First aid is the immediate care given to a person who has been injured
First aid is the immediate care given to a person who has been injured or is experiencing a sudden illness. It is the initial step in providing medical attention and can be the difference between life and death in some cases. However, knowing the fundamental criteria for first aid is essential to ensure that the person receives proper care and is not further harmed.
Safety: The first and most essential criteria in first aid is the safety of the person giving support and the person receiving it. Before providing assistance, ensure that both yourself and the person in need are safe from any potential harm, such as electrical wires, moving vehicles, or hazardous materials.
Assessment: The next step is to assess the person’s condition and determine the nature and extent of their injury or illness. This involves checking their pulse, breathing, and consciousness and determining if they are in immediate danger.
Call for emergency medical services: If the person’s condition is serious, call emergency medical services immediately. Do not try to move the person unless necessary to prevent further harm. In some cases, it may be required to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person is not breathing.
Prevention of further harm: Once you have assessed the person’s condition, it is essential to prevent other damage. This can include stopping bleeding, immobilizing broken bones, or ensuring the person is safe.
Comfort and support: While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, it is essential to keep the person as comfortable and calm as possible. This can include talking to them, providing reassurance, and keeping them warm.
Cleanliness: When providing first aid, it is essential to maintain hygiene to prevent spreading infections. This includes using gloves or a barrier device when treating open wounds and washing your hands regularly.
Documentation: Finally, you must document all the first aid treatments you have provided, including the time and date, the person’s condition, and any medication or treatments given. This information can be valuable to healthcare professionals when the person receives medical attention.
In conclusion, the fundamental criteria for first aid are safety, assessment, calling for emergency medical services, prevention of further harm, comfort and support, cleanliness, and documentation. By following these criteria, you can ensure that the person in need receives proper care and is not further harmed. It is important to remember that first aid is only temporary, and professional medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.