Introduction to First Aid
First aid is the immediate and initial assistance provided to an injured or sick person before professional medical help arrives. It aims to stabilise the person's condition and prevent further harm. First aid involves recognising the nature and severity of the injury or illness and taking appropriate actions to minimise risks.
Common first aid procedures include controlling bleeding, applying CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for cardiac emergencies, ensuring an open airway, managing burns and fractures, and providing primary wound care. It is essential to maintain calm and provide reassurance to the individual while administering first aid.
First aid training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies, potentially saving lives. Always prioritise safety for the person in need of aid and for yourself as the caregiver. First aid may involve using bait, such as bandages, splints, and first-aid kits. It is not a substitute for professional medical care but a crucial initial step in emergencies.
A Few First Aid Considerations
It is essential to take a few considerations when performing First Aid on infants, adults with certain medical conditions, and even in the health profession.
- First Aid for infants and children involves not moving a child or infant if a head injury is suspected.
- First Aid for pregnant women may need to consider reducing the risk to the baby or even moving the placement of hands for chest compressions in caring for the unresponsive victim in either cardiac arrest or choking.
- First Aid for non-EMS first responders may include the addition of Narcan or Epinephrine to treat emergencies before EMS can arrive.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
A serious situation that has been caused by a sudden, illness or injury, requiring urgent medical attention.
CPR
It is usually a repeat cycle of 30 compressions with two rescue breaths. This should be continued until further help has arrived.
FIRST AID KIT COMPONENTS
- Bandages, roller bandages, and tape
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic wipes and swabs
- Absorbent compresses
- Antibiotic cream
- Burn ointment
- Mask for breathing (rescue breathing/CPR)
- Chemical cold pack
- Eye shield and eyewash
- First aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers
Adhesive bandage
Nebasulf power
Nebasulf is a sprinkling powder used to prevent and treat bacterial skin infections. It's a combination of three antibiotics: sulfacetamide, neomycin, and bacitracin.
Open wove bandage
Open wove bandages are commonly used for general wound care, such as cuts, scrapes, and minor burns. They are also used to secure other wound dressings, support post-operative sites, and provide protection for minor sports injuries like sprains and strains.
Soframycin multipurpose antiseptic cream
Soframycin is a topical antibiotic cream used to treat bacterial skin infections. It has been used for over 50 years to treat cuts, wounds, burns, boils, and other skin infections.
Cipladine ointment
Cipladine ointment is an antiseptic medication primarily used for the treatment and prevention of infections in minor wounds, cuts, burns, and abrasions. It contains povidone-iodine, which slowly releases iodine to kill or prevent the growth of harmful microbes like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
Burnheal Cream
Burnheal Cream, also known as Burn Heal Ointment, is a topical medication used in the management of minor burns, scalds, cuts, wounds, cracked skin, and to prevent infection.
Gelusil tablets
Gelusil is a brand of antacid and anti-gas medication primarily used to relieve symptoms like acidity, heartburn, gas, indigestion, and bloating.
Cipladine solution
Cipladine Solution is a topical antiseptic and disinfectant primarily used to treat and prevent skin infections in minor wounds, burns, and abrasions. It is also used to sanitize the skin before surgical procedures.
Absorbent cotton wool
Absorbent cotton wool, also known as surgical cotton or cotton wool, is a type of cotton that has been specially processed to enhance its ability to soak up liquids. This is achieved by cleaning, de-oiling, and bleaching raw cotton fibers to make them hydrophilic (attracting water molecules) and free from impurities that can hinder absorption.
Electral sachet (ORS)
Electral sachet is an Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) commonly used to treat and prevent dehydration, particularly when caused by diarrhea or vomiting. It is a brand name for an ORS solution manufactured by FDC Ltd., based on the World Health Organization (WHO) formula.
Amrutanjan
Uses: Amrutanjan products are primarily used for:- Relieving headaches.
- Easing cold symptoms and nasal congestion.
- Managing muscle and joint pain, including sprains and backaches.
Band-Aid
Band-Aid is a well-known brand of adhesive bandages that has become synonymous with the product itself in many countries. These small, flexible dressings are used to protect minor cuts and scrapes from dirt, germs, and further injury, thereby promoting healing and preventing infection.
Micropore Tape
Uses of Micropore Tape
- Securing dressings and devices: Micropore tape is widely used to hold dressings, gauze, lightweight tubing, catheters, and ostomy appliances in place.
- Damp or Sensitive Skin: Its ability to adhere well to damp skin makes it suitable for various clinical applications, including securing IV lines and central venous catheters (CVCs).
- Repeated Taping: Micropore tape's gentle adhesive and breathability make it a good choice for situations requiring frequent dressing changes or taping.
- Fragile Skin: Its hypoallergenic and gentle properties are beneficial for at-risk skin, such as that of elderly patients or those with sensitive skin conditions.
Cofsils lozenges
Cofsils lozenges are a popular over-the-counter medication used in India to relieve symptoms of sore throat, cough, and cold. They work with a "Triple Relief Formula" that has antiviral, antibacterial, and local anesthetic properties to provide soothing relief.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter topical ointment used to relieve various cold symptoms, such as coughs, congestion, and minor aches and pains.
Volini gel
Volini gel is a topical pain relief medication widely used in India to alleviate various musculoskeletal pains.
Uses
- Muscle pain
- Strains and sprains
- Backaches
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis and other joint pains
Volini spray
Uses and benefits
- Pain relief: Volini spray is primarily used to relieve pain associated with muscle aches, strains, sprains, joint pain, and inflammation.
- Inflammatory conditions: It can also be helpful for pain and inflammation related to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis.
- Quick action: The spray is designed to provide quick and effective relief, with a formula that can start working in as little as 2 minutes.
- Easy application: The 360-degree nozzle allows for easy application to hard-to-reach areas without assistance.
- Non-greasy: The formula is non-greasy and quickly absorbed into the skin.
