FIRST AID First Aid Treatment of shock

• FIRST AID – is the immediate or temporary care given to an injured or Types:

suddenly ill person before the service of the medical officer or corpsman a. Anaphylactic- severe allergic.
begins. b. Hemorrhagic – severe bleeding
c. Hypovolemic – severe pain
• WOUND – A break in the continuity of the skin, mucus membrane and d. Neurogenic – severe pain
tissue of the body, which allow the blood to escape and germs to enter. e. Cardiogenic – heart failure
f. Septic – Severe bacterial infection

• FRACTURES – Break in the continuity of the bone. Early Stage: Late Stage
a. Pale Cyanotic
• SPRAIN – Over stretching or tearing of ligaments around the joints. b. Cold and clammy skin Dilated Pupils
c. RR- Rapid and Shallow Blank Stare
• STRAIN – Over stretching of muscle due to over fatigue. d. PR – Fast but Weak Lack of Luster
e. BP – Increased Slow and deep
f. Anxious PR – Slow and Weak
• DISLOCATION – Displacement in the normal relationship of the bone
g. Dizzy BP – Decreased
caused by trauma.
h. Nauseated/vomiting Relatively unresponsive
I. Blurring of vision Unconscious
• SHOCK – A depressed condition of many vital body function due to
j. Thirsty
insufficient blood circulation.
First Aid:
• BURN – To destroy or damage caused by a combustion material which P – Proper positioning
resulted to fire. P – Proper dehydration
P- Proper body heat
• POISON – Any substances, solid, liquid or gas that tends to impair P – Proper doctor
health or causes death when introduce into the body or into the skin
surface. Different Kinds of Wounds:
• SPLINT – Any flat like materials readymade or improvised use to hold Wound – A break in the continuity of skin.
fracture. Close Wound – Tenderness, swelling, hematoma, pain
First Aid: Cold compress
• DRESSING – A sterile pad compressed sponge that is applied directly to Open Wound
cover wound. Abrasions Wound – scraped skin with minimal bleeding,
burning sensation. Caused by rubbing against rough
• CARDIAC ARREST – A condition of a victim where in the breathing and surface.
pulse is absent. First Aid: Wash with soap and water, provide iodine.

• ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION - Given artificial ventilation to revive the lung Punctured Wound – usually caused by any pointed object.
function. First Aid: Do not remove embedded objects

Objectives/Importance of First Aid: Incised Wound – caused by any sharp bladed object like
knife.
a. To alleviate pain and suffering. First Aid: Direct pressure, elevate.
b. To prevent added injuries.
c. To prolong life and save limbs.
 Lacerated Wound – cause by any hard or blunt object.
First Aid: Direct pressure, elevate
Avulsion Wound – a kind of wound that forcibly separates or
tear a tissue like exit point of bullet or explosions.
Bone Injuries
Fracture – break in the continuity of the bone.
Open – with open wound, bone protrusion, pain
Closed – with pain, deformity, swelling
Snake Bite
The best way to prevent being bitten by a snake is to avoid places
where they are prevalent, such as thick bushes, rocky ledges and swampy
riverbeds. Use a stick to probe suspicious areas before proceeding. Snakes
are generally afraid of man as man is afraid of them. Most snakes are not
aggressive and do not bite unless stepped on or molested. When a snake
bites you, determine whether the snake is poisonous or not. The presence of
two well-define fang is a probability that snake is poisonous. If you are sure
that the snake is not poisonous, treat the wound as if a simple puncture
wound. If you cannot determine he kind of snake, assume that a poisonous
one has made the wound. Here are some important pointers you should
remember when giving first aid to victims of snakebites:
a. Calm the Victim – try to keep the victim from becoming over
excited in order to prevent the rapid spread of snake venom in
his body. Also assure him that very few people bitten by snakes
die or become disabled.
b. Make Victim Feel Comfortable – place victim in a comfortable
position and when possible, place the bitten body area lower
than his heart.
c. Evacuate Immediately – immediately transport the victim by the
fastest means to where medical assistance is available.
d. Administer cut if evacuation is not possible or may take too long
by following the steps described below:
1. Apply a tourniquet between the bite and the heart (about two
inches from the bite). Be sure that the tourniquet is tight enough to stop the
flow of blood from the heart to the bite wound and also return the flow from
the bitten body area to the victim’s heart.
2. With a sterilized sharp blade (heated over the flame) make two
incisions about one fourth inch long each over the fang marks. Caused the
wound to bleed by pinching the incisions so that the venom will flow out
freely with the blood.
3. If there is a snake bite kit available, use the suction pump to
further bleed the venom out of the wound. When no suction pump is
available, you have to apply suction by mouth if you have healthy teeth and
gums.
4. As you apply these steps, observe the casualty for any sign of
difficulty in breathing. Should the victim stop breathing, immediately
administer artificial respiration.
POISON – any substance solid, liquid or gas that tends to impair health or
causes death when introduce into the body or into the skin surface.
How it May Introduced in the Body:
a. Ingestion
b. Injection
c. Inhalation
First Aid Measure:
a. Dilute plenty of water
b. Induce vomiting
c. Dilute of white of an egg
d. Give evaporated milk or powdered charcoal
Artificial Respiration
Given artificial ventilation to revive the lung function.
The main objective in administering artificial respiration is to revive a
casualty who has ceased to breath by forcing air into his lungs. In all cases,
the first step in giving artificial respiration is to clear the air passage of
mucus, food or any other foreign objects that may be blocking the mouth and
throat of the victim. The following are the different ways by which you can
administer artificial respiration.
1. Mouth – to – Mouth Resuscitation – this method may be effective
for victims of electrocution, drowning or any casualties who are deep shock.
To do mouth to mouth resuscitation, tilt the victim’s head so that his chin
points upward and his jaw is slightly lifted. This is to ensure that the victims
air passage is clear from any obstruction and that the tongue does not block
it. Open your mouth wide and place it tightly over the victim’s mouth. Pinch
the victim’s nostril shut and blow until you have filled his lungs. Then remove
your mouth and repeat the process in 4 to 6 seconds intervals until the
victims breathes by himself.

2. Artificial respiration to Drowning Casualty – the first thing you

should do is to raise the victim’s hips in order to allow the water in the air
passage to drain out of his lungs and then lay the person face down. Force a. Drag
his mouth open, pull his tongue forward and carefully remove any obstruction 1. Body
you may find in his mouth or air passage. Bend his elbow upward, with 2. Collar
hands resting one on top of the other, his face turned to one side and his 3. Blanket
cheek resting upon the top hand with mouth at a downward angle to allow 4. Fireman’s
fluids to run off. 5. Sheet
6. Extremity
Methods:
b. One Man Carry
a. Mouth to mouth 1. Assist to walk
b. Mouth to nose 2. Carry in arm
c. Mouth to mouth to nose 3. Pack strap
4. Piggy back
When to Stop: 5. Fireman’s carry

a. When the rescuer is exhausted. c. Two Man Carry

b. When the victim is breathing on his own. 1. Four hand seat
c. When the service of the physician is available. 2. Hand as a litter
d. When another first aider takes over. 3. Chair as a liter
4. Carry by extremities.
Emergency Rescue and Transfer:
d. 3-4 Man Carry
Rescue – is moving a victim from unsafe place to safe place with out 1. Bearer’s alongside
giving first aid. 2. Hammock carries

Transfer – is moving a victim from a safe place after giving a first e. 6-8 Man Carry
aid. 1. Hammock
2. Blanket
Methods of Rescue and Transfer:
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

A Combination of chest compression and ventilation to revive the heart and
lung function.
Lifesaving Measures
When you see someone lying down due to wound, shock or fracture,
the first steps to apply (as needed) is the Four Life-saving Measures.
These are:
a. Clear the airway. Check and restore the breathing and heartbeat.
b. Stop the bleeding.
b. Prevent shock.
c. Dress and bandage the wound.
Clear the Airway – The lack of oxygen intake through the breathing
and lack of heartbeat leads to death in a very few minutes. When treating a
casualty, first find out if he is breathing.
a. If he is not breathing, place him on his back and kneel beside his
head.
b. Clear his airway by removing any obstruction in his mouth.
c. Place your hand (the hand nearest his feet) under his neck and
put your other hand on his forehead. Extend his neck by lifting
with the hand under the neck and pushing down on the forehead.
This also lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat,
opening the airway.
Check for Breathing – After opening the airway, LOOK, LISTEN and FEEL
to find out if the casualty is breathing. The following
procedures should be used:
a. Put your ear near the casualty’s mouth and nose. Hold this
position for about 5 seconds.
b. LOOK to see if the casualty’s chest is rising and falling.
c. LISTEN and FEEL for breathing.
Restore Breathing – If there are no signs for breathing, start mouth-to-
mouth
resuscitation at once. The following procedures should be
used:
a. Put a hand under the casualty’s neck to keep the head tilted far
back.
b. Press down on his forehead with the other hand.
c. Move this hand and pinch his nostrils between your thumb and
index finger.
d. Open his mouth wide.
e. Take a deep breath and place your mouth over his, making an
airtight seal with your lips.
f. Blow into his mouth.
g. Give four or five quick but full breaths to make sure his lungs are
full.
h. Remove your mouth, turn your head and LOOK, LISTEN and
FEEL for exhaled air.
i. Repeat this procedure once every 5 seconds until the casualty
exhales.
If you feel strong resistance when your first blow air into the
casualty’s mouth, quickly reposition his head and try again. If the airway is
still not clear, roll him into his side. Hit him sharply between his shoulder
blades with the heel of your hand to dislodge any foreign objects. If the
casualty’s abdomen bulges (air going to stomach), apply gentle pressure on
his abdomen with one hand to force the air out. If this makes the casualty
vomit, quickly turn him into his side, clean out his mouth and continue giving
mouth to mouth resuscitation.
When you find an unconscious casualty, check to see if he has a
heartbeat and if he is breathing. Check for heartbeat and use the following
procedures:
a. Tilt the casualty’s head back.
b. Place your fingers on his throat.
c. Feel for the Adam’s apple.
d. Slide the fingers down from the Adams apple to the side
of the throat. This will place the fingertips over an artery where the pulse can
be felt.
Restore Heartbeat – you must start external heart massage (CPR)
quickly since permanent damage to the brain may occur if it is deprived of
oxygenated blood. Examples of times without oxygen and likelihood of brain
damage are as follows:
a. O - 4 minutes – Brain damage not likely.
b. 4 – 6 minutes – Brain damage probable.
c. 6 – 10 minutes – Brain damage very likely.
d. Over 10 minutes – Brain damage almost certain.
External brain damage provides artificial circulation by squeezing the
heart between the breastbone and the backbone, forcing blood through the
lungs, brain and body.
 To perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external heart
massage or CPR at the same time:
a. Kneel at the casualty’s side.
b. Blow four quick but full breaths into the casualty (as describe earlier)
to fill the lungs with air (his head must be tilted back and his airway
open). Locate the tip of the breastbone and measure two finger-
widths up from that tip.
c. Place the heel of the other hand alongside the fingers. Then put
both hands together and interlace the fingers. Push downward on
the chest 15 times at a rate of 80 counts per minute.
If two first aide personnel are present, one should give mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation and the other should give heart massage. In that case,
the procedure is slightly different. The soldier giving the heart massage
should change the number of compressions from 15 at a time to 5, keeping
the 80-per minute rate. The soldier giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
should give 2 breaths after each 5 compressions.
The two rescuers should be on opposite sides of the casualty in
administering this procedure.
• Stop the Bleeding – If the victim is breathing and his heart is beating,
the next thing to do is to stop the bleeding of the wound. Before you stop
the bleeding, you must find all wounds. Look for both entry and exit
points. This is to see that nothing is overlooked as bullet usually makes
a smaller wound where it enters than where it exits.
• Prevent Shock – Unless shock is prevented or treated, death may
result, even though the injury would not otherwise be fatal. Shock may
result from any injury, but is more likely to result from a severe injury.
Warning signs of shock are restlessness, thirst, pale skin and rapid
heartbeat. A victim of shock may be excited or appear calm and tired.
He may be sweating when his skin feels cool, fast breaths or gasps,
stare blindly into space or become blotchy or bluish around his mouth.
After giving the casualty the first two lifesaving measures, look for signs
of shock. If the casualty is in shock or is about to go into shock, treat him
at once for shock following these steps:
a. Loosen the casualty’s clothing on his neck and waist. Calm the
victim and reassure that he will be taken care properly.
b. Place the victim in a comfortable position. If conscious, place the
victim on his back with his feet raised 6-8 inches. If unconscious,
place him on his side or abdomen with his head turned to the side.
c. Keep the casualty warm. It may be necessary to place poncho or
blanket under and over him.
Dress and Bandage the Wound – the healing of wounds and
recovery depend a lot on how well you initially protect the wound from
contamination and infection. A wound must be dressed and bandage to
protect it from further contamination, as well as stop the bleeding. Use the
first aid dressing to dress and bandage a wound. A dressing is any sterile
pad used to cover a wound. A bandage is any material used to secure a
dressing to a wound. The field first aid dressing already has bandages
attached to it. Use the dressing to cover a wound and the bandage to secure
the dressing.
DO’s and DON’T’s of FIRST AID
When giving first aid to a casualty, remember the following:
a. Do act promptly but calmly.
b. Do reassure the casualty and gently examine him to determine the
needed first aid.
c. Do give life saving measures as required.
d. Don’t position the victim on his back if he is unconscious or has a
wound on his face or neck.
e. Don’t remove clothing from injured victim by pulling or tearing it off.
f. Don’t touch or try to clean dirty wounds, including burns.
g. Don’t remove dressings, bandages once they have been put on a
wound.
h. Don’t loosen a tourniquet once it has been applied.
i. Don’t move a casualty who has a fracture until it has been properly
splinted, unless it is absolutely necessary.
j. Don’t give fluids by mouth to a casualty who is unconscious,
nauseated, or vomiting, or who has an abdominal or neck wound.
k. Don’t permit the head of a casualty with a head injury to be lower
than his body.
l. Don’t try to push protruding intestines or brain tissue back into a
wound.
m. Don’t put any medication on a burn.
n. Don’t administer first aid measures which are unnecessary or
beyond your ability.
o. Don’t fail to replace items used from the first aid kit.