First Aid

First Aid is an immediate help, which is given to a sick or injured person before sending him/her to the hospital for further treatment.

Importance of first aid

1. It helps to save life.
2. It helps to prevent the victim's condition from becoming worse.
3. It also promotes recovery.
4. It helps reduce pain and suffering.
5. It helps to reassure the victim or to restore confidence to the victim.

First aid kit

The first aid kit is the small box which contains items that are for providing first aid. This box should be clearly labeled "first aid" and stored in a safe and easily accessible place for instance on a shelf, on the wall in a laboratory or in a staff room.

First Aid kit (a) closed First Aid kit (b) open First Aid kit

Components of the first aid kit and their uses

SN	ITEM	USE
1	Plaster or adhesive bandage	Covering small wounds
2	Sterile gauze	Covering wounds to protect them from dirty and germs
3	Antiseptic	Cleaning wounds to kill germs
4	Soap	Washing hands or wounds and equipment
5	Pain killers	Relieving pain. Note: they should be placed regularly
6	Scissor and razor blade	Cutting dressing materials
7	Safety pins	Securing bandage
8	Bandages	Keeping dressing in place and immobilizing injured limbs
9	Cotton wool	Cleaning and drying wounds
10	Thermometer	Taking body temperature
11	Disposable sterile gloves	Preventing direct contact with victim's body fluids
12	Petroleum jelly	Smoothing chapped skin
13	Torch	As a source of light
14	Whistle	Blown to call for help
15	Spirits	To kill germs in wound

First aid can be rendered to the victims of

1. Drowning
2. Muscle cramps
3. Bleeding
4. Poisoning
5. Hiccups
6. Suffocation
7. Bruises
8. Fainting
9. Burns
10. Sprain
11. Bone fracture
12. Snake bite

Procedures of giving first aid to various victims

a. Snake bites

A poisonous snake has two fangs one on each side of the upper jaw. The fangs are as sharp as needles. At the root of the fang, there is a poison gland. When the snake strikes, it jabs downwards hitting the skin with its fangs and releases a few drops of venom.

Venom is the poison of the snake. The action of striking forces the poison out and injects into the victim's skin.

Signs and symptoms

1. Immediate pain and swelling after the bite
2. The skin becomes purple. One or two punctured points may be seen where the fangs passed through the skin

Procedure for providing first aid to a snake bite victim

1. Move the victim immediately from the area where the bite occurred. If the bite occurred in water, move the victim to a dry place to prevent drowning.
2. Calm the victim and let them lie or sit down. Reassure them that not all snakes are venomous.
3. Remove jewelry such as bangles and tight clothing like socks or shoes from the affected area to prevent complications due to swelling.
4. Keep the bitten part at heart level or below to slow the spread of venom. For instance, if the leg is bitten, lower it to reduce blood flow.
5. Wear gloves and clean the wound using soap and water or spirit-soaked cotton wool. Cover it with a clean bandage or cloth.

Washing a snake-bite wound with soap and water 6. Take the victim to a nearby health facility immediately after administering first aid.

Precautions when giving first aid to a snake bite victim

1. Do not tie the bitten area, as this can restrict blood flow and worsen swelling.
2. Do not cut the bitten area, as it increases the risk of infection and worsens the wound.
3. Do not suck the venom from the wound to avoid spreading infection.
4. Do not apply herbs unless you are sure they are effective for the specific venom.
5. Do not give the victim hot drinks, coffee, or tea, as they can increase the heart rate and spread the venom faster.

b. Scorpion bite

Scorpions are small arthropods equipped with a curved stinger at the end of their tail. Through this stinger, they inject venom that can cause severe pain, convulsions, numbness, and temporary paralysis. Some species may be more dangerous, especially to children or allergic individuals.

Signs and symptoms of a scorpion bite

1. Sharp pain or burning sensation at the sting site
2. Swelling or redness at the site of the sting
3. Numbness, tingling, or twitching around the affected area
4. Difficulty in breathing in severe cases
5. Sweating, nausea, or vomiting

How to give first aid to a victim of scorpion bite

1. Keep the person calm and reduce movement Minimize physical activity to slow down the spread of venom. Ask the victim to stay as still as possible and keep them calm.
2. Immobilize the affected area Place the stung limb in a relaxed and supported position. Keep it lower than the level of the heart to slow venom circulation.
3. Apply a tourniquet above the sting site Use a soft cloth or bandage to tie a loose tourniquet just above the site of the sting. Ensure it is not too tight to avoid cutting off blood circulation.
4. Apply a cold compress or ice pack Put an ice pack or cold cloth on the sting area. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Apply for 10–15 minutes at a time, with short breaks.
5. Treat the person for shock Lay the person down flat and raise their legs slightly. Cover them with a cloth or blanket and ensure they are breathing normally. Monitor for symptoms of shock such as pale skin or dizziness.
6. Do not give the victim food or drink Avoid giving anything by mouth, especially alcohol or caffeine, as these may worsen the condition or increase venom absorption.
7. Do not cut or suck the wound Do not try to cut into the sting site or suck out the venom. These methods are dangerous and ineffective.
8. Rush the victim to the hospital immediately Seek medical help as soon as possible. Even if symptoms appear mild, professional assessment and treatment are necessary.

Stinging insects and wasp bee

Dog bite

A dog bite can be dangerous because it may transmit rabies, a deadly viral disease found in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is important to act quickly and carefully to prevent infection.

Signs and risks of a dog bite

1. Open wound, bleeding, or bruising at the bite site
2. Risk of infection due to bacteria or viruses in the saliva
3. Risk of rabies if the dog is infected
4. Swelling, pain, or redness around the wound
5. Fever or fatigue in case of infection

How to help a victim of dog bite

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water Clean your hands before touching the wound to reduce the risk of introducing more bacteria.
2. Clean the wound with running water and soap Rinse the bite area immediately under clean running water for at least 10 minutes. Use soap to remove any saliva from the wound and reduce the risk of infection.
3. Disinfect the wound if possible If available, apply an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol around the wound after washing.
4. Cover the wound with clean gauze Place sterile gauze over the wound to protect it from further contamination.
5. Bandage the wound carefully Use a clean bandage or dressing to hold the gauze in place, without tying it too tightly.
6. Keep the bitten part elevated if possible This helps reduce swelling and pain.
7. Take the victim to the hospital immediately Medical professionals should assess the wound, give tetanus and rabies vaccinations if needed, and provide antibiotics to prevent infection.
8. Observe the dog (if it is domestic and can be found) If the dog is a known pet, keep it under observation for at least 10 days. If it shows signs of rabies such as unusual behavior, hypersalivation, or aggression, inform the medical team immediately.
9. Report the bite to health authorities Especially in areas where rabies is common, reporting helps track the spread of disease and ensure proper monitoring.

Poisoning

A poison is any substance that can cause serious harm or death when it enters the body. Poisoning can occur through swallowing, inhaling, or skin contact. At home, common sources of poisoning include kerosene, disinfectants, paints, medicines, and artificial fertilizers.

How to give first aid to a victim of poisoning

1. Ensure safety of the surrounding area Before helping the victim, make sure the area is safe for you. Avoid breathing in any fumes or touching unknown substances directly.
2. Find the source of the poison Check the surroundings for bottles, containers, or remains of food or liquid that may have been consumed. This helps identify the type of poison involved.
3. Identify the type of poison if possible Read any labels or ask witnesses to determine what was taken. Knowing whether the poison is acidic, alkaline, chemical, or medicine helps guide treatment.
4. Do not induce vomiting for strong acids or alkalis If the poison is a corrosive substance like acid or alkali, do not make the victim vomit as it may cause more damage to the throat and stomach lining.
5. If the poison is not corrosive, induce vomiting If the poison is not acidic or alkaline, gently encourage the victim to vomit by giving them warm salt water. This helps expel the poison before it's absorbed into the body.
6. Neutralize the poison Give the victim plenty of milk, egg white, or water to drink. These help dilute or neutralize the poison and protect the stomach lining.
7. Do not give anything to drink if the victim is unconscious If the person is not fully alert, avoid giving fluids to prevent choking or inhaling the liquid into the lungs.
8. Keep the victim calm and still Movement can increase the absorption of poison into the body. Keep the person lying down and calm.
9. Take the victim to the hospital immediately Even if the person seems fine after vomiting or drinking milk, medical attention is necessary. Bring the container or label of the poison, if available.
10. Monitor breathing and pulse If the victim becomes unconscious or stops breathing, be ready to perform CPR while waiting for medical help.

Containers of some common poisons

Bone fracture

A bone fracture is a break or crack in a bone. A person with a fracture may experience:

• Severe pain around the injured part
• Swelling of the area
• Inability to move the injured part
• Fainting or shock due to pain or blood loss

How to give first aid to a person with a bone fracture

1. Treat for shock Lay the victim down and elevate the legs slightly unless it causes more pain. Cover them to keep warm.
2. Keep the patient absolutely still Do not allow the injured person to move the broken area.
3. Immobilize the injured part with a splint Place a firm object (like a stick or rolled magazine) alongside the injured limb and tie it gently with a bandage or cloth to keep it from moving. Do not try to straighten the bone.
4. Take the person to the hospital Get medical help immediately for proper treatment and X-ray examination.

Bone dislocation

A bone dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position at a joint. It may cause pain, swelling, and visible deformity.

How to give first aid to a person with bone dislocation

1. Do not attempt to force the bone back Only trained medical personnel should attempt to reposition the bone. Forcing it can cause more damage.
2. Support the dislocated area Use a sling or bandage to support the joint in its current position.
3. Immobilize and keep the person still Avoid movement of the affected joint to prevent further injury.
4. Take the person to the hospital immediately Medical treatment is necessary to realign the bone and manage pain.

Shock

Shock is a sudden and violent disturbance in the body's circulatory system, leading to a decrease in blood flow to vital organs.

Causes of shock

1. Bad news
2. Severe illness
3. Heavy bleeding
4. Dehydration
5. Severe burns
6. Accident

How to help a person in shock

1. Lie the person down with their feet elevated Elevate the feet higher than the head to help blood circulation to vital organs.
2. Loosen tight clothing Remove or loosen belts and shoes to help circulation.
3. Give fluids if the person is conscious Offer tea or any soft drink to hydrate the person, unless they are vomiting or unconscious.
4. Treat for bleeding or wounds Apply pressure to stop any bleeding and cover any open wounds.
5. Keep the person warm Cover them with a blanket to maintain body temperature, especially if they feel cold.
6. Take the person to the hospital Immediate medical attention is necessary to assess the severity and provide proper care.

Electric shock

Electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with a source of electricity, leading to injury or even death.

How to help a person who has suffered an electric shock

1. Turn off the source of electricity immediately. If that is not possible, move the victim away from the electric source using a dry, non-metallic object such as a dry wooden stick.

Removing an electric shock victim from the electric source 2. Lay the victim on their back on a flat surface. 3. Loosen any clothing around the neck to avoid obstruction of the mouth and throat. 4. Check for signs of blood circulation, such as breathing or coughing. To check the pulse, place your fingers on the side of the victim's voice box (Adam's apple). If the victim is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Use a clean cloth, dental dam, or pocket mask to cover the victim's mouth. 5. Place both hands on the lower part of the victim's chest. One hand should cover the other, with fingers interlocked.

Interlocking hands placed on the victim's chest 6. Press downwards sharply on the chest, then release the pressure. 7. Repeat the chest compressions 14 times, at a rate of approximately 80 compressions per minute. 8. Tilt the victim's head backward to open the airway. Place one hand on the forehead and the other on the chin, as shown in Figure. the head to open airways

Tilting the head to open air ways 9. Observe if the chest rises and falls, which indicates that air is flowing into the lungs. 10. If the victim does not regain consciousness, place them in the recovery position to allow better blood circulation and air movement.

The recovery position 11. If the condition persists, lay the victim flat on their back and raise their legs slightly to improve circulation.

Legs slanted for easy recovery 12. Take the victim immediately to the nearest health facility for medical assistance.

Bruises

A bruise is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues, caused by a blow or impact. It results in pain, swelling, and sometimes discoloration.

How to help a person with a bruise

1. Wash your hands Clean your hands with soap and water before attending to the injury.
2. Clean the bruised area Gently wash the bruised part of the body with soap and water.
3. Apply cold compress or ice Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the bruised area to reduce pain and swelling. Apply for 15-20 minutes every hour.

Applying cold compress on a bruise 4. Monitor swelling If swelling persists or the bruising worsens, take the victim to the hospital for further evaluation.

Vomiting

Vomiting is the involuntary ejection of contents from the stomach through the mouth. It can be caused by various factors.

Possible causes of vomiting

1. Allergic reactions
2. Diseases, e.g., malaria
3. Physiological conditions, e.g., pregnancy
4. Food poisoning
5. Unpleasant smell or taste
6. Drinking too much water when thirsty

How to help a person who is vomiting

1. Give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Provide the person with a rehydration drink or ORS solution to help restore lost fluids and electrolytes.
2. Allow the person to rest Ensure the person rests completely, as this can help ease the symptoms.
3. Monitor the person If vomiting persists or the person appears weak, take them to the hospital for proper treatment.

Muscle cramps

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms that can cause severe pain and loss of movement.

How to help a person with muscle cramps

1. Lay the victim down Help the person lie down in a comfortable position to relax the affected muscle.
2. Massage the cramped area gently Apply gentle pressure and massage the muscle to help it relax and reduce pain.
3. Apply anti-cramps ointment Use an anti-cramp ointment or cream on the affected muscle to help ease the discomfort.
4. Seek medical help if the problem persists If the cramp doesn't subside or continues to reoccur, seek medical assistance for further evaluation.

Possible effects of muscle cramps

• Severe pain
• Loss of movement

Drowning

Drowning occurs when a person is submerged in water and cannot breathe due to the intake of excessive water into the lungs, often leading to unconsciousness.

How to help a person who is drowning

1. Lay the person on their back Carefully place the person on their back on a flat surface.
2. Tilt the head backwards Tilt the person's head backwards to open the airway and allow the mouth to fall forward.
3. Pull the tongue forward Use a dry cloth to hold the tongue forward to prevent it from blocking the airway.
4. Close the person's nose Pinch the victim's nose shut with your fingers to prevent air from escaping.
5. Perform mouth-to-mouth breathing (artificial respiration) Gently blow into the victim's mouth, providing about 30 breaths per minute. Do not blow too forcefully, as it can cause harm.
6. Keep the person warm Cover the victim with a blanket or clothing to retain body heat.

Fainting

Fainting occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain, often caused by emotional shock, stress, or prolonged standing.

How to help a person who has fainted

1. Keep the victim lying down Lay the victim flat on their back and raise their legs to help increase blood flow to the brain.
2. Avoid warming the victim Do not try to warm the victim, as this can worsen the condition.
3. Loosen tight clothing Gently loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest, and waist to allow for better circulation.
4. Provide fresh air Ensure the victim receives fresh air by fanning them or providing mouth-to-mouth respiration if necessary.
5. Seek medical assistance if no improvement If the person does not recover quickly, take them to the hospital for further care.

Bleeding

How to help a person who is bleeding

(a) Severe cuts

1. Stop the bleeding Press firmly with your fingers directly on the wound or press the edges of the wound together to stop the bleeding immediately.
2. Lay the victim down Help the victim lie down to prevent fainting or shock.
3. Raise the limb (if applicable) If the wound is on a limb and there is no fracture, raise the limb to reduce blood flow to the area.
4. Apply a dressing Once the bleeding slows down, press a clean pad of material over the wound and tie it in place. If blood seeps through, apply another layer of material on top.

(b) Simple cuts

1. Wash your hands Clean your hands with soap and water before attending to the wound.
2. Clean the wound Wash the wound thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Apply a dressing Cover the wound with a clean dressing dipped in iodine solution, then bandage the wound securely.

(c) Nose bleeding

Nosebleeds often occur near the tip of the nose and can be caused by conditions like high blood pressure, injury, or high altitudes.

Nose bleeding victim pinching the nose

How to help a person with a nosebleed

1. Let the victim sit quietly Have the person sit quietly to help reduce blood flow and slow the bleeding.
2. Lean the head slightly backwards or lie on the back Encourage the victim to lean their head slightly backward, or if they are lying down, ensure their head is flat.
3. Pinch the nose Pinch the side of the nose where the blood is flowing for about 10 minutes to stop the bleeding.
4. Breathe through the mouth Allow the victim to breathe through their mouth to avoid swallowing blood.
5. Apply cold compress Place a cold, wet compress on the nose and face to help constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
6. Seek medical help If the bleeding does not stop, take the victim to the hospital immediately.

Burns and scalds

A burn is caused by dry heat (e.g., flame or hot objects), while a scald is caused by steam or boiling water.

How to help a victim of burns and scalds

1. Remove the person from the source of heat Immediately move the person away from the heat source to prevent further injury.
2. Cool the affected area Apply cool running water to the affected area for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. If running water is unavailable, use cool, damp cloths.
3. Remove wet clothing (for scalds) For scalds, carefully remove any wet clothing from the affected area.
4. Leave burned clothing in place If it is a burn, do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Leave the clothing in place until medical help is available.
5. Cover the area If the victim's clothes are burning, immediately cover them with a heavy blanket to cut off the air supply and extinguish the flames.
6. Seek medical attention For more severe burns, or if there is significant pain, swelling, or blisters, take the victim to the hospital immediately.

Chemical burns (acids and alkalis)

Chemical burns are caused by exposure to harmful substances like acids or alkalis.

How to help a victim of chemical burns

1. Remove contaminated clothing Strip off any clothing that has been contaminated by the chemical to prevent further exposure.
2. Wash the affected area Rinse the affected area with plenty of clean, running water for at least 20 minutes to remove the chemical substance.
3. Neutralize the chemical If the burn is caused by acid, apply moist packs soaked in a weak solution of baking soda. For alkaline burns, apply vinegar to neutralize the substance.
4. Seek medical attention After performing the first aid, take the victim to the hospital as chemical burns can cause severe damage to the skin and deeper tissues.

Hiccups

Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the respiratory muscles, resulting in a characteristic sound.

How to help a victim of hiccups

1. Pull out the tongue Gently pulling out the tongue can sometimes help relax the diaphragm and stop the hiccups.
2. Swallow crushed ice The victim may swallow finely crushed ice, which can help soothe the diaphragm and stop the spasms.
3. Hold the breath Instruct the victim to hold their breath for as long as possible. This can sometimes help reset the diaphragm.
4. Give a solution For children, a teaspoonful of a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate or lemon juice can help relieve hiccups.

Breathing into a paper bag