FIRST AID AND WATER SAFETY

MODULE 1: FIRST AID

Description:

The essential principles of this module covers the Aims of first aid, First aid and the
law, also includes dealing with an emergency, resuscitation (basic CPR), recovery position,
initial top to toe assessment and hygiene and hand washing.

This course is also meant to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need
to be successful first responders in the event of accidents, injuries, or sudden sickness. Also
covered will be lifesaving skills and accident avoidance ideas.

Discussion:

Topic 1: WHAT IS FIRST AID?

First aid is the first assistance or treatment given to a casualty or a sick person for
any injury or sudden illness before the arrival of an ambulance, the arrival of a qualified
paramedical or medical person or before arriving at a facility that can provide professional
medical care.

Aims of First Aid

The aims of first aid are:

a. to preserve life,
b. to prevent the worsening of one’s medical condition,
c. to promote recovery, and
d. to help ensure safe transportation to the nearest healthcare facility.

The First Aider

Who is a first aider?

Any person who has earned a certificate from an authorized training authority
demonstrating that he or she is qualified to administer first aid is referred to as a first aider.

Topic 2: FIRST AID AND THE LAW

Good Samaritan

A Good Samaritan in legal terms refers to “someone who renders aid in an emergency to
an injured person on a VOLUNTARY BASIS”. The Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways has published the Indian Good Samaritan and Bystanders Protection Guidelines
in The Gazette of India in May 2015 (Notification No 25035/101/2014-RS dated 12 May
2015).

The guidelines are to be followed by hospitals, police and other authorities for the
protection of Good Samaritans. Following guidelines are included (sub-selection of the
guidelines):

a. A bystander or Good Samaritan, including an eyewitness of a road accident may

take an injured to the nearest hospital and should be allowed to leave immediately.
The eyewitness has to provide his address. No questions are to be asked.
b. The bystander or Good Samaritan shall not be liable for any civil and criminal
liability.
 c. A bystander or Good Samaritan who makes a phone call to inform the police or
emergency services for the person lying injured on the road cannot be compelled to
give his name or personal details on the phone or in person. The disclosure of
contact details of the Good Samaritan is to be voluntary.
d. The lack of response by a (medical) doctor in an emergency pertaining to road
accidents (where he is expected to provide care) shall constitute ‘Professional
Misconduct’.

PRIVACY

In any first aid situation, the first aider must take steps to assist the person to maintain
personal privacy.

This includes measures such as keeping crowds at bay, erecting a screen if

necessary, and covering any exposed body parts with blankets or sheets, if available. The
first responder must also take precautions to ensure anonymity. This involves not talking to
other people about the accident or answering queries from the media unless the individual
who was involved in the accident has given you permission.

Topic 3: DEALING WITH AN EMERGENCY

Emergency situations vary greatly but there are four main steps that always apply:

1. Make the area safe.

2. Evaluate the injured person’s condition.
3. Seek help
4. Give first aid.

STEP 1: MAKE THE AREA SAFE

Your own safety should always come first. As a first aider, you should:

a. try to find out what has just happened;

b. check for any danger: is there a threat from traffic, fire, electricity cables, etc.;
c. never approach the scene of an accident if you are putting yourself in danger;
d. do your best to protect both the injured person(s) and other people on the scene;
e. be aware that the property of the injured person is at risk. Theft can occur. So mind
your safety, and
f. seek police or emergency help if an accident scene is unsafe and you cannot offer
help without putting yourself in danger.

NOTE: When coming into contact with the

injured or sick person's blood or body fluids, it's
also necessary to wash your hands and wear
gloves or other protective gear.

In case of road accidents, as a first aider, you

should:

a. always follow the traffic rules;

b. ask other people to warn traffic about the
event;
c. if possible, place a warning sign at a good
distance, at least 30 meters to either side
of the accident, to warn traffic. Do not forget to remove the warning signs
afterwards;
d. seek help from the police or emergency services;
e. not allow anybody to smoke near an accident site;
f. switch off the engine of every car involved in the accident; and
 g. try to apply the handbrake of vehicles involved in the accident to prevent them
from moving. You can also put something against the tyres to prevent rolling.

The injured person should not be

relocated from the accident scene as a
general rule. If there has been a head, neck,
back, leg, or arm injury, any movement
may aggravate the ailment.

Only move injured people if:

a. the injured person is in more danger

if he is left there,
b. the situation cannot be made safe,
c. medical help will not arrive soon, and
d. you can do so without putting yourself in danger

STEP 2: EVALUATE THE CONDITION OF THE SICK OR INJURED PERSON

You can assess the sick or injured person's

condition if it is safe. Always make sure he's
awake and breathing normally. Situations
involving a loss of consciousness or difficulty
breathing are frequently fatal. Inside the body,
bleeding can occur and be life-threatening, even if
there is no visible blood loss.

STEP 3: SEEK HELP

After assessing the sick or injured person's

condition, you can determine whether immediate
assistance is required. If assistance is required,
have a bystander contact for assistance. Request
that he return and confirm that assistance is being provided.

If you call for help, be prepared to have the following information available:

 the location where the help is required (address, street, specific reference points,
location; if in a building: floor, room);
 the telephone or mobile number you are calling from;
 the nature of the problem;
 what happened (car accident, fall, sudden illness, explosion, …);
 how many injured;
 nature of the injuries (if you know);
 what type of help is needed:
 ambulance,
 police,
 fire brigade, or
 other services; and
 any other information that might help.

It's possible that you'll be asked for your name. Always maintain a cool demeanor
and respond calmly to their questions. The call takers are trained professionals who will
provide you with additional information. If an ambulance can be summoned in a timely
manner, it is preferable to summon one and use it to transport the injured or sick individual
to a medical institution.

The best approach to transfer sick or injured people is by ambulance, however

ambulances are not always and everywhere readily available. You can always seek
assistance from the police. If no one can assist you, you will have to organize your own
transportation (in a van, a truck, a car, an auto-rickshaw, a motorbike, a scooter, a bike-
rickshaw, a bike...). Always take considerable caution when moving a sick or injured
individual.
STEP 4: PROVIDE FIRST AID

When giving first aid, attempt to keep an ill or injured person warm and safe from the
elements. Do not give them anything to eat or drink if they are:

o severely injured,
o feeling nausea,
o becoming sleepy, or
o Falling unconscious.

NOTE: In reality, it is against the law to offer a casualty anything to drink or eat as a
general rule. Hypothermia (low body temperature), hypoglycaemic shock (low blood sugar
in a diabetic), diarrhoea and fever leading to dehydration, and heat exhaustion or heatstroke
are all important exceptions.

To support him through the ordeal, follow these simple tips:

a. tell the sick or injured person your name,

b. Explain how you are going to help him and reassure him. This will help to relax
him;
c. listen to the person and show concern and kindness;
d. make him as comfortable as possible;
e. if he is worried, tell him that it is normal to be afraid;
f. if it is safe to do so, encourage family and loved ones to stay with him; and
g. Explain to the sick or injured person what has happened and what is going to
happen.

WHEN CAN I STOP PROVIDING FIRST AID?

The question arises when your first aid ‘duty’ comes to an end? Within first aid,
CPR is a lifesaving activity. But when you can stop giving CPR?

There are four reasons allowing you to stop CPR:

1. you see a sign of life, such as breathing;

2. someone trained in first aid or a medical professional takes over;
3. you are too exhausted to continue; or
4. the scene becomes unsafe for you to continue

Topic 4: RESUSCITATION (BASIC CPR)

Revitalizing someone who is unconscious and/or not breathing or not breathing

normally is called RESUSCITATION.

If the victim is not breathing or is not breathing normally, any source of suffocation
should be removed and resuscitation is to be started.

Chest compressions with or without rescue breathings are performed by an

individual during cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an attempt to restore
spontaneous circulation.

For untrained or minimally trained first aid providers treating an adult victim,
compression-only CPR is recommended. These chest compressions ensure a small but
crucial supply of blood to the heart and brain.

For formally trained first aid providers (and professionals) treating an adult victim,
compression with breaths is recommended.
 If the trained first aid provider is unable or unwilling, or in any other circumstance,
compression-only CPR may be substituted for compression with breaths.

For babies and children under one year, compressions with breaths are always
recommended

WHAT DO I SEE AND ENQUIRE?

In case of a cardiac arrest (heart stops functioning) you might notice the following
signs:

 sudden collapse,
 loss of consciousness,
 no breathing,
 no pulse (however this is not always easy for laypeople to confirm).

HOW TO OBSERVE RESPONSIVENESS AND CONSCIOUSNESS?

When a person is abruptly unable to respond to stimuli such as sound or pain and
looks to be asleep, they are said to be unconscious. For a few seconds (as with fainting) or
for prolonged periods of time, a person may be unconscious. Loud noises and shaking have
little effect on people who have fallen asleep. They might possibly cease breathing or have
a weak pulse. This necessitates rapid assistance. It is preferable if the person receives
emergency first help as soon as possible.

The AVPU scale (acronym for "alert, voice, pain, unresponsiveness") is a system
for measuring and recording a patient's responsiveness, which indicates their state of
consciousness. It is based on the eye opening,
vocal, and movement (motor) reactions of the
casualty.

The AVPU scale has only four possible

outcomes:

A – Alert. The individual is fully awake

(although not necessarily oriented). The subject
will open their eyes voluntarily, respond to voice
(although confusedly), and have bodily motor
function.

V – Responding to voice. When you speak

to this person, he responds in some way. It could be
something as simple as his opening his eyes,
responding to your questions, or making a move.
When prompted by the rescuer's voice, these replies could be as simple as a grunt, moan,
or slight movement of a limb.

P – Responding to pain. The patient responds in any way to a pain stimuli,

whether it's a central pain stimulus like rubbing his breastbone or a peripheral pain
stimulus like pinching his fingers. Patients with some level of consciousness (a fully awake
patient would not require any pain stimulus) can respond by speaking, moving their eyes,
or moving a bodily part.

U - Unresponsiveness also noted as 'Unconsciousness'. If the patient does not

respond to voice or pain with an eye, voice, or motor reaction, this outcome is noted.

To check a person’s responsiveness/consciousness state check the following:

1. A person who moves or walks around, looks around, speaks effectively, reacts to
questions, senses touch, and looks around, is considered alert (A).

2. The person opens his eyes and responds to simple questions:

“What is your name?”

“Where do you live?”
“How old are you?”

3. The person responds to simple commands:

“Squeeze my hand.”
“Move your arm/leg/foot/hand.”

If the person responds, he is responsive to voice (V).

4. Whether the subject still doesn't respond, pinch him and observe if he blinks or moves.
If the person is sensitive to pain, he is responsive to pain (P)

5. If the person does not react to any of these stimuli, he is in an unconscious state (U).

Note that a person may only respond partially to the stimuli you deliver (sound, touch,
pain) and may be in a drowsy condition in between.

TAKE THIS: It should only take a few

seconds to determine if a victim is conscious
or unconscious, and it should not be done
before checking for breathing.

HOW TO OBSERVE THE

BREATHING?

The air route may be contracted or blocked

making breathing noisy or impossible.

Reasons for blockage may be:

o Loss of throat muscle control can cause the tongue to sink back and restrict the
airway.

o Saliva may accumulate at the back of the throat when reflexes are weakened,
restricting the airway.

o Any foreign body in the throat, such as vomit, blood, or dentures, might block the
airway.

NOTE: It's critical to get a clean airway as soon as possible. An unconscious individual
must be rolled onto his back to unclog the respiratory passage and check for breathing
unless it is evident that the person is breathing regularly. Concerns about a possible spinal
injury take a back seat to the need to clear the breathing route.

To observe the breathing do following:

1. If the person is not on his back and is unconscious, turn him on his back.
2. Kneel by the victim.
3. With the index and middle fingers of one hand, lift the chin forward while pressing the
forehead backwards with the palm of the other. The tongue will be lifted forward and
the airways will be cleared as a result of this maneuver.
4. Pay attention to your breathing by listening, experiencing, and looking at it.
5. Check to see if the victim is breathing after opening the victim's airway.

Place your cheek in front of the victim's

mouth (about 3-5 cm away) while looking
down his chest to do this (towards his feet).
You can also place a gentle palm on the center
of the victim's chest if desired.
This allows you to observe whether the victim
is breathing in the following ways:

1. look for chest/abdominal movement,

2. listen to breathing sounds,
3. Notice how much air is flowing out of
your nose or mouth. If the casualty's chest still doesn't lift, suspect a partially blocked
airway.

The casualty may begin breathing on his or her own once the airway has been cleared.
Otherwise, clear the airway by removing any apparent items that are obstructing it:

a. Knob your first two fingers covered with clean cloth/gloves.

b. Swing round inside the mouth/ throat.
c. Checked again the breathing

NOTE: It is not necessary to waste time looking for concealed obstacles. It's important not
to force anything down someone's throat, and don't stick your fingers in someone's closed
mouth.

HOW TO OBSERVE THE PULSE?

It's not always easy to tell if someone has a pulse. During an emergency, feeling the
pulse at the wrist is often unreliable. Place your fingertips gently on the voice box and slide
them down into the depression between the voice box and the surrounding muscle to feel
the pulse. Don't waste time looking for and feeling the pulse.

RESUSCITATION OF A PERSON WHO IS NOT BREATHING OR NOT

BREATHING NORMALLY

Safety First and Call for Help

1. Make sure there is no danger to you, the person who needs help and bystanders
before giving help.
2. The person urgently needs help. Shout or call for help if you are alone but do not
leave the person unattended.
 3.

Ask a bystander to seek help or to arrange urgent transport to the nearest healthcare
facility. Tell him to come back to you to confirm if help has been secured.

Secure an Open Airway

NOTE: Breathing may become difficult or impossible due to a restricted or closed airway.
It's critical to get a clean airway as soon as possible. Concerns about a possible spinal
injury take a back seat to the need to unblock the breathing path.

If the person is not on his back, turn him on to his back.

4. Kneel beside the casualty.

5. Lift the chin forwards with the index and middle fingers of one hand while pressing
the forehead backwards with the palm of the other hand. This manoeuvre will lift
the tongue forward and clear the airways.

6. Check for breathing.

a. Look for chest/abdominal movement.

b. Listen to breathing sounds.
c. Feel the air coming out of the nose or mouth.

7. If the casualty’s chest still fails to rise, first assume that the airway is not fully
open. Once the airway is cleared the casualty may begin breathing spontaneously.

8. Else, clear the airway by removing any visible item that is blocking the airway:
Hook your first two fingers covered with clean cloth/gloves and sweep round inside
the mouth/ throat. If the breathing restarts, place the patient in the recovery position
(see recovery position). If the casualty still does not breathe, start CPR
immediately.

CPR: HOW TO GIVE CHEST COMPRESSIONS?

1. Turn the casualty on his back on a hard surface, if not already.
2. Kneel next to the casualty, beside his upper arm.
3. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest.
4. Place the heel of the other hand on top of your first hand.

NOTE: Only use one hand if the person is under the age of puberty. If the victim is a
youngster under the age of one year, do not use this procedure; instead, utilize CPR for
babies and children under the age of one year.

5. Lock your fingers of both hands together

NOTE: Avoid putting pressure on the person's ribcage. Neither the upper part of the
stomach nor the bottom end of the breast bone should be pressed.
6. Make sure your shoulders are directly above the person’s chest.
7.

With outstretched arms, push five to maximum six centimetres downwards.

8. Allow full chest recoil by releasing the pressure and avoiding pushing on the chest
between compressions. The compression and release should last the same amount of
time.

NOTE: Allow the chest to fully rise each time you press down. This allows blood to return
to the heart.

9. Do not allow your hands to shift or come away from the breastbone.
10. Give 30 chest compressions in this way at a rate of 100 compressions a minute (you
may go faster, but not more than 120 compressions a minute). This equates to just
fewer than two compressions a second.

HOW TO GIVE RESCUE BREATHS?

 If you can't or don't want to deliver rescue breaths for some reason, just keep giving
chest compressions (five to maximum six centimetre deep at a rate of 100 compressions a
minute).

1. Put one hand on the person’s forehead and tilt back his head.
2. Put your other hand on the bony part of the chin and lift the chin.
3. Then pinch the person’s nose with one hand that is on his forehead.
4. Take a normal breath and then put your mouth completely over the person’s mouth
and seal with your lips. Calmly blow your air into the mouth of the person’s for one
second. Check if the person’s chest rises.
5. If the chest does not rise, take the following steps:

o Check if anything is in the person’s mouth. If so, remove any visible items that may
block the airway.
o Check that the head is well tilted and the chin is lifted properly.

Note: In any case, make no more than two attempts to blow air into the person.

6. Start another series of 30 chest compressions prior to trying to blow air into the
person’s mouth again.

Note: Chest compressions and rescue

breaths are tiring to administer. If there
are a few trained rescuers present, it is
best to alternate with each other.

To ensure that the quality of the chest

compressions remains optimal, the
rescuers should switch every two
minutes:

o The first rescuer gives 30 chest

compressions followed by two
ventilations and another set of 30 chest compressions and two ventilations.
o Then another rescuer takes over and repeats the above steps and switch again.
The switches should happen with minimal interruption and as quickly and smoothly as
possible.
7. Do not interrupt the resuscitation until:

o the victim starts to wake up, moves, opens his eyes and breathes normally;
o help (trained in CPR) arrives and takes over;
o you become too exhausted to continue; or
o the area becomes unsafe for you to continue.

RESUSCITATION OF BABY/CHILD (LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD) WHO IS

NOT BREATHING OR NOT BREATHING NORMALLY

SAFETY FIRST AND CALL FOR HELP

1. Make sure there is no danger to you before giving help.

2. The child needs urgent help. Shout or call for help if you are alone but do not leave the
person unattended. Ask a bystander to seek help or to arrange urgent transport to the
nearest healthcare facility. Tell him to come back to you to confirm that help has been
secured.

HOW TO SECURE AN OPEN AIRWAY OF A BABY/CHILD LESS THAN ONE

YEAR OLD?
 Breathing may become difficult or impossible due to a restricted or closed airway.
It's critical to get a clean airway as soon as possible. Concerns about a possible spinal
injury take a back seat to the need to clear the
breathing route.

3. Lay the baby/child down on the floor or hard

and safe surface.
4. Move the baby’s/child head backwards and lift
its chin slightly. This manoeuvre will lift the
tongue forward and clear the airways.
5. Check for breathing.

a. Look for chest/abdominal movement.

b. Listen to breathing sounds.
c. Feel the air coming out of the nose or mouth.
If the baby still does not breathe, begin CPR immediately.

CPR: HOW TO GIVE CHEST COMPRESSIONS ON A BABY/CHILD LESS

THAN ONE YEAR OLD?

1. Place three fingers of your hand on the center of the baby’s/child’s chest on its
breastbone (sternum).
2. Remove the bottom finger of the three fingers and compress the chest with the two
remaining fingers (middle and index finger) up to one third of the depth from the chest
of the baby/child.

NOTE: Do not use the base or palm of your hand. Only use one hand.
3. Repeat these compressions 30 times at a rate of 1 0 0 - 120 per minute. Release the
pressure completely between compressions without removing your fingers from the
chest. Always make sure the chest rises before pressing down again.
CPR: HOW TO GIVE RESCUE BREATHS ON A BABY/CHILD LESS THAN ONE
YEAR OLD?

4. Move the baby’s/child head backwards and lift its chin slightly.
5. Cover the baby’s/child’s nose and mouth with your mouth and gently puff into his
lungs only until you see his chest rise, pausing between rescue breaths to let the air
flow back out.

NOTE: Since a baby's lungs are much smaller than yours, only a fraction of a full breath is
required to fill them.

6. Check if the baby’s/child’s chest rises.

If the chest does not rise, take

following steps:

a. Check if anything is in the

baby’s/child’s mouth. If so,
remove any visible items that may
block the airway.

b. Check that the head is well tilted

and the chin is lifted properly. In any
case: make no more than two attempts
to blow air into the baby/child.

7. Start another series of 30 chest compressions prior trying to puff air into the
baby’s/child’s mouth again.
8. C o n t i n u e r e s u

breathes regularly; aid (trained in CPR) arrives and takes over; or the environment
becomes too dangerous to continue.

WHEN TO REFER TO A HEALTHCARE FACILITY?

Always – urgently: Any person that has stopped breathing or needed CPR should always
be transported to the nearest healthcare facility as quickly as possible continuing CPR.

Topic 5: HOW TO PUT A PERSON INTO THE RECOVERY POSITION?

SAFETY FIRST AND CALL FOR HELP

1. Before offering assistance, make sure you, the person in need, and onlookers are all
safe.

2. The sufferer need immediate assistance. If you're alone, yell or call for help if you
haven't already, but don't leave the individual alone. Request assistance from a
bystander or arrange for immediate transportation to the nearest medical institution.
Tell him to contact you to confirm that assistance has been obtained.

HOW TO PUT A PERSON INTO THE RECOVERY POSITION

3. Put the person on the floor if he is not there already.

4. Remove the person’s spectacles if necessary.
5. Kneel down by the side of the casualty.
6. Make sure both of his legs are outstretched.
7. Place the nearest arm (the one on the side you are kneeling next to) at right angles to
his body.
8. Bend the forearm upwards with palm facing up.
9. Lay the person’s other arm across his chest.
10. Hold the back of this hand against his
cheek on the side at which you are
kneeling.
11. Keep that hand in that position.
12. With
your
other
free
hand,
grasp the
leg on
the other
side of
the
person’s body under the knee.
13. Raise that leg, but leave the person’s foot on the ground.
14. Pull the raised leg towards you.
15. In the meantime, keep the back of the person’s hand held against his cheek. Roll the
person towards you so he turns on his side.

16.

Position the person’s upper leg in such a way that his hip and knee are at right angles.
17. The person is now in a turned position and will not turn on his back.
18. Tilt the head of the person backwards to keep the airway open.
19.
Make sure
the

mouth is angled towards the ground. This will prevent the risk of choking on blood or
vomit.
20. Adjust the hand under the cheek if necessary so that the head remains tilted backwards
and the mouth remains at a downward angle.

NOTE: A casualty’s lying position is generally indicated to in the ‘recovery position’

21. Do not leave a casualty alone and continue observing his condition and monitoring his
breathing. If the person stops breathing, start resuscitation (see resuscitation).

Topic 6: TOP TO TOE ASSESSMENT

The ‘history of the case' tells the story of the accident, including how it happened.
If the casualty is aware, he or she will provide the history. Someone who witnessed the
accident will assist him if he is unconscious. The surroundings, such as an abandoned
vehicle or a damaged area around the location and its condition, will add to the
information.

The first aider is informed of the casualty's symptoms. Feeling pain, feeling cold or
hot, getting thirsty, feeling nauseous, feeling weak, feeling dizzy, feeling fainting, any loss
of normal movement, any loss of sensation, temporary loss of consciousness, loss of
memory, having felt the sensation of breaking a bone, and so on are examples of symptoms
the casualty can report.

These symptoms stated by the victim can assist the first responder in locating the
injury site. Signs are what the first responder senses and discovers on his own. Breathing,
blood, color or paleness, swelling of wounded portions, limb deformities, and other
observations of any kind are examples of these indicators. The ability to make correct
observations is aided by training.

The Initial Top to Toe Assessment

A general assessment can be performed to determine whether the casualty is aware

or unconscious and whether there are any impending dangers to life. It should be carried
out quickly.

NOTE: Priority is given to resuscitation, halting bleeding, and treating any life-threatening
conditions.
 If the casualty's condition deteriorates during the examination, emergency first
assistance should be administered. To avoid future injuries, as little movement as possible
should be made throughout the assessment.
Assess from the head to the feet, comparing one side of the casualty's body to the
other to discover any edema or anomalies that require immediate attention:

3
Topic 7: HYGIENE AND HAND
WASHING

GENERAL HYGIENE NOTES

When dealing with sick or

injured people, it's critical to minimize the
risk of infection between you and the
sick or injured person to a bare
minimum:

1. IF POSSIBLE, wash your hands with soap and water (40-60 seconds) before and after
you handle an ill or injured person, if feasible. Alternatively, you can wash your hands
with slag. If the hands are not visibly filthy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be
utilized (20-30 seconds).

2. AVOID direct contact with blood or bodily fluids should be avoided. If there is blood
or other bodily fluids such as pee or vomit, use gloves. You can also cover your hands
with a clean plastic bag.

If you don't have any gloves or plastic bags, you can:

 Teach the sick or injured person what he can accomplish on his own. When giving
first aid
 Try to avoid coming into touch with
blood or bodily fluids as much as
possible.

 If you can't guarantee that you won't

come into contact with blood or
bodily fluids, you might decide not
to help.

3. Gloves are a fantastic addition to

every first-aid kit.
4. Protect any cuts, grazes, or wounds
you may have with a sticking plaster,
bandage, or clean cloth. Breaks in your
skin can allow infections to spread.

5. Protect your feet from infection by

wearing shoes. Any blood or other
body fluid that splashes into your eyes
or mouth should be immediately
rinsed out with plenty of clean water.
6. Dispose of discarded materials
properly, and wipe up any blood spills immediately to avoid infection. Sharp things
should be handled with extreme caution. They should be disposed of carefully (in a
box, for example) so that they do not constitute a threat.
7. Carefully dispose of any soiled bandages. Burn or bury them after placing them in a
plastic bag or pail.

8. Use caution while treating sick or injured people with dirty or contaminated objects, as
these can spread infections from one person to another.

9. Sterilize material by immersing it in boiling water for 10 minutes or passing it through

a flame several times.

TECHNIQUE OF HAND WASHING

1. Wet your hands under running water.

2. Use soap to cover all hand surfaces. If

you have liquid soap, this is best.
Alternatively you can also use ash that is
no longer hot to wash your hands.

3. R
u
b
your hands firmly together (40-60 seconds) and wash your hands thoroughly. Make
sure the soap touches all the parts of your hands. Do not forget the tips of your fingers,
your thumbs and the skin between your fingers. Try to sing the “Happy Birthday
song”.

4. Rinse your hands well. Use plenty of water.

5. Dry your
hands.
 Activity No. 1
Essay

Instruction: Write your answer on a sheet of paper for at least 100 words each item. Do
not forget to include your references and citations cited.

Supply the importance of the following:

a. Mouth to mouth resuscitations

b. Bandaging
c. Wound Dressing
d. First Aid on snake bite
e. Top to Toe assessment

Activity No. 2

Instructions: Submit your output in hand written, clearly and heartily done. Not following
instruction will invalidate your answers. Do not forget to include your references and
citations cited.

Supply the following:

1. What are the types fracture?

2. What causes a fracture?
3. Enumerate the types of wounds and define each.
4. What causes of shock?
5. What are the causes of unconsciousness?
MODULE 2: FIRST AID TECHNIQUES

Dressings, Bandages and Transport Techniques

In this period you will learn about:

 Dressings.
 Bandages.
 Fast evacuation techniques (single rescuer).
 Transport techniques.

A. DRESSING

A dressing is a protective covering applied to a wound to:

 prevent infection,
 absorb discharge,
 control bleeding,
 avoid further injury, and
 reduce pain.

A good dressing should be sterile (free of germs) and have a high porosity level to allow
for seeping and sweating.

Types of Dressing

1. ADHESIVE DRESSINGS
(BAND AID)

A pad of absorbent cellulose gauze is

kept in place by a layer of adhesive
substance in these sterile dressings.
Paper or plastic coverings are used to
protect sterile adhesive dressings.
Before applying the dressing, make
sure the surrounding skin is dry and that all of the edges are firmly pushed down.

2. NON ADHESIVE DRESSING

3. READY-MADE STERILE DRESSING

The dressing is made up of layers of

gauze, a cotton wool pad, and an attached roller
bandage to keep it in place. The dressing comes
in a variety of sizes and is wrapped and sealed
in a protective covering (which is only broken
during application).

4. GAUZE DRESSING

Gauze, which is extremely absorbent, soft, and flexible, is often used as a dressing
for big wounds in layers. It is likely to cling to the wound, although it may aid in blood
clotting. One or more layers of cotton wool should be used to cover the dressing.

5. IMPROVISED DRESSING

Any clean soft absorbent material, such as a clean handkerchief, a piece of linen,
clean paper, or cellulose tissue, can be used to make these. They need to be covered and
held in place.
HOW DO I APPLY A DRESSING?
A dressing should be applied to a wound to help prevent infection. Always
prioritize hygiene! Hands should always be washed. Before and after caring for the patient,
wash your hands. Hands should be washed with soap and water. If soap isn't available, you
can wash your hands with ash. If alcohol-based sanitizers are available, they can also be
utilized. If gloves are available, put them on.

A clean plastic bag can also be used. Make every effort to avoid coming into touch
with the person's blood or other bodily fluids. The dressing should be covered with enough
cotton wool pads that reach considerably beyond them and are held in place by a bandage
or strapping.

B. BANDAGES

A bandage is a long strip of gauze or other material used to cover, immobilize,

compress, or support a wound or damaged body part. Bandages can be used for a variety of
first-aid purposes, including securing dressings, controlling bleeding, supporting and
immobilizing limbs, reducing discomfort, and controlling swelling in an injured area.

Flannel, calico, and elastic net, as well as specific paper, are used to make them. If
you don't have a bandage, you may build one out of a common object; for example, fold a
square of fabric, such as a headscarf, diagonally to produce a triangle bandage, which can
be further folded to make a rolling bandage.

An improvised bandage can also be made out of a belt, tie, or other materials.
Bandages should be tight enough to keep dressings and splints in place, but not so tight that
they cause damage to the part or obstruct blood flow. The presence of a blue hue on the
finger or nails might be a warning indication that the bandage is excessively tight. Another
symptom is a loss of feeling; such bandages should be relaxed or removed as soon as
possible.

Types of Bandages

There are several types of bandages.

1) Triangular bandages (also referred to as “master bandage”) can be used as large

dressings, or as slings, to secure dressings or to immobilize limbs.
2) Roller and crepe bandages secure dressings and support injured limbs.
3) Tubular bandages hold dressings on fingers or toes or support injured joints.

a. TRIANGULAR BANDAGES

A triangle bandage is produced by cutting

a 100 cm square of calico from corner to corner,
yielding two triangular bandages. There are three
borders to it. The longest is referred to as the
"base," while the other two are referred to as the
"sides." There are three corners to the room. The
one directly opposite the base is known as the
"point," while the other two are known as the
"ends." The point is usually moved first while applying a triangle bandage.
Also a “reef knot” is always tied to enable easy loosening, tightening or opening (see
above).

b. SLINGS

Slings are used to:

 support injured arms;

 prevent pull by upper limb to injuries of chest, shoulder and neck, and
 secure splints when applied.

ARM SLING

(LARGE ARM SLING, TRIANGULAR ARM SLING WITH UNDERARM

HORIZONTAL)

The large arm sling is used in cases of injuries of arm, wrist and hands after
application of dressing and/or splints, plaster casts and bandaging.

To apply an arm sling:

1. Face the victim, firmly grasp the bandage point, and place one end of the spread
triangular bandage over the undamaged shoulder, with the point pointing towards the
wounded side's elbow.

2. Bring the end of the rope around the neck and over the wounded shoulder. The other end
of the cord will now be dangling over the chest.

3. Bring the dangling end of the forearm up and over the chest at a 90° angle. The bandage
has now been applied to the forearm.

4. Tie the two ends together with the forearm horizontal or slightly angled upward and the
knot (reef knot) in the pit above the collarbone.

5. Hold the point with one hand and the bandage at the little finger with the other to check
for any objects behind the bandage, such as a bangle, watch, or metal ring.

6. Grub the loose portion of the sling point behind the elbow, pull the fold to the front, and
pin it to the bandage's front.

7. Place the free base of the bandage so that the margin is just below the base of the little
finger's nail. All of the fingers' nails should be revealed.

8. Look at your nails to see whether they have a bluish tint. A bluish color indicates that
splints or plasters have been tightened to a hazardous degree, preventing free blood flow.

9. Place a soft cushion beneath the neck section of the sling if the victim is not wearing a
coat to prevent rubbing of the skin in that area.

To apply a collar-N-cuff sling:

1. The elbow is bent, and the forearm is crossed across

the chest with the fingers pointing to the opposite
shoulder. The sling is used in this posture.

2. Use a thin bandage to make a clove hitch. Two loops

are created and layered one on top of the other, with the
front loop laying behind the rear loop without rotating.
3. On the injured side, a clove-hitch is passed around the wrist and the ends are knotted in
the neck pit above the collarbone.

TRIANGULAR SLING (WITH UNDERARM

UPWARDS)

A triangle sling is used to support a collarbone

fracture, damaged arms or shoulder, as well as
crushed or badly burnt hands. It aids in keeping the
hand lifted high above the heart, providing respite
from the agony caused by the fracture.

To apply a triangular sling:

1. Cross the forearm across the chest, fingers directed towards the opposite shoulder, collar
bone touched, and palm over breastbone.

2. Wrap an open bandage over the arm/chest, one end over the hand and the other beyond
the elbow.

3. Tuck the bandage's base beneath the forearm and hand comfortably.

4. Fold the lower end over the elbow as well, then take it up and across the back of the
shoulder (uninjured side) and tie a reef knot in the hollow above the collar bone.

5. Tuck the backwards fold over the bottom part of the arm and secure it with a safety pin.

BANDAGES

A triangular bandage can be used as:

 a whole cloth (spread out fully) or called “open bandage”

 one fold”
 a broad bandage (two folds):

Bring the point to the center of the base and then fold again in the same direction to
create a broad bandage.

Fold the bandage once again to make it a narrow bandage.

A broad bandage can also be used as a roller bandage of approximately 6 inches
(about 14 cm) size.

 a narrow bandage (three or more folds):

When a smaller size bandage is needed fold the original so as to bring the ends together.
The size is now reduced by half the original.

A narrow bandage can also be used as a roller bandage.

SCALP BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

1. Fold the base of an open bandage into a

thin hem and lay it on the forehead slightly
above the level of the eye brows.

2. Fold the two ends backwards after laying

the bandage's body over the head, with the
tip at the nape of the neck.

3. Cross the two ends over the ears and bring

them together on the forehead, where they
will be fastened.

4. Press hard on the patient's head, pull the tip lower, and pin it to the bandage after lifting
it up.

5. A ring pad of sufficient size, likewise fashioned from a triangle bandage, can be inserted
beneath the head bandage at an appropriate location to provide pressure to any depressed
skull fracture.

FOREHEAD, EYE, CHEEK/JAW FRACTURE BANDAGE OR BANDAGE FOR

ANY PART WHICH IS ROUND IN
SHAPE

Use two triangular bandages folded as a

broad or narrow bandage.

1. Depending on the size of the wound,

use a thin or broad bandage.

2. Wrap the bandage around the portion

and apply the center of the bandage over
the damage.

3. Tie in a convenient location.

4. Keep the initial bandage in place with a thin bandage.

FRONT OR BACK OF THE CHEST

BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

1. Position the open bandage's center on the

dressing point on the sound shoulder.
2. Wrap the bandage's ends around your torso and knot them so that one end is longer than
the other.

3. Tie the “point” to the longer end by drawing it over the shoulder.

4. If the cut is on the back of the chest,

reverse the procedures.

SHOULDER BANDAGE

Use a broad bandage.

1. Take a position facing the affected side.

2. Place the open bandage's center on the

shoulder, with the tip extending over the side of the neck to the ear.

3. After hemming the base inward across the center of the arm, cross the ends and tie the
knot on the outside side to secure the lower border of the bandage.

4. After that, use a sling to keep the injured side's arm in place.

5. Bring the bandage's tip down over the sling knot, pull it tight, and pin it.

ELBOW BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

1. If it's possible, bend the elbow to a right

angle.

2. Fold an appropriate hem of a triangle

bandage's base and attach it as follows:

a. Place the tip of the base on the back of the

forearm and the middle of the base on the back of the upper arm.

b. Tie the ends above the elbow, then cross

them in front of the elbow.

c. Lower the tip and pin it in place. If you

can't bend your elbow, apply a roller
bandage and the figure-eight method
.
HAND BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

1. Position the open bandage so that the

damage is at the top. The tip should be
directed towards the fingers and the
wrist's base.

2. Next, move the tip to the wrist.

3. As usual, make a tight inner hem,

wrap the ends around the wrist, cross
over, and knot it over the point.
4. Pinch the tip of the point above the knot.

HIP AND GROIN BANDAGE

Use an open triangular and a narrow bandage.

1. Kneel with your back to the hip and put a thin bandage around your waist on the
undamaged side.

2. Pass the tip of a second open bandage beneath the knot, bring it over the knot, and pin it.

3. Make a wide hem at the bottom, wrap the ends around the thigh, cross and make a knot
on the outer portion to keep the lower hemmed border in place.

KNEE BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

1. Make a straight angle with your knee.

2. Place the open bandage in front of the knee

with the tip on the thigh, with a narrow inward
hem.

3. Cross the ends and pull them upwards on the

back of the thigh, bringing them to the front and
tying them up.

4. Pin the point of the point of the point of the point of

the point of the point of the point of the point of the
point of the point of the point of the point of the

If the knee cannot be bent, a figure-eight bandage is

placed using a thin or broad bandage.

FOOT BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

1. Place the foot in the middle of an open

bandage, the point of the bandage beyond the
toes.

2. Draw a line from the tip of the foot to the leg.

3. Use the ends to cover the heel.

4. at the rear, cross the ends around the ankle.

5. Bring the ends in front of the ankle and knot them. 6. Pinch the tip and secure it with a
pin.

STUMP BANDAGE

Use an open triangular bandage.

 1. Wrap a bandage over the interior of the
stump, with the tip dangling downwards.

2. Draw a point above the stump and

cross the ends in front of it.

3. Bring the ends behind the stump, cross

them, and tie them off in front.

4. Secure the point with a safety pin by

drawing it firmly downwards over the
knot.

ROLLER BANDAGES

In hospitals and first-aid stations, roller

bandages are utilized. They're composed of
cotton fabric with a flawy mesh pattern. They
come in a range of lengths and widths.

Dressings are also held in place with the

use of roller bandages. The coiled section is
referred to as the "drum" or "head," while
the unrolled portion is referred to as the
"tail." Roller bandages should be applied
firmly and evenly.

To apply a roller bandage, always:

1. Make eye contact with the patient.

2. Always keep the bandage's "tail" towards the patient and the "head or drum" facing you.

3. Hold the bandage head in the right hand while bandaging the left limb, and vice versa
when bandaging the right limb.

4. Place the bandage's outer side over the pad and wrap it twice around the area to secure it.

5. Wrap the limb in a bandage from the bottom up. Make it a rule to always apply
bandages from the inside to the outside.

6. Make sure the bandage isn't too tight or too loose.

7. Roll the bandage in such a way that each layer covers two-thirds of the previous one.

8. Secure the bandage with a pin or sticky plaster. The traditional method of ripping the
last end into two long tails and tying them together is quite pleasing and practical.

METHODS ON HOW TO APPLY ROLLER BANDAGES

1. SINGLE OR SIMPLE SPIRAL PICTURE CHANGE

A basic spiral is used to apply the roller bandage. On fingers or other uniform
surfaces, this is utilized. The bandage is simply spiralled around the body.

2. REVERSE SPIRAL
 The roll is inverted downwards on itself at each cycle in this modified spiral. When
the thickness of a component changes, such as a leg or forearm, this approach should be
utilized.

3. FIGURE OF EIGHT

The bandage is alternately placed obliquely up and down in this method, resulting
in loops that resemble a figure of eight. It is used to treat joints such as the elbow, knee,
and others.

4. SPICA

This is a modified figure-of-eight that may be used to wrap a hip, shoulder, groin, or tumb.

CREPE BANDAGES

These are roller bandages made of cotton weaving material that is stretchy. These
are used to support sprains and other soft tissue injuries that do not have a wound. These
support the damaged joints while also assisting with the reduction of discomfort and
edema.

These can be directly administered to the skin. The application is similar to that of a
roller bandage. These should not be used excessively.

FAST EVACUATION

TECHNIQUES (SINGLE RESCUER)

If the victim is in a perilous position, the following are some one-rescuer

evacuation procedures that can be used to transport an unconscious casualty a short
distance to safety.

Only attempt to rescue a victim if the

situation is safe for you!

a. SHOULDER PULL

1. Grab the victim by the clothes beneath the

shoulders.

2. Support the head with both arms on both

sides of the head.

3. If feasible, pull the victim in a straight path.

ANKLE PULL

This is the fastest way to transport a victim across

a short smooth distance. However, because the
head is unsupported and may bounce over surface
irregularities, this approach is not recommended.

1. Grab both the ankles and the pant cuffs of the

victim.

2. Activate the casualty. To pull, use your legs

rather than your back. Maintain as much
straightness in your back as possible.
3. If feasible, pull the victim in a straight path.
4. If the victim is laying on a sheet, plastic, or blanket, pull the sheet, plastic, or blanket as
needed.

TRANSPORT TECHNIQUES

After proper first aid has been given, the patient may need to be conveyed.

Retain following strategies in mind when transporting a casualty:

The casualty's current position, or the position in which he has been put, should not be
disrupted needlessly.

Throughout the transport a careful watch must be kept on:

 the general condition of the sufferer (breathing, consciousness);

 any covering that may have been applied;
 any relapse of haemorrhage, and
 any marks of changes or deteriorating of the victim’s condition.
 The conveyance must be safe, steady and speedy.

The injured or sick person may be moved somewhere to stay, medical facility or hospital
by:

a single helper;
hand seats and the ’kitchen-chair’ carry technique by multiple helpers;
blanket lift by multiple helpers;
stretcher by multiple helpers;
wheeled transport (ambulance, car, …); or
air and sea travel (with specially trained staff).

The method to be used (and it may be necessary to use more than one technique) may
depend on:

 the nature and severity of the injury;

 the number of helpers and facilities available;
 the distance to the shelter, medical facility or hospital; and
 the nature of route to be covered.

SINGLE HELPER TRANSPORT.

If you are the only person available, following

techniques can be used to transport a casualty:

 the cradle technique,

 the human crutch technique,
 the pick-a-back technique, or
 the fire man's lift and carry technique

CRADLE TECHNIQUE

This approach should only be utilized in the

event of a minor casualty or a kid. Pass one
arm deep beneath the victim's two knees and the other around his back to lift him.

HUMAN SUPPORT TECHNIQUE

Assist the victim by putting your arm around his waist, gripping the garment at
him, and wrapping his arm over your neck, supporting his hand with your free hand, unless
there is an injury to an upper limb. If the casualty's upper limbs are wounded but his other
 hand is free, he or she may benefit from the use of a
staff or walking stick.

If both legs are damaged, another first responder

may
hold the
opposite
side in
the
same
manner (see human crutch technique with two
helpers).

PICK-A-BACK TECHNIQUE

If the victim is aware and able to clutch, he

may be carried in the ordinary “pick-a-back"
technique.

FIREMAN'S LIFT AND CARRY

TECHNIQUE

To be used only when the casualty is not

heavy for the bearer.

1. Assist the victim in rising to his or her feet.

2. With your left hand, grasp his right wrist.

3. Place your right arm between or around his knees, bending down with your head beneath
his extended right arm so that your right shoulder is level with the lower portion of his
abdomen.

4. Raise yourself to a standing posture by putting your weight on your right shoulder.

5. Pull the victim across both shoulders and

move his right wrist to your right hand, freeing up
your left. While carrying the victim, the aid can
also move up and down a ladder.

TWO OR MORE HELPER TRANSPORT.

When multiple aides are available, following

transport techniques can be used.

HUMAN CRUTCH TECHNIQUE

Both helpers aid the casualty by wrapping their arm around his waist, gripping the
garment at him, and placing each of his arms on their side around their neck, holding his
hand with their free hand, standing on both sides of the victim.

HAND SEAT TECHNIQUES

 Also known as the four-handed seat
technique. This seat is used when the casualty
can assist the bearer by using one or both
arms.

1. Two bearers face each other behind the

victim and grab each other's left wrists with
their right hands and the right wrists of the
other with their left hands.

2. The casually is told to place one arm over

each bearer's neck so that he may elevate himself to sit on their hands and keep himself
steady throughout travel.

3. The carriers rise together and walk off with

the right foot on the right side of the casually
and the left foot on the left side of the casually.

4. The carriers do a cross-over step rather than

side steps.

THE TWO-HANDED SEAT TECHNIQUE

This seat is mostly used to carry an injured

person who is unable to assist the bearers by
using his arms.

1. Two carriers, one on each side of the victim, face each other and bow down (not kneel).

2. Each bearer slips his forearm closest to the casualty's head under his back, just below the
shoulders, and grabs his clothes if feasible.

3. They marginally raise the casualty's back and then pass their other forearms under the
middle of his thighs and grasp their hands, the bearer on the casualty's left with his palm
upwards and holding a folded handkerchief to prevent finger nails from hurting him; the
bearer on the right with his palm downwards, as shown in ("hook grip").

4. The carriers stoop off jointly, the right-hand bearer

on his right foot and the left-hand bearer on his left
foot.

5. The carriers do a cross-over step rather than side

steps.

THE FORE AND AFT METHOD TECHNIQUE

This method of carrying should be used only when

space does not permit a hand seat.

1. One carrier stands between the casualty's legs, hands down, facing the feet, and grabs the
sufferer by the knees.

2. The other bearer takes a position behind the victim and, after lifting his trunk, passes his
hands under the sufferer's armpits and grips the casualty's chest with his own wrists.

3. After that, the casualty is lifted.

4. The carriers follow each other.

 5. When traversing a small corridor or traveling
up/down the stairs, a chair can also be utilized to
transport the victim (see kitchen-chair carry
technique).

THE

KITCHEN-CHAIR CARRY
TECHNIQUE

By transporting the patient in a

chair, the carriers move in lockstep. When
the victim is light in weight and the distance is
short, use this approach. This approach
permits you to carry the victim up and down
steps or stairs.

BLANKET LIFT TECHNIQUE

1. Place the victim on a blanket:

a. Lay the blanket or rug on the ground in front of the casualty, longitudinally rolled for
half its breadth.
b. Gently move the casualty over the roller section of the blanket or rug until he is laying
on his opposite side.

2. Two carriers retain control of the head and lower limbs if the victim is suspected of
having suffered a head, neck, or spine injury or a fracture. The other 4-6 carriers carefully
shift the casualty on to his side, using utmost
attention to avoid movement at the fracture
location. Throughout, the carriers at the head
and lower limbs adjust to the rolling of the
victim.

3. Gently drop the victim on his back to the

center of the open blanket or rug, unrolling the
rolled section of the blanket or rug.

4. When a blanket is hoisted by two or three

people on either side, the edges are folded up
close to the casualty's sides.

THREE PERSON CARRY AND STRETCHER LIFT

1. Everyone kneels next to the victim's feet on the same knee.

2. The rescuers hoist the sufferer up and place her on their knees at the order of the person
in charge.

3. If the patient is being placed on a low stretcher or litter basket, the patient is placed on
the litter basket/stretcher at the instruction of the person in charge.
4.
If
the

victim is to be carried, the rescuers will turn the victim around so that she is facing the
rescuers and resting on their chests.

5. All rescuers will stand on the instruction of the person in charge.

6. To walk, all rescuers will begin on the same foot and move in a straight line.

7. If you believe to have backbone or neck problem, you should take extra precautions.

STRETCHERS

Stretchers are of two designs viz. “ordinary" and “telescopic-handled". In general principle
they are similar.

A stretcher consists of following parts

poles,
handles,
jointed traverses,
runners,
bed,
pillow-sack, and
slings.

A stretcher's 'head' and 'foot' correlate to the casualty's head and feet. A canvas
overlay (the pillow sack) may be placed at the top of the stretcher and filled with straw,
hay, clothes, or other materials to make a pillow. The pillow-sack opens at the top,
allowing the contents to be altered without causing undue discomfort to the victim. The
traverses include joints that allow the stretcher to open and close. The telescopic-handled
design is identical, but the handles may be moved below the poles to shorten the length to
6 feet.

This is especially useful when working in restricted spaces or transporting a victim

up or down a narrow stairwell with steep curves. When the stretcher is closed, the poles are
close together, the transverse bars are bent inwards, the canvas bed is neatly folded on top
of the poles, and the slings are laid along with the canvas and secured by a strap that is
placed transversely at the end of each sling and passed through the large loop of the other,
and around the poles and bed.

LOADING A STRETCHER

Two methods are used to load a patient on a stretcher:

blanket lift, and

emergency lift.

BLANKET LIFT

1. A blanket is placed beneath the victim in the blanket lift (as described earlier).
2. Roll the blanket over the poles until they are
forced to the sides of the victim if long and
rigid poles are available. If poles are not
available, the blanket is pulled up firmly about
the victim's sides.

3. If necessary, wide bandages are wrapped

around the body, one at the thigh level and the
other at the shoulder level.

4. Raise the victim and lay the stretcher

directly beneath him.

5. Two carriers should support the neck and ankle in the event of a probable injury to the
head, neck, spine, or legs.

6. Place the victim on the stretcher and lower him

or her.

7. Place the victim on the stretcher.

EMERGENCY LIFT

1. If there isn't a blanket available, utilize the

following method:

Roll the loose ends of the casualty's

coat or bush-coat tightly up to the
side of the casualty's body.

2. As mentioned earlier, lift the

victim and place him on the
stretcher.

LIFTING AND LOWERING A

STRETCHER

1. When the instruction "Drop

Stretcher" is issued ", the two or
four carriers will stoop, lower the
stretcher gently to the ground, and
then rise together.

2. When the order "Lift Stretcher" is sent "They will then steadily rise together, keeping the
stretcher at the same level.

CARRYING A LOADED STRETCHER

It is possible to select whether the stretcher should be carried by four or two people,
depending on manpower available. If there are four assistants, each one takes one of the
stretcher's handles and walks on the stretcher's exterior.

If there are two assistants, one takes the head side and the other the opposite side.
They are positioned in the middle of the handles and use both to hold the stretcher. They
may elect to carry the stretcher with the aid of a sling slung over their shoulders and over
the stretcher's handles.

LOADING A STRETCHER INTO AN AMBULANCE

 The stretcher is lowered to within one pace of the ambulance's door. The victim
will be loaded from the top down. Take a side step to the ambulance when loading,
elevating the stretcher equally to the level of the berth to be loaded.

The front carriers insert the runners in the grooves, then aid the rear bearers in
sliding and securing the stretcher. Slings should be maintained with the stretcher if they
were used.

MOVING AND TRANSPORTING A CASUALTY SUSPECTED OF A HEAD,

NECK OR SPINAL INJURY

A victim with a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury must be treated with extreme caution
to avoid additional harm.

To carry a casualty assumed of a head, neck or spinal injury:

1. Prepare the stretcher; the canvas kind of stretcher's soft bed must be strengthened,
preferably by laying short boards across the stretchers, or long boards lengthwise on the
canvas if only these are available. If no stretcher is available, use a thin shutter, door, or
board that is at least the same width and length as the patient.

2. Cover the stretcher with a folded blanket before covering it with a blanket. Prepare the
stretcher by placing cushions or pads in a position to support the neck and a small section
of the back. Those should be large enough, but not too huge, to keep the spine's natural
curvature.

3. The victim must not be bent, twisted, or overextended when being transported or
hoisted. To avoid neck movement, one bearer must offer strong but gentle support to the
head and face, while the other bearing must stabilize and support the lower limbs. This
should be done until the victim is put on a stretcher.

4. If the victim isn't already covered by a blanket or mat.

a. Roll the blanket or rug lengthwise for half its width and place it on the ground in front of
the victim.

b. While the two carriers keep hold of the head and lower limbs, the other bearers carefully
turn the casualty on his side, taking care to avoid movement at the fracture site. Gently
move the victim over the roller section of the blanket or mat until he is lying on his
opposite side.

c. Unroll the rolled portion of the blanket or rug gently lowering the casualty on his back
so that he lies on the centre of the open blanket or rug. The bearers at the head and at the
lower limbs conform to the rolling of the casualty throughout.

5. Loading the stretcher.

There are two methods of loading a stretcher-

A Standard Method (when the casualty is covered by a blanket) and an

Emergency Method (when the casualty is not covered by a blanket), in which case the
stretcher can be pushed under the casualty, but the bearer at the feet must keep his legs
wide apart to allow the stretcher to be placed between them.

a. When there is a blanket beneath the casualty, the “blanket lift” is the usual procedure for
loading instances with spinal fractures. Roll the blanket's two edges up against the victim's
side. If suitable length and stiffness poles are available, the blanket's edges should be rolled
around them. The lifting of the casualty will be significantly easier as a result of this.
While two carriers hold the victim's head and lower limbs, the remaining bearers spread
themselves on either side of the casualty, facing one another, as needed. They elevate him
by holding the wrapped edges of the blanket and carefully and evenly lifting him to a
height that allows the stretcher to be pushed underneath him when the instruction is given.

If this is not feasible, the stretcher should be carried as close to the victim as
possible, with the carriers doing short, even side steps until the sufferer is immediately
over the stretcher, at which point he should be softly and carefully put onto it. Make sure
the pads are in the right place.

b. When there is no blanket beneath the casualty and none is available, the "Emergency
technique" for loading spine fractures is employed. Roll the casualty jacket tightly so that
the rolls are close together on either side.

Place the victim on the stretcher using the same process as for the blanket lift
method, but the bearers will grab the rolled up jacket and/or clothes and/or bandage around
the casualty's thighs instead of the blanket's wrapped edges. A wide bandage must be put
around the body just below the shoulder for the carriers to grab when the garment is
unstable.

6. Place strong supports on each side of the head to stabilize it in the case of cervical
injuries, such as rolled-up blankets or sandbags.

7. To ease pressure on the heels, place a folded blanket in the depression above them.

8. Wrap the victim in a blanket.

9. If he'll be transported across difficult terrain, keep his body motions to a minimum by
securing him to the stretcher with broad bandages that are snug but not too tight. These
should be placed slightly above the elbows to the pelvis, thighs, and calves, as well as the
torso and arms.

10. Once you've arrived to the shelter, medical institution, or hospital, don't do anything
else until medical help arrives.

11. If a hard board is not available, the aforementioned technique of transporting a spinal
injury case should be employed.

Transporting Unconscious Victims

The sufferer should be put on a big hardboard or

inverted "charpai" after receiving emergency
first aid. Secure him to the board with a strap.
The victim's head must be securely fastened.
Unconscious victims who are still breathing
should be placed in the recovery position and
transferred in that posture. They should be
monitored at all times.
If they cease breathing, they should be flipped
back over and CPR administered. Casualties
who are unconscious and not breathing are
carried on their backs while CPR is administered. If rescuing in a horizontal posture is not
practicable owing to specific circumstances, a vertical position may be necessary.

CONTENT OF A FIRST AID KIT

Small First Aid Box

1 tube silver sulfadiazine ointment 15 g

10 band aid strips
1 roller bandage 5x5 cm
1 package absorbent sterilized cotton 15 g
1 scissor 7cm (sharp/blunt edge)
10 tablets paracetamol
1 plastic mouth-to-mouth resuscitator
1 triangular bandage (90 cm)
10 safety pins
1 adhesive plaster/tape
3-4 ice cream spoons to be used as splints of finger
2 ORS sachets

Activity No. 1
Collage Making

Instructions: Make a collage using pictures containing the process of Bandaging wounds,
fractures, injuries and carries. It is a must that you are the one performing the tasks in the
pictures.

Perform the following:

1. Head Injury
2. Two - hand seat technique
3. Hand seat carry
4. Shoulder injury
5. One man human crotch
6. Two – man human crotch
7. Fireman’s carry
8. Lover’s carry
9. Kitchen chair carry
10. Fore and aft carry

NOTE: You are allowed to seek help on the internet or any person having enough
knowledge to administer bandaging BUT maintain and/or without compromising the
minimum health standard set forth by the NIATF/MIATF.

Activity No. 2
Essay writing

Instructions: In hand written output, write the importance of the following to your own
self. Support your answer with a reference and citations.

1. First Aid
2. Water Survival
3. Basic life support techniques
4. Basic carrying techniques
5. Possession of first aid kit
Prepared by:

JUMAR T RUIZ, RCrim

REFERRENCES:

Indian First Aid Manual 2016 (7th Edition) Authorized Manual – English Version, St.
John Ambulance Association (India) – Indian Red Cross Society National Headquarters 1,
RED CROSS ROAD, NEW DELHI – 11001 retrieved from:
https://www.indianredcross.org/publications/fa-manual.pdf

Queensland Studies Authority, 2007, Water Safety and Survival Level 3: Health and
Physical Education retrieved from:
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/p_10/kla_hpe_sbm_312.pdf
Also refer to:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/basic-first-aid-procedures-1298578
https://nhcps.com/lesson/cpr-first-aid-first-aid-basics/