The decision and choice to act with first aid care can make a difference between life and death. The aim of first aid care is to preserve life, prevent a condition from getting worse and promote recovery. First aid is the first and prompt response given to anyone suffering from minor or major injury or illness until full medical treatment is available.
FIRST AID BOX/KIT
Is a box or durable bag that is used for storing materials that are used to give first aid care. It does not have to be bought ready-made; you can create your own by purchasing the items listed below.
BENEFITS
- It enables increase in comfort
- It reduces pain
- It save lives
- It prevents situations from becoming worse.
- It encourages healthy living and safe living.
CONTENT OF FIRST AID BOX/KIT
- Bandages(adhesive and roller)
- Scissors
- Spirit/LiquidIodine
- Gauze (sterile)
- Plaster
- Antiseptic wipes/swabs
- Burn ointment
- Acetaminophen
- Thermometer
- Disposable gloves
STEPS TO TAKE IN SOME SITUATIONS
First aid for minor cut/scrapes
- Apply an adhesive bandage
First aid for major wounds
- Apply a clean gauze or roller bandage
How to apply roller bandage
- Hold the injured area steady
- Firmly and gently wrap the bandage around the injured body part, covering the wound.
- Hold the roller bandage with sticky tape preferably or safety pins if sticky tape is not
available. - Ensure that the bandage is wrapped firmly enough to stay put but not too tight to cut off blood flow.
- To ensure that blood flow is still intact in a bandaged limb, pinch one of the person’s fingernails or toe nails until the colour drains from the nail. If colour does not return within two to three seconds of letting go, then the bandage is too tight and should be adjusted.
First aid for minor burns
- Run cool water over the affected area for 10-15 minutes and if this not possible, apply a cool compress to the affected area.
- Avoid applying ice to burned tissue, it can cause more damage
First aid for nosebleed
- Ask the individual to sit down and lean head forward.
- Use the index finger and thumb to pinch the nostrils closed thus applying pressure
- Continue applying the pressure continuously for five minutes.
- Check and repeat until bleeding stops.
CAUTION
- For burns that involves a large area of skin, the face, groin, buttocks, hands or feet; seek professional medical care.
- If nose bleed continues for 20 minutes or is caused by an injury, seek emergency medical care.
- Wash your hands or use bacterial hand sanitizer and put on gloves before managing a wound.
CONCLUSION
First aid care is very important because it can make the difference between life and death therefore the knowledge of first aid care is essential for all individuals.