FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, KANO

PMB 3045
Affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

SCHOOL OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

(SCIENCE)
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH
EDUCATION

COURSE CODE: PHED 220

COURSE TITLE: FIRST AID

ASSIGNMENT

BY
QUESTION

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC FIRST AID TREATMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING?

a. Strain
b. Sprain
c. Bruises
d. Fraction
e. Laceration

Introduction
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with either
a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life,
prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical
services arrive. First aid is generally performed by someone with basic
medical training. 

First aid refers to the initial and immediate medical care provided to someone
who has been injured or suddenly taken ill before professional medical help
arrives or can be accessed. The primary goal of first aid is to preserve life,
prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.

First Aid

When you provide basic medical care to someone experiencing a sudden

injury or illness, it’s known as first aid.

In some cases, first aid consists of the initial support provided to someone in
the middle of a medical emergency. This support might help them survive
until professional help arrives.

In other cases, first aid consists of the care provided to someone with a minor
injury. For example, first aid is often all that’s needed to treat minor burns,
cuts, and insect stings.

First aid treatment for different injuries is essential to provide immediate care
and reduce the risk of complications. Here are specific first aid treatments for
each of the mentioned injuries:

Strain:

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, typically caused by overstretching

or excessive use of the muscle. To treat a strain: Rest the injured area and
avoid using the affected muscle. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured
area for about 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for the first 48 hours to reduce
swelling. Compress the injured area with an elastic bandage to reduce
swelling and provide support. Elevate the injured limb to minimize swelling.

Sprain:

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough tissue that connects bones at a

joint. To treat a sprain: Rest the injured area and avoid putting weight on it.
Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area for about 15-20 minutes
every 1-2 hours for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. Compress the
injured area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide support.
Elevate the injured limb to minimize swelling.

Bruises:
A bruise occurs due to damage to blood vessels under the skin, causing
discoloration. To treat a bruise: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the
bruised area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Elevate the
injured limb if possible to help reduce swelling.

Fracture:

A fracture is a broken bone. Treating a fracture requires immobilization of the

injured area to prevent further damage. However, first aid treatment should
focus on stabilizing the injury before seeking professional medical care: If
there is an open fracture with bleeding, apply direct pressure with a sterile
dressing or clean cloth. Immobilize the injured area by using splints or
improvised materials (e.g., rolled-up newspaper or cardboard) to prevent
movement. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area to reduce swelling
and minimize pain.

Laceration:
Lacerations is a cut or tear in the skin. To treat a laceration: Apply direct
pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile dressing to control
bleeding. Rinse the wound gently with clean water to clean it from debris and
dirt. Apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. Cover the
laceration with a clean bandage or dressing.

For all these injuries, it's crucial to seek professional medical care if the
condition is severe, the pain is intolerable, or there are signs of infection or
complications. The first aid treatments listed above are intended for
immediate care and should be followed by appropriate medical evaluation
and treatment.

Conclusion
Remember that first aid is not a substitute for professional medical treatment.
It is crucial to seek medical attention for serious injuries, as proper diagnosis
and treatment are essential for recovery.

It's highly recommended to take a certified first aid course to gain in-depth
knowledge and hands-on practice of essential first aid techniques. Being
prepared and knowing how to respond in emergencies can save lives.

References

"Event first aid and ambulance support". British Red Cross. Archived from the
original on September 8, 2014.

Fletcher NC, The St John Ambulance Association: its history and its past in the
ambulance movement. London: St John Ambulance Association,
1929:12–3.

Industrial Revolution: St. John Ambulance Archived 2007-02-20 at

the Wayback Machine, retrieved December 10, 2006.

"Accidents and first aid". Archived from the original on May 3, 2008.

Retrieved October 4, 2008.