I.

Introduction to First Aid

First Aid
- Is the immediate care given to a person
who has been injured or suddenly
becomes ill? It includes self- help and
home care if medical assistance is not
available or delayed. It also includes
well-selected words of encouragement,
evidence of willingness to help, and
promotion to confidence by
demonstration of competence.
(AMERICAN RED CROSS, 2015)

- An emergency care for a victim of

sudden illness or injury until more
skillful medical treatment is available.
First aid may save a life or improve
certain vital signs, including pulse,
temperature, a patent (unobstructed)
airway, and breathing. In minor
emergencies, first aid may prevent a
FIRST AID AND WATER SAFETY victim's condition from worsening or
provide relief from pain. (AMERICAN
RED CROSS, 2015)

Objectives of First Aid

1. To alleviate suffering
2. To prevent further injury, damage, or danger.
3. To prolong life.
Roles and Responsibilities of the First Aider • To save life
• To prevent permanent disability
1. Bridge that fills the gap between the victim and • To reduce prolong hospitalization
the physician.
2. Ensure safety of him/herself and that of General Directions for First Aiding
bystanders.
3. Summon advance medical care as needed. 1. Don’t panic. The first aider must remain
4. Provide needed care for the patient. calm so that he or she has a clear mind
5. Assist advance personnel.
during the emergency situation.
6. Record all findings and care given to the patient.
2. Ensure the safety of the area. In an
Characteristics of First Aider emergency, the first aider must first make
sure that they are is safe for him/her and the
victim. He/she should transport the victim
1. Gentle – the first aider should not cause pain to the to a safer place if necessary.
victim/patient. 3. Check for vital functioning. The first
2. Resourceful – the first aider should make the best aider should assess and monitor the pulse
use of things at hand.
and breathing of the victim.
3. Observant – the first aider should notice all signs
4. Check for injuries. The first aider must
and symptoms of the illness.
conduct a careful physical examination of
4. Tactful – the first aider should not alarm the
victim/patient. the victim to prevent further injury. In cases
5. Empathetic – the first aider should be of multiple injuries, the first aider should
comforting on the feelings and pain experienced know which problem to treat first.
by the victim/patient. 5. Give the needed first aid urgently. The
6. Respectful/Respectable – the first aider should first aider must be capable of applying
maintain a professional and caring attitude. necessary and appropriate steps to attain the
objectives of first aiding.
Hindrances in giving First Aid 6. Keep the victim lying down. The victim should be
examined in a lying position to immobilize the body.
1. Unfavorable surroundings 7. Keep the victim warm. This would help the
2. Presence of crowd
victim recover faster by increasing the
3. Pressure from the victims or relatives
circulation of blood throughout the body.
IMPORTANCE OF FIRST AID The victim may be provided with a jacket, a
blanket, or a body heat transfer by
 embracing the victim. • Band Aid
8. Do not give fluids to an unconscious or • Gloves
partly conscious person. This must be • Scissors
noted by every person, not only the first • Triangular Bandage
aiders and rescuers. The water may enter the • Elastic Roller Bandage
windpipe and block the airway passage. Do • Dressing
shaking him because it might cause further • Plaster
injury.
9. Following injury, do not lift a gasping Definition of Terms
person by the belt. This may aggravate
injuries of the back or internal organs. 1. Emergency- is a situation that poses an
10. Reassure the victim. The first aider should immediate risk of health, life, property or
environment.
explain to the victim the first aid to be done
2. Injury- is a general term that refers to any
and how it will help him/her reduce the damage to human body.
feelings of anxiety. 3. Self-Aid – is any care given to one self.
11. Be reluctant to make statements. The first 4. First Aider/ First Responder – refers to a
aider should be reluctant to give statements person who give FIRST AID.
to the victim and bystanders about the 5. Hemorrhage – is an escape of large quantities
injuries. It is not included within the first of blood from the blood vessels that may cause
shock.
aider's tasks to diagnose, evaluate, and
6. Shock – is a state of condition when there is not
predict illnesses and injuries, but only to enough or adequate blood supplies to the vital
provide needed immediate care. tissues and organ.
(AMERICAN RED CROSS, 2015) 7. Dressing – is a sterile pad or a compressed
sponge that is applies directly to cover the
Suggested Content of First Aid Kit wound.
8. Bandage – is a piece of material that is used to
• Rubbing Alcohol support a dressing, splints, or an injured part of a
• Povidone Iodine person’s body.
9. Fractured – refers to a break in the continuity of
• Cotton
a bone.
• Gauze Pad 10. Venom – is a venom secreted by some animals
• Tongue Depressor and injected into a body of a victims through
• Penlight bites.
 11. Heat Injuries – are environmental injuries that
may result when a person is exposed to extreme 1. Scene Survey
heat, such as from the sun or from high Once you recognize that an emergency has occurred
temperature. and decided to act, you must make sure that
12. Heat Cramps – are muscles spasms caused by emergency scene is safe for you and any bystanders.
low levels of salt and water in the body. Take time to survey the scene and answer these
13. Heat Exhaustion – is caused by loss of water questions:
through sweating as caused by inadequate fluid
replacement; it may cause Heat Stroke.  Is the scene safe?
14. Heat Stroke - Is a medical emergency and can  What happened?
be fatal if not treated promptly and correctly. It  How many people are injured?
occurs when a person experiences an abnormally  Are their bystanders who can help?
elevated body temperature caused by failure of  Identify yourself as a trained CPR Provider.
the body's cooling mechanism when the  Get consent to give care.
environmental temperature is too high or there is

ACTIVATE
dehydration.
15. Cold Injuries - are most likely to occur when
an unprepared individual is exposed to very

MEDICAL
low temperature and the blood circulation to
the extremities become inadequate. This is
also known as frostbite.

ASSISTANCE
16. Burn - is a type of injury to flesh or skin
caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, friction,
or radiation.

II. EMERGENCY ACTION PRINCIPLES

 Call first/phone
Emergency action principles are the guiding rules to be
first
o Call for
employed by the first person, or persons, on the
scene of an emergency. The nature of emergencies is
such that it is impossible to prescribe a specific list

medical
of actions to be completed before the event happens,
so principles form a framework on which to base
forward actions.
assistance first
2. Activation of Medical Assistance

• Depending on the situation:

 CALL FIRST/PHONE FIRST
before giving care A bystander should make the telephone/ call
for help (if available).
• Information to remember in activating medical
for adult victim. assistance:
 What happened?
 Location?
 Care  Numbered of persons injured?
 Extent of injury and first aid given?
 The telephone/cell phone number from

first/phone fast where you are calling?

 Person who activated medical assistance
must identify him/herself and drop the

o Give first aid phone last.

3. Primary Survey

measures before In every emergency situation, you must first look for
conditions that are an immediate threat to the
victim’s life. This is called the primary survey. In the

calling or primary survey you must check each of the

following:

activating medical • Check for ABC

A- Airway (LOOK)
B- Breathing (LISTEN)

assistance for C- Circulation (FEEL)

child and infant Ways in opening the airway

1. Head Tilt- Chin lift Maneuver

victim. 2. Jaw- Thrust Maneuver

4. Secondary Survey
 Several emergencies that occur most often and some details
If you find any life-threatening conditions during the on the procedures and processes of first aiding are presented
primary survey, do not waste time with the below. It is very important that lectures on this part of the
secondary survey. Check the airway, breathing, lesson should be coupled with enough demonstrations and
circulation at regular intervals, and provide care only return demonstrations by instructors and students,
for the life-threatening conditions. Once you are respectively. (AMEERICAN RED CROSS, 2015)
certain that there are no life threatening conditions
needing attention, you can begin the secondary 1. SHOCK
survey. The secondary survey is a systematic method Shock is a condition resulting from a
of finding other injuries or conditions that may need depressed state of many vital body functions. It can
care. These are injuries or conditions that are not threaten life even though the injuries or conditions
immediately life- threatening but could become so if that caused the depression may not otherwise be
not attended to. To establish a complete picture, you fatal. The critical functions are depressed when there
need to obtain the history of the incident, the is a loss of a significant amount of blood volume, a
symptoms described by the victim and any additional reduced blood flow, or an insufficient supply of
signs that you may observe. For example, you might oxygen.
find possible broken bones, minor bleeding, or a
specific medical condition such as epilepsy. Causes of Shock
a. Significant loss of blood
• Interview the victim (IF CONSCIOUS) b. Heart failure
 Ask the victim's name. c. Dehydration
 Ask what Happened d. Severe and painful blows to the body
 Assess the SAMPLE (Signs and Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Shock
Allergies, Medication, Past Medical History, a) Sweaty but cool skin (cold and clammy)
Last Oral Intake, Event prior to Incident)
b) Paleness of the skin
history.
 Check for vital sign- (pulse rate, respiratory rate, c) Restlessness and Nervousness
temperature, blood pressure). d) Thirstiness and dry mouth
 Perform head-to-toe examination (looking for e) Fast and shallow breathing
DCAP-BTLS (Deformity, Contusion, Abrasion, f) Dilated pupils
Puncture, Burn, Tenderness, Laceration, and g) Rapid pulse
Swelling). h) Nausea or vomiting

III. FIRST AID MEASURES FOR SELECTED First Aid Measures for Shock
SITUATIONS a. Lay the Person Down, if Possible.
- Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches
 unless head, neck, or back is injured or Change their wet clothes while
you suspect broken hip or leg bones. waiting for the ambulance.
- Do not raise the person's head.
- Turn the person on side if they are Note: If breathing and circulation is negative, administer CPR.
vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.
b. Begin CPR, if Necessary 3. CRAMPS/MUSCLE CRAMPS
c. Keep Person Warm and Comfortable Is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of
- Loosen restrictive clothing. your muscles. If you've ever been awakened in the night or
- Cover with a coat or blanket. stopped in your tracks by a sudden charley horse, you know
- Keep the person still. Do not move the person that muscle cramps can cause severe pain. Though generally
unless there is danger. harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible
- Reassure the person. to use the affected muscle.
- Do not give anything to eat or drink.
 Causes
2. DROWNING
Drowning is a type of asphyxia (inability to breathe)
Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle
related to either respiration of fluids or obstruction of the
strain or simply holding a position for a
airway caused by spasm of the larynx while the victim is in
prolonged period can cause a muscle
the water. Drowning is a major cause of accidental death,
cramp. In many cases, however, the cause
occurring in swimming, diving, and other water activities,
isn't known.
usually in unsupervised water area.

First Aid Measures for Drowning  Symptoms

 Place the drowning person on
their back on a flat surface and be Most muscle cramps develop in the leg
careful when handling them as they muscles, particularly in the calf. Besides the
may be unconscious after bumping
their head against something. sudden, sharp pain, you might also feel or
 Try to call the drowning person and shake their see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath
shoulders to make sure they are responding.
 If the person does not respond, check their your skin.
breathing.
 Ask someone to call 911.
First Aid Measures for Muscle Cramps
 If the person is breathing, place them
in the recovery position and warm  Stretch and massage. Stretch the
them up with clothes or blankets.
 cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it skin or in a mucous membrane. A closed wound
relax. For a calf cramp, put your weight on involves tissues without a break in the skin or a
mucous membrane.
your cramped leg and bend your knee
slightly. If you're unable to stand, sit on  An open wound, in which the
the floor or in a chair with your affected skin has been torn, cut, or punctured, can
leg extended. happen from things such as falls, bites, or
burns. A surgical incision (cut) is also a
- Try pulling the top of your foot on the type of an open wound.
affected side toward your head while  A closed wound is when the injured
your leg remains in a straightened area is under the skin and not exposed to
position. This will also help ease a back the air. But it can still become infected with
thigh (hamstring) cramp. For a front germs and may develop into an abscess.
thigh (quadriceps) cramp, use a chair to
steady yourself and try pulling your Some common causes of wounds:
foot on the affected side up toward your  Scratch, or flesh wound: graze, falling.
buttock.  Puncture wound: needle, nail, or other sharp object.
 Cut: paper, knife.
 Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or
 Bruise: falling, being hit, being squeezed.
heating pad on tense or tight muscles.  Bite: the bite of a human or animal.
Taking a warm bath or directing the  Gunshot wound firearm.
stream of a hot shower onto the cramped
1. Open Wounds
muscle also can help. Alternatively,
massaging the cramped muscle with ice Abrasion - occurs when your skin rubs or scrapes
may relieve pain. against a rough or hard surface. Road rash is an
example of an abrasion. There’s usually not a lot of
bleeding, but the wound needs to be scrubbed and
4. WOUND cleaned to avoid infection.
Is a break in the continuity of a tissue of the body, Laceration - is a deep cut or tearing of your skin.
either internal or external. Wounds are classified as Accidents with knives, tools, and machinery are
open and closed. An open wound is a break in the frequent causes of lacerations. In the case of deep
 lacerations, bleeding can be rapid and extensive. under the damaged skin, cushioning the tissue
Puncture - a small hole caused by a long, pointy underneath.
object, such as a nail or needle. Sometimes, a bullet Hematoma – a blood-filled area that develops under
can cause a puncture wound. Punctures may not the skin or tissue (occurring when there is internal
bleed much, but these wounds can be deep enough to blood vessel damage to an artery or vein)
damage internal organs. If you have even a small
puncture wound, visit your doctor to get a tetanus First Aid Measures for Closed Wounds
shot and prevent infection. 1. To care for a closed wound, you can apply an ice pack to
Avulsion - is a partial or complete tearing away of the area to decrease bleeding beneath the skin.
skin and the tissue beneath. Avulsions usually occur 2. Applying cold also can be effective in helping to control both
during violent accidents, such as body-crushing pain and swelling.
accidents, explosions, and gunshots. They bleed 3. Fill a plastic bag with ice and water or wrap ice in a
heavily and rapidly. wet cloth and apply it to the injured area for periods of
about 20 minutes.
First Aid Measures for Open Wounds a) Place a thin barrier between the ice and bare skin.
1. Stop the visible bleeding by applying b) Remove the ice and wait for 20 minutes before
pressure to the wound. reapplying.
2. Clean the wound under running water. c) If the person is not able to tolerate a 20-minute
3. If the wound is a small cut application, apply the ice pack for periods of 10 minutes
(made by a knife or paper, for on and off.
example) press the edges d) Elevating the injured part may help to reduce swelling.
together and close the wound However, do not elevate the injured part if it causes
with surgical tape. more pain.
4. If there is a foreign object 5. HYPERVENTILATION
attached to the tissue (for Rapid or deep breathing, usually caused by anxiety or panic.
example a splinter or a knife), do This over breathing, as it is sometimes called, may leave you
not remove it. feeling breathless.
5. Cover the wound with a protective bandage.
When you breathe, you inhale oxygen and exhale carbon
2. Closed Wounds dioxide. Excessive breathing may lead to low levels of carbon
dioxide in your blood, which causes many of the symptoms that
Contusions – blunt trauma causing pressure damage you may feel if you hyperventilate.
to the skin and/or underlying tissues.
Blisters - are small pockets of fluid that usually form in Signs and Symptoms
the upper layers of skin after it's been damaged.  Dizziness or lightheadedness
Blisters can develop anywhere on the body but are  Shortness of breath
most common on the hands and feet. Fluid collects
  Belching, bloating, dry mouth Babies:
 Weakness, confusion  bright red, cold skin
 Numbness and tingling in your arms or around your mouth  very low energy
 Muscle spasms in hands and feet, chest pain and palpitations
First Aid Measures for Hypothermia
1. Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
First Aid Measures for Hyperventilation 2. Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
1. Be firm but reassuring. 3. Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck,
2. Lead the patient to a quiet place. head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if
available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under
3. Explain to the patient what is happening.
loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or
4. Ask patient to hold their breath, this will reduce the sheets.
respiratory rate. 4. Warm drinks can help increase body temperature,
5. Encourage slow deep breathing. but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give
beverages to an unconscious person.
6. Breathing through their nose will help reduce the 5. After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and
loss of carbon dioxide. wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm
7. The patient could take sips of water to help reduce blanket.
the numbers of breaths taken.
Note: THE USE OF A PAPER BAG IS NO LONGER
ADVOCATED AS IT CAN CAUSE DANGEROUSLY LOW 7. HEAT INJURY
OXYGEN LEVELS Is an environmental injury when one is overexposed to extreme
6. HYPOTHERMIA heat or high temperature.
(Abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite
Types of Heat Injury
are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a
1. Heat cramps happen when there are inadequate salt and
person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
electrolytes in the body.
The following are warnings signs of hypothermia: 2. Heat exhaustion is caused by a low amount of water in the body.
Adults: 3. Heatstroke is caused by a failure of the body’s cooling mechanism.
 Shivering
Signs and Symptoms
 Exhaustion or feeling very tired
 Confusion
a. Muscle cramps in the arms, legs or stomach
 Fumbling hands
 Memory loss
b. Wet, sweaty skin
 Slurred speech c. Extreme thirst
 Drowsiness d. Weakness
e. Dizziness d. Observe for complete airway obstruction.
f. Headache
g. Tingling of hands and feet First aid for Complete Obstruction
a. Perform abdominal thrust known as the Heimlich Maneuver,
h. Rapid but weak respiration and pulse
done in following manner.
i. Victim may lose consciousness. 1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around his or
her waist. Let the person lean slightly forward.
First Aid measures 2. Make a fist with one hand and grasp the fist with the other
a. Transfer the victim to a cool or shady area. hand.
b. Loosen tight clothing. 3. Position the fist above the patient’s belly button.
c. Have the victim drink slowly at least one liter of water. 4. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust
d. Apply cold compress or ice batch if available. 5. Repeat five times
e. Elevate the victim’s legs in a stroke position. b. If the Heimlich Maneuver fails after 5 times, apply five back
f. Monitor the victim until the symptoms lessen or disappear. blows between shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
c. If the person is unconscious, call for medical help and perform
g. Seek a doctor’s assistance if symptoms persist.
CPR to dislodge the obstruction.
8. CHOKING (Airway Obstruction)
Choking is the blocking of the airway that occurs when a
foreign object gets lodged in the respiratory tract. It may be partial or
complete. To determine whether the obstruction is partial or
complete, ask the patient if he or she is choking. If he or she can talk,
then the obstruction is partial. However, if the patient is unable to
talk, then the obstruction is complete.
First aid for Partial Obstruction
a. Calm the patient. Anxiety may cause him or her to move
unnecessarily and it may cause the foreign object to move
further into the respiratory tract and cause a complete
obstruction.
b. Instruct the patient to forcefully cough out the foreign object.
Do not attempt to reach into the throat of the patient with
your fingers and swipe the foreign object. This may cause
the object to be punished down into the windpipe.
c. If coughing is ineffective, assist the patient by delivering
several back blows between the shoulder blades with the
heel of your hand.