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First aid: Difference between revisions
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First aid can also be performed on animals other than humans, although this article refers specifically to human first aid | First aid can also be performed on animals other than humans, although this article refers specifically to human first aid | ||
==History== | == History == | ||
The [[Knights Hospitaller]] were probably the first to specialize in battlefield care for the wounded. Similarly, knights founded the Order of St. John in the 11th century to train other knights specifically how to treat common battlefield injuries.<ref>[http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52749 First Aid: From Witchdoctors & Religious Knights to Modern Doctors], retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> [[St. John Ambulance]] was formed in 1877 to teach first aid (a term devised by the order) in large railway centres and mining districts. The order and its training began to spread throughout the [[British Empire]] and [[Europe]].<ref>[http://www.sja.org.uk/history/victorian_britain.asp Industrial Revolution: St. John Ambulance], retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> As well, in 1859 Henry Dunant helped organize villagers in | The [[Knights Hospitaller]] were probably the first to specialize in battlefield care for the wounded. Similarly, knights founded the Order of St. John in the 11th century to train other knights specifically how to treat common battlefield injuries.<ref>[http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52749 First Aid: From Witchdoctors & Religious Knights to Modern Doctors], retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> [[St. John Ambulance]] was formed in 1877 to teach first aid (a term devised by the order) in large railway centres and mining districts. The order and its training began to spread throughout the [[British Empire]] and [[Europe]].<ref>[http://www.sja.org.uk/history/victorian_britain.asp Industrial Revolution: St. John Ambulance], retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> As well, in 1859 Henry Dunant helped organize villagers in Switzerland to help victims of the Battle of Solferino. Four years later, four nations met in [[Geneva]] and formed the organization which has grown into the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]]. Developments in first aid and many other medical techniques have been fueled in large by wars: the [[American Civil War]] prompted [[Clara Barton]] to organize the [[American Red Cross]].<ref>[http://www.redcross.org/museum/registry/profile.asp?id=33 American Red Cross -- Museum], retrieved [[December 10]]. [[2006]].</ref> Today, there are several groups that promote first aid, such as the [[military]] and the [[Scouting]] movement. New techniques and equipment have helped make today's first aid simple and effective. | ||
==Aims== | == Aims == | ||
The 3 main aims of first aid, commonly referred to as the "3 P's" are: | The 3 main aims of first aid, commonly referred to as the "3 P's" are: | ||
*'''Preserve life''' | *'''Preserve life''' | ||
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In addition, some trainers may also advocate a 4th 'P' - '''Protect yourself''', although this is not technically an 'aim' of providing first aid, and some people would consider that it is adequately covered by 'Prevent further injury' as this is to the casualty, yourself or others. | In addition, some trainers may also advocate a 4th 'P' - '''Protect yourself''', although this is not technically an 'aim' of providing first aid, and some people would consider that it is adequately covered by 'Prevent further injury' as this is to the casualty, yourself or others. | ||
==Training== | == Training == | ||
Much of first aid is common sense, and people are almost certain to learn some elements as they go through their life (such as knowing to apply a plaster to a small cut on a finger) | Much of first aid is common sense, and people are almost certain to learn some elements as they go through their life (such as knowing to apply a plaster to a small cut on a finger) | ||
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Training in first aid is often available through community organizations such as the [[Red Cross]] and [[St. John Ambulance]], or through commercial providers, who will train people for a fee. This commercial training is most common for training of employees to perform first aid in their workplace. Many community organisations, such as the ones above, also provide a commercial service, which complements their community programmes. | Training in first aid is often available through community organizations such as the [[Red Cross]] and [[St. John Ambulance]], or through commercial providers, who will train people for a fee. This commercial training is most common for training of employees to perform first aid in their workplace. Many community organisations, such as the ones above, also provide a commercial service, which complements their community programmes. | ||
==Key First Aid Skills== | == Key First Aid Skills == | ||
There are certain skills which can be regarded as core, regardless of where or how first aid is taught. These should always be treated in the order of priority, usually given by the "3 B's" | There are certain skills which can be regarded as core, regardless of where or how first aid is taught. These should always be treated in the order of priority, usually given by the "3 B's" | ||
* Breathing | * Breathing | ||
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This means that any first aider should first seek to treat any problems with Breathing, before attempting to deal with a bleed or broken bone (which is not to say that they should not be considered at the time - such as in the case of a spinal injury, where a variation on the technique can be used to open the airway) | This means that any first aider should first seek to treat any problems with Breathing, before attempting to deal with a bleed or broken bone (which is not to say that they should not be considered at the time - such as in the case of a spinal injury, where a variation on the technique can be used to open the airway) | ||
===Preserving Life=== | === Preserving Life === | ||
As the key skill to first aid is preserving life, the single most important training a first aider can receive is in the primary diagnosis and care of an unconscious or unresponsive patient. The most common [[mnemonic]] used to remember the procedure for this is [[ABC (first aid)|ABC]], which stands for '''[[Airway]]''', '''[[Breathing]]''' and '''[[Circulation]]''' | As the key skill to first aid is preserving life, the single most important training a first aider can receive is in the primary diagnosis and care of an unconscious or unresponsive patient. The most common [[mnemonic]] used to remember the procedure for this is [[ABC (first aid)|ABC]], which stands for '''[[Airway]]''', '''[[Breathing]]''' and '''[[Circulation]]''' | ||
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Once the airway has been opened, the first aider would assess to see if the patient is breathing. If there is no breathing, or the patient is not breathing normally, such as [[agonal breathing]], the first aider would undertake what is probably the most recognised first aid procedure - [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] or CPR, which involves breathing for the patient, and manually massaging the heart to promote blood flow around the body. | Once the airway has been opened, the first aider would assess to see if the patient is breathing. If there is no breathing, or the patient is not breathing normally, such as [[agonal breathing]], the first aider would undertake what is probably the most recognised first aid procedure - [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] or CPR, which involves breathing for the patient, and manually massaging the heart to promote blood flow around the body. | ||
===Promoting Recovery=== | === Promoting Recovery === | ||
The first aider is also likely to be trained in dealing with injuries such as [[cuts]], [[grazes]] or [[broken bones]]. They may be able to deal with the situation in its entirety (a small plaster on a paper cut), or may be required to maintain the condition of something like a broken bone, until the next stage of definitive care (usually an [[ambulance]]) arrives | The first aider is also likely to be trained in dealing with injuries such as [[cuts]], [[grazes]] or [[broken bones]]. They may be able to deal with the situation in its entirety (a small plaster on a paper cut), or may be required to maintain the condition of something like a broken bone, until the next stage of definitive care (usually an [[ambulance]]) arrives | ||
==First Aid Symbols== | == First Aid Symbols == | ||
Although commonly associated with first aid, the symbol of a red cross is an official symbol of the [[Red Cross]]. According to the [[Geneva Conventions]] and other international law, the use of this symbol is reserved for official agencies of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, and as a protective emblem for medical personnel and facilities in combat situations. Use by any other person or organisation is illegal, and may lead to prosecution | Although commonly associated with first aid, the symbol of a red cross is an official symbol of the [[Red Cross]]. According to the [[Geneva Conventions]] and other international law, the use of this symbol is reserved for official agencies of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, and as a protective emblem for medical personnel and facilities in combat situations. Use by any other person or organisation is illegal, and may lead to prosecution | ||
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Some first aiders or first aid organisations may also use the [[Star of Life]] device, although this is more often associated with professional [[Ambulance]] crews. | Some first aiders or first aid organisations may also use the [[Star of Life]] device, although this is more often associated with professional [[Ambulance]] crews. | ||
==First Aid training around the world== | == First Aid training around the world == | ||
===United Kingdom=== | === United Kingdom === | ||
In the '''United Kingdom''', there are two main types of first aid courses offered. An "Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons" course typically lasts one day, and covers the basics, focusing on critical interventions for conditions such as [[cardiac arrest]] and [[bleeding|severe bleeding]], and is usually not formally assessed. A "First Aid at Work" course is a four-day course (two days for a requalification) that covers the full spectrum of first aid, and is formally assessed. Certificates for the "[[First Aid at Work]]" course are issued by the training organisation and are valid for a period of three years from the date the delegate passes the course. Other courses offered by training organisations such as [[St John Ambulance]], [[St. Andrew's Ambulance Association]] or the [[British Red Cross]] include Baby & Child Courses, manual handling, people moving, and courses geared towards more advanced life support, such as [[defibrillation]] and administration of medical gases such as [[oxygen]] & [[entonox]]). | In the '''United Kingdom''', there are two main types of first aid courses offered. An "Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons" course typically lasts one day, and covers the basics, focusing on critical interventions for conditions such as [[cardiac arrest]] and [[bleeding|severe bleeding]], and is usually not formally assessed. A "First Aid at Work" course is a four-day course (two days for a requalification) that covers the full spectrum of first aid, and is formally assessed. Certificates for the "[[First Aid at Work]]" course are issued by the training organisation and are valid for a period of three years from the date the delegate passes the course. Other courses offered by training organisations such as [[St John Ambulance]], [[St. Andrew's Ambulance Association]] or the [[British Red Cross]] include Baby & Child Courses, manual handling, people moving, and courses geared towards more advanced life support, such as [[defibrillation]] and administration of medical gases such as [[oxygen]] & [[entonox]]). | ||
===Australia=== | === Australia === | ||
In '''Australia''', First Aid Training can be offered by any organisation accredited by the State Governments. Levels of training available include: | In '''Australia''', First Aid Training can be offered by any organisation accredited by the State Governments. Levels of training available include: | ||
* Level 1 (or Basic First Aid): Covering CPR, severe bleeding and protection of injuries such as broken bones. It typically lasts 1 day. | * Level 1 (or Basic First Aid): Covering CPR, severe bleeding and protection of injuries such as broken bones. It typically lasts 1 day. | ||
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* Other courses outside the general curriculum and levels can also be sought, including Administering Medications (such as the [[Epi-Pen]], Defibrillation and CPR-only courses. | * Other courses outside the general curriculum and levels can also be sought, including Administering Medications (such as the [[Epi-Pen]], Defibrillation and CPR-only courses. | ||
===Ireland=== | === Ireland === | ||
In Ireland the workplace qualification is the Occupational First Aid Certificate which is validated by the National Ambulance Training School. They hold the register of all Instructors/Examiners. The certificate is awarded after a three day course and is valid for three years from date of issue. Organisations offering the certificate include; the Irish Red Cross, Order of Malta, LTS First Aid Specialists, and the St John Ambulance. | In Ireland the workplace qualification is the Occupational First Aid Certificate which is validated by the National Ambulance Training School. They hold the register of all Instructors/Examiners. The certificate is awarded after a three day course and is valid for three years from date of issue. Organisations offering the certificate include; the Irish Red Cross, Order of Malta, LTS First Aid Specialists, and the St John Ambulance. | ||
==Specific first aid disciplines== | == Specific first aid disciplines == | ||
There are several types of first aid (and first aider) which require specific additional training. These are usually undertaken to fulfill the demands of the work or activity undertaken. | There are several types of first aid (and first aider) which require specific additional training. These are usually undertaken to fulfill the demands of the work or activity undertaken. | ||
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*'''[[Battlefield medicine|Battlefield first aid]]''' - This takes in to account the specific needs of treating wounded combatants and non-combatants during armed conflict | *'''[[Battlefield medicine|Battlefield first aid]]''' - This takes in to account the specific needs of treating wounded combatants and non-combatants during armed conflict | ||
==Conditions that often require first aid== | == Conditions that often require first aid == | ||
Also see [[medical emergency]] | Also see [[medical emergency]] | ||
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*[[Wound]]s and [[bleeding]], including [[laceration]], [[incision]] and [[abrasion]], and [[avulsion]]. | *[[Wound]]s and [[bleeding]], including [[laceration]], [[incision]] and [[abrasion]], and [[avulsion]]. | ||
==See also== | == See also == | ||
* [[Ambulance]] | * [[Ambulance]] | ||
* [[Artificial respiration]] | * [[Artificial respiration]] | ||
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* [[Recovery position]] | * [[Recovery position]] | ||
==References== | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
{{wikibookspar||First Aid}} | {{wikibookspar||First Aid}} | ||
*[http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/menu/topic/firstaid.html U.S.A. Center for Disease Control first aid] | *[http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/menu/topic/firstaid.html U.S.A. Center for Disease Control first aid] | ||