BASIC FIRST AID

BASIC FIRST AID

First aid is the treatment of the sick and injured before professional medical help can be given.

The aims of first aid to prevent death or further injury, to counteract shock and to relieve pain.

Certain conditions, such as unconsciousness, severe bleeding or burns require immediate treatment if the patient is to survive. In such cases even a few seconds delay may mean the difference between life and death.

All team members should be prepared to administer first aid. You should have sufficient knowledge of first aid to be able to apply true emergency measures and decide when treatment can be safely delayed until more skilled personnel arrive. Procedures and techniques beyond your ability should not be attempted. More harm than good may result.

Serious trauma is most likely from road traffic accidents. Multiple injuries may be involved in this scenario.

Other traumatic injuries are likely to be the result of gunshots, stab wounds, fire, or blasts from bombs and land mines.