First Aid

First AidWhat are the main priorities for assessment and management of first aid patients?Focus Question 1Crisis managementFirst Aid Crisis managementCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)locate the compression point. The compression point of the chest centre point of the chest. If the compressions are performed too low they may appear to be on the stomach and be ineffective, or if too much pressure is applied they may break a rib.(It is important to remember that you should not stopdoing CPR or not commence CPR if you have a fear of harming the patient).Crisis managementWhen performing the chest compressions:place the heel of your hand at the centre of the victims chest one-third the depth of the chestpress down so you compress the chest be smooth and rhythmicalapply pressure directly over the chest, not at an angleallow the chest to recoil after the compressionCrisis management

Crisis managementIn summary, for resuscitation of a baby:keep the head in the neutral positionrate of 30 compressions and two breathsbreaths should be a light puff onlycover the mouth and nose for the breathschest compressions with two fingersdepth of compression should be one-third the depth of the chest.Crisis managementFor resuscitation of a child or adult:tilt the head back fullyrate of 30 compressions and two breathsbreathe in for one second and wait for one second between breathscover the mouth and seal the nosefor compressions of an adult, use two hands.depth of compression is one-third the depth of the chest.The number of cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths is five every two minutes and if possible change operators every two minutes.When doing CPR remember that any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt at all.BleedingMost bleeding is superficial and is easy to stop. Management of body fluids such as blood should begin with personal protection and should include at the least gloves, sterile dressings and disposable equipment being used. Bleeding, while seeming bad, should never take precedence over resuscitation.BleedingBy observing a wound, it is possible to determine the type of vessel that is damaged.Artery blood will be bright red and may spurtVein blood will be darker and the flow is not as forcefulCapillary blood will tend to oozeThe first two types of cuts are life threatening and require immediate attention.BleedingBleeding is caused by cuts, contusions, lacerations and abrasions. Most bleeding happens externally, as in the case of a bleeding nose or a laceration to the leg.BleedingManagement of a bleeding crisis: PER (Pressure, Elevation, Rest)apply pressure to the wound to restrict the flow of blood.if blood goes through a bandage, apply a second do not remove first to allow for blood clottingraise the affected limb above the level of the heart.monitor the patients vital signs.Seek urgent medical assistance.monitor closely for signs of shock.

ShockIf a patient is going into shock, they need to be closely monitored. The reasons for someone going into shock may be many and varied, ranging from a jellyfish sting to a sudden loss of body fluid.In shock, the heart is not carrying out its role of supplying the body organs with sufficient oxygen.ShockSigns and symptoms of shock:pale, cold clammy skin rapid or weak pulserapid shallow breathingCollapse altered state of consciousness thirst.ShockManagement of shock:call for urgent medical assistanceelevate the patients legs so they are above the level of the hearttreat the cause of the shock if possible (e.g. wounds, burns)altered state of consciousness if breathing and unconscious, place in recovery positionReassuremonitor closelytry and keep body temperature stable; if cold, cover with blankets.

Neck and spinal injuryAll suspected spinal injuries need to be treated as extremely serious, as these injuries can result in permanent damage.

Any organs below the site of a damaged spinal cord will be unable to send or receive signals and therefore will not function.

Immobilisation or minimal movement is the key to any spinal injury. If an event is suspected of involving damage to the spinal cord it must be treated as a worst-case scenario.Neck and spinal injurySigns and symptoms of a spinal injury:pain at the sitebeing able to recount the events leading to the injuryloss of movementsensation of tingling in hands or feetbump or lump on the backboneonset of shock.Neck and spinal injuryManagement of spinal injuries:immobilisation of patient and placing a possible pad around the neck and back of the patientseek urgent medical assistancelook for signs of shockDRSABCDsupport the head at all timestreat for shockmaintain body heat.Neck and spinal injuryMoving the casualtyIf a spinal patient has to be moved, then this should only occur because of a life-threatening situation and should only be done once.

Care of an unconscious casualtyAny dealings with a patient who is suffering from an altered state of consciousness is a serious medical situation and needs to be dealt with as such urgent medical assistance needs to be sought.For an unconscious patient:the first consideration is to ensure that they do not injure themselves any further.recovery position: This is where they are on their side, with the head tilted slightly back (for a clear airway) and slightly downwards (to ensure any fluids escape from the mouth)Care of an unconscious casualtyIn recovery position:needs to be protected from danger monitored closely for vital signs until medical assistance arrives.