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David OlleySimplyA straightforward guide to basic first aid1stEdition
31stEditionThis handbook is ideal for use insupport of a properly structured firstaid course. It will also prove invaluableas ongoing reference for someonewho has completed the course.SimplyFirst AidContentsIntroduction2Priorities 3AED 5The Recovery Position 6Life Support / CPR 4Shock 8Choking 7Bleeding 9Wound Dressing 10Fractures 12Seizure / Epilepsy 13Burns 11Stroke 14Athma 14Heart Attack / Angina 16FAST Test 15Nosebleed 10
First Aid is simply the first help given to somebody who suers from an accident or suddenillness, usually at the scene and at the time of the incident.In minor cases the first aid that the victim receives may be the only help that they need. Anexample would be a band aid on a cut finger.In more serious cases you might give first aid to someone until the arrival of qualified or medicalaid, in the form of a paramedic or ambulance.It’s not hard to do first aid, most of it is just common sense.The objective of the training and of this booklet is to provide the knowledge, skills andconfidence to make the first-aid you oer more eective.Remember, you are most likely to oer first aid to the people you spend most time with. Thiswould be your family or friends, but of course anyone may need to oer first-aid to anyone,anywhere, anytime.Preparation is key.The following pages in the book contain mostly practical instructions, laid out as step-by-stepprocedures and by following these procedures you will be able to manage most serious casesbut it is important to realise that probably the most useful piece of first aid equipment that mostpeople carry is their mobile phone.If you’re worried or if the injury or illness seems serious then do not hesitate to call 999 or 112.This will not only get an ambulance on its way to you, but the ambulance controller can giveyou vital advice and talk you through any first aid procedures that you will need to carry out.SIMPLY FIRST AIDIntroductionYou don’t need much equipment to do goodfirst aid. Mostly it’s just a little knowledge,some common sense and calm approach.This may not sound much but it can be enoughto save someone’s life.
These are the problems that you need to deal with straight away because otherwise theperson could die.Other problems, like a broken bone, are serious but not life threatening and can wait untilthese priorities have been dealt with.PrioritiesLife Threatening Conditions3SIMPLY FIRST AIDPrioritiesBleedingLook for signs of obvious bleeding and control it with pressure.Apply a dressing or covering to keep the wound cleanLook for and treat shock.BreathingCan they breathe and are they breathing normally?If they are conscious but can’t breathe properly they may bechoking (see page 7).If they are unconscious and don’t seem to be breathing thenyou may have to go on to life support (see page 4).Have they been knocked out? Can you wake them up?If they are sitting up, talking to you or shouting then you knowthey are breathing and that’s good.If they are not moving or responding in any way, then checkand open the airway.AirwaySafetyAre you, the casualty or any bystanders in danger?Can you deal with the danger safely?If not, call the emergency services and stay clear until theyarrive. Be particularly careful about things like electricity.
D.R.A.B.C.RememberApproach with CAREBe alert for danger to yourself, the casualty and bystanders.Deal with any threat if you can but don’t put yourself at risk.If necessary, wait for the emergency services.Check for ResponseSpeak loudly to themShake them gently by theshoulderOpen the AirwayWith head tilt and chin lift.Check BreathingLook for chest movementListen for breathFeel for breath on your cheekCall for HelpPut your phone on speakerAmbulance controller willorganise help, don’t hang upuntil they tell you to.Chest CompressionsGive 30 compressions at adepth of 5-6cms and a rate of100 - 120 times a minuteGive Rescue BreathsGive 2 rescue breaths andalternate 30 compressionswith 2 breaths▪ Do not interrupt compressions by more than 10 seconds to deliver the two breaths.▪ Following the second breath, immediately replace your hands on the chest and continueCPR with a further 30 chest compressions.▪ Continue with chest compressions and rescue breathing in a ratio of 30:2.▪ If you are unsure about giving rescue breaths, continue with chest compressions at 100-120times a minuteDo not stop unless:▪ You are sure the casualty has recovered, they open their eyes, move, arebreathing normally.▪ An AED arrives▪ You are directed to stop by a qualied practitionerBasic Life SupportSIMPLY FIRST AID!
SIMPLY FIRST AID3The AEDIf a person is unconscious and not breathing normally then the thing mostlikely to help them is an AED, or Automated External Defibrillator. Thesecan now be found at more and more locations around the country. Theycan be found where you see this sign.Your first priority is still to raise the alarm, but if there is an AED availablenearby it would be a good idea to send for it. AEDs are designed to beused by inexperienced people, all you have to do is to follow theinstructions on the machine. You will not harm them, or make theircondition worse by using the AED▪ Remove the pads from any outer packing.▪ Look carefully at the instructions on the pads.▪ Peel o any backing paper and stick the pads onto the casualty’s chest▪ One pad should be placed below the right collarbone, next to the breastbone.▪ The other pad should be placed below the left armpit, on the side of the chest wall,over the lower rib cage.Attach the PadsEnsure that nobody touches them whilst the AED is analysing theheart rhythm.Do not stop chest compressions for more than 10 seconds duringanalysis.Follow voice prompts.If the voice prompts direct you to start CPR, start chest compressionand rescue breathing immediately.Maintain CPR for 2 min or until prompted to stop.Continue to follow the voice prompts.If the voice prompts tell you to deliver a shock, ensure thateverybody is clear of the casualty.Press the shock button as directed.After the shock is delivered, continue CPR for 2 min or until directedto stop. Allow the AED to analyse.Continue to follow voice prompts.
The Recovery PositionSIMPLY FIRST AIDIf they are unconscious and breathing, place them carefully into the recoveryposition to protect the airway1Place the hand closest to you up and outof the way.23 4Reach down to the further knee and pull itup keeping the foot flat on the floor.56Bring the furthest arm across and hold thehand alongside the face.Pull gently on the knee to roll themtowards you.Pull up on the knee to prevent them fromrolling back. Knee and hip should be at 90°.Adjust the head to keep the airway open.
SIMPLY FIRST AID7Airway Obstruction1Choking- The problem often occurs whilst eating.- They will often stand up and clutch their neck.- They will look anxious or distressed.- Encourage them to cough. If they are coughing, do not slap themon the back as this may encourage the object to drop further intothe airway.If they become unconscious:- Lower them to the ground.- Make sure an ambulance is called.- Immediately start CPR with 30 chest compressions.- Continue CPR until the casualty isbreathing normally or you are relieved by anambulance crew.2Back Blows- Bend them forward.- Support them on the near shoulder.- Give up to five blows with the heel of the handbetween the shoulder blades.3Abdominal Thrusts- If back blows are unsuccessful, stand behind the casualtyand reach with your arms around the upper abdomen,between the belly button and the point of the breastbone.- Make a first with one hand and place the fist, thumb endfirst against the soft part of the abdomen just below thepoint of the breastbone. Grasp your first with the otherhand.- Pull sharply backward and upward, bending from theelbows at an angle of about 45° to the horizontal.- Repeat up to five times, checking after each thrust.