14. First Aid

First Aid

Written by Anam Hussain

Definition:

First aid is the aggregation of elementary medical activities performed in the AOD or vicinity, that provides temporary medical relief to save lives, until medical treatment can be provided. It is also performed to stop contact with damaging factors. Everyone can perform it. During the disaster, first aid is provided in the form of self and buddy aid from everyone who is not severely injured and capable of to do it.

The ultimate objective for first aid is to save the life of the casualty. The overall objectives are defined as:

• Preserving life- activities performed to minimise threat and death
• Prevent further harm
• Promote recovery

First Aid steps

1. Check the scene for any hazards present: involves observation and checking of hazards via senses. If no hazards are identified proceed First aid with second step
2. Check for responsiveness and consciousness: this is required for fast orientation regarding the casualties’ general condition.

• If casualty responds adequately and appears conscious, then it means respiratory, cardiovascular system and brain are not severely damaged and basic life functions are maintained. No need to check for breathing or pulse
• Consciousness is checked by trying to obtain answer or response to verbal and/or physical contact. If person doesn’t respond to verbal contact e.g. questions, then shake them. Sometimes may be deaf because DF impact (shockwave).
• If victim is conscious, check for external bleeding. If bleeding, stop by manual pressing of the wound, compressive dressing of the wound and elevation of injured body part. If there is no bleeding then casualty is left at the site at which they were found
• Ask for qualified assistance, victims state has to be re-evaluated from time to time. Until arrival of the medical unit
• If there is no response, then casualty is unconsciousness. Check for pain response via periostal reaction by pressing on both clavicles. If response to pain has been achieved the procedure which is followed is the one for casualties which are unconscious but have preserved vital signs.
• No pain response at all means casualty is in deep coma or is under threat of death and so specialised support is needed.

3. Call for help
4. Check for breathing: