Introduction to First Aid
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION is a non-profit organization funded by gifts and grants.
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What is First Aid?
First Aid is an immediate care that you give someone with an illness or injury before the medical team arrives.
The majority of first aid responses are for minor illnesses and injuries. They are NOT life-threatening.
Knowing what to do when a need arises may save a life or prevent further injury.
First aid= care for minor injuries
Why is First Aid Needed?
67 million people visit the Emergency Department, physician’s office, and/or an outpatient facility due to injuries and accidents that are produced on an annual basis. (CDC 2008)
These injuries lead are a cause of death for a person’s age 1-44 is unintentional injury (CDC 2011)
First aid helps us retrieve a person suffering from an injury/illness.
One American dies every 4 minutes from a stroke. 795,000 people per year suffering from a stroke; leading cause of disability. (CDC 2011)
One in 4 deaths is due to heart disease; 935,000 people have heart attacks; heart disease is the most common and leading cause of death in the United States (CDC 2009)
Why don't people help?
Uncertain to steps and precautions
Lacking knowledge as to what the problem is. *Identification*
Fear of catching a disease
Fear of dealing wrongly
Our training in First Aid will give you the ability and confidence to help save millions of lives.
What to do first:
1. BE SURE THE SCENE IS SAFE and HYGIENIC. CHECK AROUND
If you see a person experiencing difficulty,
Approach to them,
Ask if they need help
Introduce yourself
STAY CALM AND CONFIDENT
Make sure you identify yourself as a trainee in first aid
Before helping out, make sure that person is comfortable with you
Always ask permission
If the person isn’t able to respond back, assume they need help.
Check around and if you do notice someone near, ask them to call 911 and get the first aid kit!
Begin the process of finding out what is wrong, use your previous knowledge and take necessary steps without further due.
What if I’m performing the wrong steps?
If you are well trained, then follow the steps, you should not be doing anything wrong. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
If something unforeseen happens, you are protected by Good Samaritan Law in Texas
The care given in a reasonable and prudent manner is protected
Always use common sense and don’t go beyond your level of training
What about catching a disease?
Watching your hands is crucial. Wash hands with soap and running water for 20 seconds. Use the universal precaution
Phoning for help- When to phone:
There is a helpless situation, when you cannot help at all
You are not sure what to do
Who to call- 911 or area emergency number
What to say:
Identify yourself, state the emergency, and give a detailed address
When to hang up- the 911 operator will tell you
How do I find out what I need to do to help the person?
The next step is to begin looking for the problem.
If the person can tell you, listen carefully and take action.
If the person is unconscious, check for breathing. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR
Look for any obvious signs of injury
Look for medical jewelry
What is next?
You will learn what to do for common problems
After the emergency, you may not share information about the person or what happened. You should be protecting his/her privacy.
Writer: Sandali Srivastava
Editor(s): Akriti Nepal and Rushita Paladugu
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