First Aid and Safety
The aim of first aid is to be the first responder in an emergency to save a life or prevent an illness or injury from becoming worse. There are many potentially serious situations that can be alleviated with knowledge of first aid. From minor wounds to seizures, there is a remedy that can be applied at the earliest possible moment. The victim will gain confidence and immediately feel better if there is a person who demonstrates knowledge and competence in these procedures. This is important because when anxiety and pain levels are eased the heart rate decreases which will decrease the blood loss. This will slow the process of the victim going into shock.
Giving first aid means dealing, not only the injured party, but with the surrounding circumstances too. Untrained bystanders may want to help, but they don’t know correct procedures for each illness or injury and will make mistakes. Assessing the situation means—know what happened—for example, was there an accident or was the person taken with sudden chest pain? See the signs. Is the patient pale and sweating, is there bleeding or vomiting? Is there alcohol on their breath? Find out the symptoms from the victim. Where does it hurt? How do they feel? Proper care can make a difference in a life and death situation or a permanent or a temporary disability. It can also affect recovery time which could be quick or involve long hospitalization.
Even in a situation where the first aid provider is incapacitated and unable to help others, they can direct others to follow the correct procedures as well as take care of themselves. They can give instruction for the correct safety attitude and help lower panic among the bystanders. There is an obligation to assist others when they are hurt or helpless and great satisfaction to relieve suffering or save a life. Knowing correct first aid procedures will facilitate this.
For those who live in earthquake, hurricane, flood or tornado zones it is good to be prepared for any possible natural disaster. In these cases often medical aid takes time to reach the victims and someone knowledgeable, on the spot, is essential. The first aid provider will have learned how to calm the disorganized behavior and panic that ensues during emergencies. They can also help set up an orderly method, according to the priority of treatment needed for the victims, so that when medical help arrives the life and death cases can be attended to first.
Accident Prevention:
Another aspect of first aid is accident prevention measures. The possible causes of accidents and illness should be considered first. Human failure, mechanical failure and failure beyond anyone’s control are the three main causes of accidents. Human failure consists of breaking rules or regulations designed for safety as well as inattention to conditions in the body such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. Also, people who won’t follow directions or heed warnings.
Mechanical failures can also be traced back to human failures, for example, the collapsing of a building. Lack of good design or engineering or failure to follow quality or safety controls are some examples of human failures which cause mechanical failures. These unsafe conditions can be controlled, avoided or completely eliminated.
Learning first aid not only helps after a disaster or illness strikes but also provides techniques for accident prevention. Safety awareness in the home, during recreation, at work and when driving will make the living spaces safer and prevent accidents due to carelessness.
Depending on circumstances, a doctor or health care provider may not be available to come to the scene of an accident or medical emergency. In this case a first aid provider with the proper knowledge of procedures could save lives. With the proper care, the negative results of the conditions that need first aid immediately can be greatly reduced.
First aid is not a replacement for proper medical diagnosis and treatment but will go a long way to giving comfort to the victim, prevent further injury and, in the case of open wounds, prevent infection. Anyone who takes the time to lean first aid is doing him or herself as well as the community at large a great service.