OFA Handout PDF

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING
Course Objectives
At the end of this course you will be able to:
Define first aid as well as the scope and rules of
intervention.
Effectively manage a medical emergency
incident.
Identify, prioritize and manage injuries effectively
instructor: until help arrives
Recognize and offer psychosocial support for
people who are emotionally distressed due to
experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

TOPICS TO BE COVERED
Introduction to First Aid
WHY OFA?
Incident and Casualty Management; Mass Casualty
Incidents
Breathing Emergencies
Medical Emergencies
Emergency Child Birth
Trauma
Environmental Emergencies
Movement of Casualties
Psychological First Aid
HIV & Stress Management (Open discussion)
POST COURSE EXAMINATION
Mainly due to lack of  What is first aid?

Confidence; but may also  Who is a first aid provider?
be caused by:  Do I have to help?
 What is my responsibility?
 Fear of blood  Will I get challenges out there?
 What are the legal issues in first aid?
 Fear of Liability
 Fear of causing injury

1
What is first Aid?

 Ensure airway, breathing, and circulation, stop any bleeding
 First aid is the first help given to a casualty
after an injury or sudden illness using available
 Never move a casualty unless there is obvious danger
resources and accepted principles of treatment
 When moving casualty, be very careful to avoid further injury
before handing over to a medically trained
person or Hospital.  Treat injuries in correct order
 It also seeks to offer psychosocial support for  Give comfort and protection to casualty
people who are emotionally distressed due to  Give protection from weather
experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
 Never leave the casualty alone
 Arrange for medical assistance.
 Wash hands with soap and water before and after

treating a causality.
 Use disposable gloves or improvise a barrier when
giving treatment.
 Cover cuts and grazes on your hands with waterproof
dressings.
 Avoid touching a wound or touching any kind of
dressing that will come into contact with the wound.
2
Infection
Control
 Try not to breath, cough, or sneeze over a wound
while you are treating a causality.
 Take care not to prick yourself with any needle found
on or near a causality or cut yourself on glass,
 If a face shield or pocket mask is available, use it
when giving rescue breaths.
 Dispose of all waste safely. Remember hand washing
& Personal hygiene
before and after handling
casualties.
Body Substance Isolation (BSI)

 Assumes that all body fluids are potentially
infectious
 Be aware of the risks associated with
emergency medical care.  Body Substance isolation
 REMEMBER…IF IT IS WET,STICKY AND IT  Eye protection
IS NOT YOURS…DON’T TOUCH!  Gloves
 Clothing change
 Masks- surgical/dust
 Improvised techniques
INCIDENT
MANAGEMENT
3
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (E.A.P)
•What has happened?
 A detailed step by step process for Assess situation
•What is happening now?
assessment and treatment of casualties at •What is likely to happen?
a scene of an incident.
Make area Safe
 There are unique challenges that will arise Emg. Aid (First Aid)
 Nature of the scene (safety, security, location)

 Number of and condition of casualties Get help
 Number and competence of responders

 Availability of additional resources After math
 Who is in charge Under this one word stands out ‘AMEGA’

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
1. ASSESMENT Assessment
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Danger
 WHAT HAPPENED? (past)
 WHAT IS HAPPENING? (continuous) Violence

 WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN? (future)

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
2. MAKE AREA SAFE 3. EMERGENCY AID
SAFETY PRIORITY (ABC) Establish Response
1. AIDER Call out (ask a direct question)
2. BYSTANDERS Give a command (open your eyes)
3. CASUALTY Give a gentle tap (on the shoulders)
4
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
4.GET HELP:
Additional Help can come from;
• Other First Aiders/First Responders
• Ambulance and EMS team
• Fire department (as necessary)
• Law enforcement (as necessary)

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
4.GET HELP:
PHONE CALL CONTENTS (4WCT)
WHO
WHERE
WHY
WHAT
CONFIRMATION
TIME

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Police -999/112 5. AFTERMATH
Kenya Red Cross Society Ambulances
0700395395
0738395395
1199 -Emergency Ops Centre (EOC)
AAR
0725-225-225
0734-225-225
ST. John Ambulance
0721-225-285
5
MASS CASUALTY
INCIDENTS (MCI)

MASS CASUALTY INCIDENTS
Triage
Triage is a system of sorting casualties to

determine the order in which they will
receive medical care and transportation to
definitive care

Triage Colour codes
Highest priority Caualties whose survival
RED requires care or transport
without delay
Medium priority
YELLOW
Casualties who will survive
even if care is somewhat
CASUALTY
Least priority
delayed
Casualties who do not require
MANAGEMENT
GREEN or will not benefit from prompt
care
Dead or unsalvageable
BLACK victims
6
Casualty Assessment
This involves care of casualty's before
transfer to hospital or medical help arrives. It Danger
entails, Response
 Primary Survey/ Initial assessment
Always remember one
Danger, Response, shout for Help, Airway, shout for Help
word ‘DR H ABC’
Breathing, CPR
 Secondary Assessment ABCs
Head to toe survey

Transportation to
Hospital
Danger
Primary Assessment
Assess the situation and make area safe
Ensure you and the casualty are safe.

Secondary
Assessment
Transportation to
Hospital

Response Response
 A= alert: means that the person is aware of
 A-Alert/Awake their environment, opens their eyes
 V-Voice spontaneously and can follow instructions.
 P-Pain  V= verbal: means that the person does not
 U-Unresponsive/Unconscious open their eyes spontaneously, and only
responds to a verbal cue when it is said
directly to them.
7
Response Airway
 P= pain: means that the person does not
open their eyes spontaneously, nor respond Obstructed Airway Open Airway
to verbal cues and only reacts directly to
painful stimuli (like squeezing the fingers or
pinching the back of the hand). The person
may cry, moan or move.
 U= unresponsive: means that the person
does not react, either to verbal or painful
stimuli.
Airway Breathing
 Protect yourself with a mask ;  Keeping airway open, look, listen and feel for
 Gently tilt their head back (or into a neutral normal breathing for up to ten seconds. Look
position for a baby) until their mouth falls for chest or abdominal movement; listen for
open and lift their chin. (You may need to breathing sounds; feel for air.
turn the person onto their back to do this.)  Protect yourself with a mask
 The jaw thrust maneuver might result in less
cervical spine movement than the head tilt,
which may be useful to consider when you
suspect a Spinal injury.
Unresponsive and breathing

normally
UNRESPONSIVENESS
 If the person is unresponsive, they will not
move or respond to any noise or touch.
 Perform the following first aid steps;
8
First Aid Steps Recovery Position

If the person is breathing normally:
1. Move them onto their side and tilt their head
back (or into a neutral position if it is a baby)
to maintain an open airway. This is called the
recovery position. A baby can be held in this
position in your arms.
2. Access emergency medical services (EMS).
3. Monitor the person for any changes in their
breathing or level of response. If possible, try
to establish why the person is unresponsive.
Benefits of Recovery Position

To enable secretions to freely flow out (To
prevent aspiration)
Gravity helps in expansion of lungs
To maintain an open airway
It is a comfortable position
First Aid Steps

Unresponsive and abnormal If the person’s breathing is abnormal or they are
not breathing:
breathing (Adolescent and Adults)
1. Immediately ask bystanders to access
 If a person is unresponsive with abnormal emergency medical services (EMS), or if you
or no breathing, it is reasonable to are alone access EMS yourself. If using a
assume the person is in cardiac arrest. phone, activate the speaker function.
 Perform the following first aid steps; 2. Begin chest compressions without delay; push
down on the centre of the person’s chest at a
fast and regular rate (100–120 compressions
per minute).
9
First Aid Steps…cont

3. For those who are willing and able to provide
rescue breaths, a ratio of 30 compressions and
2 rescue breaths (30:2) is performed.
4. Continue to give chest compressions unless
otherwise instructed to pause (either by an
automated defibrillator or professional
responder). Pause compressions if the person
shows signs of recovery, such as coughing,
opening their eyes, speaking or moving
purposefully and breathing normally.
What is CPR?
 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a set of

lifesaving skills you begin to perform for a
casualty who is unresponsive, not breathing
and no pulse.
 CPR helps keep blood and oxygen flowing to

the brain and heart (vital organs); and buys
time until you can use an Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) or until professional help
arrives.

What Can YOU do to Help? Ice breaker #5
CHAIN OF SURVIVAL
Where is your heart located?
 Be a Strong Link in the Chain of

Survival
10
Landmark
Elbows Press deep
 How do you locate the center of the locked & & Fast
chest? fingers off
Allow chest
the chest
to recoil

“Push hard, push fast & allow the chest to
recoil”
Unresponsive and abnormal
breathing (Baby and Child)
 Open their airway: For a baby, tilt their head slightly
to a neutral position and lift their chin. For a child,
tilt their head back and lift their chin.
 Check for breathing: Look, listen and feel for normal
breathing for up to ten seconds. Look for chest or
abdominal movement; listen for breathing sounds;
feel for breaths on your cheek. If you have any
doubt whether breathing is normal, take action as
 Minimize interruptions of compression though it is not.
First Aid Steps First Aid Steps…cont

 If the baby or child’s breathing is abnormal (or 3. Give 30 chest compressions without delay; push
they are not breathing): down on the centre of their chest at a fast and
regular rate (100–120 compressions per minute).
1. Immediately ask a bystander to access EMS,
or if you are alone, access EMS yourself. If 4. Give two rescue breaths. Blow steadily into the
using a phone, activate the speaker function. mouth or mouth-and-nose for one second until you
see the chest or abdomen rise.
2. Give two to ﬁve initial rescue breaths using a
5. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and
mouth-to-mouth-and-nose technique for a
two rescue breaths until emergency help arrives or
baby or a mouth-to-mouth technique for a the baby or child shows signs of life (such as
child. Blow steadily for one second until you coughing, opening their eyes, speaking or moving
see their chest or abdomen rise. purposefully) and starts to breathe normally.
11
Adult Resuscitation
Continue with regular Hands- only CPR
Child & Infant Resuscitation

Unresponsive and abnormal breathing
when a defibrillator is available
Continue with regular CPR sequence
(30 chest compressions;2 rescue  An automated external defibrillator
breaths) (defibrillator) is a portable device that
analyses the heart’s rhythm and, if
necessary, sends an electric shock (or
defibrillation) to help re-establish a normal
heart rhythm.
First Aid Steps First Aid Steps…cont

1. Begin CPR immediately. 4. Use the defibrillator as soon as it is available.
2. Ask a bystander to access emergency medical Follow the voice prompts, only pausing CPR
services (EMS), or if you are alone access when it is absolutely necessary.
EMS yourself. If using a phone, activate the 5. Continue CPR unless otherwise instructed to
speaker function. pause (either by the defibrillator or
3. Ask a bystander to bring a defibrillator as professional responder). Pause CPR if the
quickly as possible. person shows signs of recovery, such as signs
of life (opening their eyes, speaking, crying or
moving purposefully) or starts to breathe
normally.
12
Defibrillation Switch On A.E.D
Some AEDs will

automatically switch
themselves on when
the lid is opened
An automated external defibrillator(AED)


Attach Pads to Casualty’s Bare Chest Attach Pads to Casualty’s Bare Chest
Babies and children

under 8 years old
Adults and children over 8 years old
Shock Indicated
Analysing Rhythm,
Do Not Touch The
Casualty
 Stand clear
 Deliver shock
13
Shock Delivered
Follow A.E.D Instructions
No Shock Advised
Follow AED Instructions
30 2
Complications of CPR
If casualty starts to breathe, place them in  Broken ribs
recovery position  Check and correct your hand position.
 Gastric distention
 Caused by too much air blown too fast
and too forcefully into stomach
 Regurgitation
 Be prepared to deal with it!
When to STOP C.P.R…

S – Casualty STARTS BREATHING
spontaneously When not to begin CPR????
T - Transfer of care
O – You are OUT OF BREATH/ Too tired
P – Physician (Doctor) on scene tells you

to terminate your efforts
14
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
BREATHING PROBLEMS
Causes
 Tongue falling back

 In unconscious persons
 Foreign bodies
 Fluid, solid, stomach contents or other
 Swelling of upper airway
 Due to allergy, infection, trauma or tumor

Choking
 Choking is a true medical emergency that

requires fast, appropriate action by
anyone available. Emergency medical
teams may not arrive in time to save a
choking person's life.
15
Signs of choking
PARTIAL COMPLETE
 Wheeze between  Clutching of the neck
cough when partial with thumb and
obstruction fingers(universal
 High pitched noise choking sign)
when breathing in  Inability to breathe or
 Difficulty breathing speak
 Unconsciousness  Movement of airway
may be absent
 Death
Chest thrust
Appropriate for:
Ask “ are you choking ?”
• Pregnancy more than
If responds and coughs 3 months /obese
ENCOURAGE TO COUGH casualties
• When in doubt always

If not…
use chest thrusts
Give 5 back blows followed
by 5 Abdominal thrusts for
Adult (Heimlich maneuver)

Management of choking in Infants
Management of choking in Children
 In a conscious child:
 Kneel behind the
child.
 Give abdominal
thrusts.
 Repeat the technique
until object comes
out.  5 Back slaps  5 Chest thrusts
16
Ice Breaker #6
Name the Common Medical

Emergencies
MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES SAMPLE HISTORY
 Hypoxia
S (Signs and symptoms)
 Asthma Attack
A (History of any allergies)
 Allergic Reaction & Anaphylaxis
 Diabetic emergency M (Are you taking any medications, as prescription
medication or over the counter)
 Feeling Faint
 Disorders of the Heart
P (any relevant past medical history)
 Seizures(epilepsy) L (Ask about last meal taken)
 Stroke E (Ask about the events that led to the illness, e. g
 Emergency Child Birth what were you doing before this occurred)

HYPOXIA
 A condition that arises from low oxygen levels
in the body.
FEELING FAINT
 List causes of hypoxia.
17
FAINTING Causes
 Hunger
 Fainting is a temporary loss of  Nervous reaction to pain
responsiveness due to a fall in blood supply  Exhaustion
to the brain.  Heat
 More often, the person does not become  Stress/ Fear
completely unresponsive and usually  Underlying medical conditions
becomes fully responsive immediately after.  Standing for too long/Sudden postural
changes
 Sudden bad or good news

Signs and Symptoms First aid steps
 Paleness of the skin 1. Help the person to sit or lie down in a safe
 Complaint of “spinning sensation”, lightheadedness, and comfortable position, where they
dizziness cannot fall.
 Cold and clammy skin
2. Monitors casualty’s ABCs
 Rapid and shallow breathing
3. Ask the person to do physical counter-
 Unconsciousness
pressure maneuvers to improve blood flow
to their brain.
First aid steps…cont First aid steps…cont

4. If counter-pressure maneuvers are not Physical counter-pressure maneuvers
possible, ask the person to lie down and raise
the legs (30-60 degrees) which may increase
blood flow to the person’s brain and may
improve the person’s condition.
5. Reassure the person and observe them
closely for changes in their level of response
or breathing. If possible, try to establish why 1 Squatting 2 Leg tensing 3 Arm tensing
they feel faint and whether there is anything
further you can do to help them.
18
First aid steps…cont
ASTHMA ATTACK
Definition
 Asthma is a chronic illness of the airways in
the lungs. When an attack occurs, the airways
in the lungs swell, narrow and produce extra
mucus, making it difficult to breathe.
Early recognition
The person may experience:
 difficult or labored breathing accompanied by
wheezing and coughing
 shortness of breath, or a feeling of suffocation
or tightness in the chest
 rapid breathing and elevated heart rate
Asthma  altered mental status including becoming
anxious, confused or unresponsive.
19
First aid steps First aid steps..cont

1. Help the person into a comfortable position. c. the person is experiencing severe
Reassure them. breathing difficulties
2. Help the person to use their inhaler. Loosen d. the person’s lips, ears, fingers or toes
any tight clothing. turn a bluish colour
3. Access EMS immediately if: e. the person has a change in mental
a. the person has no inhaler and the attack status, such as becoming confused or
lasts for several minutes unresponsive
b. the inhaler is ineffective within a few f. their breathing becomes slow, less
minutes noisy, or if the person is getting tired.
First aid steps..cont Reliever inhaler

4. Stay with the person and continue to
observe them, keeping them calm and
comfortable until the attack is over.
Depending on the person’s
prescription, they may use their inhaler
again before medical help arrives.
Universal Blue Capped


Preventor Inhaler
20
Allergic Reaction
 Allergies are relatively common, presenting on
the skin, or in the airways and sometimes
Allergic Reaction and accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.
Anaphylaxis Chronic allergic disease sometimes
deteriorates suddenly. Some people can also
be severely allergic to something resulting in a
life-threatening anaphylactic reaction (a severe
allergic reaction).

Types of allergic reaction Anaphylaxis
 Local allergic reaction – affecting a specific  SEVERE allergic reaction
area of the body  May occur within up to 30
 Moderate allergic reaction – spread to other minutes after exposure
parts of the body.
 Severe allergic reaction – affects the whole
body
Early recognition Early recognition

A mild allergic reaction will vary depending on A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is likely to
what is causing it but may include: develop further to also include life-threatening
conditions such as:
 red, itchy eyes
 difficulty breathing including shortness of breath,
 sneezing, snuffles or runny nose wheezing or asthma-like appearance
 abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and  airway narrowing, swelling of the tongue, throat and
vomiting larynx, causing hoarseness, noisy breathing.
 itching, swelling or hives on the skin, Often, the first symptom occurring is difficulty swallowing.
including the face.  signs of shock including confusion or agitation, pale or
ashen skin, which may lead to collapse and
unresponsiveness.
21
First aid steps First aid steps

Mild allergic reaction Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
1. Ask the person about known allergies and any prescribed 1. Access EMS as soon as you recognize the person is
medication. experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
2. If appropriate, remove the allergen (e.g. by rinsing from the 2. Help the person to lie down unless they are experiencing
skin) or remove the person from the environment containing breathing difficulties. In that case, help them to sit down.
the allergen. 3. If the person has an epinephrine auto injector, help them to use
3. Help the person get into a comfortable position and to take it. The best place for injection is the middle of the outer side of
their medication if they have it with them. If trained to do so, the thigh. The injection can be administered through clothes if
and the local regulations allow, offer the person common the clothes are not thick.
antiallergic medication or remedies. 4. If a person with symptoms of severe allergic reaction was
4. In case of an allergic reaction to the skin, advise the person treated with but did not respond to the first dose of epinephrine
not to rub the skin, as this may make it itch more. within five to ten minutes, a second dose may be considered.
5. Monitor the person closely as a mild allergic reaction can 5. Keep monitoring the person’s responsiveness and breathing
develop into a severe allergic reaction. regularly until EMS is accessed.
Epi-pen Auto-injectors
DIABETIC EMERGENCY
22
Diabetes
 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the
body struggles to produce or respond to
insulin, the hormone which regulates blood
sugar levels.
 A diabetic emergency happens when a
person’s blood glucose level goes outside the
normal range, resulting in either too much
sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) or too
little sugar in the blood (hypoglycemia).

Hyperglycaemia Someone with low blood sugar
(Hypoglycaemia) may experience:
General weakness
Headache  sweating with cold, clammy skin
Extreme thirst  weakness, faintness or hunger
Rapid heartbeat  drowsiness, restlessness, aggressiveness
Blurred vision (often resembling drunkenness)
Frequent urination  headache
Fruity breath  rapid pulse
Confusion and disorientation
Nausea and vomiting  muscle tremors
Abdominal pain/ bloating  deteriorating level of response and leading
Deep rapid breathing eventually to seizures or unresponsiveness.
First aid steps

1. Help the person to sit down.
2. If the person has their own glucose or another
sugar source, help them to take 15-20 grams of it. If
they do not, give them a sugary (non-diet) drink,
SEIZURES
such as fruit juice, or some sugar (such as three
teaspoons of sugar or three pieces of candy.
3. If symptoms continue after 15 minutes, give the
person a repeated amount of glucose or sugar
substance.
4. If the person’s condition does not improve quickly
(around 30 minutes) or they become unresponsive
access EMS.
23
Seizure Causes
 A seizure is caused by a disruption in the • Epilepsy – most common

brain’s electrical activity and can cause • Other causes:
unresponsiveness, muscle twitching, loss  High fever  Stroke
of bodily control or blank staring.  Infections  Drugs or alcohol
Convulsion is a sudden, violent,  Poisoning Hypertension
involuntary muscle contractions.  Head trauma  Complications of
pregnancy
 Shock
 Hypoxia
Hypoglycemia

Signs of a seizure include: Following the active stage of a seizure the
 sudden loss of responsiveness person may:
 sudden collapse  fall into a deep sleep
 involuntary muscle movements such  start to breathe normally or deeply
as twitching, jerky movements,  become responsive again, often after a
stiffness, arching of the back, clenched few minutes
jaw  be unaware of what has happened.
 noisy, difficult breathing
 saliva foaming around the mouth.
First aid steps…cont First aid steps…cont

1. Protect the person from harm by moving any nearby c. it is the person’s first seizure
objects that may hurt them. Avoid moving the person c. the seizure lasts more than five consecutive minutes
unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., they are in d. the person does not regain responsiveness after the
oncoming traffic). seizure
2. Place soft padding (e.g., a cushion or sweater) under e. the person is experiencing repeated or different types
the person’s head to protect it. Remove eyeglasses and of seizures than usual or the seizures have increased
loosen any restrictive clothing from around their neck. in frequency
Do not restrain the person. Do not force anything
f. the person is pregnant or diabetic
between the person’s teeth.
g. the person has a high fever
3. Access emergency medical services (EMS) in any of
the following cases: h. the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
a. the person has hurt themselves i. when in doubt.
24
First aid steps…cont

4. Note the start and stop time of the seizure, as well
as if it reoccurs. Communicate this information to
EMS if available. Once you have
5. When the seizure is over, check the person’s
ensured your own
breathing and keep checking this regularly. Remove
the padding from under their head if it may interfere safety, remove any
with their breathing. obstacles that could
a. If they are breathing normally, move them onto injure the casualty.
their side and ensure their airway is open.
b. If they have abnormal breathing, see
Unresponsive with abnormal breathing
adolescent and adult or baby and child.

The Heart
Pulmonary Aorta
Circulatory Disorders arteries

Superior Pulmonary
Vena Cava veins
Left Atrium
Right Atrium
Right Ventricle Left ventricle
Inferior Vena Cava

Risk Factors
 The heart pumps blood  Age - (≥ 45 years for men and ≥55 yrs. for women)
 Smoking - damages arterial linings
 During an emergency  Diabetes Mellitus-causes damage to blood vessels
the heart can stop  Family History of Cardiovascular disorders
pumping!  Obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m²)
 Physical Inactivity
25
Risk Factors Preventive Measures
 Eliminate cigarette smoking
 Control hypertension
 Manage cholesterol levels
 Control diabetes(DM)
 Exercises
 Eliminate obesity
Angina )Heart Attack

(Narrowing of
(Blockage of
Coronary
Coronary Artery
Arteries)
Early recognition
 Pain may be described as discomfort, vice-like
pressure, cramping, squeezing, burning. A heart
attack can start with non-specific complaints:
 nausea
 shortness of breath
 pain radiating to the jaw
 pain in the upper abdomen
 pain between the shoulder blades
 pain that lasts more than a few minutes or it
may come and go.
26
Early recognition First aid steps

 People may also experience the following: 1. Help the person to sit down in a comfortable
 paleness position and take their medication.
 anxiousness 2. Access EMS immediately if you suspect a
 bluish colour to the skin on their lips, ears, or heart attack. Ask a bystander to bring a
fingers. defibrillator if possible.
3. Suggest the person considers chewing a
dose of 300 mg Aspirin if a heart attack is
suspected.
4. Reassure the person and monitor their
breathing and responsiveness.
Do not give Aspirin if;

 Casualty is allergic to Aspirin
 Casualty has had a recent surgery
 Casualty has stomach ulcers
STROKE STROKE
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to part of
the brain is interrupted.
This can be caused by bleeding in the brain,
or a blockage of a blood vessel such as by a
blood clot.
27
Early recognition (Stroke Scale)

 Occurs when a part of FAST
the brain is starved of  FACE – Facial numbness or weakness, especially on one side: ask
the person to smile or show their teeth. Check if the person’s mouth
oxygen. is crooked and whether one corner of their mouth is drooping.
 ARM – Arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side: ask the
 Might be due to a clot person to extend both arms at the same time, straight out in front of
or a rupture in the them and ask them to turn their palms upwards. Carefully look if one
brain’s blood vessels.

arm is sagging or drifting around.
 SPEECH – Abnormal speech, difficulty speaking or understanding
others or a loss of speech: ask the person or companions if there are
any changes in their speech
 TIME – Time is important: try to find out how long the symptoms have
been going on (when the symptoms started or when they were seen
acting normally by others). Access EMS immediately.

Signs of stroke Signs of stroke
 Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or  Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or
leg, especially on one side of the body. The understanding. The probability of stroke is likely if the
probability of stroke is likely if the person, when person, when asked to:
asked to:  repeat a simple sentence, speech is unclear or
 show their teeth, the corner of their mouth droops slurred, or the words do not come easily.
 lift both arms with palms turned upwards while  Sudden trouble in seeing with one or both eyes.
eyes are closed, one arm drifts or droops.  Sudden trouble walking or experiencing dizziness,
loss of balance or coordination.
 Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
 Seizure (of a non-epileptic person).
First aid steps

1. Use a stroke assessment system to
recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
2. If you suspect a stroke, access EMS
immediately. Note the time it started.
3. Help the person get into the best possible
position, keeping in mind the person’s
comfort, physical and cognitive abilities.
Support them if they are at risk from falling.
4. Monitor the person’s breathing and reassure
them. Keep talking to the person.
28
Emergency Child Birth

 Childbirth is a natural process which usually
EMERGENCY CHILD takes several hours. This allows time to access
the support of a midwife or to transport the
BIRTH woman to a birthing facility.
 In some cases, an “emergency birth” takes
place very quickly and not in the place where it
was planned. Childbirth happens naturally
without intervention so for an emergency birth,
the first aid provider’s role is to support the
woman through the process.
Assisting in Emergency Child Birth Anatomy of a Pregnancy

Stages of Labor First Stage
 First stage:
 Lasting an average of 16 hours
 Starts with onset of regular contractions
 Rupture of amniotic sac
 Appearance of “bloody show”
 Ends with full dilatation and effacement
of the cervix
29
Stages of Labor Second Stage

 Second Stage:
 Begins when cervix is fully dilated
 Contractions become stronger, are
closer together and last longer
 Urge to push
 Presenting part appears
 Ends with the birth of the baby

Stages of Labor
 Third Stage:
 Ends with the
delivery of the
Crowning
placenta and
umbilical cord
The infant’s head appearing at the

opening of the birth canal.

Third Stage
30
Equipment for Delivery Preparation for Delivery

 Wash your hands thoroughly.
 Sterile gloves
 Sterile towels  Place a towel or sheet under the woman.
 4 x 4 gauze pads  Have plenty of towels on hand.
 Bulb syringe  Place the woman in a comfortable position
 Umbilical cord (often on back with knees bent and legs drawn
clamp/strings up and apart).-Lithotomy Position
 Sanitary pads
 Towel or blanket for
baby

Assisting with Delivery
 Have the woman

lie on her back Place your gloved
with her knees fingers on the bony
drawn up and part of the infant’s
skull, and exert gentle
apart.
pressure to prevent
 Tell the mother to explosive delivery.
breathe rapidly.
 Do not attempt to
pull the baby Use caution to avoid fontanelles
during delivery.
Wrap infant in a warm

blanket and place on its
side, head lower than
trunk.
Receive newborn in
As infant’s head is being born, support the clean or sterile towel.
head, then keep the nose and mouth open
Grasp feet as they are
born.
31
1st clamp
Observe for delivery of placenta.
2nd clamp Clamp, tie, and
 Expect delivery within 10 – 20 minutes cut umbilical
 Guide placenta from birth canal when it cord.
appears by grasping and rotating –
NEVER PULL
 Do not delay transport
Wait for pulsations to cease
 1st Clamp approximately 4 finger’s
width from the infant
Caring for the Newborn Aftercare of the Mother

 Clear mouth and nose.  Observe mother and baby.
 Dry infant with towel.  Recheck firmness of uterus.
 Wrap child to keep warm.  Recheck vagina for excessive bleeding.
 Place infant on side with head slightly lower  Clean mother with towels.
than trunk.  Cover vaginal opening.

Complications
Prolapsed Cord
32
Prolapse of Umbilical Cord

 Umbilical cord comes out of the birth canal
before the baby is born.
 A serious emergency that requires rapid
transport
TRAUMA
 Prop the mother’s hips and legs higher than the
rest of her body.
 Keep cord covered and moist.
BLEEDING AND SHOCK BLEEDING AND SHOCK

Bleeding occurs due to rupture of blood
vessels that is veins, arteries and
What is the amount of Blood in capillaries
the Body?
Two Types Of Bleeding
 External- can be seen
 Internal -from internal organs

Types of Bleeds Nose bleeding
 Place the patient in a

sitting position leaning
forward.
 Ask casualty to pinch the

Recognizing the types of external bleeding. nostrils
A. Capillary. B. Venous. C. Arterial.
33
EXTERNAL BLEEDING First aid steps

1. Ask the person to apply direct pressure to
 Severe external bleeding is a life- their own bleed with their hands.
threatening condition requiring urgent 2. Help the person to lie down.
first aid. The human body relies upon 3. Access emergency medical services.
blood circulating around the body to 4. Apply direct pressure to the bleed. If blood
deliver oxygen to organs and tissues soaks through the dressing, apply a second
such as the heart and brain. dressing over the first one, applying greater
pressure.

5. If direct pressure is ineffective and the person  Expose
is bleeding from an arm or leg, consider  eXamine
applying a tourniquet if available. If no
 Pressure
tourniquet is available or it cannot be applied,
consider applying a haemostatic dressing, if  Elevate
available, and continue to put direct pressure  Cover
on the bleed.  Treat for shock and Transport
6. Shock is likely to develop from significant
bleeding. Help the person to lie down on their
back and keep them warm by wrapping them
in clothing if necessary.
34
Dressing & Bandaging First aid steps
A dressing controls
bleeding
Prevents infection
Absorbs discharge
Bandage
A bandage holds a Dressings
s
dressing/splints in
place Apply finger tip pressure directly on the point of
bleeding.
INTERNAL BLEEDING
 Mouth -cough up (from lungs)

 Mouth- vomited (upper abdomen)
 Ear -oozing (skull fracture)
 Anus- stool (lower abdomen)
 Urethra ( bladder)
Large gaping wounds may require packing  Vaginal discharge (menstrual/abuse/labour)
with sterile gauze and direct pressure to
control bleeding.
First aid steps SHOCK

 Arrange URGENT evacuation to  If bleeding is not taken care of, the casualty
hospital
might go into SHOCK
 Loosen tight clothing
 Reassure and explain the necessity of  Shock is insufficient supply of oxygen and
relaxing nutrients in the body
 Treat for any other injuries as required  Signs include cold clammy skin, thirst
 Keep the casualty warm but do not give ,dizziness, deteriorating levels of
anything to eat or drink consciousness
 Observe and note progress with ABC as
the priorities
 Be ready to resuscitate
35

1. Help the person to lay down on their back (or in a
comfortable position).
2. Provide care for the cause of shock if possible. For
example, apply pressure to a severe bleed or help them
take their medication if they are having a severe allergic
reaction.
3. Access EMS immediately.
4. Continue to provide care for the cause of the shock if
possible.
5. Keep the person warm. Cover them with a blanket or
clothing and protect them from the ground if it’s cold.
6. Reassure the person by talking to them. Monitor their
responsiveness and breathing regularly. Nothing to eat, drink, or smoke
 INJURIES into the skin or the body surfaces

WOUNDS can cause wounds.
 There are two types of wounds (open &
closed)
 Open wounds bleed and are a source of
infection.
 While closed wounds only bleed under
the skin (bruise, black eye & a blister)

Avulsion Amputations
 There are two types of amputations: complete
and partial.
Flaps of skin or tissue are torn  Complete amputation is the total removal of a
loose or pulled completely off limb, while partial amputation is when part of
the limb is still attached to the body.
36
First aid steps Penetration/Puncture

If the amputation is partial:
a. Advise the person to keep the limb as still as possible,  Caused by
preferably in a position of normal alignment to protect it from
further amputation. sharp pointed
b. Use a sterile bandage or dressing, or clean cloth, to cover the object
wound and keep the limb in place.
If amputation is complete:  Internal bleeding
a. Use a sterile bandage or dressing, or clean cloth, to cover the may be severe
wound.
b. Keep the amputated body part dry and cool. To do this, place  Exit wounds
the amputated body part in a clean, watertight, plastic bag, and may be present
firmly seal it. Place this inside a larger bag of ice and water
until it can be taken to a medical facility.
Impaled Objects Apply a Ring Pad
Do not remove an
impaled object, unless
it is through the cheek,
it would interfere with
CPR, or interferes with
transport.
Abrasion Contusion
 Epidermis
 Outermost layer
of skin is remains intact
damaged by  Swelling and
shearing forces. pain are
 Painful injury, present
although  Blood
superficial
accumulation
 No or very little
causes
oozing blood
discoloration
37
Laceration
GUNSHOT
 Break in skin of WOUNDS
 varying depth  Could lead to
 May be linear or serious internal
stellate injuries. The entry
point is always very
 Caused by forceful
neat while the exits
impact with are always very
sharp object. rough and rugged
 Bleeding may be and could come out
severe with internal body
parts.
CHEST INJURIES
Penetrating chest wounds

 A chest injury includes any injury to the ribs,  These are sucking wounds that may result
heart and lungs. in the collapsing of either of the lungs
 Some chest wounds are ‘open’ which means caused by accumulation of air or blood in
there is a hole in the chest, usually caused by the chest cavity.
injuries such as a gunshot or stabbing. It is
also possible to have sucking or blowing
chest wounds which can cause severe
breathing difficulties.
38
First aid steps

Open chest wound
1. Help the person get into a comfortable position.
Usually, this is a half-seated position leaning slightly
on their injured side to maximize the function of the
other lung.
2. Control any external bleeding by applying pressure
using your hands, ensuring the pressure does not
completely seal the wound.
4. Reassure the person and monitor their breathing,
circulation and level of response, particularly looking
for any signs of shock or breathing difficulties.

Sucking chest wounds
Apply occlusive dressing to the open

wound with a partial seal.
39
ABDOMINAL INJURIES
Abdominal Wound First aid steps

 Abdominal wound is any injury to the 1. Help the person get into a comfortable position,
Usually, this is a lying position with knees pulled up,
abdomen. as this reduces tension on the abdomen.
 Example is Evisceration 2. Control any external bleeding by applying pressure.
4. Place a clean dressing over the wound once the
bleeding is controlled by pressure. If internal organs
are bulging out, do not try to push them back into the
abdomen. Cover them with a clean wet dressing.
5. Reassure the person and monitor their breathing,
circulation and level of response, particularly looking
for any signs of shock.
40
MUSCULOSKELETAL
INJURIES
Dislocation
 Fracture – break, crack or chipping of the bone
o Movement of a bone at a joint away from the
 Dislocation – displacement of two or more bones normal position.
at a joint.
o More obvious than a fracture.
 Sprain – is the wrenching, tearing or
overstretching of ligaments at a joint by direct or o Often forms a bump, ridge (fold) or hollow.
indirect force.
 Strain – is the wrenching, tearing or
overstretching of muscles or tendons either by
direct or indirect force.
Sprain Strain
o Tearing of ligament at a joint o Stretching & tearing of muscles or tendons.
o May swell & can involve fractures or dislocations o Often caused by lifting or overwork.
o Most often occurs in the ankle, knee, wrist or o Usually involves muscles in the neck, back,
finger joint. thigh, shoulder or lower leg.
41
First aid steps

 R- Rest – Injured part (Do not attempt to straighten the injured area).
Stabilize it in the position found; and splint the injured part ONLY if the
person must be moved.
 I – Ice – Fill a plastic bag or wrap ice with a damp cloth & apply ice
to the injured area for a period of about 20min.
N.B. if continued icing is needed, remove the pack for
20min. & then replace it their after. (Place a thin barrier
between the ice & bare skin).
 C – Compress- Injured part with a crepe bandage to minimize swelling
 E – Elevate - elevate the injured part, if it doesn't cause pain
 S – Splint the injured part

Improvise Fractures
Open Injuries (fracture)

 Break, crack or chipping of the bone
 Break in the continuity of the skin.
Closed Injuries(fracture)
 Break, crack or chipping of the bone
 No break in the continuity of the skin.
First aid steps Principles of Splinting
 Cover an open wound with a clean dressing  Remove clothing.

and bandage.  Assess limb.
 Splint the fracture with a padded and correct  Cover all open wounds
size splint. with dressing.
 Check for signs of shock and give first aid as  Do not attempt to move
needed. before splinting.
 Refer the casualty to hospital.  Immobilize joint above
and below injury.
42
Apply Manual Stabilization

Measure Splint
Apply
splint
immobilizing
the bone
and joint
above and
below the
injury.
Secure entire injured extremity
First aid steps
43
Elbow Injuries
HEAD INJURIES
CONCUSSION Early recognition

 Becomes unresponsive, even for just a few seconds.
 This is defined as  Has an altered mental status (e.g., they become aggressive,
shaking of the brain have slurred speech, have a seizure; children may have an
abnormal attitude or be very quiet and stop playing).
following a violent
 Has a motor or sensory deficit of one or more limbs (e.g.,
blow to the head tingling in a limb, or balance or coordination problems).
leading to temporary  Has a severe headache for more than two hours despite taking
but wide spread pain relief.
disturbance, brief loss  Has impaired vision (e.g., sensitivity to light, blurred or double
of consciousness and vision).
lossof memory.  Has blood or a clear fluid coming out of their nose, ear or
mouth.
 Vomits more than once.
 Is unresponsive with abnormal breathing.
COMPRESSION Early recognition

 This is the exertion  Rapid deterioration in levels of
of pressure on the response
brain either by  Airway is partially obstructed
clotted blood or
 Noisy breathing
swelling of the
brain pressing itself  Slow weak but full pulse
against the skull.  Weakness on one side of the body
This could be  Unequal pupils
hours after
experiencing a  History of concussion
concussion.
44

1. Remove the person from their activity and ask them to
rest.
2. Monitor the person according to the signs of a concussion
and for changes in their level of response and breathing.
3. If the head injury is severe:
a. Access EMS.
b. Reassure the person and encourage them to keep
their head and neck as still as possible. If the person is
lying down, you may also use your hands or knees to
keep their head as still as possible.
c. Monitor the person’s level of response and breathing
until EMS arrives.

Spine Injuries
Spinal injuries can result in damage that can be

SPINE INJURIES permanent and may include disability such as the loss
of use of the arms or legs.
As with all first aid emergencies, the safety of the first
aid provider should be paramount. Ensuring or
maintaining normal breathing and blood circulation of
the person with a suspected spinal injury remain vital to
their survival.

You may suspect a spinal injury if the injured
1. If the person is responsive and alert, reassure them
person has:
and ask them to stay as still as possible. If necessary,
 fallen from a height greater than standing (e.g., they are a child, are drunk, or do not follow to
 been involved in a road traffic collision your instructions) gently support their head to help
them to prevent movement of their neck and spine.
 bumped their head while diving head-first 2. Access emergency medical services (EMS).
into shallow water
3. Ensure minimal handling or movement of the person
 been involved in a traumatic event (e.g., at all times. Monitor their breathing and level of
explosion, mechanical incident). response for any changes.
45
BURNS

The Skin Burns
 A burn is a type of injury to the skin or other
Epidermis
Capillary network
tissues caused by:
1. Heat (fire, steam)
2. Cold (ice)
Sebaceous glands Dermis
3. Chemicals (acid)
Shaft of hair 4. Radiation (radioactive materials, the sun,
Hair follicle
Subcutaneous
sunlamps)
Hair root
(Bulb, papilla)
fatty tissue 5. Electricity.
Sweat gland
 Burns are caused by dry heat where as scalds
Deep fascia Muscle fibers are caused by moist heat.
Severity Determinants Superficial Burn (1st Degree)
 Causes
 Location
 Age (<5-55>)
 Depth
 Extent
 Pre-existing Medical Conditions
•Involves the outermost layer of the skin
(epidermis)
•Pain at the site
46
Partial Thickness Burn (2nd Degree) Full Thickness Burn

(3rd Degree)
 Burn involves all dermal layers and may

include muscle, bone, or organs
 Dry and leathery skin; Charred
 Little or no sensation;; pain at periphery
 Involves both the dermis and epidermis

 Intense pain; blisters may form
 White-to-red skin that is moist and
spotted
Rule of 9's BSA - RULE OF NINES (%)
 Compares burn area to

Head & neck
9
Posterior trunk
casualty's palm 18
Anterior trunk
Each upper extremity 18
 Palm equals  Genitalia 9
approximately 1% of Each lower extremity 1
BSA 18
14 9
18 18
14
Posterior trunk 9
18
Assessment
And Care
• Ensure safety & do a Body Surface Area Estimation

• Help the casualty lie down (as this may help
prevent shock).
• Cut around areas of clothing that adhere to patient;
do not attempt to remove adhered fabric.
47
Stop The Chemicals burn on the skin

Burning o Ensure your own safety- do not become contaminated
Process o Carefully remove any contaminated clothing
o Brush away the dry chemical away from the skin
o Flood the affected area with water-unless the chemical
reacts violently with water E.g.: Alkali metals and Acid
 Use water or saline to cool burn injuries (sulfuric)
 (Copious amount) in the first 10 minutes of injury. o Do not attempt to neutralize acid or alkali burns
 Remove jewelry and any clothing on fire; (advise the casualty to STOP,
DROP & ROLL)
 Cover the injured area with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection.
 Be ready to resuscitate (burn to the face)
First aid steps Chemical Burns to Eyes
Precautions when giving First Aid For Burns Precautions when giving First Aid For Burns
Remove Constrictions, e.g. watches and rings must be
removed before swelling starts  DO NOT breath, talk or cough over the burn
 DO NOT overcool the burn you might lower their  DO NOT apply lotion, oils Vaseline, butter or
body temperature fat to the injury
 DO NOT remove anything sticking to the burn  DO NOT cover the burn with cotton wool,
fluffy materials, adhesive dressings or tape
 DO NOT break blisters
 DO NOT underestimate burn seriousness
 DO NOT touch the burn with your bare hands
48
TRANSPORT OF
CASUALTIES

Movement Determinants Body Mechanics
 Ensure your own safety.
• Distance  Exercise good body mechanics.
• Transport Aids  Use leg muscles when lifting.
• Weight (Not heavier than you)  Get close to patient and keep your back
straight.
• Terrain
 Lift without twisting.
• Bulk  Assess the weight of your patient.

Body Mechanics General Principles
 Know your limitations. Call for additional help if  Do no further harm to the patient.
needed.  Move casualty only when necessary.
 Communicate with all those lifting.  Move casualty as little as possible.
 Practice lifts and moves.  Move casualty body as a unit.
 Use proper lifting and moving techniques.
 Have one rescuer give commands.
49
The Principles Straight Back

 Keep your back straight
 Use the body’s strongest muscles
 Keep load close to the body
 If of irregular weight, heaviest side closest to the body
 Safety is always a priority
 Push rather than pull
 Maintain a firm grip
 Use the most correct and safest way to move
 Consider injuries
 If aids are available, use them in the most convenient
way

Power Grip Recommendations
 Delay movement.
 Treat casualty before starting the move.
 Try not to step over patient.
 Explain to casualty what is going to be done
and how.
 Move casualty as few times as possible.

Emergency Movement Emergency Drags
 Move casualty immediately when:
 Danger of fire, explosion, or structural  Clothes drag
collapse exists.  Cardiac patients and clothes drag
 Hazardous materials are present.  Blanket drag
 Accident scene cannot be protected.
 Arm-to-arm drag
 Access to other seriously injured
patients is needed.  Fire fighter drag
 CPR must be performed.  Emergency drag from a vehicle
50
Fireman’s Drag
Incline Drag Shoulder Drag
Clothes Drag
Carries for Non-ambulatory casualty

One Rescuer Assist  Two-person extremity carry
 Two-person seat carry
Blanket Drag  Cradle-in-arms carry
 Two-person chair carry
 Pack-strap carry
 Direct ground lift
 Draw-sheet method
One-Person Walking Assist Stretchers
Wheeled ambulance Portable stretcher

stretcher
51
Suspected Head or Spine Injury
 Move patient as a unit.

 Transport patient face up.
Stair Chair  Keep patient’s head and neck in a
neutral position.
 Be sure all rescuers know what is being
done.
 Be sure only one rescuer is giving
commands.
Log Rolling Head Immobilization
 Primary technique to move patient onto a long

 Blanket roll
backboard
 Commercial devices
 Move patient as a unit.
 Head stabilization must be maintained
 Keep the patient’s head in a neutral position at
throughout entire procedure.
all times.

Movements when alone
Movements when you are two
52
Direct Ground Lift
(no suspected
spine injury)
Extremity Lift
(no suspected spine injury)

Movements when your more than
two
53
Near Drowning
ENVIRONMENTAL  Near Drowning -

involuntarily submersion
of the body.
EMERGENCIES
 Hypoxia(Oxygen
starvation) leads to
unconsciousness
What to expect Safety Measures

 Airway obstruction  Never attempt a rescue unless you
 Cardiac Arrest meet all of the following criteria:
 Signs of a heart attack
 Injuries to the head and neck You are a good swimmer
 Internal injuries Trained in water rescue techniques
 Hypothermia Wearing a personal flotation device
 Substance abuse You are accompanied by other rescuers
 Spinal injuries (Continued)
First aid steps Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body reaches
 Take care of the ABC’s as a priority abnormally high temperatures because it cannot regulate
 Be ready to resuscitate its internal temperature.
 If breathing adequately, place in recovery It is caused when the body produces or absorbs too
position much heat or both.
 If casualty is not breathing begin CPR Hyperthermia can be mild (heat exhaustion) or severe
 Treat for hypothermia (heatstroke). A person can experience hyperthermia
 Do not induce vomiting or force water out through intense physical activity or from being in a very hot
 Keep on reassuring the casualty environment. Children and the elderly are most at risk. If
left untreated, heatstroke can lead to a seizure or a coma,
 Arrange transfer to hospital and be life-threatening.
54

Mild to moderate hyperthermia (heat exhaustion) Severe hyperthermia (heatstroke)
 Normal or mildly higher temperature  The person has stopped sweating (indicating
they are severely dehydrated)
 Cool, pale, clammy skin
 High body temperature (above 40°C/104°F)
 Excessive sweating
 Dry, flushed, hot skin
 Thirsty
 Nausea
 Headache
 Muscle spasms
 Muscle cramps
 Pain throughout the body
 Rapid, weak pulse
 Unusual behaviour or signs of confusion
 Fainting or dizziness
 Seizure or possible loss of responsiveness

1. Advise the person to stop all physical activity. Help them 4. Mild to moderate hyperthermia:
to rest in a cool place and to remove any excess clothing. i. cool them off using any technique available such as
2. Severe hyperthermia, immediately start cooling them immersing their hands and feet in cold water, applying
icepacks to their neck and groin area.
down:
ii. encouraging them to have a cold shower, or fanning them.
i. Immerse them in cold water (1-26° C/33.8-78.8°F) for around 15
minutes, or until temperature drops to less than 39°C (102.2°F). iii. Give them some water to drink. Sports drinks or cold tea may
also be helpful.
ii. If this is not possible, cool the person by active cooling
technique (e.g., place a cool, wet sheet on the person or wet 5. Monitor the person’s temperature and level of
them with cold water and place ice packs on their neck and response. Try to reduce their temperature to less than
groin areas). 39°C.
iii. Fanning them may also increase the cooling action.
3. Access EMS.

Hypothermia Early recognition
 Hypothermia is a condition in which the body’s core The person may have the following:
 shivering
temperature drops below 35ºC (95ºF) and cannot  poor coordination
function properly: the blood circulation reduces  slow movements
significantly, especially in the small vessels in the  mild confusion
skin.  skin becomes paler, ashen or loses its color
 bluish coloring to lips, ears, fingers and toes.
 It can occur:
As their condition worsens, they may show the following:
1. when a person is exposed to extreme cold, such as  no shivering
in mountainous regions or working in cold rooms,  disorientation, lack of memory
2. living in homes that lack heating,  exposed skin becomes blue and swollen
 the person may become incoherent or behave irrationally
3. the use of alcohol or drugs or pre-existing mental
 coordination continues to worsen; the person cannot walk or use their
health conditions. hands.
55
First aid steps Poisoning

1. Remove the person from the cold or protect them from cooling
down further.  A poison is a substance that when taken into
2. Have the person remove any wet clothes (or help them if they are the body in high enough quantity will cause
unable to do so). Carefully dry off the person if they are wet. Cover harm or death. The damage caused may
them with a blanket. either be temporary or permanent
3. If a person is responsive and shivering, let them warm up using a
sleeping bag, or alternatively a blanket. If they can swallow, give
them a warm, sugary drink (e.g., hot chocolate) or some high-
energy food.
4. If the person is in an altered state of responsiveness and is not
shivering, gradually warm them using an electric heating blanket, or
alternatively hot water bottles, heating pads or warm stones.
5. Reassure them and monitor their breathing and level of response.

Routes of Exposure
Route of entry into the body
INGESTION INJECTION
 Poisons can enter the body through: Meds Cleaners
• The skin ( absorbed) - Chemicals on the skin Bites
Drugs
Plants
Toiletries
• The lungs (inhaled) - Inhaled gases e.g.; CO Stings
• The mouth (ingested) – swallowed poisons

INHALATION
ABSORPTION
Sprays Plants
Insecticides
• The blood stream (injected) - Drug &
substance abuse Solvents CO Chemicals

General effects of poisoning Swallowed (Ingested) poisons
• Breathing problems  Try to identify the poison, look for empty
• Abdominal pain containers or other evidence
• Vomiting & Diarrhea  Remove tablets or fragments from the
casualty’s mouth.
• Skin reactions
• Seizures
 Do NOT induce vomiting
• Organ damage (eyes, liver, heart, kidneys,
etc.)
 Be prepared to perform life-saving
techniques
56
Food poisoning First aid steps

 Occurs when two or more people at the
same scene are sick at the same time. E.g. • Ensure airway and breathing
 Abdominal pains/Discomfort • Prevent further poison reaction
 Nausea and vomiting • Manage any seizures
 Diarrhea • Identify poisonous substance
 Cramping • Call for help-Poison Control centers
 Encourage casualty to rest
 Give lots of fluids to manage dehydration
Poison Control Centers Contacts Inhaled gases

Medicines and Poisons Info. Service  Ensure your own safety- do not inhale fumes
(Gertrude's Children's Hospital-Muthaiga)  Try to identify the poison
+254 20 720 6438  Move casualty away from fumes
 Ensure good ventilation
National Poison Info. and Management Centre  Be prepared to apply CPR if casualty stops
breathing
(K.N.H)
+254 27 26 300
Poisons in the eye Poisoning Prevention

• Ensure your own safety- do not become  Properly label all poisonous substances
contaminated
 Keep poisons in their original container
• Hold eye under running water for at least 10
 Store poisons out of reach of children and
minutes
away from food
• Ensure that water drains away from the face
 Understand and follow doctors’ prescriptions
• Place loose, sterile eye dressing over eye
 Generally avoid behavior that may expose you
 Don’t remove contact lenses, or touch the to poisoning case.
eye
Prevention is better than cure!
57
Bites and Stings Bites and Stings

Bee stings
Aim:
 Remove the stinger without inducing release
of more venom
 Relieve pain and reduce swelling
 Scrape the stinger off by using a plastic card
 Apply ice at the site to reduce swelling and pain
First aid steps Snake Bites
 Scrape stinger out

 Avoid using tweezers or
forceps as these can squeeze
venom into the wound
 Wash with Soap and Water
If stinger is present, remove it


Snake bites
 Can be poisonous or non poisonous
 Snake bites cause panic which in turn
raises the heart rate
58
First aid steps DONT’S

1. Ensure Scene safety
2. Help the person to lie down in a comfortable position.  applying a tourniquet
Advise them to move as little as possible.  sucking out the venom
4. Remove jewellery, watches or tight clothing to  applying a cold compress
prevent blood flow being restricted if there is swelling.  rubbing the bite
Do this while moving the limb as little as possible.
5. It may be helpful to immobilize the limb by applying a  cutting the wound with a knife to
non-elastic bandage (or using clean clothing such as increase bleeding.
trousers or shirt)
6. Monitor the person’s level of response and breathing.
Encourage them to remain as still as possible.
Psychological First Aid

(PFA)
Psychological First Aid Why provide psychological first aid?

 Psychological first aid is a method of assisting
 Psychological first aid aims to support the
people when they are in distress and helping
affected families or communities in regaining
them feel calm and supported in coping with
control over their lives and reducing their
their challenges.
experience of distress.
 It addresses both the emotional and social
 It is a method of addressing practical needs
needs of individuals, to empower people to use
that often involves linking people with
their own resources, enhance resilience, and
assistance from others.
make informed decisions.
59
Psychological first aid approach Who can provide psychological first aid?
 The approach ensures safety, promoting  Anyone with appropriate training including
calmness, connectedness, hope, and a sense volunteers, first aid providers, and members of
of efficacy. the general public can provide psychological
 By integrating various aspects of the different first aid. It does not depend on the expertise of
approaches, the World Health Organization mental health specialists or professional
(WHO) developed the three action principles of psychologists.
‘Look, Listen and Link’.  Learning and receiving training in
psychological first aid enables anyone to know
how to respond in supportive ways to people
in distress.
When is psychological first aid used? The three action principles: Look, Listen and Link
 It is important to understand that in reality, first aid
 For those in acute distress and needs help,
providers may have to go through these actions in
psychological first aid can help provide emotional
different ways and sequences.
support and practical assistance during or in the
 It is considered a cycle which can be initiated at
immediate aftermath of the stressful event.
any point and may involve repeating or cycling
 It can also be helpful in the days, weeks, months through “Look’’, “Listen”, “Link” multiple times
or even years after an event has taken place. during the process.
Some people have stress reactions during or just
after an event, while others have strong
reactions much later.

The three action principles: Look, Listen and Link The three action principles: Look, Listen and Link
LOOK for: LISTEN refers to how the helper:

 information on what has happened and is  approaches someone
happening  introduces oneself
 who needs help?  pays attention and listens actively
 safety and security risks  accepts others’ feelings
 physical injuries  calms the person in distress
 immediate basic and practical needs  asks about needs and concerns
 emotional reactions.  helps the person(s) in distress find solutions to
their immediate needs and problems.
60
The three action principles: Look, Listen and Link Techniques to calm a person in distress:
LINK is helping people:  use a calm soft tone of voice
 access information  maintain eye contact (without staring) with the person
while talking with them (if culturally appropriate)
 connect with loved ones and social support
 remind them of the intent to help, and that they are
 tackle practical problems
safe (if it is true)
 access services and other help.  engage in activities or create a physical distance to
distract a distressed person or to reinstate a sense of
normality (e.g., go for a short walk, distance oneself
from the sight of the event, prepare something to
drink).
Psychological First Aid in Children Psychological First Aid in Children

Here are some key differences between helping adults and LINK is to:
children, or additional actions needed:  assess the child’s needs with the child and
LOOK for: caregiver, whenever possible
 whether the child is alone or accompanied by others  help the child access protection and services for
 protection needs such as risks of exploitation or basic needs
abuse.  give age-appropriate information
LISTEN refers to how the first aid provider communicates:  help parents and caregivers support their children
 depending on children’s age and emotional and social  help children to distance themselves from the
development e.g. use of simpler words for younger
stressors or danger by providing space for play or
children
referring them to a child-friendly space together with
 about needs and concerns with age-appropriate their caregivers.
questions.
Self-care Self-care
 Helping responsibly includes first aid providers  The psychological first aid principles of ‘Look’
taking care of their own health and well-being. and ‘Listen’ and ‘Link’ can be applied as the
First aid providers can be affected by first aid providers learn to recognize their own
supporting others in crises or by their own risk factors to well-being, their own limitations,
distress. and what kinds of situations may be
 There is no shame in finding things difficult and overwhelming.
it is so essential to practise proper self-care
and talk in the first aid providers’ own lives.
61
Self-care
 It is imperative that all psychological first aid
staff and volunteers are provided with
supervision and continuous support while
providing care and assistance for others during
times of crisis to ensure they are not
overwhelmed by the circumstances and can
maintain their own psychological well-being.
62

OFA Handout PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

OFA Handout PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

POST COURSE EXAMINATION

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Mainly due to lack of  What is first aid?

 Fear of causing injury

What is first Aid?

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

 Wash hands with soap and water before and after

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Body Substance Isolation (BSI)

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

assessment and treatment of casualties at •What is likely to happen?

 Nature of the scene (safety, security, location)

 Number and competence of responders

 Who is in charge Under this one word stands out ‘AMEGA’

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

 WHAT IS HAPPENING? (continuous) Violence

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Triage is a system of sorting casualties to

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Head to toe survey

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Ensure you and the casualty are safe.

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Unresponsive and breathing

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

First Aid Steps Recovery Position

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

Benefits of Recovery Position

To maintain an open airway

It is a comfortable position

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

First Aid Steps

First Aid Steps…cont

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a set of

 CPR helps keep blood and oxygen flowing to

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

 Be a Strong Link in the Chain of

“Learn a Skill Save a Life” “Learn a Skill Save a Life”

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

FIRST AID TRAINING FIRST AID TRAINING

First Aid Steps First Aid Steps…cont