Basic principles and rules of first aid

FIRST AID AND EMERGENCIES

First aid was being practical from ancient times. It was the famous surgeon who was the first to conceive the idea of first aid. He was General Esmarch (1823-1908).

In 1877 St John Ambulance Association of England was formed in 1920, The Red Cross society of India was established with more than 400 branches all over India.

Definitions

Medical Aid: refers to treatment by a doctor either on the sport at home or in the hospital

First Aid is the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or sick person until the services of a qualified doctor are obtained with such material as may be available. The first aid is not an end by itself. It indicates that the person is in need of a secondary aid.

First aid is based on the knowledge of biology, medicine and surgery. It can be a life saving skill .

First aider :

The person who renders emergency service on the spot until the medical aid is obtained.

A sound knowledge based on first aid enables a nurse to give skilled services during accidents and sudden illness to preserve life promote recovery and prevent injury or illness being aggravated until the medical aid has been obtained.

Objectives

            To save life

            Adverse effects of injury are controlled.

            To ease the Pain-to reduce Pain.

            To avoid further injury.

            Prepare for medical treatment

            To assist the doctor.

Scope of first aid

            Diagnosis: Observation and information elicited will enable for diagnosis.

            Treatment: The nurse (nurse) decides on the character and extends of the treatment and applies the most suitable treatment until the doctor' s help is available.

Basic principles and rules of first aid

            Obtain a correct detailed history

            Observe and examine thoroughly and note every symptom.

            Treat the casualty until the details arrives or patient is shifted to the near by hospital.

            If the accident is at home- call neighbour, if the accident is at the public place -call police

            Keep phone numbers of doctor, police control room.

Golden rules

            Be calm and quick, be methodical and find out all major injuries.

            In stoppage of breathing, start artificial respiration.

            Try to stop bleeding.

            Prevent shock if present and shift to near by hospital

            Keep the patient warm. Do not move unnecessarily

            Do only what is necessary.

            Reassure the casualty

            Avoid crowd.

            Allow fresh air

10.Quickest means of transport at emergency 11. For serious accident inform police.

Accidents

An accident is an event, which happens unexpectedly. The extent of the injury depends on various factors. The accidents, which are most likely to come across, are as follows.

            Wounds

            Sprains and dislocations

            Fractures (broken bones)

            Burns and scalds.

Some times there may be a history given that the patient has received an injury to the head or some other part of the body but there is no visible injury.

However in these cases the patient may be unconscious, may show signs of shock or may complain of pain. In all such cases you transfer the patient to the Health Center immediately.

As you are a nurse and the aim of your assistance is as follows.

            To prevent immediate danger of death.

            Give artificial respiration.

            Guard against shock or treat for shock.

            Do not remove clothing unnecessarily.

            Reassure the patient and relieve pain.

            Arrange for removal of the patient to the nearest Hospital