Why And How First Aid Notes

First aid is the immediate and temporary care of a victim before the services of a physician can be obtained

we have to realize when administering first aid, that people are not going to be in the right frame of mind

we must deal with the whole situation, not just the injury— and staying calm is necessary

knowing first aid helps us treat our injuries, and develops our awareness of safety practices, and keeps us safe and cautious

the more people who study aid, the fewer people will be reckless, as they know what may be the outcome of reckless behavior

general directions for first aid

give urgently necessary first aid- severe bleeding, not able to breathe, poisoning. call emergency services right away

lie the victim down- this keeps them from becoming disoriented and harming themselves further— put blankets underneath them, but don't do this until you know where the injuries are

check for injuries- use the clues of the story to figure out the areas of the body you should assess, and determine where the injuries are before doing any sort of movement. survey the body, removing clothing if necessary and consensual, it helps wounds be visualized better

plan out what to do- make sure to call a doctor or emergency services first, instruct bystanders to help you do anything that may be necessary

extra tips- find all possible injuries through a good exam, give first aid to all possible injuries (major and minor), do not give fluids to anyone unconscious (they may choke), do not lift them by the waist (could exasperate injuries), do not make statements regarding the victim's condition (you are not a medical professional), get the victims name and address as it will help EMS notify their family, and be sure to give an exact location to EMS, reassure the victim.