BASIC FIRST AID

GUIDELINES

EARL DANIEL SORIANO, RN

PRC : 0790781
SAFETY OFFICER III
FIRST AID
is an immediate care given to a
person who has been injured or
suddenly taken ill. It includes self-
help and home care if medical
assistance is not available or delayed.
Roles and Responsibilities of First
Aider
 Bridge that fills the gap between the victim and the
Physician and/or Emergency responder.
 It is not intended to compete nor take the place
of the service of a physician and/or emergency
responder.
 It ends when services of the physician begin.
 Ensure safety for him/herself and that of bystanders
 Gain access to the victim
 Determine any threats to a victim’s life
 Summon advanced medical care as needed
 Provide needed care for the victim
 Record all findings and care given to the victim
Objectives of First aid

 To alleviate suffering
 To prevent added/further injury or danger
 To prolong life
 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
FIRST AIDER
 Gentle
should not cause pain
 Resourceful
should make the best use of things
at hand
 Observant
should notice all signs
 Tactful
should not alarm the victim
 Empathic
should be comforting
 Respectable
should maintain a professional & caring attitude
Hindrances in Giving First Aid

 Unfavorable surroundings
 Hindrances in Giving First Aid
 The presence of crowds Pressure from victim or relatives
 Transmission of Diseases and
the First Aider
 DIRECT CONTACT
occurs when a person touches an infected person's
body fluids.
 Transmission of Diseases and
the First Aider
 INDIRECT CONTACT
occurs when a person touches objects
that have been contaminated by blood
and other fluid of an infected person.
Transmission of Diseases and
the First Aider
 AIRBORNE
occurs when the person inhales infected
droplets as an infected person coughs or
sneezes.
 Transmission of Diseases and
the First Aider
 VECTOR
occurs when an animal such as a dog or an
insect, such as tick and mosquitoes,
transmits a pathogen into the body through a
bite.
Disease that causes concern
 HERPES is a viral infection that causes eruptions of the skin and mucous
membranes.

 MENINGITIS is an inflammation of the brain or spinal cord caused by a viral or

bacterial infection.

 TUBERCULOSIS is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria.

 HEPATITIS is a viral infection of the liver.

 HIV (humane immune deficiency virus) is the virus that destroys the body’s
ability to fight infection.

 The resultant state is referred to as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency

syndrome)
PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT
DISEASE TRANSMISSION
BODY SUBSTANCE ISOLATION
Are precautions taken to isolate or prevent risk of exposure from
any other type of bodily substance.

BASIC PREACAUTION & PRACTICES

1. Personal Hygiene
2. Protective Equipment
3. Equipment Cleaning & Disinfecting
First Aid Equipment and
Supplies
 Basic Equipment
- Spine board - Set of splints
- Blanket - Poles
- Short board / Kendrick’s Extrication Device

 Suggested First Aid Kit

- Rubbing alcohol - gloves
- Povidone Iodine - scissors
- Cotton - forceps
- Gauze pads - triangular bandages
- Tongue depressor - elastic roller bandage
- Penlight - occlusive dressing
- Band aid - plaster
First Aid Equipment and
Supplies
DRESSING
Any sterile cloth materials used to cover the wound.
Other uses of the dressing
 Control bleeding.
 Protect the wound from infection.
 Absorbs liquid from the wound such as blood plasma, water &
puss.
First Aid Equipment and
Supplies
BANDAGES
Any clean cloth materials sterile or not use to hold the
dressing in place.
Other uses of bandages:
 Control bleeding.
 Tie splints in place.
 Immobilize body part.
 For arm support – use as a sling.
QUESTIONS?
SHOCK
 Is a depressed condition of many body functions
due to the failure of enough blood to circulate
throughout the body following serious injury.
Basic Causes of Shock

A. Pump Failure
Poor pump function occurs when disease or injury
damages the heart. The heart does not generate enough
energy to move the blood through the system.
Basic Causes of Shock

B. Hypovolemia
Blood or fluid loss from blood vessels
decreases blood volume, usually a result
of bleeding, and results inadequate
perfusion.
C. Relative Hypovolemia
The blood vessels can dilate enough that the blood
within them, even though it is of normal volume, is
inadequate to fill the system and provide efficient
perfusion.
Dangers of Shock

1. Lead to death.
2. Predisposes body to infection.
3. Lead to loss of body part.
Factors which contribute to
Shock
P- pain
R- rough handling
I - improper transfer
C- continuous bleeding
E- exposure to extreme cold & heat
F- fatigue
Signs and Symptoms of Shock

Early Stage:

 Face – pale or cyanotic in color.

 Skin – cold and clammy.
 Breathing – irregular.
 Pulse – rapid and weak.
 Nausea and vomiting
 Weakness
 Thirsty
Signs and Symptoms of Shock
Late Stage:

 If the condition deteriorates, victim may become

apathetic or relatively unresponsive.
 Eyes will be sunken with vacant expression.
 Pupils are dilated.
 Blood vessels may be congested producing mottled
appearances.
 Blood pressure has very low level.
 Unconscious may occur, body temperature falls.
First Aid Management of
Shock

1. Proper Body Position.

First Aid Management of
Shock

2. Proper Body Heat.

First Aid Management of Shock

3. Proper Transfer
QUESTIONS?
Heat Stroke / Sun Stroke
A response to heat characterized by extremely high body
temperature and disturbance of sweating mechanism.

A life threatening condition where the body’s temperature rises far

above normal. It is caused by prolonged exposure in a hot, humid,
and perhaps poorly ventilated environment. Without immediate first
aid, heatstroke can result in permanent brain damage or death.
HEAT STROKE / SUN STROKE
Signs and Symptoms First Aid Management
 Rise body temperature  Cool the victim.
 Dry, hot and red skin  Give first aid for shock.
 Dark urine  If the victim starts having a seizure,
give first aid.
 Small pupils  Keep the victim cool as you awaits
 Rapid, shallow breathing medical help.
 Extreme confusion
 Weakness
 Seizures
 Unconsciousness
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
STROKE
Is a condition that occurs when the blood flow to the
brain is interrupted long enough to cause damage.
People over age 50 are the most common victims,
but younger people can have them too.
If a blood clot blocks a narrowed artery in the brain
and the part of the brain beyond the clot does not
get the oxygen it needs >> the brain tissue dies.
This is called a stroke or a cerebral vascular
accident (CVA).
STROKE

Causes:
 Thrombus or Embolism
 Ruptured artery in the brain
 Compression
STROKE
Signs and Symptoms
 Weakness and numbness of the
face, arm or leg often on one side
only
 Dizziness, confusion, headache
 Ringing in the ears
 Change of mood
 Difficulty in breathing and
swallowing
 Loss of bowel and bladder control
STROKE
First Aid Management

 Check the victim’s CAB

 Have the victim rest in a comfortable position
 Seek medical help immediately
 Do not give the victim anything by mouth
 If the victim losses consciousness, place him/her in the recovery
position and administer first aid.
 Continue monitor ABC’s
 Stay with the victim until you have medical help.
POISON

Is any substance: solid, liquid or gas, that tends to

impair health or cause death when introduced into the
body or into the skin surface. A poisoning emergency
can be life threatening.
 POISON
Ways in Which Poisoning May Occur
INGESTION by mouth
INHALATION by breathing
INJECTION by animal bites, sting or syringe.
ABSORPTION by skin contact.
INGESTED POISON
Is one that is introduced into the digestive tract by way of the mouth.

Signs and Symptoms

Altered mental status.
History of ingesting poisons.
Burns around the mouth.
Odd breath odors.
Nausea, vomiting.
Abdominal pain.
Diarrhea
First Aid for Ingested Poisoning

1. Try to identify the poison.

2. Place the victim on his or her left side.
3. Monitor CAB (Circulation, Airway and Breathing)
4. Save any empty container, spoiled food for
analysis.
5. Save any vomitus and keep it with the victim if he
or she is taken to an emergency facility.
INHALED POISON
Is a poison breathed into the lungs.

Signs and Symptoms

 History of inhaling poisons

 Breathing difficulty
 Chest pain
 Cough, hoarseness, burning sensation in the throat
 Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and mucous
membranes)
 Dizziness, headache
 Seizures, unresponsiveness (advance stages)
First Aid for Inhaled Poisoning

1. Remove the victim form the toxic

environment and into fresh air
immediately.
2. Monitor CABs.
3. Seek medical attention.
ABSORBED POISON

Signs and Symptoms

 History of exposures
 Liquid or powder on the skin
 Burns
 Itching, irritation
 Redness, rash, blisters

First Aid for Absorption Poisoning

1. Remove the clothing.
2. Then with a dry cloth blot the poison from the skin. If the
poison is a dry powder, brush it off
3. Flood the area with copious amounts of water.
4. Continually monitor the patient’s vital signs.
INJECTED POISON
Is a poison that enters the body through a bite, sting, or syringe

Insect Bites
Signs and Symptoms

 Stinger may be present.

 Pain
 Swelling
 Possible allergic reaction
 First Aid for Insect Bites
1. Remove stinger.
2. Wash wound
3. Cover the wound
4. Apply a cold pack
5. Watch for signals of allergic reaction
Spider Bite/Scorpion Sting
Signs and Symptoms
 Bite Mark
 Swelling
 Pain
 Nausea and vomiting
 Difficulty breathing or swallowing
First Aid for Spider bite /
Scorpion Sting
1. Wash wound
2. Apply a cold pack
3. Get medical care to receive antivenin
4. Call local emergency number, if necessary
 Marine Life Stings
Signs and symptoms
 Possible marks
 Pain
 Swelling
 Possible allergic reaction
First Aid for Marine Life stings
1. If jellyfish- Soak area in vinegar
2. If sting ray- soak in nonscalding hot water until pain goes away
3. Clean and bandage the wound
4. If necessary, Call local emergency number
 Snake Bites
Signs and Symptoms
 Possible marks
 Pain
First Aid for Snake bites
1. Wash wound
2. Keep bitten part still and lower than
the heart
3. Call local emergency number
Comparative Characteristics of a Snake

VENOMOUS NON-VENOMOUS

Concertina, side Semicorcentina

Movement locomotion winding curvature

Head Semi-triangular Oblongated

Body Rectangular Circular

Skin Rough Smooth

Pupil Vertical Round

Way/Manner of
Nonconstrictor Constrictor
attack
Bite marks With fang marks Horseshoe shape
Human and Animal Bites
Signs and Symptoms
 Bite mark
 Bleeding

First Aid for Human and Animal Bites

1. If bleeding is minor – wash wound
2. Control bleeding
3. Apply antibiotic ointment
4. Cover the wound
5. Get medical attention if wound bleeds severely or if you suspect
animal has rabies.
6. Call local emergency number or contact animal control personnel.
 DRUG ABUSE
Is the self-administration of one or more drugs in a way that is not in accord
with approved medical or social practice.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Life-threatening emergency
 Unresponsiveness
 Breathing difficulties or inability to maintain an open
airway
 Abnormal or irregular pulse
 Fever
 Vomiting with an altered mental status or without gag
reflex
 Seizures
 High Priority for Transport
 Altered mental status.
 Extremely low or high blood pressure.
 Sweating tremors, and hallucinations (with alcohol withdrawal).
 Digestive problems, including abdominal pain and bleeding.
 Visual disturbance, slurred speech, uncoordinated muscle movement
 Disinterested behavior, loss of memory.
 Combativeness.
 Paranoia.
First Aid for Drug Emergencies

1. Establish and maintain an open airway

2. Monitor the patients mental status and vital signs
frequently
3. Maintain the patients body temperature
4. Take measures to prevent shock
5. Care for any behavioral problem
6. Support the patient
 ALCOHOL
Is a powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

Signs of Intoxication

• Odor of alcohol on the breath.

• Swaying and unsteadiness.
• Slurred speech.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Flushed face.
• Drowsiness.
• Violent, destructive, or erratic behavior.
• Self-injury, usually without realizing it.
 First Aid for Alcohol Emergencies

1. Give the same attention as you would to any patient with an illness or
injury.
2. Monitor the patient’s vital signs constantly. Provide life support when
necessary.
3. Position the patient to avoid aspiration of vomitus.
4. Protect the patient from hurting him or herself.
MURPHY’S LAW
"Anything that can go wrong will go
wrong."