BASIC FIRST AID

Learning basic first aid techniques can help you cope with an emergency. Accidents can happen anytime. You may be able to keep a person breathing, reduce their pain or minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until an ambulance arrives. This could mean the difference between life and death for them.
It is a good idea to taGood morning great HEI family, last Saturday was World Remembrance Day for road accident victims, it was truly a memorable day.ke a first aid course so that you can recognize an emergency and give basic first aid until professional help arrives. Different types of accidents and hazards can happen in our day to day life. Everyone should learn some basic first aid techniques that can save lives in cases of emergencies.
WHAT IS FIRST AID?
First aid emergency care or treatment given immediately to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained. The goal of first aid is to minimize injury and future disability and in some serious cases, to keep the patient alive. It includes simple initial interventions to a condition requiring attention before professional medical help arrives. First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical training.
PRINCIPLES OF FIRST AID
First aid intervention is a valuable link in the life saving chain, where casualties are addressed and monitored prior to the arrival of emergency services personnel. Certain principles must be met by every first aider.
Securing the emergency environment to prevent further casualties.
Prevent deterioration and worsening of injury
Use appropriate fisrt aid techniques and procedures and take immediate actions.
Safely moving injured individuals ensuring to minimise pain and stabilize injured parts.
Ensure to calm down anxiety and call for further medical attention
BASIC FIRST AID LIST
A first-aid kit might include basic supplies like: Adhesive tape, elastic wrap bandages, bandage strips and "butterfly" bandages in assorted sizes, super glue, rubber tourniquet or 16 French catheter, nonstick sterile bandages and roller gauze in assorted sizes, eye shield or pad,
Large triangular bandage (may be used as a sling), aluminum finger splint, instant cold packs, cotton balls or swabs, disposable nonlatex examination gloves, duct tape, petroleum jelly or other lubricant, plastic bags, safety pins, scissors and tweezers, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic solution and towelettes, eyewash solution, thermometer, turkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing wounds, breathing barrier (surgical mask), syringe, medicine cup or spoon, First-aid manual, and Hydrogen peroxide to disinfect.
Medications in the fist aid kit:
Aloe vera gel, Calamine lotion, Anti-diarrhea, medication, Laxative, Antacids, Antihistamine(diphenhydramine), Hydrocortisone cream, Cough and cold medications, Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and Aspirin.
GIVE YOUR KIT A CHECKUP.
Check your first-aid kits regularly to be sure. Ensure that the flashlight batteries are working and replace supplies that have expired or been used up.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF FIRST AID
The three specific aims and objectives of basic first aid are
The preservation of life
The prevention of worsening
The promotion of recovery
In a bid to preserve life, it is very important the first aid provider ensures their own personal safety. The area should be checked for the presence of any danger. To prevent worsening, in a case where there is an obvious source of harm, the victim should be moved away from the source or the source eliminated safely. Rendering basic first aid helps with recovery and and safeguarding any present injuries from deterioration.
BASIC FIRST AID PRACTICES
There are various basic first aid skills that could make the difference when applied promptly and correctly in warranted situations. These include:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This is a basic first aid skill proven to be effective when done properly in people who have stopped breathing and/or whose hearts have stopped pumping. CPR ensures that blood circulation is maintained to vital organs of the body (via chest compressions) and oxygenation is continued (via administration of breaths, mouth to mouth or via a mask).
Management of allergic reactions. Allergies are common emergencies one could encounter and it's of specific importance that a first aid provider is skilled in managing such situations. The EPIPEN is a handly device used to deliver epinephrine, a drug vital for the control of severe allergic reactions/anaphylaxis, and it's important a basic first aid provider is skilled enough to properly use this device.
Bleeding control is usually a vital aspect of basic first aid especially in cases of trauma. A provider should be able to stop ongoing blood loss as this is very vital to preservation of life and curbing worsening of the situation.
Management of choking. In the event where one is confronted with a case of ongoing choking, it is very vital that a provider be properly skilled in employing maneuvers that can help get the airway free of any blockage and ensure breathing. Choking can be rapidly fatal. Techniques employed to manage choking vary for children and adults.
Management of head/spine injuries. Head and spine injuries occur most often as a result of trauma, such as a motor vehicular accident and fall from a height. It is important that a basic first aid provider be skilled enough to manage such a case without making the situation worse. Such as ensuring neck stability and reducing physical manipulations to avoid potential spinal cord injury.
WHAT TO DO!
A simple way to remember them is the mnemonic: DRABCD.
Danger: First, you want to sure there is no danger around you, the patient, or bystanders. You need to be safe to properly apply first aid to the patient.
Response: Check if the patient responds to you when you call or touch them.
Airway: If the patient has responded to you, their airway is most likely clear. If unconscious, you can do a chin lift or turn the face to the side of the mouth is not clear to remove its content. A clear airway is necessary for breathing!
Breathing: Look for chest movements, listen and feel for breathing. If the patient is unconscious but breathing, turn him/her to their side making sure the head, neck, and spine are in alignment.
CPR(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If the patient is unconscious but not breathing, then you need to get to work. Compress at the center of the chest with the heel of your handheld firmly by your other hand. Press to 1/3 of the chest depth and aim for 30 compressions then give two breaths and repeat the cycle up to 5 times in 2 minutes. Alternate with another person if you're not alone.
Defibrillation: You can use an automated external defibrillator if available for unconscious patients!
Written by: Akanmu Adeola, Monsurah Ahmad, Deborah Shomuyiwa, Maximilian Anyika, Okewusu Kikelomo and Ade-Adeleye Esther.