Category: First Aid

Introduction

How can we better educate individuals on using first aid people in Saudi Arabia? How can we give these individuals a better understanding of how to use the first aid kit? How can improve their knowledge on this topic to act upon emergency situations?

The usage of the first aid does show high importance in Saudi Arabia, many people have a general understanding of this topic. I choose this topic to help people to improve their knowledge on this topic, and deliver the best form of understanding on this topic. And I will be conducting this project by using the help of relatives who have a lot of experience on this topic like my father where he has a license to first aid people in the time of need. And I will also be using different medical websites that have better knowledge on this topic where it is going to be helpful to make my final product which will benefit the eastern province.

First aid is essential for saving lives. Individuals may complete a health guide given a hazardous event or harm prior to the presence of emergency organizations. Life-saving methods which can be prepared for action by a significant number of people with insignificant fitting and no past general education experience. The term generally implies a human’s control of thought, considering the way it can be done on animals in the same manner. It’s not categorized as recuperative care and does not completely replace a prepared clinical expert’s mediation. A mixture of fundamental techniques and sound judgement is medical help. In crisis diagnosis, the most significant phrase proposed is ABC. This speaks to the course, breathing, as well as course of both the flight. A fourth step may occur in common workplace emergency approaches. Flying course: guarantee that the course of travelling is clear. Choking, which is the result of the avionics course impediment, can be fatal. Breathing: Once the aeronautics courses have also been confirmed, recognition has also been provided to anything, choose whether the individual can breathe in, and, if vital, provide comfort. Stream: If there is no breathing for the person involved with both the emergency situation, the first aider will go directly to chest compression and rescue unwinding. The compressions of the heart will propel the flux. Significant time for such extras. Savage depletion or defibrillation: Some affiliations consider dressing genuine wounds or applying heart intubation and alternating the fourth stage, while others combine this as an important part of the streaming process. Assessing and sustaining ABC with a client relies on a first responder’s agreement and experience. The first aider would then have the alternative to focus on any increased drugs at the juncture when ABC has been confirmed.

It is necessary to perform the ABC operation in a particular order. However, there will be times when two phases can be conducted continuously by a first aider. This may be the situation when a person who is not breathing and has no heartbeat has salvage respiration and chest compressions. It is imperative to use an essential study to ensure that the scene is clear of hazards before you step in to help: health risk: keep an eye for potential risks to the harmed person and yourself. Would it be able to be cleared when there is a threat, or could the individual be moved away from further mischief? If there is no other option for you, watch out and call for qualified support. Reaction: Once all danger has stopped clearly, verify that the patient is conscious and alert, ask questions, and confirm that you are having a reaction. Watching if they react to your touch and know about their torment also is essential. Aviation route: Check whether the aviation route is clear and, if, do whatever it takes not to clear it. Have the harmed individual lying on their back, and afterwards place one hand on the brow and two fingers from the other hand on the jaw. Tenderly tilt the head back while marginally raising the jaw upwards. Any checks should be expelled from the mouth, including false teeth. Just supplement fingers into the mouth of the harmed individual if a deterrent is available.

Breathing: Is the individual breathing adequately? The first aider ought to inspect the chest for development and the mouth for indications of relaxing. A short time later, draw near to the individual to check whether air can be felt on the cheek from relaxing. The first aider then needs to complete an optional overview, checking for disfigurements, open injuries, surgeon ready labels, and swellings.

On the off chance that the harmed individual is breathing securely, do a fast entire body check for the accompanying:

• open injuries
• distortions
• therapeutic alarm labels instructing with respect to basic conditions

Swellings

This is known as an optional overview. When this has been finished, place the person in a recuperation position. Now, the first aider should require an emergency vehicle.

Nearly everybody should utilize a medical aid unit eventually. Make time to get ready home and travel units for your family’s wellbeing. Medical aid packs might be essential or complete. What you need relies upon your medicinal preparing and your good ways from proficient restorative assistance. Instant medical aid units are monetarily accessible from chain stores or open-air retailers, yet it’s anything but difficult to make brilliant, economical emergency treatment packs yourself.

Home and Travel First Aid Kit Basics

Home emergency treatment packs are typically utilized for treating these kinds of minor horrendous wounds:

• Consumes
• Cuts

Scraped spots (scratches)

• Stings
• Chips
• Sprains
• Strains

Emergency treatment packs for head out should be progressively thorough in light of the fact that a medication store could conceivably be available. Notwithstanding close to home therapeutic things, the pack ought to contain things to help ease the normal manifestations of viral respiratory diseases, for example, these:

• Fever
• Nasal clog
• Hack
• Sore throat

It ought to likewise contain things to treat these afflictions:

• Cuts
• Gentle torment
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Skin issues
• Hypersensitivities

Attempt to keep your pack little and basic. Stock it with multi-use things. Nearly anything that gives great permeability of substance can be utilized for a family unit emergency treatment pack.

On the off chance that your pack will be moving, a water-safe, drop-verification compartment is ideal. Modest nylon sacks, individual units, fanny packs, or cosmetics cases work well for very. You don’t have to spend a great deal of cash on an extravagant ‘medicinal pack.’ Use resealable sandwich or stove sacks to gathering and compartmentalize things.

Put twisted supplies in a single sack and prescriptions in another. Ensure you realize how to appropriately utilize the entirety of the things in your pack, particularly the meds. Train others in your family to utilize the pack. You might be the person who needs emergency treatment. Pack and use boundary things, for example, latex gloves to shield yourself from the natural liquids of others. Check the pack two times per year and supplant lapsed medications. Discover the telephone number of your provincial toxic substance control focus at the American Association of Poison Control Centers Web webpage and keep the number with your unit.

Where to keep your medical aid unit

The best spot to keep your medical aid unit is in the kitchen. Most family exercises occur here. The restroom has an excessive amount of mugginess, which abbreviates the timeframe of realistic usability of things.

The movement pack is for genuine outings from home. Keep it in a bag, knapsack, or dry pack, contingent upon the action. An emergency treatment unit for ordinary use in the vehicle ought to be much the same as the home medical aid pack. So far as that is concerned, you could keep comparative packs in your vessel (inside a waterproof sack), travel trailer, manufactured home, camper, lodge, country estate, and any place you invest energy.

There will never be a decent spot to get injured however when help is distant, a medical aid unit is your next closest companion. You can’t generally rely on others to help so be readied. We just have so a lot of blood – Scary yet obvious. In the event that your damage includes blood-misfortune, you just have valuable seconds to get the important supplies to stop the dying. Keeping an emergency treatment unit close by can give the additional time you have to look for help.

Children will be kids – You can depend on kids getting injured. Absence of experience or out and out carelessness all mean somebody getting injured. Cuts scratches and consumes are normal wounds to expect so set up an emergency treatment pack with the proper supplies. Risk – no one needs to consider being sued. Organizations are legally necessary to keep emergency treatment supplies promptly accessible when there is no first reaction inside 10 minutes. Be certain your medical aid unit is supplied with the required ANSI emergency treatment things.

Ensure your representatives or individuals you care about – When damage happens, a loaded medical aid pack can spare somebody’s life. Consider other people who are gambling damage while at work and make the best decision. Tell everybody you have a loaded medical aid pack prepared to utilize and disclose to them where it is on the off chance that a mishap happens.

The initial phase in any crisis is the acknowledgement of the issue and giving assistance. If all else fails or when somebody is genuinely harmed or sick, you ought to consistently enact the crisis reaction framework by calling 911. In case you don’t know how genuine the circumstance is, the 911 administrator will ask you a progression of inquiries to decide its earnestness.

Stay on hold until extra help shows up, or until the 911 administrator instructs you to hang up. Crisis framework dispatchers can control you through the means of performing cardiopulmonary revival (CPR), utilizing a programmed outer defibrillator (AED) or conveying fundamental consideration until extra help shows up.

Regardless of whether you are at home, work, or school, know where the medical aid unit and the AED are kept and be comfortable with their substance. Ability to enact the crisis reaction framework (by calling 911 if in the United States). Know about any strategies in the work environment in regards to health-related crises.

In the wake of deciding the issue, the following stage in giving assistance is to decide the lethargy of the harmed or sick individual. The most ideal approach to decide this is to tap the individual and talk noisily to them: ‘Are you alright?’ After deciding lethargy, holler for help. Search for any medicinal distinguishing pieces of proof, for example, a piece of jewellery or a wristband. This may give an important intimation to the reason for the circumstance.

Surveying the security of the surroundings is basic when moving toward any scene. You would prefer not to turn into someone else who is harmed or sick so search for any potential risks. Expel the individual from any risks, for example, the nearness of water at the scene. Be particularly cognizant to stay away from peril from vehicle traffic.

Handwashing is basic in the avoidance of sickness and disease. Wash your hands after every scene of care and in the wake of taking off gloves. Additionally, make certain to wash the harmed/sick individual’s hands at the principal opportunity. At the point when a sink isn’t accessible, use hand sanitizers. (Most hand sanitizers are liquor based and subs for handwashing when required.)

A few people attempt their best to help somebody needing medical aid, regardless of whether they don’t have the information. In any case, frequently an individual feeling of dread they will commit an error on the off chance that they attempt to support an unfortunate casualty, in this manner deadening them into inaction.

The initial phase in medical aid is needing to help. Regardless of whether it is perusing a leaflet or taking a medical aid course offered by the Red Cross, the American Heart Association, YMCA, nearby school or emergency clinic, there are places that show emergency treatment nuts and bolts that will endure forever and potentially spare a real existence.

In conclusion, we have learned the essentials of using the first aid kit and how using it and conducting it in real life situation can help save and preserve lives through the studies of YMCA and the red cross. As there many places to learn these facts, and there is no need of taking medical courses as first aiders only use common sense to help eas the situation. Any questions about this topic can be found in this research paper tackling many questions in this field can help a better understanding of medical aid.

First aid kits are a crucial possession in all households. From slight abrasion to severe injuries, these kits can help lessen the possibility of infection and the extent of wounds. A typical first aid kit has equipment that can treat burns, contusions, cuts, strains, and other types of injuries. As unpleasant as it seems, accidents are inevitable. Owning a first aid kit can save lives during domestic emergencies.

Here are the advantages of owning a first aid kit

A Stop-gap Before Medical Help Arrives

The primary objective of first aid treatment is to reduce the extent of an adverse condition before medical help arrives. A first aid kit is useful for this purpose, provided its components are within their expiry date. With a kit at your home, you can reduce the severity of an injury before the emergency team responds.

Reduces Infections

Open wounds are highly vulnerable to infections. A first aid kit is can significantly reduce the risk of infection when such injuries occur at your home. For instance, you can sterilise open cuts to prevent bacterial infections. You can also use bandages to dress and cauterise wounds and avoid further infections.

It Saves Lives

In some cases, a person could experience potentially fatal injuries, such as deep cuts that cause excessive bleeding. A well-equipped first aid kit has the essential components to avert such situations. You can react to accidents and instantly apply measures to save lives, especially in life-threatening situations.

Reduces Recovery Time

Another significance of first aid kits is that they reduce the recovery period. When you attend to an injury, the patient will need a shorter period to recover than when you leave the injury unattended. This, in turn, could translate to reduced medical bills.

Prevents Severe Injuries from becoming Chronic

A small injury such as a fall off the stairs could easily change into a chronic condition. However, timely first aid treatment can prevent such occurrences. You can make an injury easier to treat by having an equipped first-aid kit at your home.

Prevents Excessive Bleeding

As mentioned above, first aid kits can be useful in stopping excessive bleeding when somebody gets a deep cut while at your home. You can apply the remedy needed to clot a wound and prevent blood loss until medal experts arrive at the scene.

Emergency Medical Supplies

Often, some people in your home can fall sick. First aid kits typically have some medical supplies such as pain killers that are excellent in relieving pain and countering mild illnesses. You can use these to make the sick feel better until they seek further treatment.

Useful during Emergencies

Sometimes, an accident might occur near your home. You can offer assistance by offering your first aid equipment and provide invaluable support to the victims until the ambulance gets to the scene.

Conclusion

Accidents come about without caution, and it is better to be well-equipped so that such situations do not cause severe injuries or even fatalities. For these reasons, every homeowner should purchase a first aid kit.

Should first aid courses be compulsory in South African high school’s Life Orientation curriculum, from grade 10 onwards, in order to decrease risks whilst an individual is having an epileptic attack?

Introduction

The South African Department of Health defines epilepsy as, “a chronic disorder of the brain. It is characterised by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalised), and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.” (2) First aid is currently not freely available to high school students within South Africa through their Life Orientation curriculum, this is unfortunate because, 1 in every 100 people in South Africa suffer from epilepsy (1), this not only affects the lives of people suffering with the condition but also individuals living around them, if every epileptic person has 4 immediate family members this results in an additional 2 million South Africans affected by this condition (1).

Life Orientation Curriculum

The South African Life Orientation (LO) curriculum dedicates 2 hours per week towards LO which translates into 66 hours per annum in Grades 10 & 11 and 56 hours in total for Grade 12 (3). As seen in Image A of the appendix there are 6 topics covered in LO and majority of the hours are dedicated to development of the self in society, careers and career choices as well as physical education.(3) The South African Department of Basic Education lists that LO teaches life skills, as seen in Image B of the appendix, and states that it is a “desirable competencies applicable for meaningful adaptation such as communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, self-management and etc.”(3) According to that statement first aid could be seen as a life skills as it posses “desirable competencies applicable for meaningful adaptation,” such as problem solving. Meriam Webster defines first aid as emergency care or treatment given to an injured or ill person before professional medical assistance obtained (4) this simplifies into practical problem solving.

The LO curriculum could allocate 18 hours towards Level 1 first aid training as one of the skills taught is casualty management which includes seizures (5), the skills taught in Level 1 can be seen in the appendix under first aid levels, Level 1 (6 & 7). By including first aid into the LO curriculum the Department of Education would be equipping learners with valuable life skills as well as better their problem solving skills.

The challenge of including first aid into the curriculum is that the South African Department of Basic Education receives limiting funds from the government, in 2018 the Department of Basic Education was given R 246,8 billion (9), the department’s funding in 2018/19 decreased by 2,9% from the previous year and investments in education have decreased by 10% (8). Majority of the budget goes towards salaries and this has resulted in the “per learner” allocation to reduce from R 16 435 per learner in 2017 to approximately R 15 963 in 2019 (8). Mismanagement of Basic Education funds given to the provinces (8) also makes it extremely challenging for first aid to be integrated into the LO curriculum as Level 1 training prices ranges from R 400 – R 600 per learner.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological disease worldwide (11) and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) low- and middle- income countries possess 80% of the world’s epileptic (12). South Africa is currently an upper middle- income country (13) with approximately over half a million South Africans suffering with epilepsy (1). Depending on the strength of medication required anti- epileptic medication prices can range from R 27, 76 to R 522, 32 (14). This makes medication extremely expensive and affordable at the same time and, with 55,5% of the South African population living below the poverty rate of R 992 monthly per person (15) this would make anti- epileptic medication quite expensive for families living below the poverty rate. Also, as stated earlier, if all epileptic persons have 4 immediate family members then an extra 2 million people are affected (1).

Approximately 65 million people, internationally, suffer from epilepsy (refer to appendix for types pf seizures). One in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point of their life (16), 1 in 20 people will have one epileptic attack at some point of their lifetime (17), but this does not mean that they have epilepsy. Mainly persons below the age of 20 and above the age of 65 have seizures this is due to: difficulties in birth, childhood infections or accidents in youth are common reasons in persons below age 20, incidents such as strokes or heart attacks or a common reason in persons age 65 and above (17). Myoclonic, Atomic and Tonic- clonic seizures (refer to types of seizures in appendix) could result in falls which cold lead to severe damage to the head but, with basic knowledge such as first aid the damage could be less severe. A quarter of new epileptic cases worldwide are in minors and this is due to an increase in population as well as complications during childbirth such as fetal injury (18). Approximately 600 people die annually from seizures (19) and it is unknown if the deaths could be prevented according to SUDEP (sudden, unexpected, witnessed or unwitnessed, non- traumatic, and non- drowning death in patients with epilepsy, but epilepsy does kill 1 in 4500 children and 1 in 1000 adults (20). Laceration is the largest injury caused by epilepsy and is “the result of a shearing force and causes deeper skin tearing through the epidermis and dermis and sometimes a subcutaneous tissues (21).

Conclusion

By the inclusion of first aid to the LO curriculum for Grade 10’s in South African high schools there could be a positive change in the risks faced during epileptic attacks and, although this has not been tested with epilepsy countries overseas such as: the United States of America and Canada have seen a decrease in injury throughout schools (22) due to the introduction of first aid.

Introduction

According to RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), over 30 million working days are lost each year due to workplace injuries and illnesses in the UK. In order to avoid workplace hazards, emergencies and crippling lawsuits, employers must ensure that correct safety measures are in place, and adequate first aid training is provided.

Whether you’re an employee or member of staff, being qualified in first aid could potentially save a person’s life. From treating minor burns to performing CPR, having the practical skills to deal with health and safety-related incidents will give you the confidence to react assuredly and respond to any situation with professionalism.

What is First Aid at Work?

In accordance with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, it is a legal requirement to provide sufficient first aid equipment and services in the workplace, with at least one professionally trained member of staff.

In high-risk workplaces such as construction sites, employees are prone to injuries and accidents if there is no proper training or arrangements in place. Manual labour such as heavy lifting, handling machinery and working in confined places all require precautionary measures, and it is advised to have a trained first aider on the premises at all times. In low-risk workplaces such as offices, there are still many safety factors to consider and risks to be aware of such as trips and falls, electrical hazards and fire hazards.

A Comprehensive Guide to Workplace First Aid

This step-by-step practical guide to workplace first aid will help you gain a solid understanding of procedures and best practice, in compliance with the UK Government Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Employer Legal Obligations

• The Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states that all employers must assess risks and take appropriate action to control risks and hazards in the workplace.
• The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 requires employers to provide first aid equipment, facilities and personnel so that any medical emergencies are dealt with professionally and within a quick response time.
• These health and safety regulations apply to all working environments, including the self-employed and companies with less than five employees.
• Appropriate arrangements for administering first aid will vary from workplace to workplace, which is why employers must conduct thorough assessments regarding workplace needs.
• Employers who fail to provide adequate first aid and do not comply with health and safety regulations may face prosecution by HSE.
• Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), all employers and self-employed workers must report work-related injuries, work-related illnesses and dangerous hazards.
• It is advised that employers keep a report book. Any incidents reported must be in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Assessing Workplace First Aid needs

It is crucial that all employers conduct a needs assessment for first aid in the workplace in order to ensure appropriate safety services and training. Assessments must include the type of work that is carried out, the structure of your workforce and staff experience levels. Assessments must include the following checks:

• Active machinery
• Hazardous chemicals and materials
• Uneven flooring
• Confined working spaces
• Electrical hazards
• Slipping, tripping and falling hazards
• Construction/warehouse on-site traffic
• Working areas exposed to harsh weather conditions

What’s in a Basic Workplace First Aid Kit?

In low-risk workplaces such as offices, retail shops and supermarkets, employers must have a fully-stocked basic first aid kit, which will be managed by an appointed first aid supervisor who may or may not have specialist training. In high-risk workplaces, a first aid treatment room with a medical couch and chair may be required.

The first aid supervisor, or whoever is appointed, is responsible for contacting emergency services if required, maintaining equipment and organising supervision cover if absent. In the case of an emergency, employees must be aware of first aid arrangements, where first aid facilities are and who is responsible for supervising first aid procedures. The fundamentals of a basic first aid kit are as follows:

• A first aid booklet
• Individually wrapped waterproof plasters (assorted sizes)
• Sterile eye pads
• Disposable triangular bandages
• Sterile cleansing wipes
• Medium-sized sterile wound dressings
• Disposable medical gloves
• Safety pins
• Microporous tape

Qualified First Aiders and Appointed Supervisors

A ‘first aider’ is someone who has had professional training in first aid, while untrained supervisors are referred to as an ‘appointed person’. Low-risk workplaces with no visible hazards often have appointed persons, however: high-risk working environments require trained first aiders. Appointed persons should not attempt to provide first aid treatment if they do not have the appropriate level of training.

Responsibilities of a first aid supervisor include:

• Taking charge and being the first point of contact when someone is injured or taken ill at work
• Ensuring the injured or sick person has access to first aid facilities and equipment
• Requesting the assistance of a qualified first aider if one is available
• Contacting emergency services if required

If your workplace requires a qualified first aider, it is critical as an employer that you choose the right training course. Courses range from nationally recognised qualifications to courses designed by independent providers and emergency services such as the British Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance.

Levels of workplace first aid training

To become a qualified workplace first aider, there are two types of training courses available:

1. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – A level 2 qualification on how to administer first aid treatment in an emergency situation.
2. First Aid at Work Certificate (FAW) – A level 3 qualification on how to administer first aid treatment in an emergency situation, including other general first aid treatments.

In low-risk environments:

• At least one appointed first aid supervisor is required for a workforce of up to 25 people.
• At least one qualified EFAW first aider is required per 50 people
• At least one qualified FAW first aider is required per 100 people

In high-risk environments:

• At least one appointed first aid supervisor is required for a workforce of up to 5 people.
• At least one qualified EFAW first aider is required per 25 people
• At least one qualified FAW first aider is required per 50 people

Benefits of Workplace First Aid Training

Regardless of your workplace, first aid services may be required at any time, and it’s crucial to be prepared for any situation, however minor it may be. Some benefits of workplace first aid include:

Life-Saving Skills

Knowing how to perform CPR and deal with an unresponsive casualty is an invaluable skill to have regardless of whether you’re in a working environment, out and about, or at home. When it comes to serious medical emergencies, having a trained first aider in the workplace who can respond to critical situations quickly and professionally could be the difference between life and death.

A Safe Working Environment for all

Providing workplace first aid training raises employee awareness of health and safety best practice, helping to reduce the number of avoidable accidents and injuries. Staff can feel confident that their wellbeing is safeguarded when there is a trained first aider who is familiar with the first aid kit and guide. Many companies offer first aid training to new employees, and it can even be introduced as a group exercise.

Cost-Effective Classes

First aid training doesn’t cost much when it comes to the cost of human life. Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment is money well spent, and training typically last less than a week. With basic life support training costing on average £75 at an individual price, there’s really no excuse not to invest in the wellbeing of your staff.

Why do we Need a Workplace First Aid Guide?

Every year, there are over 6,000 workplace-related deaths worldwide and many more injured. From slips and trips to concussions and seizures, it’s vital to be prepared for every scenario, so that employees can receive the immediate attention they need. Employers are therefore responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their staff by providing adequate first aid training and services.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states that employers must assess, eliminate and control risks to health and safety in the workplace, which means that every organisation is required to have a first aid training guide that is in line with the needs of the business.

All businesses should have an emergency plan that includes:

• Evacuation and emergency procedures
• A place of safety
• Nominated advisors to take control of the situation
• A list of the nearest medical facilities

Remember

First aid facilities are NOT optional in the workplace – it is a mandatory requirement that can lead to serious prosecutions if ignored. Not only does workplace first aid training ensure a healthy working environment, it gives employees the assurance they need that their safety and wellbeing is protected. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide an effective emergency first aid plan. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry!

Introduction

First aid is immediate help provided to a sick or injured person until professional help arrives. It is concerned not only with physical injury or illness but also with other initial care which includes psychosocial support for people suffering emotional distress caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event [1]. In another word, first aid is a timely response to emergencies and provides immediate care to injured people.

Historical background: On 24 June 1859, Henry Dunant, a young Geneva businessman, witnessed horrifying suffering and agony following the battle of Solferino. He mobilized the civilian population, mainly women and girls, to care for the wounded irrespective of their role in the conflict. He secured them with the necessary materials and supplies and helped in the establishment of temporary hospitals. His book “A Memory of Solferino” inspired the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863. Today, the need for humanitarian action is still as vital as it was in 1859. For the past 100 years until now providing first aid services to injured people was one of the important services provided by the Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers and now it became the core activity of their practice [2].

Basic First aid knowledge and practice are extremely important to save lives and help the victim before the situation worsens. Also, it encourages healthy and safe living by providing relive and ensuring better safety to the victim. Therefore, the knowledge about first aid must be a priority as matter of human responsibility.

Clearly, everyone should be aware of first aid practice to prevent victim suffering or even death with a simple intervention. First aid training is essential to provide self-confidence and ensuring that the right methods of administering medical assistance are followed. A trained person will be conversant, and able to evaluate the situation to take immediate action in case of emergency, for that first aid training and practice to deal with most conditions in daily life is better than retaining knowledge and skills without application [3].

Schools are the most common place where an accident could take a place and students spend a considerable amount of their time in the school. Teachers are the first people who can look after students and provide a safe environment. As far as we know, student, especially in young age, are more prone to simple daily accidents. Teachers always should be alert and able to deal with simple cases, perform proper first aid if needed without having to wait for professional help. The majority of teachers have a few knowledge of first aid that needs more reading, practice and administration of first aid services in real life situations to indicate positive attitudes in regards to first aid provision, first aid facilities improvement at schools surveyed, through providing fully equipped first aid tools, a separate sick room to emergencies situations, posters outlining first aid procedures for management of medical emergencies, and videos for clarification first aid practices. All these procedures must be followed to make schools safer environment for children [4]. A study found that teachers who had knowledge and information about first aid did not have confidence to practice in case an emergency arises [5]. The levels of knowledge of pre-school teachers working in the province center of Isparta (Turkey) was evaluated and was found that they had inadequate knowledge about first-aid training, the quality of receiving good knowledge and training is essential [6]. Another study found that most of school teachers had lack of knowledge and training about emergency care and Basic Life Support (BLS). Help of emergency medical providers to the teachers is the solution since they represent the first-responder in [7].

The concept of first aid does not get enough attention in school environment, and that seems to be a common problem, and there are many factors affecting the knowledge of first aid among school teachers. A study conducted among kindergarten teachers in Lideta sub-city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, found that the factors affected on the knowledge of kindergarten teachers for first aid were: Ages older than 35 years were more knowledgeable about first aid compared to those who were 25 and younger, Kindergarten teachers who had five to ten years’ or more than ten years of experience of work were have more knowledge than those teachers who had less than five years’ experience, Type of work place showed that teachers who are working in private kindergarten had more knowledge and information than teachers who works in governmental kindergarten, Teachers who had previous first aid training were more knowledgeable than those without training, As well as teachers who obtained first aid information from health professionals or health institutes were more knowledgeable than those who got the information from other sources [8].

Many of accidents and disease related conditions/complications can occur in schools. This includes cases such as: (Nose bleeding, chocking, open Wounds injuries, exposure to chemicals) and different health situation (Epilepsy, Asthma, diabetes, hyper/hypotension) due to various environmental, hereditary and other factors.

Teachers are often faced with challenge of responding to the attack and providing first aid knowledge and skills. Misconceptions and a lack of knowledge of disease management contribute to continued misbehavior with students suffering from the diseases. In Nigeria, interventional study assessed the importance and effectiveness of increasing health education and helping epilepsy cases by examining trainee teachers about their knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy. They received health education comprising an hour and a half epilepsy lecture followed by discussion, resulting in the first aid management skill. This emphasizes the potential benefit of health education for epilepsy into teachers’ training curricula [9]. Female school teachers in Makkah suffer from inadequate knowledge and training of first aid that’s required in children with epilepsy [10]. A study showed that in Ethiopian culture they realize that evil spirit and insanity are better treated by religious remedies than with medical treatments. Therefore, they heal epilepsy remedies by Holy water and Church healing sessions which explains why a high percentage of teachers in Addis Ababa recognized epilepsy as a psychiatric disorder linked to insanity [11].

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. The level of knowledge about diabetic management differs from teacher to another depending on pervious experiences, teachers with pervious knowledge and practice showed a much higher level of knowledge than other teachers [12].

The importance of a first-aid training program was studied in specific schools of Bangalore. Correct knowledge and management of first aid among teachers was given by a structured teaching program on first aid management. The analysis of the study showed improvement in knowledge among teachers after allocating structured teaching program [13]. In another study among Iranian teachers’ in Kashan city, it was found that most of them have not passed first aid training and they answered the questions wrong regarding first aid. Training programs on first aid was recommended for teachers training [14].

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed guidelines on school asthma management. Many studies in United States of America reported that most of school teachers did not know about the rules of asthma management and they relied on nurses to handle emergency situations in schools. They found that future research should focus on teachers training as per NHLBI guidelines to enhance asthma management in schools [15]. A study clarified that most of teachers in Spanish schools knows about management of asthma, and half of them considered that they would know how to deal with asthma attack. Their study emphasized the necessity of knowing training requirements in order to establish plans for intervention in emergency situations in schools [16].

Since many accidents occur in schools and students probably can’t deal with it and some of these incidents can be pretty serious and needs fast intervention, there must be a qualified person with basic knowledge on first aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) practice and this person should be present daily at school. Teachers are the most people attached to students through the school day, so, teacher’s awareness about first aid skills and their ability to practice is extremely important to make the school environment safer for students.

Studies conducted on teachers’ knowledge of first aid in Saudi Arabia are limited. Our study is concerned about knowledge, and practice of first aid among female teachers in Saudi Arabia.

The findings can be used to determine the current status of first aid practice among teachers in schools and identify the obstacles they are facing to conduct appropriate first aid intervention in case of emergency. It can also be used as a reference for different bodies like (ministry of health, Saudi Red Crescent Authority) to provide an appropriate solution to lack of first aid knowledge.

Our project therefore aims to measure teachers’ knowledge regarding first aid and enhance awareness amongst teachers to learn first aid skills, in schools of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

References

1. European First Aid Guidelines, Resuscitation, Volume 72, Issue 2, Pages 240-251 (February 2007) developed on behalf of the European First Aid Manual project by the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders 1
2. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
3. Bianca Reveruzzi, Lisa Buckley, Mary Sheehan, School-Based First Aid Training Programs: A Systematic ReviewApril 2016, Vol. 86, No. 4
4. Nitin Joseph, Thanneermalai Narayanan, Saifuddin bin Zakaria, Abhishek Venugopal Nair, Lavina Belayutham, Aathiya Mihiraa Subramanian and K G Gopakuma Awareness, attitudes and practices of first aid among school teachers in Mangalore, south India. Journal of Primary Health Care 7(4) 274 – 281 Published: 2015
5. Faydalı S, Küçük S, Yeşilyurt M. Incidents That Require First Aid in Schools: Can Teachers Give First Aid? Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2019 Jun;13(3):456-462. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2018.66.
6. Knowledge levels of pre-school teachers related with basic first-aid practices, Isparta sampleArticle (PDF Available) in Turk Pediatri Arsivi 49(3):238-46 • September 2014 with 298 Reads DOI: 10.5152/tpa.2014.1581.
7. Gagliardi M, Neighbors M, Spears C, Byrd S, Snarr J. Emergencies in the school setting: are public school teachers adequately trained to respond? Prehosp Disaster Med. 1994 Oct-Dec;9(4):222-5. PMID: 10155531.
8. Ganfure G, Ameya G, Tamirat A, Lencha B, Bikila D. First aid knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors among kindergarten teachers of Lideta sub-city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 13;13(3):e0194263. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194263.
9. Eze CN. Effect of health education on trainee teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and first aid management of epilepsy: An interventional study. 2015.
10. Alkhotani AM, Almalki WM, Alkhotani AM, Turkistani MA. Makkah female teachers’ knowledge of seizure first aid. Epilepsy Behav. 2019 Sep; 98(Pt A):10-13. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.047.
11. Gebrewold MA, Enquselassie F, Teklehaimanot R, Gugssa SA. Ethiopian teachers: their knowledge, attitude and practice towards epilepsy. BMC Neurol. 2016 Sep 8;16:167. doi: 10.1186/s12883-016-0690-4
12. [An assessment of the knowledge of school teachers on type 1 diabetes mellitus.] Recenti Prog Med. 2018 Oct;109(10):509-512. doi: 10.1701/3010.30088
13. De P. Effect of Structured Teaching Programe on Knowledge of School Teachers regarding First Aid Management in Selected Schools of Bangalore. 2014 Nov-Dec.
14. Adib-Hajbaghery M, Iranian teachers’ knowledge about first aid in the school environment. 2019.
15. Jaramillo Y1, Reznik M. Do United States’ Teachers Know and Adhere to the National Guidelines on Asthma Management in the Classroom? A Systematic Review. ScientificWorldJournal. 2015;2015:624828. doi: 10.1155/2015/624828.
16. Juliá-Benito JC, Escarrer-Jaume M, Guerra-Pérez MT, Contreras-Porta J, Tauler-Toro E, Madroñero-Tentor A, Cerdá-Mir JC. Knowledge of asthma and anaphylaxis among teachers in Spanish schools. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2017 Jul – Aug;45(4):369-374. doi: 10.1016/j.aller.2016.10.019.

Everyone should know the basic first aid skills that you would need to help in emergency situations. There are many reasons why this would help and make a change to our community. We should feel safe wherever we are, people shouldn’t be worrying about their young ones or older family members when they are out in public. It would be a great opportunity to be involved in. In some situations if an injured person doesnt receive first aid care immediately their situation will detoriate.

One reason why people should know first aid is because accidents can happen anywhere, and the first ten minutes are the most crucial time, there are a massive amount of 3,287 deaths that occur from accidents in just one day in the United Kingdom alone, did you know it only takes six minutes for the body to expire due to a lack of oxygen, which would be the quickest six minutes of your life.

If everyone knew basic first aid you could help save a life, a few examples of this could be someone choking on a piece of food because thousands of people die from this each year, in fact 5,051 people died from choking in 2015. You could learn how to help dislodge the piece of food and help the person to breath properly again. If someone had a fall which could lead to a traumatic brain injury which is the most common cause of brain injury, did you know that if you fall once your chances of falling again not long after is high because your balance will be completely out of control, you could help stem bleeding because losing too much blood can be dangerous.

With 600,000 people in the UK having epilepsy, everyone should know what to do when they see someone having a seizure. You would learn how to care for someone having a seizure and how to place them in the recovery position once the seizure has ended and you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Learning all these skills I’ve mentioned above and more would make a difference and help to save someone’s life. Sometimes seizures happen because of high fever which can be assocaiated with an infection such as menigitis.

After researching online, there is a draft legislation that basic first aid should be taught in all schools to let pupils know how to deal with such situations and help each other if a medical professional is not in attendance and how to call emergency services. Secondary school children would learn life-saving skills such as CPR and the purpose of using defibrillators. It is also a life skill and could greatly enhance your CV and make you more employable. It is believed it would also help to boost confidence and show that you can work as part of a team. If you also help people, it is guaranteed that someone will help you too, so it will work both ways.

However, it could come down to lack of funding to be able to teach this in certain schools, but it could be possible to get a government grant for this to happen if needed, but the training would normally take about two- three hours which wont cost people a fortune.

Knowing something as simple as just being able to help someone with a bleeding nose could make all the difference.The majority of the population dont realise how serious cardiac arrests are because appoximentally 88% of all cardiac arrests happen at home and victims always seem to perfectly healthy and it’s all under the clock if the patient doesn’t receive CPR there is a high chance of losing that person that could potentially be a loved one.

It is important to know the common signs of heart attacks and what you can do to help a person going through it, sometimes the symptoms are obviously cardiac arrest and at other times they’re not so dramatic and could just seem like heartburn. Heart attacks are so common that they are happening every twenty seconds, in America almost fourteen million americans have a history of a heart attack.

Overall to conclude, knowing first aid is a great idea and should be an option to experience as it would be a successful learning experience in real life skills and I would love to have the chance to learn and help people myself. There are no drawbacks of doing first aid training so I’m sure if people had the time they would be up for it. Guaranteed that you will finish the training and feel more confident and get a boost knowing that you will be saving lifes and helping out corretly instead of panicking and making situations worse.

This memo is analyzing the document “First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice” using Markel’s technical communication models. A good technical communication document must be used to improve the reader’s knowledge. Technical communication describes the processes of integrating or documenting information for a particular audience (Markel 200). Markel’s communication model accesses a document’s usability in five divisions.

Addresses a specific audience

The first aid guide targets people in private and federal establishments. The author carried out an evaluation of health requirements relating to first aid. A comprehensive technical document must be readable and accurate. Thus, the first aid guide was authenticated by government approved agencies. The document carefully described the basic terms in first aid.

Consequently, the terms were defined for beginners and slow learners (Safe work Australia 6). While describing basic terms of a first aid, the authors included people from different institutions as the secondary audience. Unlike other complicated books that provide information for advances users, this first aid guide outlined each step using sectional division. Thus, employees in private, public or government organization will find the guide useful.

Helps readers solve problems

The first aid guide was divided into sections to help users find a specific solution. Several sections of the document discussed the usefulness of the first aid guide. For example, section 1 described the meaning of key terms. Section 2 explained the benefits of first aid program. Section 3 explained the resources required during a first aid treatment (Safe work Australia 9). Section 4 described how to determine first aid requirements for a particular workplace. The description and explanation are precise and effective.

Reflects an organization’s goals and culture

The motive and intent of the publisher was simple. To improve life, individuals in workplaces must implement these safety guides. The document was published to assist workers to give first aid treatments.

By addressing each topic using different subheadings, the publisher achieved the objective of a good technical communication document (Markel 90). Each section was written in clear terms. For example, section 2 described the size, location, and composition of people in a work environment. Section 3 listed first aid equipment, facilities, and training procedures.

Is produced collaboratively

Collaboration was part of the technical communication document. The publisher collaborated with WORKSAFE, Queensland government, ACT government, Safe work Australia, South Australia government, and workplace standards (Safe work Australia 3). The collaborative efforts by various organizations made the document readable, appealing, and informative. Consequently, the publisher combined various data to produce an informative first aid code of practice. For example, each section was referenced to specific organizations.

Uses design to increase readability

The author captured the reader’s attention with a blue display background. Each section has subtitles and descriptions (Safe work Australia 1). Graphic designs were used to aid easy comprehension. For example, arrowheads were used to explain the steps of first aid treatment.

Has words and graphics

Simple words were used to describe first aid procedures and treatments. However, few graphic designs were used to explain first aid symbols.

Is produced using high-tech tools

High-tech tools were not part of the technical communication document. Each section was analyzed with simple communication tools.

Summary

Finally, the first aid safety guide is a technical communication document. The author combined different aspects of Markel’s communication models to produce an accurate, comprehensive, concise, usable, clear, honest, professional, and accessible guide.

Works Cited

Markel, Mike. Technical Communication, Bedford, New York: Macmillan Higher Education, 2012. Print.

Safe work Australia 2012, First Aid at Workplace: Code of Practice. Web.

The purpose of this document is to provide information on the best procedure for cleaning a wound in order to ensure that the wound does not become infectious and at the same time assisting the first aid assistant in ensuring his/her own safety in terms of contracting diseases due to careless handling of the patient. The document is important to all the people but more specifically to those geared with the responsibility of attending to injuries like nurses and doctors. It is also relevant to any other person since an injury may happen far away from the first aider and therefore having knowledge in first aid will assist in attending to the injured person while at the same time safeguarding one’s own self.

A wound refers to an opening on a person body, caused by cuts bruises or burns or any other infections. Cleaning a wound is very important to the patients as it serves to deter further growth of bacteria as well as the entry of any disease-causing agent (Pegram and Bloomfield 17). For effective cleaning of a wound, a person requires to be equipped with tools to aid him/her in effective cleaning. Some of the tools include, gloves, soap, disinfectant water, povidone iodine, brush, bandannas , surgical masks, safety goggles just to name but a few.

In cleaning the wound, the cleaner or first aid giver should wash his hands thoroughly with soap using disinfected water wiping them using a clean cloth. The person then wears latex gloves to cover his hands to avoid any spread of Infections. The first aid giver then prepares a disinfectant by mixing povidone iodine with a liter of disinfected water leaving the solution for around five minutes for the solution to settle.

After the solution has mixed up, the wound is scrubbed using a brush in order to remove the debris, which allow growth of bacteria. The tweezers are sterilized using the disinfectant solutions after which it is used to remove pieces of dirt, dead skins debris and clotted blood that covers the wound to make the wound clean without t any traces of debris. After removing the dirt, an irrigation syringe is used to wash the wound clean. Water is then spread on the wound in an angle that allows enough disinfected solution not only to flood the wound but also to be drained away. The process is repeated until the wound is clean after which the wound is clean with water to avoid causing irritations. Afterward, the wound is checked for any bleeding due to disclogging of blood. However, in case of any disclogge, pressure should be applied around the wound to avoid further bleeding (Kennedy and Van 80). Then precautionary measures are adhered to, to ensure that the areas around the wound are not exposed to disinfectant solution to avoid any instances of burning. The wounded area is covered carefully soon after the extraction of the junk by cleaning.

However, it is advisable to take precautions by wearing protective clothes and gloves when cleaning wounds to avoid coming into contact with bodily fluids as they may lead to contraction of infectious diseases like AIDS. Therefore, one is required to put on latex gloves and bandanna to cover his mouth. Use of alcoholic contents or solutions of mercury are not preferred during the process of washing the wound as they interfere with the structure of tissues (Cook 32). It is also important to seek further medical attention by taking the patients to relevant medical institution in cases where the injury is beyond the capability of a first aider for instance when blood is not stopping to flow or the injury involves joints and critical areas of a person’s body like eyes and face.

Works Cited

Cook, Nick. Caring for cleaners. RoSPA Occupational Safety & Health Journal 39.7 (2009): 31-34.

Kennedy, Andrew and Van, Zant. Diverse applications of negative pressure wound therapy: A multiple case report. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice 22.2 (2006): 83-90.

Pegram, Anne and Bloomfield, Jacqueline. Technique. Mental Health Practice 14.2 (2010):14-18.

Module 1

The 7-Step Reaction in the context of a first aid scenario consists of the following steps: 1) with a calm demeanor the first aid responder must quickly assess the situation and figure out if the first aid responder or the victims are safe or in danger. 2) with great awareness of the environment, first aid responder must protect self and the victim from any danger; 3) prevent infection by using alcohol or disposable gloves, and never breathe or sneeze over a wound; 4) proactively comfort and reassure the casualties by taking charge of the situation; 5) assess the casualty and help those with life threatening condition first; after dealing with casualties with the most serious condition, the first aid responder must move on to the less serious ones; 6) provide first aid treatment to the one suffering from the most life-threatening condition, and after applying first aid treatment, do the same to the next group of casualties; and 7) arrange for the right kind of help; call an ambulance if it is a serious problem; for those with less serious medical condition advise them to go home and seek medical advice from a doctor (St. John Ambulance 1).

Module 2

A quick survey of a scene of a car accident reveals that there is a fire risk. There is also possible risk from vehicles passing by. It is important to find out the environmental risk so that the first responder will know if there is no danger to his or her life if he or she decides to help (NHS UK 1). In this case, the first aid responder must seek the assistance of professional emergency responders.

Module 3

In the context of using CPR, there is risk of cross-transmission of infectious diseases. Thus, it is important to take precautions. More importantly, first aid responders must facilitate the “use of new devices such as needleless systems and one-way valve mouth-to-mask systems (Hammer and Timsit 26).

Module 4

Use the ABC response to anaphylaxis. Find out if 1) the airway is clear; 2) the patient is able to breathe; and 3) the patient is in an altered state of consciousness (Anaphylaxis Campaign 1). Common symptoms are: 1) swelling of throat and mouth; 2) generalized flushing of the skin; and 3) severe asthma.

Module 5

First aid responders must bring the elderly person indoors and lower the temperature to 25 degrees Celsius (Mayo Clinic 1). First aid responders must call emergency services and monitor the status of the patient until emergency responders are on the scene.

Module 6

Subcutis burns affect the deeper layer of fat and tissue. Therefore, there is a higher probability that this injury will lead to “necrosis of the entire dermis” (Herndon 243). This is the reason why it is important to bring the victim to a hospital.

Module 7

The patient is suffering from shock if there is evidence of anxiety and agitation, chest pain, confusion, clammy skin, profuse sweating and rapid but weak pulse (Walsh and King 145). First aid responders must refrain from giving food or water. First aid responders must never move a person with suspected spinal injury (Walsh and King 145) First aid responders must call for emergency medical help.

Module 8

Closed fractures involve bone breakage without puncturing the skin. The opposite is true for open fractures (Kotwal 209). In open fractures the biggest risk is infection. If there is spinal injury, immobilize the victim, and call for emergency medical help.

Module 9

• Heart attack: call for emergency medical help
• Open fracture: limit the possibility of infection
• Choking on Food: use the ABC response
• Unexplained loss of consciousness: remove any blockage to breathing and call for emergency medical help
• Shock: call for emergency medical help

Works Cited

Anaphylaxis Campaign. What is Anaphylaxis? 2015. Web.

Hammer, Linda and John Timsit. “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Infection.” Infectious Diseases in Critical Care. Ed. Jordi Rello and Martin Koller. New York: Springer, 2007. Print.

Herndon, David. Total Burn Care. New York: Elsevier, 2012. Print.

Kotwal, Prakash. Textbook of Orthopedics. New York: Elsevier, 2005. Print.

Mayo Clinic. Hypothermia. 2015. Web.

NHS UK. What Should I Keep in My First Aid? 2015. Web.

St. John Ambulance. Role of a First Aider. 2015. Web.

Walsh, Sean and Emma King. Pulse Diagnosis: A Clinical Guide. New York: Elsevier, 2008. Print.

First aid is a necessary skill for anybody to learn in order to be prepared for any emergency circumstance. It gives a foundational grasp of the abilities required to assist someone who has been hurt or may be in need of medical assistance. This research paper will evaluate the significance of first aid, the fundamental elements of first aid, and the various types of first aid that can be deployed.

First aid is a critical skill to possess, as it can benefit individuals in multiple scenarios. It is essential to be able to provide first aid in an emergency, as it can potentially save lives and lessen the intensity of injuries. Furthermore, first aid can also ameliorate the risk of infection and other adverse consequences that may arise in an emergency situation (Mills et al., 2020). The fundamental tenets of first aid are relatively straightforward. These principles include evaluating the environment and the individual, administering essential life support, and taking suitable action to address the individual’s condition (Furst, 2018). It is imperative to be aware of the indications and manifestations of different types of injuries and the measures that should be taken in each case.

Additionally, it is equally essential to be familiar with the various first aid practices that can be implemented. In an emergency, several sorts of first aid can be performed, ranging from simple wound care (such as wound cleansing and wrapping) to more advanced treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-saving interventions (Furst, 2018). Other forms of first aid may include the immobilization of an injured person and providing emotional support to those in distress.

In conclusion, first aid is an invaluable skill for any individual to acquire in order to be adequately equipped for any emergency. It is paramount to be conscious of the fundamental principles of first aid, as well as the various types of first aid that can be engaged in an emergency. With a thorough understanding of the basics of first aid, it is feasible to be prepared to assist someone in need.

References

Furst, J. (2018). The complete first aid pocket guide: Step-by-Step treatment for all of your medical emergencies. Adams Media.

Mills, J., Rosenberg, J. P., Bollig, G., & Haberecht, J. (2020). Last aid and public health palliative care: Towards the development of personal skills and strengthened community action. Progress in Palliative Care, 28(6), 343–345. Web.