Course Name: - Foundation of Nursing (FON).

Course Code: - GNS 112.

Course Unit: - VII.

BY HASSANA ABDULLAHI ADAM

Introduction to First Aid
• Definition: First aid is the immediate and temporary care provided to an injured or ill
person until professional medical help is available. It aims to preserve life, prevent the
condition from worsening, and promote recovery.

• Importance in Nursing: Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to respond to
emergencies. Proficiency in first aid ensures timely and effective intervention to save
lives and reduce complications.

Objectives of First Aid

1. Preserve life.
2. Prevent the condition from worsening.
3. Promote recovery.
Principles of First Aid
1. SCENE SAFETY
Assess the situation, ensure your safety and that of the casualty before intervening.
Assessing the safety of the surroundings is critical when approaching any scene. You do
not want to become another person who is injured or ill so look for any potential
dangers. Remove the person from any dangers, such as presence of water at the scene.
Be especially alert to avoid danger from automobile traffic.
2. Check for life-threatening conditions: Follow the ABCDE approach:
• A: Airway – Ensure the airway is open.
• B: Breathing – Check for normal breathing.
• C: Circulation – Check for bleeding or a pulse.
• D: Disability – Assess consciousness.
• E: Exposure – Look for visible injuries.
3. Stay calm: Reassure the casualty and bystanders to prevent panic.
4. Call for help: Contact emergency medical services immediately if necessary.
5. Provide care: Deliver appropriate first aid based on the situation.

Emergency Conditions and First Aid Management

1. Asphyxia
• Definition: A condition caused by lack of oxygen due to airway obstruction. Asphyxia,
also known as suffocation or asphyxiation, happens when your body doesn't get enough
oxygen to keep you from passing out. It can be a life-threatening situation.
• Causes: Choking, drowning, allergic reactions, smoke inhalation, strangulation.
• Signs: Difficulty breathing, cyanosis, unconsciousness.
BREATHING PROBLEMS
Breathing problems can arise from underlying lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema, as well as
from illnesses such as pneumonia. Be aware that the other body system problems such as heart attack,
stroke, seizure, or anxiety can all result in breathing issues as well.
Signs of a breathing problem include fast or shallow breathing, noisy breathing, producing unusual
sounds, or the inability to talk due to breathlessness. Persons with asthma often make a musical sound
when breathing, which can be heard as wheezing. Severe allergic reactions can also cause wheezing.
High-pitched sounds during inhalation may suggest a partial blockage of the upper airway.
Persons who have asthma or chronic lung disease are generally familiar on how to use their breathing
medications. Common medications include albuterol and Atrovent inhalers. The use of a spacer (a tube
attached to the inhaler that holds the medication until the victim breathes it in) can improve the effect
of these medications. A person in severe distress may be unable to properly use their inhaler.

Technique for using an inhaler:

1. Shake the inhaler canister.
2. Place the opening of the inhaler into the spacer it available.
3. Instruct the person to fully exhale.
4. Place the spacer or inhaler into their mouth.
5. Simultaneously have the person inhale slowly and deeply while pressing down on the top of the
inhaler canister.
6. Instruct the person to hold their breath for up to 10 seconds if possible.
7. Be prepared to repeat if respiratory problems persist.
8. Stay with the person until the symptoms improve or until emergency response arrives.

Risk Factors of Asphyxia

Many causes of asphyxia are accidental, but some things can increase your chances of certain types of
asphyxiation.

For example, premature and low birth-weight infants are at a higher risk of positional asphyxiation. So
are people with asthma or serious allergies. Activities such as taking opioid drugs and participating in
erotic strangulation can also raise your risk of having asphyxia.

Asphyxia Symptoms
Some symptoms of asphyxiation happen right away, and some develop when you don't get enough
oxygen over time. They include: Loss of consciousness, Inability to speak, A red, purple, blue, or gray tint
to your face or lips, Peeing or pooping without meaning to, Trouble swallowing, Shortness of breath
Quick or deep breathing (hyperventilation), Coughing, Raspy or hoarse voice, Memory loss, Dizziness,
Headaches etc.
First Aid:
• Clear the airway (use back blows or the Heimlich maneuver for choking).
• If the person is not breathing, perform rescue breaths.
• Administer CPR if necessary.
• Seek emergency medical assistance.
2. Hemorrhage (Bleeding)

• Definition: Excessive blood loss due to injury or ruptured blood vessels.

• Types:
• External Bleeding: Visible blood loss from a wound.
• Internal Bleeding: Hidden bleeding within the body.
• First Aid:
• Apply direct pressure to the wound using a sterile cloth.
• Elevate the affected area above the heart (if no fracture is suspected).
• Use a tourniquet as a last resort for severe bleeding.
• Monitor for signs of shock and seek immediate medical help.

CONTROLLING BLEEDING
Blood loss often gets the most attention. Many times, the amount of bleeding is overestimated
and draws attention to wounds when more serious injuries should be dealt with first. Whenever
confronted with bleeding, perform a quick overview of the person to make sure something
more serious is not being overlooked.
Always use personal protective equipment prior to caring for an injured and bleeding person.
The person can be instructed to perform some self-care while you put on your protective gear.
 The most effective way to stop bleeding from a wound is to apply direct pressure. Use a dressing
and your gloved hand to apply firm and direct pressure to the injured area. Continue to hold the
pressure until the bleeding stops. If there are multiple wounds, apply pressure dressings to the
worst injuries first, and then to the lesser bleeding injuries. The person may temporarily be able
to assist by holding pressure on some areas.
Very small wounds such as scrapes can heal more rapidly by using an antibiotic salve. Ask the
person if they have any allergies before applying the antibiotic salve. If they do have allergies, do
not apply the salve. Thoroughly wash minor scrapes and abrasions with soap and water before
bandaging.
Massive bleeding can occur due to extreme injuries such as open fractures or deep lacerations.
When direct pressure does not control bleeding, a tourniquet may be required. Tourniquets can
consist of a blood pressure cuff, belt, or premade versions. Although commercially prepared
tourniquets are more effective than improvised ones, if none is available, one can be made
quickly using a piece of cloth and stick-like object. Understand that the application of a
tourniquet is painful but may be necessary to prevent life-threatening blood loss. Tourniquet
use is difficult and can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Direct pressure should be applied first.

3. Shock

• Definition: A life-threatening condition where the body’s organs do not get enough
blood flow and oxygen.
• Causes: Severe bleeding, burns, dehydration, or heart failure.
• Signs: Pale, cold skin; rapid pulse; confusion; fainting.
• First Aid:
• Lay the casualty flat and elevate their legs (if no spinal injury is suspected).
• Keep them warm and calm.
• Do not give food or drink.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

4. Fractures

• Definition: A break or crack in a bone.

• Types:
• Open Fracture: The bone pierces the skin.
• Closed Fracture: The bone breaks but does not punctures the skin.
• First Aid:
• Immobilize the affected area using a splint.
• Do not attempt to realign the bone.
• Control bleeding in case of an open fracture.
• Seek immediate medical care.
5. Burns

• Definition: Tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

• Types:
• First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (redness, pain).
• Second-degree burns: Affect deeper layers, causing blisters.
• Third-degree burns: Damage all layers of skin and underlying tissues.
• First Aid:
• Cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
• Avoid applying creams, ice, or breaking blisters.
• Seek immediate medical help for severe burns.
6. Poisoning

• Definition: Harm caused by ingestion, inhalation, injection, or absorption of toxic

substances.
• Signs: Nausea, vomiting, confusion, burns around the mouth, difficulty breathing.
• First Aid:
• Identify the poison and how it was taken.
• Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a medical professional.
• Call poison control or emergency services.
• For chemical exposure, rinse the affected area with water for 15 minutes.

7. Bites and Stings

• Definition: Injuries caused by insects, animals, or snakes that may lead to localized
swelling or systemic reactions.
• First Aid:
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• In case of a venomous bite, immobilize the limb and keep it below heart level.
• Administer an epinephrine injection for severe allergic reactions.
• Seek urgent medical care for venomous bites.

BITES AND STINGS

Insect bites and stings are a common and annoying occurrence. Most bites are minor but the potential
for a serious allergic reaction does exist.
Be alert for any signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, as this must prompt immediate
notification.
Bites and stings caused by insects such as spiders, scorpions, and fire ants can cause local reactions, but
on occasion more serious systemic reactions can occur.
Signs and symptoms that suggest a more serious reaction include:
 Nausea or vomiting
 Severe pain at the site
 Abdominal pain
 Difficulty breathing
 Muscle rigidity
 Headache
 Decreased responsiveness
The black widow spider bite is known to cause severe
abdominal pain that can mimic appendicitis in children.
Ticks carry a variety of diseases, and one must be vigilant for signs and symptoms for up to one month
after exposure. Signs of a tick-borne disease include fever, headache, joint pain, and skin rash.
To remove an attached tick, grasp it by the head with tweezers and pull straight out. Clean the area with
soap and water or an alcohol swab. If the tick bite occurred in a geographic area where tick-borne
disease occurs, seek medical treatment for possible prophylactic antibiotic therapy.

Lyme disease can produce a distinctive "bull's eye" rash.

Seek medical treatment.

Bull
Eye
 Bite/Sting

If visible, remove a bee stinger by scraping it away. Wash the area with cold water and apply ice. Stay
with the person for at least 30 minutes as some allergic reactions can be delayed in onset.
A bite from an animal such as a raccoon, bat, skunk, fox, or coyote carries the highest risk of rabies.
Always make sure the scene is safe when giving first aid to any person with an animal bite. Contact the
emergency response system as an animal control officer may be able to capture the animal and
determine the risk of rabies. Clean the wound with soap and water and control bleeding by applying
direct pressure. Animal bites are prone to infection and can cause
further injury due to the puncture nature of the wound. Seek medical care by a qualified health care
professional for any bite that breaks the skin, or if there is concern about rabies or other infection.
Snakebites require medical attention. If the pain is getting worse, swelling occurs, bruising develops, or
systemic signs (nausea and vomiting) develop, a venomous snakebite has occurred. Call for help and do
not delay medical attention. Make sure the scene is safe, and the snake is no longer a threat. Keep the
person calm and try to avoid moving the extremity that was bitten. Remove any constricting clothing
and jewelry from the affected area. Gently wash the affected area with soap and water if available.
Additional care is required in a hospital setting. Do not apply a tourniquet.

Psychological Management in First Aid

• Calmness: Stay composed to reassure the casualty and bystanders.

• Communication: Use simple, clear language to explain what you are doing.
• Empathy: Provide emotional support to the casualty and their family.
• Encouragement: Involve the casualty in their care when possible to build confidence.

Transportation of Casualties

1. Assess for Injuries: Evaluate the casualty for spinal injuries or fractures before moving.
 2. Stabilize the Casualty: Use a spine board, splint, or stretcher to prevent further harm.
3. Positioning:
• For unconscious but breathing casualties, place them in the recovery position.
• Keep individuals with spinal injuries immobilized.
4. Continuous Monitoring: Check the casualty’s airway, breathing, and circulation during
transport.
First Aid Kits
Common items found in a first aid kit are:
• Sterile dressings and gauze.
• Bandages and adhesive tape.
• Antiseptic wipes and creams.
• Scissors and tweezers.
• Gloves, face masks, and CPR shields.
• Pain relievers and burn gel.
• Emergency blanket.
 Chemical cold pack
 Mask for breathing (rescue breathing/CPR)
 Burn ointment
 Eye shield and eyewash
 Absorbent compresses
 First aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers

Role of Nurses in First Aid

1. Assessment: Evaluate the casualty’s condition and prioritize care.

2. Action: Deliver appropriate and timely first aid interventions.
 3. Coordination: Communicate with emergency services and assist in the casualty’s
transfer.
4. Education: Teach patients and families basic first aid practices.
5. Documentation: Record all first aid measures provided and the casualty’s response.

Conclusion
First aid is an essential skill for nursing students. It equips them to act swiftly and confidently during
emergencies, providing life-saving care and preventing complications. By mastering first aid principles
and techniques, nurses play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and recovery in critical situations.

ANY QUESTION?

THANK YOU