OCCUPATIONAL FIRST-AID

DEFINITION OF FIRST-AID
first aid, immediate and temporary treatment of a victim of sudden illness or injury while awaiting the arrival of medical aid. Proper early measures may be instrumental in saving life and ensuring a better and more rapid recovery. The avoidance of unnecessary movement and over-excitation of the victim often prevents further injury. Conditions that require immediate attention to avert death include cessation of breathing (asphyxia), severe bleeding, poisoning, strokes, and heart attack. The essentials of first aid treatment also include the correct bandaging of a wound; the application of splints for fractures and dislocations; the effective methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and artificial respiration; and treatment of shock, frostbite, fainting, bites and stings, burns, and heat exhaustion.

FIRST-AID BOX
A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid and can put together for the purpose (by an individual or organization, for instance), or purchased complete. There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of the area where it may be used, and variations in legislation or regulation in a given area.

FIRST AID BOX

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

INSIDE FIRST AID BOX

FIRST AID ROOM

A first aid room or medical room is a room in an establishment (e.g. a school, factory, sports venue or airport) to which someone who is injured or taken ill on the premises can be taken for first aidand to await the arrival of professional emergency medical services. A first aid room should be clearly signposted, easily accessible and contain:

A sink and drinking water First aid materials (which may include protective equipment and blanket) An examination/medical couch A telephone or other communication equipment A record book for recording incidents

FIRST AID ROOM

BASIC FIRST AID AND TREATMENT

BURNS AND SCALDS

BLEEDINGS
1)

Have the injured person lie down and cover the person to prevent loss of body heat. If possible, position the person's head slightly lower than the trunk or elevate the legs and elevate the site of bleeding. While wearing gloves, remove any obvious dirt or debris from the wound. Don't remove any large or more deeply embedded objects. Your principal concern is to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure directly on the wound until the bleeding stops. Use a sterile bandage or clean cloth and hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped. Maintain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage or clean cloth and adhesive tape. Use your hands if nothing else is available. If possible, wear rubber or latex gloves or use a clean plastic bag for protection.

2)

3)

BLEEDINGS
4)

Don't remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, don't remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it. Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding doesn't stop with direct pressure, apply pressure to the artery delivering blood to the area. Pressure points of the arm are on the inside of the arm just above the elbow and just below the armpit. Pressure points of the leg are just behind the knee and in the groin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bone. Keep your fingers flat. With your other hand, continue to exert pressure on the wound itself.

5)

6)

Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible.

HOW TO BINDING BANDAGE

SHOCK
1.

Lay the Person Down, if Possible

I) Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches unless head, neck, or back is injured or you suspect broken hip or leg bones. II) Do not raise the person's head. III) Turn the person on side if he or she is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.

SHOCK
2) Begin CPR, if Necessary
If the person is not breathing or breathing seems dangerously weak: I) For a child, start CPR for children.
II) For an adult, start adult CPR. III) Check breathing every 5 minutes until help arrives.

SHOCK
3) KEEP PERSON WARM AND COMFORTABLE

Loosen restrictive clothing. Cover with coat or blanket. Keep the person still. Do not move the person unless there is danger. Reassure the person. Do not give anything to eat or drink.

SHOCK
4) FOLLOW UP

At the hospital, the person will be given oxygen and intravenous liquids. Other treatment will depend on the cause of shock.

SHOCK

BONE FRACTURE

Do not move the person unless there is an immediate danger, especially in the case of a suspected fracture of the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis or upper leg. Attend to any bleeding wounds first. Stop the bleeding by pressing firmly on the site with a clean dressing. If a bone is protruding, apply pressure around the edges of the wound. If bleeding is controlled, keep the wound covered with a clean dressing. Do not attempt to straighten broken bones. For limb fractures, provide support and comfort such as a pillow under the lower leg or forearm. However do not cause further pain or unnecessary movement of the broken bone. Apply a splint to support the limb. Splints do not have to be professionally manufactured. Items like wooden boards and folded magazines can be effectively used in first aid to support a fractured limb. Limbs should be immobilised above and below a fracture site to be effective. Immobilise the arm area by applying a sling. If possible, elevate the fractured area and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. Do not eat or drink anything until you are seen by a doctor, in case surgery is required.

BONE FRACTURE

POISONING

Seek immediate medical help Try and identify the poison if possible Check for signs like burns around mouth, breathing difficulty or vomiting Induce vomiting if poison swallowed In case of convulsions, protect the person from self injury If the vomit falls on the skin, wash it thoroughly Position the victim on the left till medical help arrives

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
HAND ONLY CPR
1)Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the persons chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers. 2)Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 56cm on their

chest.
3) Repeat this until an ambulance arrives.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPR FOR ADULTS

Place your hands on the centre of the person's chest and, with the heel of your hand, press down by 56cm at a steady rate, slightly faster than one compression a second. After every 30 chest compressions, give two breaths. Tilt the casualty's head gently and lift the chin up with two fingers. Pinch the persons nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth. Check that their chest rises. Give two rescue breaths, each over one second. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
BABY UNDER ONE YEAR OLD

Open the baby's airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose. Place your mouth over the mouth and nose of the infant and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth, checking that their chest rises. Give five initial rescue breaths. Place two fingers in the middle of the chest and press down by one-third of the depth of the chest. After 30 chest compressions at a steady rate (slightly faster than one compression a second), give two breaths. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation