First Aid for Colleges and Universities

10 Edition

Chapter 1

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Introduction to First Aid Care

Slide Presentation prepared by

Randall Benner, M.Ed., NREMT-P

Learning Objectives

• Identify the need for properly prepared First Aiders.

• Identify the principal aims of first aid.• Identify skills performed by a First Aider.• Understand the legal aspects of first aid and

emergency medical care.• Explain the factors constituting negligence.• Understand how infectious diseases are

transmitted.

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• Understand the infectious diseases of concern in an emergency setting.

• Describe ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in an emergency setting.

Learning Objectives

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• First Aiders are the first (trained) people on an emergency scene who can initiate life-saving measures, including– Airway and respiratory intervention– Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation– Bleeding control– Special wound care– Stabilization of spinal injuries– Splinting of fractures

Introduction

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What is First Aid?

• Temporary and immediate care given to a person who is injured or who suddenly becomes ill.

• Does not replace physicians, nurses, or paramedics.

• A primary principle is to active the EMS (emergency care system) in all cases of serious injury.

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Principal Aims of First Aid Care

• Recognize life-threatening situations.• Activate the EMS system.• Supply artificial ventilation and circulation.• Control bleeding.• Minimize further injury and complications.• Prevent infection.• Make the victim as comfortable as possible.

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General Procedures

• Basic plan of action– Observe the scene upon approach.– Keep yourself and others at the scene safe.– Activate the EMS system.– Gain access to the victim, and determine immediate

threats to life.– Provide basic life support to those whose lives are

threatened; provide care to those most seriously injured first.

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Infectious Disease Transmission

• An infectious (communicable) disease can be transmitted from person to person, or from animals or the environment to people.

• All body fluids should be considered potentially infectious.– Saliva– Blood– Vaginal secretions– Semen– Amniotic fluid (or liquor amnii is the protective liquid contained by the amniotic sac of a

pregnant female)

– Fluids that lubricate internal organs, the spine, joints, and tendons

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Infectious Disease Transmission

• For disease to spread, three things must happen– Infecting organisms (such as bacteria and viruses)

must survive outside their hosts.– An infecting organism must then move from one place

to another (i.e., be transmitted).– An infecting organism must then invade a new host’s

body and multiply there.

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Infectious Disease Transmission

• All of the following symptoms should be considered potentially infectious– A rash or skin lesion– An open sore– Diarrhea– Vomiting– Coughing or sneezing– Draining or oozing wounds– Headache with a stiff neck– Yellowish skin or eyes

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Infectious Disease Transmission

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Diseases of Concern in an Emergency Setting

• Three bloodborne diseases are of particular concern.– Hepatitis B: Most common type of hepatitis; a viral

infection of the liver; symptoms resemble the flu.

– Hepatitis C: Caused by a different virus than Hepatitis B; can lead to permanent liver damage or cancer.

– HIV: This virus suppresses the immune system; may lead to AIDS, which is eventually fatal.

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Diseases of Concern in an Emergency Setting

• Other diseases of concern include– Herpes: Highly contagious infection of the skin and

mucous membranes.

– Tuberculosis: Severe lung infection.

– Meningitis: Infection of the membranes in the brain and spinal cord.

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Protection from Infection

• Keep immunizations current.• Take body substance isolation precautions.• Wash hands thoroughly after providing care.• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes, or

personal items until after hand washing.• Cover abrasions with protective clothing or

gloves.• Wear a mask.• Seek immediate care if you’re exposed to blood

or body fluids.

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Safety at the Scene

• Staying safe is your first priority.• Don’t enter an unsafe situation without proper

training and equipment.• In addition to activating EMS, you may need to

request specialized personnel to deal with fire, unstable structures, motor vehicle accidents, electrical hazards, water emergencies, or incidents involving hostility and violence.

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Summary

• First aid is temporary, immediate care for a person who is injured or who becomes suddenly ill.

• It does not replace the care of a physician, nurse, or paramedic.

• A primary principle is to activate the EMS system.

© 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Summary

• First Aiders should be able to recognize life-threatening situations; apply artificial ventilation, circulation, and defibrillation; control bleeding; prevent further injury; and minimize complications.

• Care should always be provided to the most seriously injured victims first.

• A First Aider should be familiar with and understand key legal aspects including Duty to Act, Good Samaritan Laws, Reasonable-Man Test, and Right to Refuse Care.

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Summary

• Infectious diseases are of particular concern in an emergency setting.

• You should minimize your risk of infection by following key guidelines including wearing protective gear, thoroughly washing hands, and avoiding touching your face or personal items until after hand washing.

© 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.