First Aid General Guidelines

First Aid is exactly as the term implies, the first aid given for an injury. It is not intended as a long-term solution to a problem, nor does it replace treatment provided by trained medical personnel. Before attempting to administer First Aid, you need to perform an initial assessment which should include: Safety (yours and the victims), mechanism of the injury (how did it happen), medical information devices (“Medic Alert” tags or bracelets), number of casualties (if more than one person involved), bystanders (those that might be able to help you). Always avoid contact with blood or other body fluids. Use latex gloves whenever possible. If administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, use a face shield, following instructions on the packet.

In an emergency, you should follow these priorities:

1. Check that you are not placing yourself in danger by providing first aid. If you become injured you will not be able to help others!

2. Check to see if the person is conscious. If conscious and they are breathing, stay with the victim while sending somebody else to call for help.

3. Check to see if the person is breathing. If you are alone, call 911 first if possible before starting rescue breathing.

4. Check for a pulse. If no pulse found begin CPR if you know the technique.

5. Check for bleeding. Immediately stop bleeding by applied direct pressure before you worry about any “fancy” bandages.

6. Check for neck and spinal injuries, injuries on the head. You should never move the victim unless it’s absolutely necessary.

7. If the person is unconscious do not attempt to give them fluids.

Do not become involved in using treatment methods beyond your skill. Recognize the limits of your competence. Only perform First Aid procedures that are within your scope of knowledge and skills. Always stay calm and do not ever give up. Continue to provide aid

to the victim until help arrives!

All too often we get caught up in some minor detail and miss the big picture, or to put it another way, “we miss the forest for the trees”. It is important to keep in mind the following priorities when performing first aid.

Always perform first aid in the following order:

1. Restore Breathing: A person becomes brain dead in 6 minutes if breathing is not restored.

2. Stop Severe Bleeding: Without blood, oxygen can not get to the vital organs of a persons body.

3. Treat Shock: A victims mind and body must work together in order to be healthy. Never overlook shock situations, be they mental or physical.

4. Call advanced medical help immediately: Always realize that you are providing a stop-gap function to an injured person. Always obtain trained medical assistance as soon as possible. It also is good first aid practice to have even minor wounds checked when expert medical assistance is available.