2. What is First Aid?

3. To understand your own abilities & limitations To stay safe & calm at all times To assess a situation quickly & calmly & summon appropriate help To assist the victim & provide necessary treatment To pass on relevant information to emergency services To be aware of your own needs

4. WHAT IS A FIRST AIDER? First aid- actions taken in response to someone who is injured/ suddenly become ill. First aider- person who takes action while taking care to keep everyone involved safe & to cause no further harm. One of the primary rules of first aid is to ensure that an area is safe for you before you approach a victim.

5. First Aid Priorities 1.Assess a situation 2.Protect yourself 3.Prevent cross infection 4.Comfort and reassure victims 5.Assess the victim 6.Give early treatment 7.Arrange for appropriate help

6. How to Prepare Yourself Recognize emotional/ physical needs of all involved, including your own. Be aware of and manage your reactions. Talk to the victim in a kind, considerate, gentle but firm manner. You will inspire confidence in your actions Generate trust between you & your victim

7. Key Steps to Being an Effective First Aider 1.Be calm 1.In your approach 2.Be aware of risks 1.To yourselves & others 3.Build & maintain trust 1.From victim & bystanders 4.Give early treatment 1.Treat most serious (life-threatening) conditions first 5.Call appropriate help 6.Remember your own needs

8. Protection from Infection Important to protect yourself (& victim) from infection as well as injury. Remember- it is a risk even with relatively minor injuries Wounds Blood-borne viruses Hepatitis B/ C Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Wash your hands Wear disposable gloves

9. Minimizing the Risk of Cross Infection DO wash your hands & wear latex- free disposable gloves DO cover cuts & scrapes on your hands with waterproof dressings DO wear a plastic apron when dealing with large quantities of body fluids & wear protective eye gear DO dispose all waste safely DO NOT touch wound with bare hands DO NOT breathe, cough, or sneeze over a wound PAGE 17: THOROUGH HAND-WASHING

10. Using Protective Gloves Wear them whenever there is a chance of contact with blood or other body fluids Treat only one victim When taking off the gloves: Hold the top edge of one glove with your other gloved hand & peel it off so that it is inside out Repeat with other hand without touching the outside of the gloves Dispose in biohazard bag

11. Dealing with Waste

12. Dealing with a Victim Victims are often frightened Fears of what may happen next Pain/ bleeding Establish trust with your victim Crouch or kneel down to same height as victim Explain what is happening Treat victim with dignity & respect Consider age & appearance Respect peoples wishes Use simple language REASSURE THE VICTIM REMAIN CALM & DO NOT DO ANTYHING WITHOUT EXPLANATION. TRY TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS HONESTLY.

13. Dealing with a Victim: Listen Carefully Make eye contact Do not stare Use a calm, confident voice Do not shout Do not speak too quickly Keep instructions simple Short sentences & simple words Use affirming nods “mmms” Check that the victim understands Use simple hand gestures Do not interrupt the victim Acknowledge them

14. When a Victim Resists Help A victim has the right to refuse help Stay at a safe distance until you have gained permission to move closer Do not argue/ disagree Explain why you want to help Call 911 Observe from a distance until help arrives

15. Treating a Victim Be prepared to change your manner depending on what a person feels comfortable with Ask fewer questions Change the subject Keep the victim updated Give them options Do not leave someone who may be dying or seriously ill Never allow a victim to feel alone

16. Enlisting Help from Others You may be faced with several tasks at once Maintain safety Call for help Give first aid Some of the people on the scene may be able to help you with the following: Make the area safe Call 911 Control bleeding Help maintain the victim’s privacy Transport the victim Only if safe

17. Keeping Notes Useful information to provide: Victim’s details Name Age Contact details History Brief description Unusual behavior Treatment-where Vital signs- level Medical history Medication Next-of-kin contact Your contact details

18. The Use of Medication Usually involves helping a victim take their own medication Must not buy/ borrow medication to administer to a victim or give your own Legal action/ consequence *CAUTION: aspirin should NEVER be given to anyone under age 16- Reye’s SyndromeReye’s Syndrome Whenever a victim takes medication it is essential to make sure that: It is appropriate It is not out of date It is taken as advised Any precautions are followed Do no exceed recommended dose Keep a record