Introduction to First Aid Care Slide Presentation prepared by Randall Benner, M.Ed., NREMT-P

Learning Objectives Identify the need for properly prepared First Aiders. Identify the principal aims of first aid. Identify skills performed by a First Aider. Understand the legal aspects of first aid and emergency medical care. Explain the factors constituting negligence. Understand how infectious diseases are transmitted. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Learning Objectives Understand the infectious diseases of concern in an emergency setting. Describe ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in an emergency setting. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Introduction First Aiders are the first (trained) people on an emergency scene who can initiate life-saving measures, including Airway and respiratory intervention Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation Bleeding control Special wound care Stabilization of spinal injuries Splinting of fractures © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

What is First Aid? Temporary and immediate care given to a person who is injured or who suddenly becomes ill. Does not replace physicians, nurses, or paramedics. A primary principle is to active the EMS (emergency care system) in all cases of serious injury. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Principal Aims of First Aid Care Recognize life-threatening situations. Activate the EMS system. Supply artificial ventilation and circulation. Control bleeding. Minimize further injury and complications. Prevent infection. Make the victim as comfortable as possible. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

General Procedures Basic plan of action Observe the scene upon approach. Keep yourself and others at the scene safe. Activate the EMS system. Gain access to the victim, and determine immediate threats to life. Provide basic life support to those whose lives are threatened; provide care to those most seriously injured first. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Infectious Disease Transmission An infectious (communicable) disease can be transmitted from person to person, or from animals or the environment to people. All body fluids should be considered potentially infectious. Saliva Blood Vaginal secretions Semen Amniotic fluid (or liquor amnii is the protective liquid contained by the amniotic sac of a pregnant female) Fluids that lubricate internal organs, the spine, joints, and tendons © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Infectious Disease Transmission For disease to spread, three things must happen Infecting organisms (such as bacteria and viruses) must survive outside their hosts. An infecting organism must then move from one place to another (i.e., be transmitted). An infecting organism must then invade a new host’s body and multiply there. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Infectious Disease Transmission All of the following symptoms should be considered potentially infectious A rash or skin lesion An open sore Diarrhea Vomiting Coughing or sneezing Draining or oozing wounds Headache with a stiff neck Yellowish skin or eyes © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Infectious Disease Transmission © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Diseases of Concern in an Emergency Setting Three bloodborne diseases are of particular concern. Hepatitis B: Most common type of hepatitis; a viral infection of the liver; symptoms resemble the flu. Hepatitis C: Caused by a different virus than Hepatitis B; can lead to permanent liver damage or cancer. HIV: This virus suppresses the immune system; may lead to AIDS, which is eventually fatal. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Diseases of Concern in an Emergency Setting Other diseases of concern include Herpes: Highly contagious infection of the skin and mucous membranes. Tuberculosis: Severe lung infection. Meningitis: Infection of the membranes in the brain and spinal cord. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Protection from Infection Keep immunizations current. Take body substance isolation precautions. Wash hands thoroughly after providing care. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes, or personal items until after hand washing. Cover abrasions with protective clothing or gloves. Wear a mask. Seek immediate care if you’re exposed to blood or body fluids. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Safety at the Scene Staying safe is your first priority. Don’t enter an unsafe situation without proper training and equipment. In addition to activating EMS, you may need to request specialized personnel to deal with fire, unstable structures, motor vehicle accidents, electrical hazards, water emergencies, or incidents involving hostility and violence. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Summary First aid is temporary, immediate care for a person who is injured or who becomes suddenly ill. It does not replace the care of a physician, nurse, or paramedic. A primary principle is to activate the EMS system. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Summary First Aiders should be able to recognize life-threatening situations; apply artificial ventilation, circulation, and defibrillation; control bleeding; prevent further injury; and minimize complications. Care should always be provided to the most seriously injured victims first. A First Aider should be familiar with and understand key legal aspects including Duty to Act, Good Samaritan Laws, Reasonable-Man Test, and Right to Refuse Care. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Summary Infectious diseases are of particular concern in an emergency setting. You should minimize your risk of infection by following key guidelines including wearing protective gear, thoroughly washing hands, and avoiding touching your face or personal items until after hand washing. © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.