First Aid At Work

WHAT IS FIRST AID ?

First Aid is a state of mind, a proactive attitude and a
set of actions and practices that seek to prevent, be
prepared for and provide an initial response in
emergency situations.

First aid is a first skilled Assistance / treatment given

to a casualty or injured person before the arrival of a
Doctor or taken to the hospital.
 1. Preserve life

Assess
Airway
Breathing
Chest Compressions
Control Bleeding
 2. Limit the worsening of the condition

Examination of the casualty

Make diagnosis
Give priority to seriously injured
Treat multiple injuries in order of priority
Consider possibility of secondary condition
 3. Promote recovery

Relieve discomfort, pain or anxiety

Reassure

Get medical aid

 Qualities of a First Aider
A good first aider must be:
Observant,
Resourceful,
Confident,
Cheerful,
Empathetic,
Careful and gentle,
Tactful,
Persecering.
Responsibilities of the first Aider

Safety
Assess
Diagnose
Treat
After Care
Report
 First aid kit contents
(HSE suggested)
> Easily identifiable waterproof box
> 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (plasters) assorted
sizes
> 6 medium sterile dressings
> 2 large sterile dressings
> 2 sterile eye pads
> 6 triangular bandages
> 6 safety pins
> Disposable gloves
Principle of Resuscitation

D = Danger,
R = Response,
A = Airway,
B = Breathing,
C = Circulation,
D = Defarbulator
 Resuscitation - treatment
1. Check for danger 5. If not breathing,
phone for help
2. Check for a
Response 6. Give chest
compressions
3. Open the airway
7. 30:2 cycle
4. Check for normal
Breathing
8. Continue with CPR
until help arrives
 Resuscitation - children and infants
1. Give five initial rescue breaths before starting chest
compressionsthen

2. Continue at the ratio of 30 compressions to 2

breaths

3. If you are on your own perform resuscitation for

about 1 minute before going for help

4. Compress the chest by about one-third of its depth

 Choking - treatment
1. Encourage coughing 4. Up to 5 abdominal
thrusts
2. Up to 5 back blows

3. Check 5. Check
Mouth mouth

>Repeat sequence 3 times Call for help - Repeat sequence<

 Blood loss & shock - treatment
Treat The Cause (if possible)

Protection from Shock

> Give reassurance > Protect from heat loss
> Get medical aid > Nil by mouth
> No Smoking