Chapter 2

Injury
Prevention,
Safety, and First
Aid
 First aid - refers to the
actions taken in response to
someone who is injured or
has suddenly become ill.

A first aider is someone who

takes action while ensuring
everyone's safety and
preventing further harm.
 First aiders should recognize the emotional
and physical needs of all involved, including
their own responses to an emergency. They
should be able to assess and deal expertly
with stress, and maintain a calm and
respectful attitude.

Effective first aiders must talk to the

casualty and witnesses, building trust and
confidence. A first aider should be able to
relay information to other first
responders, ensuring a good first-aider-
casualty rapport.
 A primary rule of first aid is ensuring
scene safety before approaching a
casualty. Attempting heroic rescues in
hazardous situations is discouraged
as it may hinder effective help and
cause more harm.

If the area is unsafe, the first aider

should call for emergency assistance
instead of approaching the injured
person. This prioritizes the safety of
both the first aider and the casualty.
 First Aid
Guidelines and
Procedures
 A primary survey involves a rapid
1: Do a primary
assessment of a casualty,
survey of the victim
prioritizing immediate treatment
for the most serious and life-
threatening conditions.

This initial assessment is quicker for

conscious casualties with minor
injuries who can describe the
situation, taking longer for
unconscious casualties with serious
injuries.
 1: Do a primary
survey of the victim

Airway: If the casualty can speak, the

airway is clear. If not, the airway is
obstructed, preventing breathing
and leading to hypoxia and death.
 Breathing: If the casualty breathes
1: Do a primary
survey of the victim
normally, check for breathing
difficulties (like asthma) and proceed
to circulation. If not breathing
normally, call for emergency help and
perform CPR.
Circulation: If the casualty isn't
bleeding, proceed to the secondary
survey. If bleeding, treat immediately
to prevent shock and call for
emergency help.
 This is a detailed examination of
1: Do a secondary
a casualty to spot injuries or
survey of the victim
conditions which were not
apparent on the primary
survey done by the first aider.

The first aider does a head-to-

symptoms, and signs.
toe examination. The aim is to
identify the casualty's history.
 1: Do a secondary History: The first aider must find
survey of the victim
out what actually happened to
the casualty and if possible,
connect these to his/her medical
history.

Symptoms: The first aider must

be able to identify and that
recognizing the casualty’
injuries or abnormalities
 1: Do a secondary
survey of the victim

Signs: Refers to injuries or

abnormalities observed in a casualty.
The first aider documents these
findings and relays the information
to the emergency medical team.
 Use of
Dressing and
Bandages
 When dressing a wound, a first aider
should cover it with a dressing to prevent
infection. If a sterile pad isn't available,
they can improvise; pressure dressings are
used for severe bleeding. Specific rules
govern dressing application to protect
both the casualty and the first aider.
Bandaging Techniques

Bandages in first aid secure dressings,

control bleeding, and support/immobilize
limbs. Three main types exist: roller,
tubular, and triangular. In emergencies, a
triangular bandage can be improvised from
a square piece of fabric.
When applying bandages to immobilize a
limb, use soft, bulky material as padding.
Place the padding between the limb and
the bandage, securing the bandage with
square knots on the uninjured side,
avoiding the injury site. Keep knots away
from the casualty's body to minimize the
risk of further damage.
After bandaging a limb or applying a sling,
immediately check circulation in the hand
or foot. Bandages that are too tight can
restrict blood flow and cause swelling;
loosen the bandage if necessary.
Transporting the
Victim
 Packstrap Carry
The pack strap carry may be useful when the victim is
unconscious. The following procedure should be observed
when transporting the victim using the packstrap carry.

1. Turn victim on is back.

2. Kneel to the side of the victim and grasp both the
victim's arms around your neck, roll over onto your
stomach.
3. Victim will be on your back.
4. Hold both victim's arms with one hand, put your other
hand on the floor, and come to your knees. Crawl to safety
or come to a standing position and walk.
 Hand-seat carry
If two people are available, the hand-seat carry is
recommended for a conscious or semi-conscious victim.
However, it can also be used for an unconscious victim.
Below is the appropriate procedure when transporting a
victim using the hand-seat carry.

1. Raise the victim to a sitting position. Place one arm

around his back while grasping other rescuer's arm just
below the elbow.
2. Each rescuer grasps each other'swrist underneath and
just below the victim's hips. This position will form a seat.
 Chair carry
While victim is on his back, or sitting, one
rescuer lifts the victim, and the other
rescuer slips a chair underneath the victim.
With each rescuer grasping one side of the
chair and lifting, the chair with victim can
easily be transported to safety.
 Three-man carry
1. Positioning: Three rescuers face one side of the victim,
one at the head, one at the waist, and one at the feet.

2. Kneeling: Each rescuer kneels on the knee closest to the

victim's feet.

3. Lifting: The rescuer at the head puts one hand under the
neck and one under the chest. The waist rescuer places one
hand under the waist and one under the hips. The feet
rescuer supports the knees and ankles. A fourth person can
assist by supporting the chest and hips.
 Three-man carry
4. All three rescuers race, the victim and place
him underneath momentarily. One rescuer
gives a signal to stand.
5. The rescue, where then come to a standing
position and roll victim to their chest and
carry the victim to safety.
Straddle victim to place on stretcher
First aid for common unintentional,
injuries, and medical emergencies
Common unintentional injuries

Strains and sprains are injuries to muscles and

ligaments caused by overstretching or tearing.
A rupture is a complete tear. Initial treatment
involves the RICE method: Rest, Ice,
Compression, and Elevation. If symptoms
persist, treat as a fracture.
 Sprain

A sprain is a ligament injury near a

joint, often caused by sudden or
unexpected movements that pull
bones apart, tearing surrounding
tissues.
1. Position the casualty comfortably, preferably with the injured
area raised.

2. Apply a cold compress (ice pack in a towel) to reduce swelling,

bruising, and pain.

3. Provide comfortable support with an elastic bandage, keeping

the cold compress in place. The bandage should extend to the
next joint (e.g., for an ankle sprain, from toes to below the knee).

4. Keep the injured area elevated to minimize bruising and

swelling. Check circulation beyond the bandages every ten
minutes; loosen if impaired.
 Fracture

A fracture is a break in a bone. It

can range from a small crack to a
complete break or shattering of the
bone.
 Dislocation

A dislocation is a joint injury where bones are

pulled out of their normal positions by a strong
force. It's often very painful and caused by violent
movements. Dislocations can damage the joint
capsule, ligaments, and nerves. Vertebrae
dislocations can cause spinal cord damage.
Distinguishing a dislocation from a closed fracture
can be difficult, requiring a medical professional's
assessment.
 Bleeding

External bleeding should be

immediately treated to stop the
casualty from further serious
bleeding and preventing him/her at
the same time from going into
shock and acquiring infection.
 Sit or lay

Sit or lay the casualty down. place

the casualty in a position that is
appropriate to the location of the
world and the extent of his or her
bleeding.
 Examine

The first aid should examine the wound

and look for foreign objects, which may
have been embedded in the wound. He/she
should take note of how the wound is
bleeding, remember what the wound looks
like so he or she can describe it to the
medical staff when they apply bandage to
the wound.
 Elevate

The first aider should elevate the

wound of the victim. He/she should
ensure that the wound is above the
level of the heart, using gravity to
reduce the blood to flow to the
injury.
 Pressure
The first aider must apply pressure to
wounds to stop bleeding. It explains both
direct pressure (directly on the wound)
and indirect pressure (on a pressure
point to reduce blood flow to the wound),
and notes that bandages can be used for
minor wounds. The importance of
checking circulation is also highlighted.
 Pressure
It details the application of dressings to wounds.
Sterile dressings are placed over the wound and
held firmly in place with pressure. For severe
bleeding, elevation and larger dressings might be
necessary. The first aider should monitor blood
flow and perform a capillary refill test to assess
circulation. Clear communication with the injured
person is crucial throughout the process.
 Splinters

For deeply embedded splinters, especially

near joints, leave them in place and follow
the instructions for embedded objects.
 Nosebleed

When the nurse receives a blow or

punch or big, it’s weakened or dried
out blood vessels can rapture. In most
serious cases a victim may experience
high blood pressure or a fractured
skull
 Sprain

A sprain is a ligament injury near a

joint, often caused by sudden or
unexpected movements that pull
bones apart, tearing surrounding
tissues.
 Eye Injury

When small particles of dust or invade

an eye, they should be washed off with a
cold top water. The first aid should
make sure that the water runs away
from the unaffected eye.
 Severe burns
Severe burns require immediate and specialized
medical attention. They are characterized by deep
tissue damage, significant pain, and potential for
complications like infection and shock. Treatment
focuses on cooling the burn, preventing infection,
and managing pain and fluid loss. Immediate
transport to a burn center is crucial for optimal
outcomes.
 Minor burns
Minor burns, characterized by superficial damage
to the skin, can typically be treated at home.
Treatment involves cooling the burn under cool
(not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. A
sterile dressing can be applied to protect the area
and prevent infection. Over-the-counter pain
relievers can help manage discomfort. If the burn
shows signs of infection (increased pain, redness,
swelling, pus), seek medical attention.
 Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a disorder caused by
excessive sweating and loss of salt and
water. It usually develops gradually and
affects people who are not used to hot,
humid conditions. Symptoms include
vomiting, diarrhea, and exhaustion, which
can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and
even death if left untreated.
 Heaststroke
Heatstroke is a brain condition caused by the
body's failure to regulate temperature. It results
from prolonged heat exposure and leads to a body
temperature that is dangerously high. Sweating
ceases, and the body cannot be cooled by
evaporation. Heatstroke can quickly lead to
unconsciousness; immediate cooling and medical
attention are critical.
 Poisoning
Poisoning occurs when hazardous substances (like
household chemicals or bleach) are swallowed or
enter the body through the digestive tract. These
chemicals can be transported to other parts of the
body. Overdoses of prescribed drugs, certain
plants, and berries can also cause poisoning.
Monitor vital signs (response, breathing, pulse,
temperature) while waiting for emergency help.
 Choking

Choking is a violent, coughing and

interference in breathing, causing an
obstruction in the airway in the region of
the larynx.
 Drowning
Drowning can cause death from hypothermia due
to immersion in cold water. Cold water can lead to
cardiac arrest and throat spasms, blocking the
airway. Even if a person seems to have recovered,
they should always receive medical attention.
Water entering the lungs may cause irritation, and
later swelling. Victims may also require treatment
for hypothermia.
 Heart attack

Heart attack is a sudden instance

of abnormal heart functioning.
 Electrocution

Electrocution occurs when a person is shocked by an

electrical current passing through their body. This can
cause burns, cardiac arrest, and breathing difficulties.
The severity of injury depends on factors such as voltage
(110-120 volts is common in homes, but industrial outlets
may be up to 440 volts), the type of current (alternating
or direct), and the path of the current through the body.
Electrical currents can cause very small and deep burns
that may not be visible on the skin.
 Electrocution
Low-voltage and high-tension alternating currents cause
muscular spasms ("tetany") and a "locked-on" effect,
making it hard for a victim to release their grip on the
electrical source. Direct current, however, tends to
throw the person away. Before treating an electrocuted
casualty, the first aider must ensure they are not in
contact with the electrical source. The first aider should
immediately turn off the power source and then move the
casualty to a safe distance before performing a primary
survey and seeking medical help.
Thank You

Report By: Jershey and Ashir