What are the main types of first aid. How can different first aid techniques be applied in various emergencies. Which first aid skills are most crucial for immediate life-saving interventions. When should professional medical help be sought after administering first aid.

The Fundamentals of First Aid: DRSABCD Action Plan

First aid is a critical skill that can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations. At its core, first aid follows the DRSABCD action plan, which stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation. This systematic approach ensures that first responders address the most pressing concerns in order of importance.

Breaking Down the DRSABCD Action Plan

• Danger: Assess the scene for potential hazards to yourself, bystanders, and the casualty.
• Response: Check if the person is conscious and responsive.
• Send for help: Call emergency services (e.g., 000 in Australia, 911 in the US).
• Airway: Ensure the person’s airway is clear and open.
• Breathing: Check if the person is breathing normally.
• CPR: Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary.
• Defibrillation: Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available and appropriate.

Understanding and following this action plan is crucial for providing effective first aid. Does practicing the DRSABCD approach improve first aid outcomes. Studies have shown that individuals trained in this systematic method are more likely to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, potentially saving lives.

Types of First Aid for Respiratory Emergencies

Respiratory emergencies can be life-threatening and require immediate intervention. Two common respiratory emergencies that first aiders should be prepared to handle are asthma attacks and choking incidents.

Asthma Emergency Management

During an asthma attack, the airways narrow, making it difficult for the person to breathe. First aid for asthma typically involves:

1. Helping the person into a comfortable sitting position
2. Assisting them in using their inhaler or spacer
3. Encouraging slow, steady breaths
4. Calling emergency services if symptoms worsen or don’t improve

Can asthma attacks be prevented through proper first aid education. While not all asthma attacks can be prevented, educating individuals about their triggers and proper inhaler use can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Choking Intervention Techniques

Choking occurs when a foreign object obstructs the airway. The primary first aid technique for a conscious choking adult is the Heimlich maneuver:

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist
2. Make a fist with one hand and place it above the navel
3. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick, upward thrusts
4. Repeat until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious

For unconscious individuals or infants, modified techniques are used. Is prompt action crucial in choking situations. Absolutely. Quick intervention in choking incidents can prevent brain damage due to lack of oxygen and potentially save lives.

Cardiovascular Emergencies and First Aid Response

Cardiovascular emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, require immediate recognition and response. First aid for these conditions focuses on early intervention and rapid access to emergency medical services.

Heart Attack First Aid

When someone is experiencing a heart attack, time is of the essence. First aid steps include:

• Calling emergency services immediately
• Helping the person into a comfortable position, usually sitting
• Assisting with prescribed medication, such as nitroglycerin
• Providing aspirin if advised by emergency services and not contraindicated
• Monitoring the person’s condition and being prepared to perform CPR if necessary

Why is early recognition of heart attack symptoms crucial. Early recognition and prompt medical attention can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the extent of heart muscle damage.

Stroke Response and FAST Method

The FAST method is an effective tool for identifying stroke symptoms:

• Face: Check for facial drooping
• Arms: Look for arm weakness
• Speech: Listen for slurred or confused speech
• Time: Note the time symptoms started and call emergency services immediately

First aid for stroke involves calling for emergency help, keeping the person calm, and monitoring their condition. How does rapid response impact stroke outcomes. Quick identification and treatment of stroke can minimize brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.

Trauma and Wound Management in First Aid

Trauma and wounds are common scenarios requiring first aid. Proper management can prevent complications and promote healing.

External Bleeding Control

To control external bleeding:

1. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing
2. Elevate the injured area above the heart if possible
3. Apply a pressure bandage if bleeding persists
4. Seek medical attention for severe or uncontrolled bleeding

In cases of severe bleeding, should a tourniquet be applied. Tourniquets should only be used as a last resort for life-threatening limb hemorrhages, as they can cause tissue damage if left on too long.

Burn Treatment Basics

First aid for burns depends on the severity:

• For minor burns, cool the area under running water for at least 10 minutes
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing
• Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments to burns
• Seek medical attention for large or deep burns, or burns to sensitive areas

Why is cooling a burn important in first aid. Cooling a burn helps to stop the burning process, reduce pain, and limit tissue damage, improving the chances of proper healing.

Environmental Emergency First Aid

Environmental emergencies can occur due to extreme temperatures or exposure to harmful substances. First aid in these situations focuses on removing the person from the harmful environment and providing appropriate care.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can occur in hot environments. First aid includes:

• Moving the person to a cool area
• Removing excess clothing
• Applying cool, wet cloths to the skin
• Providing small sips of water if the person is conscious
• Seeking immediate medical attention for signs of heat stroke

How can recognizing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke impact first aid. Understanding the distinction is crucial, as heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate professional intervention, while heat exhaustion can often be treated with first aid measures.

Cold-Related Emergencies

Hypothermia and frostbite are common cold-related emergencies. First aid steps include:

1. Moving the person to a warm environment
2. Removing wet clothing and replacing with dry, warm layers
3. Providing warm, non-alcoholic beverages if conscious
4. Avoiding rubbing or massaging frostbitten areas
5. Seeking medical attention, especially for severe cases

Is gradual rewarming always the best approach for cold-related emergencies. Generally, yes. Gradual rewarming helps prevent further tissue damage and allows for proper assessment of the extent of cold injury.

Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis Management

Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate action.

Recognizing Anaphylaxis

Signs of anaphylaxis may include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Hives or rash
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting

First aid for anaphylaxis involves:

1. Calling emergency services immediately
2. Helping the person use their epinephrine auto-injector if available
3. Assisting them into a comfortable position
4. Monitoring their breathing and consciousness
5. Being prepared to perform CPR if necessary

Why is prompt administration of epinephrine crucial in anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis and can rapidly reverse the life-threatening symptoms, potentially saving the person’s life.

Diabetic Emergencies and First Aid

Diabetic emergencies can occur when blood sugar levels become too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Recognizing and responding to these situations is an important first aid skill.

Hypoglycemia First Aid

If a person with diabetes is experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, such as confusion, weakness, or loss of consciousness, first aid steps include:

1. If the person is conscious, provide them with a fast-acting source of sugar, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets
2. Help them check their blood sugar levels if possible
3. If symptoms improve, encourage them to eat a small snack
4. If symptoms worsen or the person becomes unconscious, call emergency services

Can non-medical professionals administer glucagon for severe hypoglycemia. In some regions, trained individuals may be allowed to administer glucagon in emergency situations, but this varies by location and requires specific training.

Hyperglycemia Management

While less immediately life-threatening than hypoglycemia, severe hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. First aid for suspected hyperglycemia includes:

• Encouraging the person to check their blood sugar levels
• Providing water to prevent dehydration
• Assisting with insulin administration if the person is able and it’s part of their management plan
• Seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen

How can first aiders differentiate between hypo- and hyperglycemia. While it can be challenging, hypoglycemia typically onset rapidly with symptoms like confusion and weakness, while hyperglycemia develops more slowly with increased thirst and frequent urination. When in doubt, it’s safer to treat for hypoglycemia and seek medical advice.

Poisoning and Toxic Exposure First Aid

Poisoning can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with toxic substances. Quick and appropriate first aid can be crucial in minimizing the effects of poisoning.

General Poisoning First Aid Guidelines

When dealing with a potential poisoning situation:

1. Ensure your own safety first by avoiding exposure to the toxic substance
2. Call your local poison control center or emergency services immediately
3. Provide information about the substance, amount, and time of exposure if known
4. Follow the instructions given by poison control or emergency services
5. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so

Why is it important to consult poison control before inducing vomiting. Some substances can cause more damage if vomiting is induced, and the best course of action depends on the specific poison involved.

Specific Poisoning Scenarios

Different types of poisoning may require specific first aid approaches:

• Inhaled poisons: Move the person to fresh air immediately
• Poison on the skin: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the skin thoroughly with water
• Poison in the eye: Flush the eye with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
• Swallowed poisons: Rinse the mouth and give small sips of water if the person is conscious and alert

Is it necessary to keep potentially toxic substances for identification purposes. Yes, if it’s safe to do so, keeping the original container or a sample of the substance can be helpful for medical professionals in determining the appropriate treatment.

First aid knowledge is an invaluable skill that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. By understanding the various types of first aid and how to apply them, individuals can provide crucial assistance until professional medical help arrives. Remember, while first aid can be life-saving, it’s always important to seek professional medical attention for serious injuries or illnesses. Regular training and refresher courses in first aid can help maintain these vital skills and increase confidence in responding to emergencies.

What is First Aid? | Understand First Aid

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  When you understand first aid, you’ll gain the ability to help those in need. Through our first aid certification classes you’ll learn how to respond to specific situations, which will help you care for people in crisis as they wait for medical professionals to arrive. This gives them the best opportunity for a positive outcome – and gives you the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better.

  Find a Class

  What You’ll Learn

  Designed to help non-medical professionals provide assistance in times of crisis, our courses allow you to gain an understanding of first aid best practices for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Asthma emergencies
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Burns
  • Choking
  • Diabetic emergencies
  • External bleeding and severe trauma
  • Environmental emergencies
  • Heart Attack
  • Poisoning
  • Neck, head and spinal injuries
  • Stroke
  • Seizure

  In addition, our first aid classes typically cover information on administering CPR and using AEDs – allowing you to become certified in all three (first aid, CPR and AED) in one convenient class.

  Types of Classes

  At the Red Cross, you can choose the type of class you want based on your scheduling needs and/or your learning style. We currently offer three types of classes, including:

  • In Person: Delivered in a traditional classroom setting, our in-person first aid courses combine lecture with hands-on skills sessions. The course culminates with testing, which allows participants to receive a two-year certification.

  
  

  • Online With instruction provided virtually, these self-paced courses can help you understand first aid best practices. However, online safety training courses do not allow you to demonstrate your skill proficiency to a certified instructor, and therefore your certification may not meet the requirements for workplace safety.

  
  

  • Blended Learning Learning: Featuring award-winning simulation learning, our blended learning programs combine self-paced, interactive instruction and in-person skills sessions. Blended Learning courses allow you to learn on your schedule, then demonstrate your skills to a certified instructor.

  Why Train With the Red Cross

  Red Cross CPR Training Saves Lives

  Reid Heiser, Life Saver
  
  One week after 17-year-old Reid completed his Red Cross CPR training, he needed to use it. In November 2011, Reid saved the life of Jim Hammer after he collapsed at the recreation center where Reid worked. Now friends, they share their story.

  Red Cross training matters
  
  For more than a century, we’ve prepared people to respond to emergencies of all sizes – from the everyday to the large disaster. Join the millions we train every year and learn the skills that can save a life.

  “Without my friend’s training, I would not be here”
  – Watch Bre Dumke’s Story

  “The first 7 minutes are critical”
  – Watch More

First aid basics and DRSABCD

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Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Some knowledge of basic first aid could mean the difference between life and death.
• Consider doing a first aid course, so that you will be able to manage if someone is injured or becomes ill.
• CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn.
• Keep a range of first aid kits handy at home, in the car and at work.

Learning basic first aid techniques can help you cope with an emergency. You may be able to keep a person breathing, reduce their pain or minimise 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 take a first aid course so that you can recognise an emergency and give basic first aid until professional help arrives.

Learn the first aid method of DRSABCD

First aid is as easy as ABC – airway, breathing and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). In any situation, apply the DRSABCD Action Plan.

DRSABCD stands for:

• Danger – always check the danger to you, any bystanders and then the injured or ill person. Make sure you do not put yourself in danger when going to the assistance of another person.
• Response – is the person conscious? Do they respond when you talk to them, touch their hands or squeeze their shoulder?
• Send for help – call triple zero (000). Don’t forget to answer the questions asked by the operator.
• Airway – Is the person’s airway clear? Is the person breathing?
• If the person is responding, they are conscious and their airway is clear, assess how you can help them with any injury.
• If the person is not responding and they are unconscious, you need to check their airway by opening their mouth and having a look inside. If their mouth is clear, tilt their head gently back (by lifting their chin) and check for breathing. If the mouth is not clear, place the person on their side, open their mouth and clear the contents, then tilt the head back and check for breathing.
• Breathing – check for breathing by looking for chest movements (up and down). Listen by putting your ear near to their mouth and nose. Feel for breathing by putting your hand on the lower part of their chest. If the person is unconscious but breathing, turn them onto their side, carefully ensuring that you keep their head, neck and spine in alignment. Monitor their breathing until you hand over to the ambulance officers.
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) – if an adult is unconscious and not breathing, make sure they are flat on their back and then place the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest and your other hand on top. Press down firmly and smoothly (compressing to one third of their chest depth) 30 times. Give two breaths. To get the breath in, tilt their head back gently by lifting their chin. Pinch their nostrils closed, place your open mouth firmly over their open mouth and blow firmly into their mouth. Keep going with the 30 compressions and two breaths at the speed of approximately five repeats in two minutes until you hand over to the ambulance officers or another trained person, or until the person you are resuscitating responds. The method for CPR for children under eight and babies is very similar and you can learn these skills in a CPR course.
• Defibrillator – for unconscious adults who are not breathing, apply an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. They are available in many public places, clubs and organisations. An AED is a machine that delivers an electrical shock to cancel any irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), in an effort get the normal heart beating to re-establish itself. The devices are very simple to operate. Just follow the instructions and pictures on the machine, and on the package of the pads, as well as the voice prompts. If the person responds to defibrillation, turn them onto their side and tilt their head to maintain their airway. Some AEDs may not be suitable for children.

Where to learn first aid and CPR

You can attend a CPR training course or first aid course with a non-profit organisation such as St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria), Australian Red Cross and Life Saving Victoria. St John also runs awareness programs in schools and the community.

There is no age limit to learning CPR. The ability to carry out CPR is only limited by the physical capabilities of the person carrying out the procedure.

In some schools, CPR is a module of the first aid course taught to Year 9 students. CPR is a life skill that everyone should learn. Remember that doing some CPR in an emergency is better than doing nothing.

Infection control when performing CPR

To avoid contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids such as blood or saliva, everyone with training in resuscitation is advised to carry a resuscitation mask in their purse, wallet or first aid kit. This helps take the worry of infection out of helping someone in a life-threatening situation. These masks are available from first aid providers or from your pharmacy.

First aid for a person choking

Maintaining a clear airway is always the priority to make sure the person can keep breathing. You might need to roll them onto their side, but spinal injury is always a possibility in anyone involved in an accident. There are ways of placing an injured person on their side so that there is very little movement to their spine. You can learn these skills in a first aid course.

First aid for a medication or drug overdose

Medications are very unpredictable. Many medications or illicit drugs have dangerous side effects, particularly if they are mixed together or taken with alcohol.

If you are aware or suspect that someone you have found has overdosed on drugs or medications, do not leave them to ‘sleep it off’. A doctor or ambulance paramedic should assess any person who overdoses on any medication.

It is very important that you call triple zero (000) if you are aware or suspect that someone you have found has overdosed on drugs or medications, as many overdoses cause death.

First aid kit

As well as knowing some basic first aid techniques, it is important that households and workplaces have a first aid kit that meets their needs and is well organised, fully stocked and readily available at all times.

The contents should be appropriate to cope with a range of emergency situations, depending on the setting. It’s a good idea to have a number of kits handy in different places, such as in the home, car or office.

First aid kits are available for purchase from a variety of providers, including St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria) or your local pharmacy. Specialty kits are also available to meet specific needs.

Reducing the risk of infected wounds during first aid

Open wounds are prone to infection. Suggestions to reduce the risk of infection include:

• Wash your hands if possible before managing the wound. You could also use an antibacterial hand sanitiser.
• Put on the disposable gloves provided in your first aid kit.
• Try to avoid breathing or coughing over the wound.
• Cleaning of the wound depends on the type and severity of the wound, including the severity of the bleeding. You may just clean around the wound.
• Cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Try not to touch the dressing’s surface before applying it to the wound.
• Seek medical advice or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

In an emergency, these suggestions may not be practical. If the injured person is bleeding heavily, don’t waste time. For example, cleaning the wound might dislodge a blood clot and make the wound bleed again or bleed more.

Immediately apply pressure to a heavily bleeding wound (or around the wound if there is an embedded object), and apply a bandage when the bleeding has slowed down or stopped. Call triple zero (000) immediately.

Using bandages during first aid

This information is of a general nature only and should not be considered a replacement for proper first aid training.

General suggestions include:

• The injured person should be sitting or lying down. Position yourself in front of the person on their injured side.
• Make sure their injured body part is supported in position before you start to bandage it.
• If the injured person can help by holding the padding in place, wrap the ‘tail’ of the bandage one full turn around the limb, so that the bandage is anchored.
• If there is no assistance, wrap the ‘tail’ of the bandage directly around the padding over the wound.
• Bandage up the limb, making sure each turn overlaps the turn before. Alternatively, you can bandage in a ‘figure eight’ fashion.
• Make sure the bandage isn’t too tight so you don’t reduce blood flow to the extremities (hands and feet). Check by pressing on a fingernail or toenail of the injured limb – if the pink colour returns within a couple of seconds, the bandage isn’t affecting the person’s circulation. If the nail remains white for some time, loosen the bandage. Keep checking and adjusting the bandage, especially if swelling is a problem.

Making an arm sling

After being bandaged, an injured forearm or wrist may require an arm sling to lift the arm and keep it from moving. Steps include:

• Arrange the person’s arm in a ‘V’ so that it is held in front of their body and bent at the elbow, with the hand resting in the hollow where the collarbone meets the shoulder.
• Open a triangular bandage and place it on top of the injured arm. The longest edge needs to be lengthwise along the person’s body and the point of the bandage should be towards the person’s elbow on their injured side. You only need enough material to tie a knot at the fingertip end.
• Create a cradle (hammock) around the injured arm by folding the upper half of the long edge under the injured arm.
• Gently gather the material together at the elbow and pull it tight without pulling the bandage off the injured arm. Twist the material into a long spiral.
• Bring the long spiral around and then up the person’s back.
• Tie the two ends together firmly at the person’s fingertips.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Your doctor
• The emergency department of your nearest hospital
• St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria) for first aid and CPR courses Tel. 1300 360 455
• Australian Red Cross for first aid and CPR courses Tel. 1300 367 428

• Student Notes, First Aid International. More information here.External Link
• Australian First Aid, 2010, Fourth edition, revised reprinted 7/2010, St John Ambulance Australia. More information here.External Link
• DRSABCD Action Plan, St John Ambulance Australia. More information here.External Link

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 31-08-2014

Types of first aid

What to do if a person faints in front of your eyes? Or did the child fall off the bike and seriously injure his leg?

It is in such situations that first aid is needed. It’s great if everyone knows at least the basic aspects. After all, trouble comes from where you do not expect. The article is just about what first aid is, its types and where to learn it.

What is first aid

Accidents, fires, natural disasters and other disasters happen every day. Key knowledge about first aid for a casualty can save a life. In an urgently serious condition, the count goes on for seconds, and you can not wait for the arrival of an ambulance. We need to act.

We hope that the content of the article will not be useful to you in life. But, it is better to be fully equipped.

First aid is an urgent action that keeps a person alive until a medical professional arrives. It can be anyone, regardless of education. It is enough to have minimal preparation and perform a series of actions based on the current situation.

The provision of first aid takes a short period of time. But, it gives a chance to save a person.

There are professions whose job responsibilities include providing medical care:

• police officer;
• firefighter;
• rescuer.

Also, the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident is obliged to help the victims before the ambulance arrives. Representatives of working professions should receive training in first aid regularly and be proficient in it. It is desirable to know the basics of first aid for other categories of citizens:

• teachers, teachers, educators;
• vehicle drivers;
• social workers;
• heads of enterprises and organizations;
• anyone who wants not to be confused at the sight of the victim.

Next, we will analyze the list of actions, types of assistance and conditions in which it is needed.

First Aid Algorithm

To determine whether the victim needs medical assistance, it is important to understand what is wrong with him. In Russia, a list of conditions under which first aid is provided is legally defined:

• lack of consciousness;
• stop breathing;
• bleeding;
• burns and frostbite;
• poisoning.

For each option, the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation has developed an action plan and a type of first aid. Below is a visual algorithm:

1. Assess the safety of the environment for yourself and the victim. It is important to understand if the threat still exists. Help can only be accepted if the danger has passed.
2. Call an ambulance. By numbers 112 or 03.
3. Assess consciousness. To do this, ask a question or take the victim by the shoulders and shake slightly. If the person is conscious, we proceed to point 7 and wait for the arrival of paramedics.
4. Check pulse. To do this, attach the pads of your fingers to the carotid artery. If there is no pulse, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Detailed description in the next chapter.
5. Check for breath. To do this, tilt the head of the victim and listen to the breath. A detailed analysis of actions in the presence / absence of breathing is disclosed in the next chapter.
6. If signs of life appear, give a stable lateral position and control the patency of the airways.
7. Examine the victim for bleeding, fractures, burns, frostbite. A detailed analysis of the actions in each situation in the next chapter.
8. Monitor the condition until the arrival of doctors. Place the victim in the optimal position to reduce his suffering. If a spinal fracture is suspected, it is forbidden to move a person.

Types of first aid

In the absence of consciousness, we immediately determine the pulse and breathing. If there is a pulse but no breathing:

• perform artificial respiration using the mouth-to-mouth method. To do this, it is necessary to check the patency of the respiratory tract and cover the mouth with a handkerchief or gauze to protect against viruses. Next, pinch the victim’s nose, press firmly against his mouth and exhale into the victim’s lungs. About 15-20 breaths per minute.

If there is no pulse or breathing:

• start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It includes heart massage and artificial respiration. The technique of artificial respiration was described above, let’s move on to heart massage. This is a contraction of the muscles of the heart to resume its work. Massage technique: put your palm on the lower third of the sternum, put the other palm on top with a cross. And produce strong vertical shocks. The chest of the victim should sag by 3-4 cm. Repeat the steps about 60-100 times per minute.

Next, we will analyze the types of first aid when examining the victim.

When bleeding, determine its type. For each type – different help:

1. Capillary – quickly stops and does not pose a serious danger. It is enough to apply a pressure bandage.
2. Arterial – characterized by a bright scarlet color of blood and a pulsating stream. To stop such bleeding, a tourniquet is used, which is tightened above the wound.
3. Venous – has a dark cherry color, the stream is continuous and slow. In this case, a tight pressure bandage is applied to the wound site, the injured part of the body rises.

In case of a fracture, the main task is to ensure the immobility of the fracture site and apply a splint using improvised means.

When fainting:

• take out to fresh air;
• raise your legs;
• bring ammonia to the nose;
• spray with cold water.

In case of radiation, thermal, chemical or electrical burns, first of all, remove substances and foci from the body of the victim:

• pour water over damaged parts of the body in case of radiation and chemical burns;
• in case of electric shock, the effect of electricity on the body should be quickly stopped, and then an aseptic dressing should be applied to the injury. Be sure to take precautions;
• in case of a thermal burn, it is necessary to remove the victim from the flame zone and extinguish the burning clothing.

In each situation, we help only those in which we are sure. Then we wait for the ambulance to arrive. Only a physician determines further actions. Your task is not to make things worse.

Where to learn first aid

The International Center for Vocational Education has created the First Aid Training course, after which you will know:

• regulations for the provision of medical care in Russia;
• personal safety in first aid;
• technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
• rules for the transportation of victims;
• maintenance of a home first aid kit;
• first aid for injuries:
  • burns;
  • bleeding;
  • bone fractures;
  • head and eye injuries;
  • freezing and frostbite;
  • electric shock;
  • sunstroke;
  • poisoning.

80% of the course is practice, where you will learn:

• give injections and injections;
• measure pressure;
• perform artificial respiration and heart massage;
• apply bandages and splints;
• master the algorithms for helping with burns, frostbite, trauma, poisoning, electric shock.

During the classes, you will solve situational problems that are as close to life as possible.

Duration of training 16 ac. h.

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate.

Why 450+ thousand graduates chose ICVE

1. Our graduates practice in major medical centers.
2. 3 training formats and a convenient schedule.
3. Training meets international standards.
4. We issue the final documents of the state sample.
5. A team of experienced teachers has been gathering for 24 years.
6. In the arsenal of more than 250 specialized courses.

Register for the course online.

First aid for wounds – what you need to have with you – an article on the site Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

First aid is a set of emergency measures aimed at saving the life of the victim. Most often, first aid is necessary in case of injury, in particular, wounds.

What is injury and its types

A wound is a violation of the integrity of the skin. It can be both superficial and affects exclusively the epidermis, dermis, and deep, penetrating.

Depending on the subject that was injured, there are several types of wounds:

• Sliced ​​(glass, knife). The most common injuries. First aid in case of incised wounds with a small degree of damage is also final.

• Chipped (screwdriver, needles). The skin is practically not damaged, but the wound channel is large.

• Gunshot (bullet impact). It can be either through (there are inlet and outlet), blind (there is only inlet) and tangent (only skin and muscles are affected).

• Chopped (ax). A dangerous injury, since the degree of damage to both the skin and internal organs is very significant.

• Bruised (shocks with blunt objects). Rough edges, hematomas, crushing of tissues.

• Bitten (inflicted by animals). Rough edges, often deep. Differ in poor healing.

• Polytrauma. A combination of two or more mechanisms of action.

Whatever the injury was and no matter how deep or superficial it may be, first aid for the wound is up to you.

First aid

Stages of first aid for wounds:

1. The first thing you need to do is to assess the degree of damage, the general condition of the patient.

2. Then you need to call an ambulance.

3. Then evaluate what can help you in wound care. Here are some specific examples and why they are needed:

• Antiseptic solution. Iodine, brilliant green, alcohol. Any wound is contaminated. Before performing the manipulation, treat your hands first, and then the skin of the victim in the area of ​​injury. Pouring antiseptic on the wound is prohibited.

• Sterile gauze pads. The second most important component for first aid. Due to this dressing, you will be able to delimit the wound surface from possible contamination. To do this, just apply them to damaged skin.

• Cotton wool. Suitable for skin treatment only. It is strictly forbidden to pack her wounds, as cotton wool absorbs moisture, but does not stop bleeding.

• Bandage. Thanks to the bandage, you can fix sterile gauze pads and apply a bandage.

4. After applying the bandage, it is necessary to give the patient a comfortable safe position, taking into account the type of injury.

5. This is where your actions are over. Wait for the ambulance to arrive and transfer the victim to specialists to provide medical assistance in case of injury.

When providing first aid, it is important not only to help, but also not to harm the patient. To do this, you need to know a few simple rules. In the case of a stab wound, it is forbidden to remove a piercing object from the wound, and it is also not necessary to remove fragments or other foreign bodies. It is forbidden to pour water, alcohol, iodine and any other means on the wound. Before providing first aid for wounds, you must wash your hands with soap and water, and if this is not possible, treat them with an antiseptic.

Bleeding

The most formidable complication in the presence of an open wound in a patient in terms of first aid is bleeding.

Bleeding is the outpouring of blood into the external environment or into the body cavity.

Depending on which blood vessel was damaged, all bleeding can be divided into 4 groups:

• Arterial. The blood is bright scarlet in color, spurting, pouring out under pressure.