First Aid (part 1)

FIRST AID
Everyone Can Learn It And Everyone Should
(part 1)

First Aid is assessment and intervention that can performed by a bystander (or by victim) with minimal or no medical equipment. (The National Aid Science Advisory Board). Person who gets a formal training is a first aid provider.

The education in first aid should be universal : EVERYONE CAN LEARN IT AND EVERY ONE SHOULD. And the administration of first aid must not delay activation of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system or other medical assistance when required.

What I explain follow here is 2005 First Aid Guidelines (newest). It differs from the ECC Guidelines 2000 in the increase number of topic.

CALL FOR HELP

The most infortant for a first aid provider is to know how to get help, how to access the EMS system, how to activate Emergency Responce Planc, and how to contact Poison Control Center.

POSITIONING THE VICTIM

A victim should not be moved, but there are times when you should do so :

• If the area is unsafe for you and victim.
• If the victim is face down and needs CPR, turn the victim face up.
• If the victim is unresponsive, has an open airway and breathing spontaneously, turn victim to his/her side (recovery position) with the victim's hand in front
• If th victim might have a spinal injury, it is best not to move victim or if you are alone and have to leave to get help, place victim in modified position by extending one of the victim's arm above head and rolling body to the side so that the victim's head rest on the extented arm. Bend both legs to stabilize the victim.

OXYGEN

There is insufficient evidence to recommend using of oxygen by first aid provider.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Breathing Difficulties
The Insidence of acute asthma is increasing. First aid provider may assisst the victim in using prescribed bronchodilator medication under the following condition:

• The victim states that he / she is having an asthma attack and has medication or an inhaler.
• The victim is unable to administer it without assistance.

Anaphylaxis
First aid provider should be familiar with the epinephrine auto-injector so that they can help someone having anaphylactic reaction self-administer. Or the should be able to administer auto-injector if the victim is unable to do so.

Seizure
First aid management of seizures are :

1. Prevent Injury
2. Ensure an open airway
3. Ensur the airway remains open after the seizure has ended

Protect head with pillow or other soft material. Do not restrain the victim during seizure or placing any object in the victim's mouth. It may cause dental damage or aspiration or may injure the rescuer's finger.

Place the victim in a recovery position after seizure to prevent aspiration and maintain an open airway.

(continued on next post)