless she/he is in danger.
• Secure the padding & dressing,
bandage firmly • Do not let the casualty have anything to
eat or drink.
• Immobilize the injured part as for
closed fracture
• Treat for shock
• Check circulation every 10 min
Fracture: Management for closed fracture
• Tell casualty to keep calm
• Steady & support the injured part with your hands until it is immobilized
• For firmer support, secure injured part to the sound part of the body
• Treat for shock
• Check circulation every 10 min

DO NOT move the casualty until the injured part is secured and supported
unless in danger
DO NOT let the casualty eat and / or drink
DO NOT try to replace a dislocated bone into its socket
Soft Tissue Injury: Sprain vs Strain
• Sprain: Injury to a joint capsule, with damage to or tearing of
connective tissue and usually involves ligaments.
• Strain: Injury to a muscle or a muscle and tendon, result from
overstretching tears muscle fibers or overextension
Management of soft Tissue Injuries
• Rest the injured part
• Apply Ice or cold compress
• Compress the injury
• Elevate the injured part
 PRICE’S – PREVENTION, REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION, SPLINT

• REST THE INJURED LIMB

• APPLY A COLD COMPRESS USING ICE
• SECURE INJURED LIMB USING ELESTIC BANDAGE
• ELEVATE THE INJURED LIMB
• HOT COMPRESS TO BE APPLY ONLY AFTER 24 - 36 HOURS

REMEMBER! – DO NOT MASSAGE THE INJURED LIMB

Burn
Burn: Skin Structure

• Four layers
• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Subcutaneous Tissue
/ Fat Layer
• Muscle
Burn: Definition

Injuries to the tissues caused by heat,

extreme cold, chemicals and radiation.
Burn: Types of Burn
• Dry Burn
• Scalds
• Electrical Burn
• Chemical Burn
• Radiation Burn
• Extreme Cold
Burn: Depth of Burn
• Superficial Burn – First Degree
• Partial Thickness Burn – Second Degree
• Full Thickness Burn – Third Degree
 Burn Depth

• First Degree (Superficial)

• Involves only epidermis (outer layer)
• Redness
• Painful
• Tender
• Blanches under pressure
• Possible swelling, no blisters
• Heal in ~7 days

34
 Burn Depth

• Second Degree (Partial Thickness)

• Extends through epidermis into dermis
• Salmon pink
• Moist, shiny
• Painful
• Blisters may be present
• Heal in ~7 to 21 days

35
 Burn Depth

• Third Degree (Full Thickness)

• Through epidermis, dermis into underlying
structures
• Thick, dry
• Pearly gray or charred black
• May bleed from vessel damage
• Painless
• Require grafting

36
Stop Burning Process

• Remove patient from source of injury

• Remove clothing unless stuck to burn
• Cut around clothing stuck to burn, leave in place
• Remove any rings, watches, belts shoes from the injured part
Burn: Management – 3C
DO
• Cool: Pour with plenty of water or at
least 10 minutes
• Cover: Cover up the burn area with
plastic wrap
• Carry: Send patient to hospital or call
ambulance
• Watch for signs of difficulty in
breathing, be ready to perform CPR if
necessary
• Reassure casualty and treat for shock if
necessary
• Monitor and record casualty’s condition
DON’T
• DO NOT remove anything sticking to the
body
• DO NOT touch the burnt area
• DO NOT burst any blisters
• DO NOT apply lotions, ointment or
adhesive tape
• DO NOT use fluffy materials, like cotton
wool
Fainting & Unconsciousness
Fainting & Unconsciousness
• Fainting:
• Brief loss of consciousness
• Temporary reduction of blood flow to the skin
• Syncope
Fainting & Unconsciousness: Causes
• Pain
• Fright
• Exhaustion
• Lack of food
• Emotional Upset
Fainting & Unconsciousness: Management
DO DON’T
• Lay casualty down • DO NOT – give anything by mouth
• Raise and support leg • DO NOT – leave casualty unattended
• Reassure casualty
• Look for and treat any injuries
• check A.B.C. and start CPR if necessary
• Monitor and record every 10 minutes
• Sent Casualty to hospital
Practical
Chocking
• Foreign object obstruct in the airway
• Victim will be holding and pointing to the throat
Chocking Management
• Ask if he is chocking
• Encourage him/her to cough out
• Apply Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver) until object dislodged
• If unconscious, lay the victims on the ground, start C.P.R.
Heimlich Maneuver
Practical: Dressing & Bandages
Dressing & Bandages: Purpose
• Dressing:
• Help control bleeding
• Cover a wound to protect from infection
• Bandages:
• Maintain direct pressure
• Hold dressing, splints, compresses in place
• Restrict Movement
• Provide Support
Dressing & Bandages: Types of Bandages
• Triangular Bandage
• Roller Bandage
Dressing & Bandages: Type of Bandaging
• Ring Pad
• Large Arm Sling
• Elevation Sling
• Small Arm Sling
• Hand Bandage
• Knee Bandage
• Foot Bandage
• Jaw Fracture
• Femur/ Tibia / Fibula Fracture
Practical: Lifting & Transportation
Rules of Lifting & Transportation
• Move a casualty only when it is absolutely necessary
• Always explain what is happening.
• Ensure all helpers understand what to do
• When there is more than 1 person moving a casualty, appoint
someone to give verbal commands.
• Always use the correct lifting methods
Practical: CardioPulmonary
Resuscitation
OHCA Chain of Survival
999
999
999
Simplified Universal
BLS algorithm
“… and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the
whole mankind.”