Introduction
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An
Introduction to First Aid
First
Aid and CPR are the initial care and treatment administered to an ill
or injured person as soon as an accident or illness strikes. This
prompt care and attention given before the arrival of an ambulance
draws that thin line between life and death.
Importance
of Knowing First Aid and CPR First
Aid and CPR are still essential elements of the whole medical system.
The quick action of a trained first aider can save a life or limb, and
significantly increase the chance of a good recovery.
The fact is, 95%
of the time you administer First Aid or CPR will be to someone close
like a family member, a friend, a colleague or someone under
your care.
Emergencies
can be highly stressful situations and it is important that quick
action does not lead to panic. A well-trained First Aider can maintain
composure and confidence to handle the situation efficiently and
effectively, while providing reassurance to the casualty as well as
others around.
Tips
for dealing with emergencies
Get
professional help Even
if you are a highly trained First Aider, get back up as fast as you can
by calling 995 for Ambulance or Fire Service, or 999 for Police. These
professionals carry the appropriate gear, equipment and manpower that
can remedy the situation, while providing means of transporting the
casualty to a medical facility.
If
you are attending to a casualty, get bystanders to call for
help. If
you are on your own, you may have to leave the casualty momentarily to
make a quick call. When calling for help: - State
the emergency service needed: Ambulance, Fire, or Police
- Give
as much information as you can about the emergency, including:
- exact
address or location
- nearest
cross road or street
- prominent
landmarks
- your
name
- contact
number
- what
happened - e.g. road traffic accident, fall, fainted
- number
and condition of the casualties
Providing
assistance If
you trained in First Aid or CPR, perform a quick examination of the
casualty and identify the condition before rendering any assistance. If
you are not trained in First Aid or CPR, or unsure of how to help, try
to keep the casualty safe by preventing other compulsive on-lookers
from moving the casualty unnecessarily in the case of an injury, or
directing traffic away from the casualty in the case of an accident.
Where you can, try provide the casualty with reassurance and comfort,
and let him or her know that help is on the way.
Handing
over and providing information Once
professional help arrives, provide them with a summary of the events
and your findings. If you have provided First Aid or CPR, tell them the
treatment you have rendered and for how long. Remember to also tell
them any other findings that you have made. Never hesitate to help.
Simple actions like calling 995 and providing basic First Aid can make
a big difference to the casualty. Your small help will go a long way in
saving someone's life.
Disclaimer: This information is not
intended as a
substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or
formal first-aid training. Don't use this information to diagnose or
develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without
consulting a qualified health care provider. If you're in a
life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical
assistance immediately. | 
