First Aid for Bleeding, Fainting, Bites and Stings for JSS 1

First Aid

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. administer first aid treatment to minor ailments.

What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate help given to an injured or sick person before professional medical help arrives.

It is about providing quick and simple care to prevent a condition from getting worse and to relieve pain. Knowing basic first aid can make a big difference in an emergency. It helps to keep the injured person safe and comfortable until doctors or nurses can take over.

General Principles of First Aid

When giving first aid, it is important to remember a few key principles:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can make the situation worse. Try to remain calm and think clearly.
2. Ensure Safety: Before helping, make sure the area is safe for both the first aider and the injured person. Do not put yourself in danger.
3. Call for Help: If the injury or illness is serious, call for medical assistance immediately. This could be a doctor, nurse, or emergency services.
4. Assess the Situation: Quickly check what happened and the condition of the injured person.
5. Provide Basic Care: Give the necessary first aid treatment based on the injury or illness.
6. Reassure the Person: Talk to the injured person calmly and let them know help is on the way.

First Aid for Bleeding

Bleeding happens when blood comes out of the body, usually from a cut or wound. Minor bleeding can be stopped with simple first aid.

Signs of Bleeding

The signs of bleeding include:

1. Blood coming out of a wound.
2. Pain around the injured area.
3. A visible cut or scrape on the skin.

How to Administer First Aid for Bleeding

The procedure for treating minor bleeding involves the following steps:

1. Wash Hands: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching a wound to prevent infection. If available, wear hand gloves.
2. Clean the Wound: Gently clean the wound with clean water and mild soap. Remove any visible dirt or debris.
3. Apply Direct Pressure: Place a clean cloth, gauze, or cotton wool directly over the wound. Press firmly and continuously for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the blood to clot and stop flowing.
4. Elevate the Injured Part: If possible, raise the injured part (such as an arm or leg) above the level of the heart. This helps to reduce blood flow to the area.
5. Bandage the Wound: Once the bleeding stops, apply a clean bandage or plaster to cover the wound. This protects it from dirt and germs.
6. Seek Medical Help: If the bleeding is severe, does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure, or if the wound is deep, seek medical attention immediately.

First Aid for Fainting

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness that happens when the brain does not get enough blood for a short time.

It usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes.

Signs of Fainting

Before fainting, a person may show these signs:

1. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
2. Feeling weak or unsteady.
3. Pale skin.
4. Sweating.
5. Blurred vision.

How to Administer First Aid for Fainting

The procedure for treating someone who has fainted involves the following steps:

1. Lie the Person Down: Gently help the person lie down on their back.
2. Elevate the Legs: Raise the person’s legs about 30 centimetres (12 inches) above the level of their heart. This helps blood flow back to the brain.
3. Loosen Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest, or waist to make breathing easier.
4. Ensure Fresh Air: Open windows or doors to allow fresh air into the area.
5. Keep Crowds Away: Ask people to move away to give the person space and fresh air.
6. Monitor and Reassure: Stay with the person until they recover. Once they wake up, reassure them and help them sit up slowly.
7. Seek Medical Help: If the person does not regain consciousness quickly, or if they have other symptoms, call for medical help immediately.

First Aid for Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness means a person is not awake and does not respond to sounds, touch, or pain.

This is more serious than fainting and requires immediate attention.

Signs of Unconsciousness

The signs of unconsciousness include:

1. Not responding when spoken to.
2. Not responding to gentle shaking or touch.
3. Not opening their eyes.
4. Making unusual sounds or no sounds at all.

How to Administer First Aid for Unconsciousness

The procedure for treating an unconscious person involves the following steps:

1. Check for Danger: First, ensure the area is safe for the first aider and the person.
2. Check for Response: Gently tap the person’s shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, the person is unconscious.
3. Call for Help: Immediately call for medical assistance.
4. Check Breathing: Gently tilt the person’s head back, lift their chin, and look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Place in Recovery Position (if breathing): If the person is breathing normally, carefully roll them onto their side into the recovery position. This helps to keep their airway open and prevents them from choking on vomit.
6. Stay with the Person: Continue to monitor their breathing until medical help arrives. Keep them warm.
7. Do NOT Give Food or Drink: Never try to give an unconscious person anything to eat or drink.

First Aid for Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body’s organs and tissues do not get enough blood flow.

This can happen after a serious injury, illness, or severe bleeding.

Signs of Shock

The signs of shock include:

1. Pale, cold, and clammy skin.
2. Rapid and weak pulse.
3. Rapid, shallow breathing.
4. Feeling weak or dizzy.
5. Feeling confused or anxious.
6. Nausea or vomiting.

How to Administer First Aid for Shock

The procedure for treating someone in shock involves the following steps:

1. Call for Help: Immediately call for medical assistance.
2. Lie the Person Down: Help the person lie down on their back.
3. Elevate the Legs: Raise their legs about 30 centimetres (12 inches) above the level of their heart, unless a head, neck, or back injury is suspected.
4. Keep Warm: Cover the person with a blanket or coat to keep them warm.
5. Loosen Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing.
6. Reassure the Person: Talk to them calmly and reassure them.
7. Do NOT Give Food or Drink: Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
8. Monitor: Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and pulse until medical help arrives.

First Aid for Snake Bite

Snake bites can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Even if the snake is thought not to be venomous, it is important to seek help.

Signs of Snake Bite

The signs of a snake bite include:

1. Two small puncture marks (fang marks) on the skin.
2. Pain and swelling around the bite area.
3. Redness or bruising.
4. Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness (in case of venomous bite).

How to Administer First Aid for Snake Bite

The procedure for treating a snake bite involves the following steps:

1. Stay Calm: Keep the person calm and still. Movement can spread venom faster.
2. Call for Help: Immediately call for medical assistance.
3. Immobilise the Area: Keep the bitten limb as still as possible, preferably below the level of the heart. A splint or sling can be used if available, but it should not be applied too tightly.
4. Remove Tight Items: Remove any rings, watches, or tight clothing from the bitten limb before swelling starts.
5. Clean the Wound: Gently wash the bite area with soap and water.
6. Cover the Wound: Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
7. Note the Snake (if safe): If possible and safe, try to remember the colour and shape of the snake, but do not try to catch or kill it. This information can help doctors.
8. Do NOT:
   1. Cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
   2. Apply a tourniquet (a tight band) above the bite.
   3. Apply ice or heat to the bite.
   4. Give the person alcohol or caffeine.

First Aid for Cat and Cow Bites

Animal bites, even from pets, can cause infection. Bites from cats and cows can be painful and may break the skin.

Signs of Cat and Cow Bites

The signs of cat and cow bites include:

1. Puncture wounds (especially from cat teeth).
2. Scratches or tears in the skin.
3. Pain and redness around the bite.
4. Bleeding.

How to Administer First Aid for Cat and Cow Bites

The procedure for treating cat and cow bites involves the following steps:

1. Wash the Wound: Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and clean running water for at least 5 minutes. This helps to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Stop Bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops.
3. Apply Antiseptic: After washing, apply an antiseptic solution like iodine or methylated spirit to the wound.
4. Cover the Wound: Cover the wound with a clean, sterile dressing or plaster.
5. Seek Medical Help: Always seek medical attention for animal bites, especially if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or if there is uncertainty about the animal’s vaccination status. Animal bites carry a risk of serious infections, including rabies.

First Aid for Bees, Wasp, and Scorpion Stings

Stings from insects like bees, wasps, and scorpions can be painful.

Some people can have severe allergic reactions.

Signs of Stings

The signs of stings include:

1. Sharp pain at the site of the sting.
2. Redness and swelling.
3. Itching.
4. A visible stinger (for bee stings).

How to Administer First Aid for Bee and Wasp Stings

The procedure for treating bee and wasp stings involves the following steps:

1. Remove Stinger (Bee Sting Only): If it is a bee sting, the stinger will usually be left in the skin. Gently scrape it out with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card. Do not squeeze it with tweezers, as this can release more venom. Wasps do not leave their stingers.
2. Wash the Area: Wash the stung area with soap and water.
3. Apply Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the sting area to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.
5. Monitor for Allergic Reaction: Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or widespread rash. If these occur, seek immediate medical help.

How to Administer First Aid for Scorpion Stings

Scorpion stings can be more serious than bee or wasp stings and require medical attention.

The procedure for treating scorpion stings involves the following steps:

1. Stay Calm: Keep the person calm and still.
2. Call for Help: Immediately call for medical assistance.
3. Wash the Area: Wash the stung area with soap and water.
4. Apply Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the sting area to reduce pain and swelling.
5. Immobilise the Limb: Keep the affected limb still and in a comfortable position.
6. Do NOT:
   1. Cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
   2. Apply a tourniquet.