Introduction To First Aid

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Accidents can happen anywhere at any time, even though some safety measures still exist. The immediate and appropriate measure taken at the right time can save the life of the victim [1]. This is why it is important to have at least a basic awareness of first aid. First aid is defined as the assessment and interventions that can be performed by a layperson immediately with minimal or no medical equipment [2]. It is a common occurrence that whenever an accident occurs or any person gets injured, people around the casualty usually become panic more than the victim himself. This should not be the case. The first aider should have a positive attitude and be prepared to help the casualty. The first aider should also

First aid is the immediate care given to victims of accidents before trained medical workers arrive. It includes self-help and home care if medical assistance is not available or is delayed. It also includes well-selected words of encouragement, evidence of willingness to help, and promotion of confidence by demonstration of competence. Its goal is to stop and, if possible, reverse harm. It involves rapid and simple measures such as clearing the air way, applying pressure to bleeding wounds or dousing chemical burns to eyes or skin [5].

First aid consists of methods and techniques that enhance practices related to the prevention, the preparedness and the immediate response to health emergencies. First aid can be provided in all the areas like schools, household, workplace, and recreational areas etc. Beyond health matters, first aid knowledge also increases the social responsibility of the society and strengthens values

Even the most incidental injury should command the teachers’ attention and first aid care. The procedures involved in the first aid cannot be acquired completely from a text book alone and it must be practiced over a period of time until the first aider can perform the procedure correctly. First aid courses provide opportunities to practice, acquire proper skills in procedures and to complete first aid for emergencies. Hence each teacher should be trained to render first aid care, so that when any emergencies arrive he or she will be competent in their ability to deal with the situation