First Aid

First Aid has been practised ever since the beginning of humanity. Learning First Aid is the civic responsibility of every citizen. Methods of first aid have been practised ever since one person desired to help another in sickness or after an injury. But, an organised world-wide effort at recognising the importance of first aid came only in the year 1877 with the formation of the St. John Ambulance Association of England named after the great apostle St. John. Over the decades, the importance given to First Aid has grown. Mahatma Gandhi was a great supporter of the cause of First Aid, and led a band of dedicated Ambulance Corps volunteers in 1906 during the time of the Zulu Rebellion and earlier in 1899 during the Boer war.



What is First Aid?

First Aid is the immediate treatment given to the victim of an accident or sudden illness, before medical help is obtained.

Aims of First Aid

The main aims of First Aid are:

• To preserve life
• To promote recovery
• To prevent the worsening of the victim's condition

The First step that a rescuer should take is to examine the victim to know the details of injuries and their nature. This constitutes the Diagnosis section of First Aid.

The next step is to actually perform the First-Aid measure or manoeuvre that is deemed appropriate. This constitutes the Treatment section of First Aid.

The third step is to arrange for the casualty to be seen by a qualified doctor or have him shifted to a nearby hospital. This step is in the First Aid providers jargon known rather disparagingly as Disposal.

Rules of First Aid

A saying that probably summarises the attributes of a rescuer is "Make Haste Slowly."

1. Reach the accident spot quickly
2. Be calm, methodical and quick
3. Look for the following:
   • Is there failure of breathing?
   • Is there severe bleeding?
   • Is the patient in shock and if so, is it mild or severe?

If there is inadequate or no breathing what should you do? Click here for the answer.

If there is bleeding what is to be done? Click here for the answer.

How does one identify if a patient is in shock and how should it be managed? Click herefor the answer.

Source

St. John Ambulance Association
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