Health Grade 5 – Fourth Quarter/First Aid /nanay gi 1

Health Grade 5 – Fourth Quarter 2018-2019

What is first aid?
First aid is the immediate treatment given to someone injured or feeling unwell before the arrival of professional
medical help. The basic nature of first aid is to prolong life, lessen pain and suffering, and prevent further injury. There are
first-aid principles that must be followed:
 Conduct initial assessment
o Assess the situation for possible dangers.
o Do not put yourself at risk trying to rescue a victim when you are applying first aid.
o Always display calmness, efficiency, confidence, and knowledge.
o Check whether the victim is conscious by tapping him/her on the shoulder and saying if he/she is OK. If no
response, shout for help to catch the attention of nearby people.
 First things first
o Give immediate treatment first to those in serious condition.
o Protect and help the victim from possible danger, and stay with him/her until appropriate treatment is
available.
o Facilitate the transport of the victim to the nearest clinic or hospital.
o Make an accurate report to the professionals.

Basic First Aid for Common Injuries and Conditions

 Wounds – injuries on skin and body tissues as a result of an accident that may cause cuts, scrapes, and punctured
skin
o Clean the affected area of the skin.
o Antiseptics can be applied to prevent infection.
o For severe wounds, consult a doctor.
 Nosebleed – caused by a blow or hypertension due to increase in temperature from the environment
o Let the victim sit, lean him/her slightly forward, then press the nose together. Have the victim breathe
through the mouth for a few minutes.
o If bleeding does not stop, press the bleeding nostril again with a cold or wet cloth for 5 minutes.
o If bleeding continues after these two steps, place gauze on the bleeding nostril then seek medical help.
 Insect bites – can cause pain, redness, and itchiness for non-allergic people, or in severe cases, death within 1 hour
o Examine the area stung by the insect. If a stinger penetrated the skin, do not force it out as it will only result
in penetration of more venom into the body.
o Place ice on the stung area to relieve the symptoms.
o Observe the victim's skin for at least 30 minutes for signs of allergic reaction.
o If the victim experiences dizziness, vomiting, and stomach pain, seek medical help. Perform rescue
breathing if necessary.
 Animal bites – a type of wound that can cause tetanus or rabies
o Wash the animal bite with soap and water.
o Cover the bite with a clean and dry cloth or gauze.
o Ask help from a doctor to treat tetanus or rabies.
 Burns – caused by exposure to heat, electricity, and certain chemicals like hydrochloric acid
 The first-degree burn – skin surface is reddened and painful
 Second-degree burn – epidermal layer is affected, resulting in blisters and reddening
 Third-degree burn – outer and underlying skin tissues damaged
o Place a clean cloth over the burned area.
o If fibers of clothing are stuck to the burn, do not force to remove.
o Avoid breaking any blisters to prevent infection.
o If the arms or legs are burned, elevate them above the victim's heart level.
o If the face, hands, or feet are burned, place ice packs in the affected area.
o For third-degree burns, seek medical help.
 Food poisoning – caused by contaminated and expired foods
o Keep the victim's mouth and nose open by tilting the head.
o Loosen clothing around the neck and waist for better breathing.
o Ventilate the area and watch the victim's breathing.
o Apply rescue breathing if necessary, and seek medical attention.
 Fainting – sudden loss of consciousness due to poor blood flowing to the brain
o Ventilate the area.
o Let the victim lie down or bend over and lower the head to bring back the flow of blood.

ginacamus 04.11.2019
 Health Grade 5 – Fourth Quarter/First Aid /nanay gi 2
o If the victim does not recover within 5 minutes, seek medical help. Apply rescue breathing if necessary
while waiting for help.
 Fracture – break or crack in a bone
 Closed/Simple fracture – broken bone does not push through the skin surface
 Open/Compound fracture – broken end of bone damages the skin surface
o Stop the bleeding if the fracture is open.
o For simple fractures, do not apply pressure directly on the bone or push it back through the skin.
o Do not move the victim because there is a chance the spine is injured.
o Do not move the injured part, but you can support the possible fracture between your two hands.
 Sprain – overstretching of ligaments or tendons which can affect wrists, knees, and ankles, and often caused by
strong twisting of joint during sports
o Apply cold packs on the affected area for the first 12 hours.
o Elevate the injured part, but avoid using it.
o For severe swelling and pain, consult a doctor and have an X-ray.
 Strain – overstretching of muscle or tendon caused by improper lifting of heavy objects
o Rest and elevate the injured part.
o Apply cold packs for the first 12 hours, but for back pain apply moist heat.
o Seek medical help especially for back pains.
 Dislocation – when two heads of a bone go out from their places
o Do not attempt to set the two bone heads, or move and support the affected part.
o Apply cold packs on the injured part to prevent swelling.
o Seek medical help immediately.
 Muscle cramps – sudden muscle contraction resulting in spasm, pain, and loss of movement; felt frequently in hands
and legs
o Gently massage the muscle with the heel of the hand to stretch the contracted muscles.
o If cramps occur while swimming, stay calm and tread water while massaging the muscle. Yell for help.

ginacamus 04.11.2019