A First Aid Guide for Emergency Situations.

Understanding Essential Skills for Emergency Response. A comprehensive overview of essential first aid practices. 1. Introduction to First Aid • Definition & importance • Legal aspects and responsibilities 2. Basic First Aid Techniques • Assess the scene for safety • Check the victim’s condition (consciousness, breathing, circulation) • Prioritise care based on severity 3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Types of CPR • Traditional CPR (30:2) – compressions + rescue breaths • Hands-only CPR – chest compressions only Recognition of Cardiac Arrest • Sudden collapse • Loss of consciousness • No pulse (check carotid artery) • No breathing (look, listen, feel) Steps: Traditional CPR (30:2) 1. Ensure the scene is safe 2. Call for help 3. Check responsiveness 4. Check breathing 5. 30 chest compressions 6. 2 rescue breaths 7. Continue until help arrives Chest Compressions • Center of chest • At least 2 inches deep • 100–120 per minute • Allow full recoil Rescue Breaths • Head tilt–chin lift • Seal mouth and give two 1-second breaths • Ensure chest rises Hands-Only CPR • Call for help • Push hard and fast at 100–120/min • Rhythm: Stayin’ Alive CPR for Children and Infants • Ratio: 30:2 • 5 cycles in 2 minutes • Compression rate 100–120/min 4. Choking Types • Partial obstruction: coughing, wheezing • Complete obstruction: cannot speak, breathe; cyanosis Symptoms • Hands clutching throat • Noisy or absent breathing • Blue lips/nails • Loss of consciousness Heimlich Manoeuvre (Abdominal Thrusts) 1. Confirm choking 2. Stand behind victim 3. 5 back blows 4. 5 abdominal thrusts 5. Repeat until object is expelled 6. If unresponsive—start CPR 5. Bleeding & Wound Care Types of Wounds • Abrasions • Lacerations • Punctures • Avulsions • Amputations • Crush injuries Control of Bleeding • Apply firm direct pressure (20 minutes) • Elevate injured part • Use a tourniquet if life-threatening and trained • Do not remove soaked dressings—add layers Dressing a Wound: Step-by-Step 1. Wash hands 2. Clean wound with water 3. Apply antibiotic ointment 4. Cover with sterile dressing 5. Secure without restricting blood flow 6. Change dressing daily 6. Burns and Scalds • Cool with running water 10–20 min • Remove jewelry/clothing near burn • Cover with sterile dressing • Do NOT apply butter, ghee, toothpaste, oil Seek medical help for severe burns. 7. Fractures, Sprains & Strains Fracture: severe pain, swelling, deformity Sprain: ligament injury Strain: muscle/tendon injury Immobilization • Use splints, slings, bandages • Minimize movement RICE Method • R – Rest • I – Ice (15–20 min) • C – Compression • E – Elevation 8. Common Medical Emergencies Heart Attack • Chest pain, sweating, nausea First Aid: call help, keep calm, CPR if needed Stroke Use F.A.S.T. • F: Face drooping • A: Arm weakness • S: Speech difficulty • T: Time to call emergency Asthma • Sit upright • Use inhaler • Call for help if no improvement Allergic Reaction • Hives, swelling, breathing difficulty • Use epinephrine auto-injector if available • Seek emergency care Diabetic Emergencies • Hypoglycemia → give sugar • Hyperglycemia → needs medical help 9. Injuries Caused by Animals & Insects Animal Bites • Wash wound • Apply antibiotic ointment • Seek medical care (tetanus, rabies risk) Insect Bites • Usually mild: swelling, itching • Seek help if infection or allergic reaction occurs Snake Bite First Aid DO • Keep victim calm • Immobilize limb below heart level • Apply pressure immobilization bandage • Remove tight items • Seek medical care within 1 hour DO NOT • Do not cut bite • Do not suck venom • Do not apply ice • Do not give alcohol or medications Psychological First Aid • Stay calm • Provide reassurance • Support emotionally • Ensure safety First Aid Kit Essentials • Bandages • Gauze • Antiseptic wipes • Tape • Scissors • Tweezers • Gloves • Pain relievers • First aid manual ________________________________________ Remember First aid is not a substitute for professional medical care. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible. ________________________________________ FIND MORE ON www.physicianhub.org