Dr Wellman is no substitute for proper medical training & therefore we advise you to check with a physician before administering any medication or undertaking any course of treatment.
1st aid is a guide-line of treatment to a patient for any injury or sudden illness, before arrival of qualified medical assistance. It may involve improvising with facilities & materials available at the time.
Knowledge of 1st Aid can often be life-saving, providing the person giving aid uses common sense, has a good idea of their limitations & is always willing to give way to another person more qualified to deal with the situation. The golden rule is !i! always call for medical help. !n! It is often best to ask a 2nd person to do this while you attend the patient.
Objectives of 1st aid:
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preserve life
prevent injury or worsening condition
promote recovery
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Responsibility of 1st aider:
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assess situation, without endangering own life
diagnose disease or condition
give immediate, appropriate & adequate treatment
arrange treatment by doctor if serious
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Study this section now & get proper training from qualified medical personnel as 1st aid skills may well save a life. 2 life-saving techniques - {mouth to mouth resuscitation} & {external cardiac compression}, should not be attempted until you have been trained under qualified instruction.
When dealing with a patient, it is important to appreciate the !i! life-preserving priorities. !n! To do this, it is necessary to understand !i! what sustains life:
!n! The human body requires {oxygen} to support life. Therefore, highest priority is ensuring oxygen is circulating (vital nerve cells in the brain can die after 3mins without oxygen).
#respiratory system
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{Oxygen} is circulated through the body by blood. Oxygen enters blood through the {lungs} by {breathing}. Therefore, remember the ABC priorities:
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A - {airway} is open
B - breathing is adequate
C - circulation, heart is beating & bleeding is not profuse
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Most accidental injuries are minor & easily treated with simple 1st aid techniques. However, every person should be prepared for a more serious accident, which may require life-saving 1st aid treatment. Fast, accurate assessment is crucial & requires good judgement (e.g. it would be pointless rushing to aid a victim of electric shock without 1st removing the electrical source).
