# Introduction

## Goals of First-aid

First aid is the initial assistance given to an injured or ill person before professional medical assistance arrives. The key goals of first aid can be expressed in 3 Ps:

Preserve Life
Prevent Further Injury
Promote Recovery

Preserve Life

Preserve life is the primary objective of first-aid. Saving life means both the victim's, you, and bystanders. Acting quickly in emergencies can prevent fatalities.

Prevent Further Injury

Protecting the casualty from worsening conditions. First aid aims to prevent secondary injuries or complications by stabilizing the victim's condition until professional help arrives.

Example
If someone falls and you suspect a spinal injury, keeping them still and stabilizing their head can prevent paralysis.

Promote Recovery

Providing proper first aid not only stabilizes the victim but also helps the healing process and minimizes long-term effects. This can include providing reassurance, reducing pain and swelling, and encouraging proper medical follow-up.

Example

If a child burns their hand, cooling it under running water for at least 10 minutes can reduce tissue damage and pain.

## Chain of Survival

The Chain of Survival consists of six interdependent links that, when followed in sequence, significantly improve survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Each link plays a vital role in increasing the chances of survival and reducing long-term complications.

1. Early Recognition and Access to Emergency Medical Services

Recognizing is the first and most crucial step.
Signs include sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal or absent breathing.
Contact EMS immediately.
Provide clear details about the victim's condition and location to emergency responders.

2. Early CPR

Begin chest compressions immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing.
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
If trained, provide rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio (30 compressions, 2 breaths).
CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to vital organs until further help arrives.

3. Early Defibrillation

Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.
AEDs analyze heart rhythms and deliver a shock to restore normal heart function.
Follow the AED's voice prompts for proper use.
Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by 7-10%, so quick action is essential.

4. Early Advanced Resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services

Paramedics or first responders provide advanced life support (ALS), including:
- Advanced airway management (e.g., intubation or ventilation).
Defibrillation if an AED has not yet been used or more shocks are needed.
Their goal is to stabilize the patient before hospital transport.

5. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

Once at the hospital, specialized medical teams provide post-resuscitation care.
Treatment for preventing brain damage.
Oxygen therapy and cardiac monitoring to assess the heart's function.
Treatment for underlying causes of the cardiac arrest.
This stage is crucial for improving survival and long-term recovery.

6. Recovery

Survivors of cardiac arrest often require rehabilitation to regain physical strength.
Emotional and psychological support is essential for both the survivor and their family.
Long-term care may include lifestyle changes, medication, and follow-up appointments to prevent future episodes.
Support groups and counseling can help survivors cope with the emotional impact of their experience.

## Rescue Process

A structured approach can ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the victim while providing effective first aid. The three key steps are Scene Assessment, Primary Assessment, and Secondary Assessment.

1. Scene Assessment (Ensuring Safety)

Before helping the victim, assess the situation to ensure that you and others are not at risk.

2. Primary Assessment (Checking Life-Threatening Conditions)

Once the scene is safe, focus on immediate life-threatening issues.

3. Secondary Assessment (Checking for Additional Injuries & Gathering Information)

If the victim is breathing and responsive, conduct a more detailed check to identify other medical issues.

## Emergency Medical System

Understanding your legal responsibilities as a first aider is essential for providing care while protecting both yourself and the victim. These principles ensure that first aid is provided ethically and legally.

Duty of Care

As a trained first aider, you have a duty of care to:

Act within your level of training and competence
Provide care to the best of your ability
Not abandon a victim once you've started providing care
Ensure the victim receives appropriate medical attention

Important Note

Your duty of care extends until professional medical help arrives or the victim is transferred to more qualified care.

Consent for Treatment

Consent is permission from the victim to provide first aid care. There are three types of consent:

1. Express Consent (Verbal or Written)

The victim clearly agrees to receive help
They understand what you're going to do
Example: "May I help you?" and the victim responds "Yes, please help me"

2. Implied Consent

The victim is conscious but unable to respond due to their condition
Their actions indicate they want help (reaching out, nodding)

Important
Laws vary by different location.

Good Samaritan Laws

Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection for individuals who voluntarily provide emergency assistance to those who are injured, ill, or in distress.

Protection Coverage

Civil liability protection - Generally protects from lawsuits when acting in good faith
Criminal liability protection - Protects from criminal charges for reasonable emergency actions
Scope of practice protection - Covers actions within your training level

Conditions for Protection

Good Samaritan protection typically requires:

Acting in good faith - Genuine intent to help
No compensation - Not receiving payment for your assistance
Reasonable care - Acting as a reasonable person would in similar circumstances
Within scope of training - Not attempting procedures beyond your skill level

Important Limitation

Good Samaritan laws do not protect against gross negligence, reckless behavior, or intentional misconduct.

Special Considerations

Refusal of Care

If a conscious, competent adult refuses first aid:

Respect their decision - You cannot force treatment
Document the refusal if possible
Encourage them to seek medical attention
Stay nearby in case they change their mind

Exception: If the person appears impaired by drugs, alcohol, or mental condition, they may not be competent to refuse care.

Confidentiality

As a first aider, you must maintain patient confidentiality:

Only share information with medical professionals taking over care
Respect the victim's privacy and dignity

Abandonment

Once you begin providing first aid, you have a legal obligation not to abandon the victim unless:

Professional medical help arrives and takes over
You become too exhausted or ill to continue safely
The scene becomes unsafe
You transfer care to someone with equal or greater training

Documentation

While not always required, documenting your actions can be important:

What happened - Brief description of the incident
When it occurred - Date and time
What you did - First aid provided
Victim's response - How they responded to treatment
Transfer of care - When and to whom you transferred care

## First-aid Kits

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for providing immediate care in emergencies. First aid kits should be easily accessible, properly maintained, and tailored to specific environments and needs.

Suggested Basic Supplies

Adhesive bandages (various sizes) - For minor cuts and scrapes
Sterile gauze pads (e.g. 2x2, 4x4 inches) - For larger wounds and bleeding control
Medical tape - To secure gauze and dressings
Elastic bandages - For sprains, strains, and support
Triangular bandages - Versatile for slings, wraps, and tourniquets
Instant cold compress - For injuries and swelling

Suggested Tools and Equipment

Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex-free) - Universal precautions
Scissors - For cutting tape, gauze, or clothing
Tweezers - For removing splinters or debris
Splints (SAM splint or improvised materials) - For immobilizing fractures and sprains
Digital thermometer - For monitoring body temperature
Flashlight - For visibility in dark environments
Emergency blanket - For shock prevention and warmth
CPR face mask - For safe rescue breathing
Emergency contact information - Local emergency numbers and poison control
First aid manual - Quick reference guide
Pen and paper - For recording vital signs or notes

First Aid Kit Maintenance

Regular Inspection

Monthly checks - Verify all supplies are present and not expired
Replace used items immediately after use
Check expiration dates on medications and sterile supplies
Test equipment like thermometers and flashlights

Storage Guidelines

Cool, dry location - Prevent medication deterioration
Easily accessible - Everyone should know the location
Clearly marked - Use recognizable first aid symbols
Protected from moisture - Use waterproof containers when possible

Important Note

Having a first aid kit is only valuable if you know how to use its contents. Regular first aid training and practice with kit components are essential for effective emergency response.

## Protection Devices

Protection devices are crucial in first aid to prevent disease transmission and ensure safety for both rescuers and victims.

Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves

Prevent direct contact with blood and body fluids.

Nitrile Gloves (Designed by Freepik)

Face Shields & Masks

Reduce the risk of airborne infections, splashes or debris in emergencies.

Face Shield & Mask (Designed by Freepik)

CPR Barriers & Resuscitation Equipment

CPR Pocket Mask

A small, portable mask with a one-way valve to provide safe rescue breaths and able to connect with oxygen tank when needed.

Introduction to First Aid