Summary of First Aid and Anatomy Fundamentals
First Aid & Anatomy Fundamentals: Essential Student Guide
Introduction
First aid is the immediate care given to a person who is injured or suddenly becomes ill. The goal is to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery until professional help arrives. This guide covers common emergencies: bleeding, fractures, burns, fainting, choking, and basic resuscitation.
Definition: First aid is the initial assistance or treatment given to someone suffering an injury or illness, often before professional medical help is available.
Bleeding (Haemorrhage)
Bleeding is loss of blood from the circulatory system. Identify the type and act quickly.
Types of bleeding
| Type | Appearance | Main risk | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arterial | Bright red blood spurting with heartbeat | Rapid blood loss, shock | Apply direct pressure, elevate limb if possible, call emergency services |
| Venous | Dark red steady flow | Significant blood loss over time | Apply direct pressure, bandage firmly |
| Capillary | Oozing from superficial wounds | Usually minor | Clean and dress wound |
Definition: Shock is the life-threatening state that results when the circulatory system fails to supply enough blood to organs.
How to control external bleeding
- Wear gloves if available. Use a sterile cloth or dressing.
- Apply firm, direct pressure over the wound. Do not remove soaked dressings; add more on top.
- If bleeding continues and is life-threatening (arterial), apply continuous pressure and seek emergency help.
- For limb wounds, elevate the limb only if there is no suspected fracture.
Practical example: For a deep laceration to the forearm with spurting blood (arterial), place clean cloth on wound, press firmly, call emergency services, and keep the casualty lying down and warm.
Nosebleeds
- Sit the person upright and slightly lean forward. Do NOT tilt the head back.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bone) for 10–30 minutes continuously.
- Apply a cold compress to the bridge of the nose or the neck to help constrict blood vessels.
- Do not blow the nose or pick at it immediately after bleeding stops.
Definition: Anterior nosebleeds originate from the front of the nose and are the most common; posterior nosebleeds come from deeper vessels and require medical help.
When to seek medical help
- Bleeding that lasts more than 20–30 minutes, re-bleeds, or follows a head injury.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Bleeding from the Ear
- Sit and tilt the head so blood drains from the affected ear.
- Cover with a sterile dressing, but do not pack the ear canal.
- This may indicate a skull or serious head injury. Call emergency services.
- Monitor airway, breathing and circulation continuously and be ready to provide resuscitation.
Fractures (Broken Bones)
Definition: A fracture is a partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone.
Types and signs
- Open (compound) fracture: Bone protrudes through skin. Risk of heavy bleeding and infection.
- Closed fracture: Skin intact but bone is broken underneath.
Common signs: deformity, swelling, bruising, intense pain, inability to use the limb, a snapping sound at the time of injury.
Immediate care
- Do not push protruding bone back in. Lightly cover exposed bone with sterile dressing.
- Control bleeding with gentle pressure around wound (not directly on exposed bone).
- Immobilize the injured part using a splint or improvised supports (e.g., rolled blankets, board) to prevent movement.
- Keep the casualty still and calm. Do not move them unless there is immediate danger.
- Do not give food or drink if surgery may be needed.
Practical tip: When making a splint, immobilize the joints above and below the fracture.
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First Aid Essentials
Klíčová slova: First Aid, Gastrointestinal System
Klíčové pojmy: Apply firm direct pressure to control bleeding; add dressings without removing soaked ones, Elevate limb to reduce bleeding only if no fracture suspected, For nosebleeds, sit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–30 minutes, Cover open fractures lightly; do not push bone back in and immobilize the limb, Cool burns under running water for at least 10 minutes for first/second-degree burns, Do not apply creams or burst blisters on burns; remove jewelry before swelling, If fainting, lay flat and raise legs to restore blood flow to vital organs, For choking adults, perform abdominal thrusts until airway is clear, Follow ABC: Airway, Breathing, Circulation when assessing collapsed person, Perform CPR cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths; compress 5–6 cm at 100–120/min, Call emergency services for ear bleeding, suspected skull injury, major fractures or severe burns, Use personal protective equipment and continuously monitor vital signs