First aid: Difference between revisions

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.

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 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]]).

*[[Hypoglycemia]], or insulin shock.

*Toothache, which can result in severe pain and loss of the tooth but is rarely life threatening.

* Oxygen first aid