first aid management in a work place

FIRST AID MANAGEMENT IN A WORK PLACEBY:DR AZUKAEGO NNAJIFOR:PRESTON HEALTHCARE CONSULTING LTD.DATE: 3R D MARCH, 2017.

Outline

Definition

Help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available.

Objectives - To understand the importance of first aid - To identify when to administer first aid - To understand who needs to benefit from first aid - To be capable of administering simple first aid

Importance of first aid

To preserve lifeThis is the main aim of first aid: to save lives. This includes the life of the first aider the casualty (the victim, the injured/sick person) +/- spectators

To prevent further harmThe stability of the patient is very important. This may include Moving the patient out of harm's way Applying first aid techniques Keeping him/her warm and dry Applying pressure to wounds to stop bleeding, etc.

To promote recoveryThis may include Applying a plaster (bandage) to a small wound Reassuring the person and allaying fear and anxiety Anything that may help in the recovery process.

First aid KitA collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid and can be put together for the purpose by an individual or organization or purchased complete.

First aid Kit• Plasters• Sterile gauze dressings • Triangular bandages.• Crêpe rolled bandages.• Tweezers• Antiseptic creams/swipes• Thermometers

• Safety pins.• Disposable sterile gloves.• First aid manual• Scissors• Kidney dish • Face masks• Ambu bag

Types of Ailments

Types of first aid/first aid skills ABC of Resuscitation Airways: Check for obstructions to the injured person's airways. Is there a foreign object in the way? Breathing: Check if they are breathing. Is their chest rising and falling? Do they need additional oxygen? Circulation: Check that the injured person has adequate blood circulation. Do they have a pulse? Are they conscious?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation DefibrillationSome organizations have this fourth step, while others include this as part of circulation.

Heart Attack The death of heart muscle due to the loss of blood supply; usually caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery.

Symptoms - Chest pain - Electrical instability (atrial fibrillation.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3669

First aid for heart attack - Sit the individual in a comfortable position

- Give chewable aspirin 300mg - Constant reassurance while waiting for the ambulance.

- Use a blanket or clothing to protect their head from injury.

- For the unconscious, do CPR where necessary

Strains and Sprains Definition A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments. The most common location for a sprain is in your ankle.

A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon.

Symptoms Pain, Swelling, Bruising, Limited ability to move the affected joint, Muscle spasm.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains-and-strains/.../definition/con-20020958

First Aid for Strains and Sprains - Get the person to rest - Apply an ice pack to the injury - Elevate the foot - Apply bandage or antiseptic cream

- If there is no improvement seek medical advice

Broken bone or fracture Definition- Simply means a break in a bone. - Ranges in severity from a hairline fracture, to a compound fracture.

Symptoms - Swelling or bruising over a bone. - Deformity of an arm or leg. - Pain in the injured area - Loss of function in the injured area. https://www.sharecare.com/health/broken-bones/is-difference-bone-break-fracture

First Aid for broken bone or fracture

- Prevent unnecessary movement

- Immobilize the limb - Continue supporting the injury until help arrives.

Burns Definition

An injury to the skin, muscle or bone tissue as a result of thermal energy (heat or cold), chemical, radiation or electricity.

Symptoms - Severe pain - Blisters/swelling - Redness - Weeping from burns - Shock

First Aid for Burns - Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes.

- Remove anything that might cause constriction.

- After the burn has been cooled, cover it with clean film or a clean plastic bag.

Head injury Definition - Any trauma that leads to injury of the scalp, skull, or brain.

Symptoms - Mostly unconsciousness - Repeated nausea and vomiting - Dizziness - Seizures

First Aid for head injury - Ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury (e.g. iced block wrapped in a tea towel).

- Protect the victims airway by tilting back the jaw and protect their neck as in spinal injury

- If they become drowsy or vomit, This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head.

- Quickly take them to hospital

Asthma Definition

A disease characterized by an increased responsiveness of the airways to various stimuli resulting in airway obstruction that is reversible either spontaneously or as a result of treatment

Symptoms

- Wheezing

- Coughing

- Rapid shallow breathing

- Tight chest

Types of First Aid - Reassure the person - Use inhaler or steroid injection

- Convey to hospital

Stroke Symptoms

First Aid for stroke

Seizure Seizure

From the Latin word ‘socire’ “to take possession of” is a paroxysmal event due to abnormal excessive neuronal activity in the brain.

Symptoms

- Impairment or loss of consciousness

- Abnormal motor activity

- Behavioral abnormality

- Sensory disturbances

- Autonomic dysfunction

First aid for seizure

Bleeding Definition

Loss of blood from the body either internally or externally through any of the orifices.

Symptoms

- Obvious bleeding from the wound

- Bruising

- Shock (Confusion or decreasing alertness, Clammy skin, Dizziness, Low blood pressure, Paleness, Rapid pulse, increased heart rate, Shortness of breath, Weakness.

First aid for bleeding

Poisoning Definition

Poisoning occurs when any substance interferes with normal body functions after it is swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed.

Symptoms

First aid for Poisoning- If poison is in the eye, irrigate with water for 15 minutes and above.

- If on the skin, irrigate with water for 15 minutes and above.

- If inhaled, move patient away from fumes into fresh air and ventilate with fan.

- If swallowed, give glass of milk or water.

- Then send to hospital.

Choking Definition Choking is a condition caused by inhalation or ingestion of a foreign object that partially or fully blocks the airway.

Symptoms- Inability to cough, cry, or speak - Blue or purple face color from lack of oxygen - Grabbing at throat - Weak cough and labored breathing that produces a high-pitched noise - loss of consciousness

First aid for choking

Allergy or Anaphylaxis Definition

Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is an extreme and severe allergic reaction.

First aid for Anaphylaxis- Antihistamines and steroids (if mild)

- Pre-loaded adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injection

- The allergen should be removed if possible.

- The casualty should be sat down on the floor, against a wall, with their knees bent and brought up.

Precautions while administering First Aid You must remember that self protection comes first. - Ensure you wear gloves - Ensure you put on your mask depending on the injury - Be careful with handling of body fluids - Do not expose others to danger

Precautions while carrying out First Aid If you accidentally get exposed to body fluids- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water- Ensure you do not touch your face or any opening- Disinfect your hands with sodium hypochlorite- Report to appropriate authorities