Introduction to First Aid

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the principles, meaning and

aims of First Aid

2. To know the qualities, responsibilities and

duties of a First Aider

3. To know the basic contents of a First Aid

Pouch & uses of these items
Scope

• Introduction

• Definition

• Aims of First Aid

• Duties, Qualities and Responsibilities of a First Aider

• Contents of First Aid Pouch

• Case study

• Conclusion
What is First Aid?

• First Aid is the immediate

assistance or treatment
given to someone injured
or suddenly taken ill before
the arrival of an
ambulance, doctor or other
appropriately qualified
person
Aims of First Aid

• Preserve life

• Prevent the injury or illness

from becoming worse

• To promote recovery
Duties of a First Aider

• Saving life

• Stabilising the condition of victim

• Minimising late complications

• Preparing the victim for

evacuation and evacuating him
with skill and dispatch
Qualities of a First Aider
A First Aider must be:

• Highly Trained

• Tested and regularly re-tested to maintain standard

• Up-to-date in knowledge and skills

Responsibility of a First Aider
In the management of a casualty, your
responsibility as a first aider is to:

• Assess the situation

• Identify the condition of the

casualty/what he is suffering from

• Give immediate and appropriate

treatment to the casualty
First Aid Pouch
ESSENTIAL ITEMS IN THE FIRST AID POUCH
• Individually wrapped adhesive
dressings

• Bandages (Triangular, roller, elastic)

• Safety Pins

• First Aid Dressing (FAD) (No. 13 , 14, 15)

• Plasters

• Cotton Wool
 Item Descriptions
Adhesive Dressing or Plaster
• Used for minor wounds, best choice
for small wounds/cuts
Sterile Dressing, FAD
• Easy to apply, ideal in emergencies.
Comes in a range of sizes and in
protective wrapping
Roller and Elastic Bandages
• Supports joints, secures dressing,
restricts movement, maintains
pressure on dressing and limits
swelling
Triangular bandages
• Made of cloth or strong paper. Used
for secondary bandages and slings
PARTS OF FAD
Long End
STERILE
PADDING

Short End
The First Minutes- Group Discussion

You are faced with two casualties:

• During a PE lesson, a student fell and hit his head against a

sharp edge. There is a long deep gash and blood is pouring
from his head

• During lunch, a school mate in the canteen had choked on a

fish ball. He has lost consciousness and his face is turning
blue.
TAKE NOTE

• Immediate danger threatens the lives of these two

victims.

• Life saving measures must be carried out

immediately

• Delaying treatment until victims are evacuated or

medical help arrives can result in death
AT SITE

Would you know how to render

First Aid to these people?
ACTION TAKEN

Amputation injury

• Arrest haemorrhage

Heart attack

• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

REMEMBER!
• The first few minutes after an injury or sudden
illness are critical

• Any delay in starting treatment can cost a life

• Accurate identification of an injury or illness

helps to determine proper method of First Aid
treatment.
CONCLUSION

• First Aid Measures serve to minimise further injuries or loss

of lives.

• It is important to train First Aiders who are proficient in

their skills to be able to render immediate assistance
during Medical Emergencies.