FIRST AID PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS

1. INITIAL RESPONSE

  • Look for potential hazards (e.g., traffic, fire, chemicals).
  • Ensure your safety and the safety of bystanders.
  • Approach the scene only if it is safe to do so.
  • Use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Count the number of individuals affected.
  • Observe and note visible injuries or distress signs.
  • Prioritize victims based on the severity of their injuries.
  • Stay calm and communicate clearly with victims.
  • Dial the local emergency number (e.g., 911).
  • Provide clear information about the location and situation.
  • Specify the number of victims and their conditions.
  • Stay on the line until instructed to hang up.
  • Introduce yourself and explain your training.
  • Ask the victim if you can help them.
  • Respect their decision if they refuse assistance.
  • Document the consent if possible for future reference.

2. PRIMARY ASSESSMENT

  • Gently tap the victim's shoulder.
  • Shout loudly, asking if they can hear you.
  • Observe for any movement or verbal response.
  • If unresponsive, proceed to the next step of assessment.
  • Tilt the head back gently using the chin lift method.
  • Look for any visible obstructions in the mouth.
  • If obstructed, perform the finger sweep if safe.
  • Confirm airway is open before proceeding.
  • Position your ear close to the victim's mouth.
  • Look for chest rise and fall.
  • Listen for breath sounds for about 10 seconds.
  • Feel for breath on your cheek to confirm airflow.
  • Locate the carotid pulse in the neck or radial pulse at the wrist.
  • Check for pulse for at least 5 seconds.
  • If no pulse is found, begin CPR immediately.
  • Apply direct pressure to any severe bleeding areas.

3. SECONDARY ASSESSMENT

  • Start from the head and work down to the feet.
  • Look for visible injuries: cuts, bruises, swelling.
  • Check for deformities or tenderness in limbs.
  • Assess each body part systematically.
  • Use gentle pressure to identify pain areas.
  • Inquire about pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Ask about current medications being taken.
  • Determine any known allergies, especially to medications.
  • Gather information about previous surgeries.
  • Keep a record of the answers for reference.
  • Check pulse at the wrist or neck.
  • Count breaths per minute by observing chest rise.
  • Assess level of consciousness using AVPU scale.
  • Record findings for future reference.
  • Repeat checks regularly for changes.

4. TREATMENT OF COMMON INJURIES

  • Wash hands before treatment.
  • Use mild soap and clean water.
  • Gently scrub the area to remove debris.
  • Pat dry with a clean cloth.
  • Check for foreign objects before applying antiseptic.
  • Immediately move away from the source of the burn.
  • Run cool (not cold) water over the burn.
  • Avoid ice or very cold water to prevent further damage.
  • Do not apply ointments or ice directly on the burn.
  • After cooling, cover with a non-stick dressing.
  • Rest the injured area to prevent further damage.
  • Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes.
  • Use an elastic bandage for compression.
  • Elevate the injured area above heart level.
  • Monitor for swelling or increased pain.
  • Keep the fracture still and avoid movement.
  • Use a splint to immobilize the injury.
  • Secure the splint with bandages or cloth.
  • Do not attempt to realign the bone.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.

5. CARDIAC EMERGENCIES

6. CHOKING

7. POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES

8. PERSONAL PROTECTION AND SAFETY

9. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

10. REVIEW AND IMPROVE

  • Gather all involved personnel for a debriefing.
  • Discuss the timeline of events during the incident.
  • Collect feedback on the effectiveness of the response.
  • Document findings and outcomes for future reference.
  • Analyze feedback to pinpoint specific weaknesses.
  • Review current training materials for relevance.
  • Solicit suggestions from team members on enhancements.
  • Prioritize improvements based on impact and feasibility.
  • Review current guidelines and compare to practices.
  • Incorporate any new regulations or best practices.
  • Ensure all updates are clearly communicated to staff.
  • Version control the checklist for historical reference.