Meaning, Materials and Procedures of First Aid for Primary 4

First Aid and Safety Education

Performance Objectives

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

1. mention the materials in the first aid box;
2. describe the use of protective devices in the first aid treatment;
3. explain how first aid can be administered to minor injury;
4. administer first aid treatment to minor injuries.

Meaning of First Aid

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

It is important to know basic first aid because accidents can happen anywhere, such as at home, in school, or on the playground. Giving quick and correct first aid can help prevent an injury from becoming worse.

Materials in the First Aid Box

A first aid box contains important items used to treat minor injuries and provide immediate care.

Having a well-stocked first aid box in the home, school, or car is very important for emergencies.

Common materials found in a first aid box include:

1. Hand gloves: These protect the person giving first aid from germs and also protect the injured person from germs from the first aider.
2. Bandage: Used to hold dressings in place, apply pressure to stop bleeding, or support an injured part of the body.
3. Medical tape: Used to secure bandages or dressings firmly to the skin.
4. Medical scissors: Used to cut bandages, tape, or clothing safely without causing further injury.
5. Iodine: An antiseptic liquid used to clean wounds and prevent infection.
6. Methylated spirit: Another antiseptic liquid used to clean skin around a wound or to sterilise small instruments.
7. Gauze: A soft, sterile cloth used to cover wounds, absorb blood, or apply pressure.
8. Cotton wool: Used for cleaning around wounds or applying antiseptic liquids.
9. Plaster: A small adhesive strip with a pad in the middle, used to cover small cuts and scrapes.

Protective Devices in First Aid

Protective devices are special items worn to keep both the person giving first aid and the injured person safe from harm or infection.

Using these devices helps prevent the spread of germs and protects against contact with blood or other body fluids.

Examples of protective devices and their uses include:

1. Hand gloves: Worn on the hands to create a barrier between the first aider’s skin and the injured person’s blood or body fluids. This prevents the spread of germs.
2. Face mask: Covers the mouth and nose to prevent the first aider from inhaling germs or breathing out germs onto the injured person.
3. Safety goggle: Protects the eyes from splashes of blood, chemicals, or other fluids during first aid treatment.
4. Helmet: Worn to protect the head from injury, especially in situations where there is a risk of falling objects or head impact. While not always used in direct first aid administration, it is a general safety device.
5. Apron: A protective covering worn over clothes to prevent them from getting stained or contaminated with blood or other fluids.
6. Safety boots: Strong shoes that protect the feet from heavy objects, sharp items, or slippery surfaces. Like helmets, they are general safety devices but important in environments where first aid might be needed.
7. Face shield: Provides full face protection, covering the eyes, nose, and mouth from splashes and sprays. It offers more protection than just a face mask and goggles.
8. Hand sanitizer: A liquid or gel used to clean hands and kill germs when soap and water are not available. It is used before and after giving first aid.

Administering First Aid to Minor Injuries

Minor injuries are small wounds or hurts that are not very serious and can usually be treated at home or school with basic first aid.

It is important to know how to treat these common injuries to prevent them from getting worse or becoming infected.

Cuts

A cut is a break in the skin, usually caused by a sharp object like a piece of glass or a knife. Minor cuts may bleed a little but are not deep.

To administer first aid to a minor cut:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, and put on hand gloves.
2. Clean the wound gently with clean water and mild soap. Remove any dirt or small particles.
3. Apply a small amount of antiseptic liquid like iodine around the wound.
4. Cover the cut with a clean plaster or a sterile gauze pad held in place with medical tape.
5. If bleeding continues, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for a few minutes.

Scalds

A scald is a burn caused by hot liquid or steam. Minor scalds usually cause redness and some pain but do not blister badly.

To administer first aid to a minor scald:

1. Immediately cool the scalded area by holding it under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Do not use ice or very cold water, as this can cause further damage.
3. Gently remove any clothing or jewellery from the scalded area, unless it is stuck to the skin.
4. Cover the scald with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or a sterile bandage. Do not apply creams, oils, or butter.
5. Seek medical attention if the scald is larger than the injured person’s hand, causes blisters, or is very painful.

Bruises

A bruise happens when small blood vessels under the skin break, causing blood to leak and collect, which makes the skin look discoloured (blue, black, or purple).

To administer first aid to a minor bruise:

1. Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bruised area for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to reduce swelling and pain.
2. Repeat the cold compress several times a day for the first 24-48 hours.
3. Elevate the bruised area if possible, to help reduce swelling.
4. Give pain relief if needed, such as paracetamol, following adult guidance.

Burns

A burn is damage to the skin caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Minor burns usually affect only the top layer of skin, causing redness and pain.

To administer first aid to a minor burn:

1. Cool the burn immediately by holding it under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Do not use ice, very cold water, or any creams, oils, or butter on the burn.
3. Gently remove any clothing or jewellery from the burned area, unless it is stuck to the skin.
4. Cover the burn with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or a sterile bandage.
5. Seek medical attention if the burn is larger than the injured person’s hand, causes blisters, or is very painful.

Covering the Wound

After cleaning and treating a minor injury, it is important to cover the wound.

Covering the wound helps to:

1. Protect it from dirt and germs, which can cause infection.
2. Keep the wound clean and moist, which helps it heal faster.
3. Reduce pain by protecting the injured area from further irritation.

Use a clean plaster for small cuts or a sterile gauze pad and medical tape for larger minor wounds. Change the dressing regularly, especially if it gets wet or dirty.

How to Administer First Aid Treatment to Minor Injuries

This procedure describes how to give basic first aid for common minor injuries like cuts, scalds, bruises, and burns. Always ensure an adult is present or aware when performing first aid.

The required materials are:

1. Hand gloves
2. Clean water and mild soap
3. Antiseptic liquid (e.g., iodine, methylated spirit)
4. Sterile gauze pads or clean cloth
5. Medical tape or plasters
6. Bowl (for water)
7. Ice pack or cold compress (for bruises)

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Assess the situation: First, make sure the area is safe for both you and the injured person. If there is any danger, do not approach until it is safe.
2. Wash hands and wear gloves: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Put on a pair of clean hand gloves to protect yourself and the injured person from germs.
3. Clean the wound (for cuts): For a minor cut, gently wash the wound with clean water and mild soap to remove any dirt. Pat dry with a clean cloth.
4. Apply antiseptic (for cuts): Pour a small amount of antiseptic liquid like iodine or methylated spirit onto a clean cotton wool or gauze and gently apply it around the cleaned cut.
5. Cool the injury (for scalds and burns): For minor scalds or burns, immediately place the injured area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not rub or apply anything else.
6. Apply cold compress (for bruises): For a bruise, wrap an ice pack or some ice cubes in a cloth and gently place it on the bruised area for 15-20 minutes.
7. Cover the wound:
   1. For small cuts, apply a clean plaster.
   2. For larger minor cuts, scalds, or burns, place a sterile gauze pad over the injury and secure it with medical tape. Ensure the covering is not too tight.
8. Monitor and seek help: Observe the injured person. If the injury is deep, bleeding does not stop, pain is severe, or the person feels unwell, immediately inform an adult or seek professional medical help.
9. Clean up: Dispose of used materials properly and wash your hands again after giving first aid.