First Aid - It is an immediate care given to a sick or injured person that needs medical attention / proper care from the scene of the incident or accident and away from the hospital. To help victim/s alleviate from suffering and to prolong life.
An ideal first aid provider be neat, patient, and observant.
I. Wounds
A wound is a soft tissue injury of the human body that can be internal or external and resulted to loss of blood.
Two Types of Wounds
1. Open wound - Is a tearing or a cut from the topmost layer of the skin and down under the soft tissues caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such as knife, a razor or a glass splinter that resulted to loss of blood.
First aid to open wound:
2. Closed wound - Have fewer categories, but are just as dangerous as open wound. Contusions are commonly known as bruises caused by a blunt force trauma and damages tissue under the skin (dermis). Hematoma (blood tumor) is caused by damage to the blood vessel that in turn caused blood to collect under the skin.
First aid to closed wound:
II. Terminologies in some common emergencies
III. Universal precaution to safety
IV. Artificial respiration (AR) techniques
V. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques
An ideal first aid provider be neat, patient, and observant.
I. Wounds
A wound is a soft tissue injury of the human body that can be internal or external and resulted to loss of blood.
Two Types of Wounds
1. Open wound - Is a tearing or a cut from the topmost layer of the skin and down under the soft tissues caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such as knife, a razor or a glass splinter that resulted to loss of blood.
First aid to open wound:
- Apply direct pressure.
- Apply sterile bandage (Splinting if necessary).
- Elevation.
- Care for shock.
- Immediate transport of the victim to an nearest hospital/clinic.
2. Closed wound - Have fewer categories, but are just as dangerous as open wound. Contusions are commonly known as bruises caused by a blunt force trauma and damages tissue under the skin (dermis). Hematoma (blood tumor) is caused by damage to the blood vessel that in turn caused blood to collect under the skin.
First aid to closed wound:
- Apply cold compress (Ice application).
- Apply bandaging and splinting if necessary.
- Elevation.
- Care for shock.
- Immediate transport of the victim to a nearest hospital / clinic.
II. Terminologies in some common emergencies
- Abrasion - A skin soft tissue injury in the epidermis that resulted from a blunt force trauma due to an accident.
- Incision - The cutting-off of the skin soft tissue by using a sharp-edged knife or a razor blade. It is commonly practiced in a surgery operation.
- Laceration - The tearing or cut in the soft tissue of both the epidermis and dermis; this is caused by a blunt force trauma brought about by a sharp-edged knife or razor that resulted to loss of blood (hemorrhagic).
- Puncture - A soft tissue injury caused by a sharp object that penetrates to both the epidermis and the dermis. This is usually sustained from a sharp nail or needle.
- Penetration - This is more likely caused by a blunt force trauma from a sharp object that penetrates into the body parts.
- Gunshot - This is caused by a bullet or similar projectile driving into or through the body. There may be two wounds: one at the site of entry, and the other at the site of exit (generally known as a "through-and-through").
- Avulsion - The tearing of the soft tissues (dermis and epidermis) caused by a blunt force trauma due to an accident, e.g. shotgun wound, explosions.
- Amputation - The cutting or tearing apart of three layers of the skin's soft tissues (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous) caused by a blunt force trauma. This is commonly practiced during a surgery operation to prevent it from spreading through the other parts of the body.
- Decapitation (beheading) - The cutting-off of the head of the human body caused by a blunt force trauma and is brought about by a sharp-edged blade, leading to death.
- Electrocution - A blunt force trauma caused by an electric shock, and may usually lead to hypoxia / death.
- Strangulation - This is caused by a blunt force trauma that leads to stoppage of oxygen flow of the blood through the vessels.
- Impaled object - A blunt force trauma caused by piercing a sharp object through the human body parts.
III. Universal precaution to safety
- Survey the scene. (Is the scene safe?)
- Check the level of consciousness of the person. (Tap the victim's shoulder thrice.)
- Check the ABCs of life. (Airway, breathing, circulation)
- Seek medical assistance. (Call the nearest medical center/clinic/hospital.)
IV. Artificial respiration (AR) techniques
- Negative breathing, positive pulse
- Two ventilation (Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; pinch the nose)
- Check pulse for 10 seconds.
V. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques
- Negative breathing, negative pulse
- Two ventilation (similar to artificial respiration)
- Chest compression on the center chest between the nipples thrice.
- Check pulse for 10 seconds.