BASIC PRONCIPLES OF FIRST AID

 FIRST AID
First aid refers to the initial care and assistance provided to a person
who has been injured or is suddenly taken ill before professional medical
help arrives. The primary goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent
the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.

 Actions involved in providing first aid:

1. Assess the situation: Ensure that the scene is safe for both you and
the injured person. If it's not safe, don't put yourself in harm's way.
2. Check for responsiveness: Tap the person and shout, "Are you okay?"
to determine if they are conscious and responsive.
3. Call for help: If the person is unresponsive, or if the injury or illness is
severe, call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 in the United
States).
4. ABCs of first aid:
 Airway: Ensure the person's airway is clear and open. Tilt their
head back gently and lift the chin to open the airway if necessary.
 Breathing: Check if the person is breathing. If not, begin CPR
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
 Circulation: Check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, start chest
compressions during CPR.
5. Control bleeding: If the person is bleeding, use a clean cloth or sterile
dressing to apply pressure to the wound to stop or control the bleeding.
6. Treat shock: Keep the person warm, lay them down with their legs
elevated (unless there are signs of a head, neck, or spine injury), and
reassure them.
7. Provide basic wound care: Clean and cover wounds to prevent
infection.
 8. Immobilize injuries: If you suspect a fracture or spinal injury, try to
keep the injured area as stable as possible. Use splints or padding to
immobilize the injured limb or neck.
9. Comfort and reassure: Talk to the person to keep them calm and
provide emotional support.
10. Monitor vital signs: Continuously monitor the person's breathing,
pulse, and level of consciousness while waiting for professional help.

 It's important to note that first aid techniques may vary depending on
the specific injury or medical condition. People trained in first aid receive
instruction on how to respond to various situations, and it's
recommended to take a certified first aid course to learn these skills
properly. Additionally, the scope of first aid is limited, and professional
medical care should be sought for serious injuries or illnesses as soon as
possible.

Primum non nocere!

Do not be afraid of making a mistake and legal consequences

DRS ABCD
D – Danger
R – Response
S – Shout for help
A – Airway
B – Breathing
C – Circulation
D - Defibrillation

When the victim is breathing properly:

Safety Position

 Remove the injured person's glasses.

 Kneel next to the victim, make sure that he has both legs straight.
 Place the arm closer to you at right angles to the torso, bend at the elbow so that the
palm is directed upwards.
 Place the other arm over your chest and press the back of the victim's
hand to his cheek on your side.
 With the other hand, grab the victim's distant leg just above the knee and bend it,
keeping the foot on the ground.
 Holding your hand pressed to your cheek, pull the bent leg by turning the victim to
your side.
 Position the leg lying higher so that both the hip and knee are bent at
right angles.
 Tilt your head back, making sure your airways are clear.
 Slide your hand under your cheek, if necessary, so that it keeps your
head bent.
 Check your breathing regularly.

When the victim is not breathing properly:

- Call for help!
- Go for AED
CPR
Perform 30 chest compressions
Enter 2 rescue breaths

AED
 An automatic external defibrillator abbreviated as AED is a device
that, when electrodes are connected to the victim's chest, analyzes
the heart rhythm and determines whether the injured person needs
defibrillation.
 This abbreviation translates into Polish as Automatic Electric
Defibrillator (AED)
 defibrillator, i.e. a device that sends a specially designed direct
current pulse through electrodes to the heart, thus causing the return
of normal heart rhythm
 Once the AED is activated, the device automatically instructs and
guides the rescuer through the entire resuscitation algorithm – even
when there is no need for defibrillation.
 after gluing the electrodes, they can be used on the same patient
several times (AED electrodes are "single-patient", not disposable).
 Remember not to touch the patient after connecting to the AED!

If you are diagnosed with a risk (cardiac arrest, but also chest pain,
severe shortness of breath, altered consciousness), quickly notify the
emergency services by calling 112 or 999.

Remember that...
Shortness of breath is the surest symptom indicating Sudden
Cardiac Arrest!
So: no reaction of the patient + breath = lack of circulation =
act as soon as possible!
 If you don't have training, you can do 100 hard compressions per
minute without breathing.
 UNINTERRUPTED HIGH-QUALITY PRESSURE is beneficial, so it's a good
idea to change every 2 minutes.
 If you have used an AED, do not peel off the electrodes. This will allow
the AED to continue to monitor your heart rate – even on the way to
the hospital.
 The electrodes are "single-patient", not disposable. In the AED, another
electrical discharge may occur if the device detects a recurrence of
arrhythmias.
 Observe and supervise the patient until the doctor takes care
of him
 Communicate known event details
(time of resuscitation, whether it was preceded by pain, etc.)
and personal data of the injured ambulance team.

LUCAS
 LUCAS stands for Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System.
 LUCAS Chest Compression System is a medical device designed to
assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It provides automated
chest compressions to maintain blood circulation in a person
experiencing cardiac arrest. The device is named after Lund
University in Sweden, where it was developed.
 Mechanical Compressions: LUCAS is a mechanical device that
delivers automated chest compressions. This can be particularly
useful in emergency situations where consistent and high-quality
compressions are essential.
 Consistency: The device is designed to provide consistent
compressions, which can be challenging to achieve manually over
an extended period.
 Reduced Interruptions: LUCAS aims to minimize interruptions in
chest compressions, which is crucial for maintaining blood flow to
vital organs during CPR
 Adjustable Settings: The device often has adjustable settings to
accommodate different patient sizes and conditions.
 Battery Powered: LUCAS is typically powered by batteries, making
it portable and suitable for various settings, including ambulances,
hospitals, and other emergency response environments.
 It's important to note that the use of automated chest compression
devices, including LUCAS, should be in accordance with established
guidelines and protocols for CPR. These devices are typically used by
trained medical professionals as part of a comprehensive approach
to resuscitation.

POST-RESUSCYTATION CARE
 Post-resuscitation care is a critical phase in the management of a
patient who has undergone successful resuscitation after cardiac
arrest. This phase involves ongoing medical interventions and
monitoring to support the patient's recovery and prevent further
complications.
 Optimal Oxygenation and Ventilation:
o Ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation to support the
patient's respiratory function.
o Monitor oxygen saturation levels and adjust oxygen therapy
accordingly.
 Hemodynamic Support:
o Monitor and support the patient's blood pressure and cardiac
output.
o Administer fluids or medications as needed to maintain
adequate perfusion to vital organs.
 Neurological Monitoring:
o Assess neurological status, including level of consciousness,
pupillary response, and motor responses.
o Consider neuroimaging and other diagnostic tests as
necessary to evaluate brain function.
 Temperature Management:
o Manage the patient's body temperature to prevent
hyperthermia or hypothermia.
o Therapeutic hypothermia may be considered in certain cases
to minimize neurological damage.
 Continuous ECG Monitoring:
o Monitor cardiac rhythm continuously to detect and manage
any arrhythmias or ischemic events promptly.
 Laboratory Tests:
o Perform laboratory tests, including blood tests, to assess
organ function and electrolyte balance.
 Seizure Management:
o Administer antiepileptic medications if seizures occur.
o Monitor for signs of seizures and provide appropriate
interventions.
 Psychosocial Support:
o Provide emotional support to the patient and their family.
o Consider involving a multidisciplinary team, including social
workers or psychologists, to address psychological aspects of
recovery.
 Reperfusion and Coronary Care:
o Consider further interventions, such as coronary angiography
and revascularization, in cases where the cardiac arrest was
due to a cardiac event.
 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Care:
 o Transfer the patient to an intensive care unit for close
monitoring and specialized care.
 Post-resuscitation care is individualized based on the patient's
specific condition, the cause of the cardiac arrest, and other
relevant factors. Timely and comprehensive care during this phase
can significantly impact the patient's overall outcome. Medical
professionals, including critical care specialists and cardiologists,
play a crucial role in coordinating post-resuscitation care.

LINKS

 DRS ABCS
https://youtu.be/8YREVVM2n7g?si=H68xszfZCwxj_luu

 Safety position
https://youtu.be/GmqXqwSV3bo?si=kROI3d_uHriqNYnt

 BLS
https://youtu.be/n7kqiAu2gC8?si=EOKB_wYho9AGZ5fF

 AED in Action
https://youtu.be/FSiDT5P0ZlI?si=HT3V9QFDW6ixCvoc

 CPR in Action
https://youtu.be/DUaxt8OlT3o?si=r4sbNbGuMtmeYHcE

 LUCAS
https://youtu.be/HvNkWpZmdHA?si=V765S1u91tZE7BJC

 Angioplasty
https://youtu.be/bzasYRhmOWg?si=DbCzxJji4souQeMY