First Aid Health Article

Definition

First aid is the initial basic treatment of an injured or ill person. First aid requires an observer first to evaluate the injured or ill person and then to intervene, using a small amount of supplies.

Purpose

First aid is provided to a person immediately following an accident or onset of illness to decrease complications and to offer psychological (emotional) and physical comfort. It is performed to decrease the individual's pain and suffering until emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or other health care givers arrive on the scene.

Precautions

The provision of first aid should never postpone the initial contact with the emergency medical system. The bystander should wear disposable latex gloves if available, in case of contact with blood or body fluids. If gloves are not available, plastic bags or wrap can be used as a protective barrier.

Description

First aid is a universal term that encompasses many general concepts for rapid assessment of health crises and intervention. The following sections present the most common injuries and illnesses requiring first aid, and the interventions appropriate in these situations.

Changes in mental status

ASSESSMENT. With any sudden changes in a person's brain functioning, first aid should start immediately. Assess the person for:

• unconsciousness
• lightheadedness
• weakness on one side of body
• aggressiveness
• confused state
• changes in orientation
• headache
• blurred or double vision
• unsteady balance

INTERVENTION. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person is not breathing. Secure the area around the person by removing any potential hazards, and maintain a favorable environment by providing an adequate area ventilation and room temperature. The person should be placed in a side-lying position.

Bleeding (hemorrhage)

ASSESSMENT. Assessing an injured person for bleeding must be done promptly, with first aid started immediately if there is active bleeding. All blood and body fluids must be regarded as potentially infectious, and protective barriers used.

INTERVENTION. Direct pressure should be applied to the hemorrhaging (bleeding) area by placing a clean pad or bandage over the site and pressing down with the palm of the hand. If bleeding persists, increase the amount of pressure to the area. If the person is awake and no latex gloves or other protective barriers are available, have him or her apply direct steady pressure to the hemorrhaging area. If the bleeding occurs on an arm or leg, elevate the bleeding part higher than the person's heart; this position will help decrease the amount of blood flow to the injured area. When a person is losing blood, body temperature tends to decrease. Maintaining body temperature is an essential first-aid intervention.