FIRST AID

1.0  RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF FAINTING
 
Background Information
Fainting occurs when the brain for a short period of time does not receive adequate supply of blood.This may be due to standing around for a long period of time or a sudden shock.
Fainting may also occur in early stages of pregnancy.

Recognition features may include;-

1. collapse and loss of consciousness
2.  pale or grey,cold,clammy skin
3.  slow pulse,this will increase as the casualty recovers

Aim

• improve the blood supply to the brain and reassure the casualty.

Actions
1) Assess DRABC(Danger,Response,Airway,Breathing & Circulation) and treat any priority conditions.
2) Lay the casualty down and gently raise and support the legs.
3) Provide a source of fresh air if possible.
4) Reassure the casualty  and keep onlookers away.
5) Sit them up slowly;if they sit up too quickly they may faint again.If they do feel fainting again,lay them down again.
6) If the casualty does not regain consciousness quickly then reassess RABC,place in the recovery position and call for help.



1.1  NOSE BLEEDS
 
Nose bleeds have become a common occurrence and they are mostly caused by the following;-picking or scratching the internal surface,a direct blow or sneezing and others by medical conditions.

Actions
1)Sit the casualty down with the head tipped upward.
2)Tell them to breath through their mouth and to pinch their nose just below the bridge for ten minutes.
3)Tell them not to blow their nose or sniff as this may disturb any clots.
4)Release the nose after 10 minutes.If it is still bleeding then tell them to pinch for another ten minutes.
5)If a nose bleed lasts for more than thirty minutes then the casualty must be seen by medical aid.Transport the casualty in the treatment position.
6)Once the bleeding has stopped and with the casualty still leaning forward,gently clean around the area with warm water.
7)Advise the casualty to rest for a few hours to prevent the clot being disturbed,and avoid blowing the nose or picking at any clots.




1.2 BLEEDING FROM THE SCALP

Head wounds mostly bleed freely since the scalp has a good blood supply and the skin and underlying tissues are stretched due to the skull.

Actions
1)Remember to assess DRABC always.
2)If possible try to replace any displaced skin flaps(A skin flap consists of skin and subcutaneous tissue that survives based on its own blood supply.)
3)Apply direct pressure with the palm of your hand,using a sterile or clean pad.
4)Do not use your fingers as this might put pressure on an underlying fracture.
5)Keep the pressure on the wound for upto ten minutes at most.
6)Keep the shoulders and head slightly raised if the casualty is conscious by laying them down.
7)Place them in recovery position if they are unconscious.
8)Arrange for the casualty to be taken to the nearest medical facility in your area if the wound looks serious or the casualty has experienced loss of consciousness.
9)Inform medical personnel of your first aid actions and findings.