First aid is a critical part of life-saving medical care. It is the immediate care given to someone who has been injured or suddenly taken ill. The purpose of first aid is to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.
The concept of first aid has been around since ancient times, but the practice has evolved over the centuries. In 1981, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement published a handbook on first aid entitled “First Aid: A Handbook for Emergencies”. This publication was aimed at providing people with simple instructions on how to provide basic medical assistance in emergency situations.
The book covered topics such as assessing an injured person’s condition, controlling bleeding, treating shock, applying dressings and bandages, setting fractures, and resuscitation techniques. It also provided guidance on how to administer artificial respiration and how to recognize signs of serious illness or injury.
The handbook was designed to be easy to understand and use in emergency situations. It featured illustrations that showed how to perform various procedures and explained why certain treatments were necessary. The book was distributed widely throughout communities around the world in order to promote knowledge about first aid and encourage people to be prepared for any type of emergency situation they may encounter.
Since 1981, the practice of first aid has advanced significantly with new technologies being developed that can help save lives in an emergency situation. However, it is important to remember that the basics of first aid remain unchanged; assessing an injured person’s condition, controlling bleeding, treating shock, applying dressings and bandages are all essential skills that can make a difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
These are the 8 most commonly asked questions about first aid 1981
- What are the basic steps of first aid?
- How can I recognize a medical emergency?
- When should I call 911?
- What supplies do I need for a first aid kit?
- What are the signs and symptoms of shock?
- How do I perform CPR correctly?
- How can I treat minor cuts and scrapes?
- What are the proper techniques for bandaging a wound?
What are the basic steps of first aid?
- Assess the situation: Check for any potential dangers and make sure it is safe to approach the person in need.
- Call for help: Call 911 or your local emergency services number if needed.
- Check for response: Gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask them if they can hear you.
- Open the airway: Place one hand on the person’s forehead and two fingers under their chin, tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin up to open their airway.
- Check breathing: Look, listen and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If there is no sign of breathing, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
- Stop bleeding: Apply direct pressure to any wounds to stop bleeding or cover with a sterile dressing or clean cloth if available.
- Treat for shock: If the person is conscious, lay them down with their feet slightly elevated and keep them warm with a blanket or coat if possible.
- Monitor vital signs: Check and record pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, skin color and level of consciousness periodically until help arrives or until the person is stable enough to be moved safely from the scene.
How can I recognize a medical emergency?
Medical emergencies can vary greatly, but some common signs and symptoms to look for include: chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, sudden confusion or disorientation, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, fainting or loss of consciousness, sudden dizziness or weakness, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, and severe allergic reactions. If you suspect a medical emergency is occurring and the person is conscious and able to communicate with you, ask them if they are in pain and/or need help. If the person is unconscious and/or not able to communicate with you, call 911 immediately.
When should I call 911?
You should call 911 in any situation that requires immediate help from emergency services, such as a fire, medical emergency, or a crime in progress.
What supplies do I need for a first aid kit?
A typical first aid kit should include the following items:
– Adhesive bandages in various sizes
– Gauze pads
– Antiseptic wipes
– Antibiotic ointment
– Sterile eye wash solution
– Tweezers
– Safety pins
– Disposable gloves
– Scissors
– Thermometer
– Instant cold packs
– Blanket or emergency space blanket
– Flashlight with extra batteries
What are the signs and symptoms of shock?
Signs and symptoms of shock include pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid, shallow breathing; rapid, weak pulse; confusion or loss of consciousness; low blood pressure; and fatigue.
How do I perform CPR correctly?
- Call 911 or have someone else call 911.
- Check the person for unresponsiveness. Gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask loudly, “Are you okay?”
- If there is no response, position the person on their back on a firm surface and open their airway by lifting their chin and tilting their head back.
- Place your hands in the center of the chest and interlock your fingers. Compress the chest 2-2.4 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute for adults and children over age 8, or at least 1/3 the depth of the chest for infants under age 8.
- After 30 compressions, tilt the head back again and pinch the nose shut with your thumb and index finger while keeping your other hand on their forehead to keep it tilted back. Take a normal breath, cover their mouth with yours, making a seal, and blow two normal breaths into them (each should take about one second).
- Repeat steps 4-5 until help arrives or you become too exhausted to continue.
How can I treat minor cuts and scrapes?
Minor cuts and scrapes can be treated by first washing the area with warm water and soap, then patting it dry. Apply an antiseptic cream or ointment to the wound to help prevent infection, then cover it with a bandage or dressing. Be sure to change the bandage regularly and keep the wound clean. If the cut or scrape becomes red, swollen, or painful, seek medical attention.
What are the proper techniques for bandaging a wound?
- Clean the wound: Before applying a bandage, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Apply pressure: Firmly apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop any bleeding.
- Cover the wound: Place a sterile bandage over the wound, making sure it is not too tight as this can restrict circulation.
- Secure the bandage: Use adhesive tape or medical tape to secure the bandage in place and prevent it from slipping off.
- Change the bandage: Change the bandage regularly and monitor for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound.
