HEALTH & FIRST AID

 

FIRST AID:

Providing first aid is crucial in emergency situations to stabilize an individual's condition until professional medical help arrives. Here is a general overview of first aid principles:

1. **Assess the Situation:**

   - Ensure your safety and the safety of others before approaching the scene.

   - Identify potential hazards and take appropriate measures to eliminate them.

2. **Check for Responsiveness:**

   - Gently tap the person and ask loudly, "Are you okay?"

   - If there is no response, call for emergency medical help immediately.

3. **Airway:**

   - Ensure the person's airway is clear.

   - If the person is unconscious, gently tilt their head backward while lifting the chin to open the airway.

4. **Breathing:**

   - Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing.

   - If the person is not breathing, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

5. **Circulation:**

   - Check for a pulse.

   - If there is no pulse, initiate CPR with chest compressions.

6. **Control Bleeding:**

   - Use a sterile bandage, clean cloth, or your hands to apply direct pressure on the wound.

   - Elevate the injured limb if possible to help control bleeding.

7. **Shock:**

   - Keep the person warm by covering them with a blanket.

   - Elevate the legs (unless there are suspected spine or leg injuries).

8. **Burns:**

   - For minor burns, cool the affected area with cold running water for at least 10 minutes.

   - Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing.

   - Do not use ice or ice water on burns.

9. **Fractures and Sprains:**

   - Immobilize the injured area.

   - Use a splint to support a suspected fracture.

10. **Choking:**

    - If the person is conscious, encourage them to cough.

    - If unable to cough, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

11. **Seizures:**

    - Keep the person safe from injury.

    - Place them on their side after the seizure to maintain an open airway.

12. **Poisoning:**

    - Call poison control immediately.

    - Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals.

Remember:

- Stay calm and focused.

- Call for professional medical help promptly.

- Do not move the person unless it's absolutely necessary to ensure safety.

- Provide comfort and reassurance.

Note: This information is a general guide. It's essential to receive formal first aid training to handle emergencies effectively.