First aid is a set of urgent measures aimed at saving human life. Accident, sudden onset of illness, poisoning – in these and other emergency situations, competent first aid is necessary.
First aid is not medical – it is provided until the arrival of medics or delivery of the victim to the hospital. First aid can provide any person who is at a critical moment near the victim. For some categories of citizens, first aid is an official duty.
First aid algorithm
- Ensure that you are not in danger or endangering yourself when giving first aid.
- Ensure the safety of the victim and others (e.g., removing the victim from a burning vehicle).
- Check for signs of life (pulse, breathing, pupil reaction to light) and consciousness. To check breathing it is necessary to tilt the head of the victim, lean over his mouth and nose and try to hear or feel breathing. To detect a pulse it is necessary to apply the pads of fingers to the carotid artery of the victim. To assess consciousness it is necessary (if possible) to take the victim by the shoulders, gently shake and ask any question.
- Call specialists.
- Provide emergency first aid. Depending on the situation, this may be:
- restoration of airway patency;
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
- stop bleeding and other measures.
- Provide the victim with physical and psychological comfort, wait for the arrival of specialists.
How to give immediate care for a sprain
First, make sure that the victim does not have a fracture or associated bleeding. If the victim is conscious and adequate, ask them to move their fingers or toes.
First aid in this situation – assess the situation and provide a safe environment for assistance, call an ambulance, fix the injured limb in the position in which it appeared after the dislocation, give the limb an elevated position. In case of dislocated joints of the lower limb, the victim should be taken to a medical institution in a supine position (on a stretcher) with pillows under the limb, its fixation.
How to provide first aid for a fracture
In open fractures, there is a wound in the area of the fracture, while in closed fractures there will be no violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membrane.
Ensure immobility of the bone fragments (transport immobilization) of the injured limb with splints or handy sticks, planks, etc. If there are no objects for immobilization at hand, bandage the injured arm to the torso, the injured leg – to the healthy one. In case of spinal fracture, transport the victim on a shield. In case of an open fracture accompanied by profuse bleeding, apply an aseptic pressure dressing and, if indicated, a hemostatic tourniquet.
How to provide first aid for external venous bleeding
It is necessary to give an elevated position of the limb, apply a pressure bandage, maximally bend the limb in the joint. With severe venous bleeding, press the damaged vessel to the bone 5-8 cm below the wound.
In case of severe bleeding from the veins of the lower limbs, it is important to apply a bandage without delay, because there is a real danger of embolism – air, fat/tissue particles getting into the vein and carrying them to the lungs, brain, etc.
First aid for internal bleeding
- Call an ambulance as quickly as possible;
- Assess the situation and provide a safe environment for first aid;
- give the patient or victim complete rest;
- put cold (ice or snow bubbles, cold water) on the area of the suspected source of bleeding;
- possibly put the victim on his/her back with legs elevated to improve blood supply to the brain.
Immediate care for fainting
Lay the victim on his back with his head slightly lowered and his legs raised. To facilitate breathing, free the neck and chest from constricting clothing. Warmly cover the victim, put a heating pad at the feet. In prolonged fainting do artificial respiration. After regaining consciousness, give the victim a warm sweet drink (coffee and strong black tea, carbonated energy drinks are good for raising blood pressure).
How to give first aid for wounds
Put a dressing on any wound, if possible aseptic (sterile). If bleeding is severe, stop it by any suitable means. In case of extensive soft tissue wounds, bone fractures and wounds of large blood vessels and nerve trunks it is necessary to immobilize the limb by means of standard or improvised means. Take the injured person to a medical facility as soon as possible.
How to provide first aid in case of electric trauma
Quickly free the affected person from the action of electric current, using improvised means (dry stick, rope, board, etc.) or cutting, cutting the wire approaching him with a shovel or axe, disconnecting the network, etc. In order to protect oneself, the person rendering assistance should wrap rubberized cloth or dry cloth around his hands, put on rubber gloves, stand on a dry board, wooden shield, etc. The injured person should be taken by those parts of clothing that do not fit directly to the body. Perform artificial respiration, indirect cardiac massage, apply aseptic dressings to the area of burns.
Conclusion
First aid is an essential set of actions that can save a life and prevent serious complications until medical professionals arrive. Knowing the basics of first aid allows each of us to be ready for unexpected situations, to act quickly and competently. It is important to remember that timely assistance can significantly affect the outcome of injuries, poisoning and other emergencies. Having mastered the basic methods and algorithm of first aid, you can not only help the victim, but also become confident in your actions in a critical moment.
