First - aid kit

First - aid kit

In many countries, the law requires workplaces and schools be kept in a clean, marked container and be re-stocked regularity. Because there is a danger of misusing drugs, the contents of some kits are restricted to strike wound dressings.

At the scene
Effective first-aid, the temporary treatment of injury or illness while waiting for medical aid-relies on correctly assigninig priorities. At an accident, one of the first priority is to summon the emergency services.

Assessing conditions
Experienced first aiders know that noisy casualties are not necessarily the most hurt.At a multiple accident, they assess quickly the condition of all casualties, then concentrate avalible first aid on the most seriously injured. In hospitals, this assessment is known as triage.

Raising the alarm
A telephone call is usually the best way to get help. Special telephones are located in areas such as motorways but calls to the emergency services are free on all telephones. Shouting or waving flags are all alternative methods.

Further danger
First aiders should never place themselves or others in danger. Before treating the casualty, they should try to make the area safe. Fire, traffic, electicity and unsafe sructure are some of the hazards that may delay treatment.

ABC of first aid

ABC of first aid

ABC stands for the body's three vital needs.

A stands for airway. The airway needs to be open so that oxygen containing air can enter the lungs.

B stands for breathing by which the body inhales fresh air and expels stale air.

C stands for the circulation of the blood, which distributes oxygen around the body.

When dealing with an unconscious casualty, the first aider must check that the casualty has a clean airway, is breathing and has a pulse that indicates blood circulation.

Airway

IInhaled foreign bodies can block the airway. By tipping the head back and straightening the airway, a first aider can look for blockages.

Breathing

If breathing stops, the first aider blows air at regular intervals through the casualty's mouth into their lungs. This is called artificial ventilation.

Circulation

If a pulse is absent, the first aider may carry out heart massage (external chest compression) to try to stimulate the heart into action.

First aid

First aid

First aid ranges from leaning a small wound and covering it with sticking plaster, to dealing with serious injurios at a major disaster. But its main aims are,
1. To save life
2. To Prevent the casualty's condition from worsening
3. To promote healing and recovery
4. Arrange for help at the earliest opportunity.

Recently, first aid has advanced greatly due to a better understanding of the body's needs in serious injury or disease, improved medical equipment, and mobile communications.It now plays an even more vital role in saving lives, and speeding a casualty's recovery.