First Aid

PREPARED BY : GROUP 2 FIRST AID COMMITTEE

 

Treatment for Potential Injuries During Community Projects - Ensuring Safety for Participants and Volunteers

Significance of First Aid in Community Projects

  • knowing how to administer first aid during community projects is essential for promoting safety, preparedness, and a sense of community responsibility. It equips individuals with the skills and confidence needed to effectively respond to emergencies, ultimately contributing to the overall health and welfare of the community.
  • Introduction to First Aid Basics
  • Specific First Aid Scenarios
  • Community First Aid Preparedness

Outline of presentation sections.

Overview of Potential Injuries

 

  • Heat-related Illnesses

  • Electrical Injuries

  • Chemical Exposure.

  • Animal Bites or Stings

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

  • Strains and Sprains
  • Cuts and Abrasions
  • Burns
  • Falls
  • Impact Injuries

Common Injuries and its Causes

Injuries Definition Causes
1. Strains and Sprains Strains and sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that occur when ligaments, tendons, or muscles are stretched or torn due to excessive force, overuse, or sudden movements. Lifting heavy objects incorrectly or overexertion can lead to strains in muscles or ligaments.
2. Cuts and Abrasions Cuts and abrasions are common types of skin injuries that can occur as a result of various accidents or trauma. Handling sharp objects or tools without proper caution can result in cuts or scrapes.
3.  Burns Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Accidental contact with hot surfaces, flames, or hot liquids can cause burns.
4. Falls Falls are incidents in which a person unintentionally descends or moves to a lower level, often resulting in injury. Working at heights without proper safety measures can lead to falls.
5. Impact Injuries Falls are incidents in which a person unintentionally descends or moves to a lower level, often resulting in injury. Being struck by falling objects, such as tools or equipment, especially in crowded or cluttered work areas.
Injuries Definition Causes
1. Strains and Sprains Strains and sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that occur when ligaments, tendons, or muscles are stretched or torn due to excessive force, overuse, or sudden movements. Lifting heavy objects incorrectly or overexertion can lead to strains in muscles or ligaments.
2. Cuts and Abrasions Cuts and abrasions are common types of skin injuries that can occur as a result of various accidents or trauma. Handling sharp objects or tools without proper caution can result in cuts or scrapes.
3.  Burns Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Accidental contact with hot surfaces, flames, or hot liquids can cause burns.
4. Falls Falls are incidents in which a person unintentionally descends or moves to a lower level, often resulting in injury. Working at heights without proper safety measures can lead to falls.
5. Impact Injuries Falls are incidents in which a person unintentionally descends or moves to a lower level, often resulting in injury. Being struck by falling objects, such as tools or equipment, especially in crowded or cluttered work areas.

Common Injuries and its Causes

6. Heat-related Illnesses Heat-related illnesses are a spectrum of medical conditions caused by exposure to high temperatures and excessive heat, leading to the body's inability to regulate its internal temperature. Overexertion in hot environments without sufficient hydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
7. Electrical Injuries Electrical injuries occur when the body comes into contact with an electrical current, resulting in tissue damage, burns, and potentially life-threatening complications. Contact with exposed electrical wires or equipment can result in electric shocks.
8.  Chemical Exposure Chemical exposure occurs when individuals come into contact with hazardous substances that can cause harm to the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Contact with hazardous chemicals or substances without proper protection can lead to skin irritation, burns, or respiratory problems.
9.  Animal Bites or Stings  Animal bites or stings are injuries caused by the teeth, claws, or venomous stingers of animals. Encounters with aggressive animals, such as dogs or insects, can result in bites or stings.
10. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)  Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are musculoskeletal disorders that result from repetitive movements, overuse, or prolonged exposure to repetitive tasks. Engaging in repetitive tasks or movements over time can lead to RSIs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.

Treatment for Each Potential Injury

Injuries Symptoms Treatments
1. Strains and Sprains Pain or tenderness in the affected muscle(s).
Swelling and inflammation around the injured area.
Muscle spasms or cramping.

 
The treatment for strains and sprains typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and other conservative measures to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
2. Cuts and Abrasions Cuts often cause pain, which can range from mild to severe depending on the depth and location of the cut.
 Cuts usually result in bleeding, the severity of which can vary based on the size and depth of the wound. Bleeding may be minimal or profuse, depending on the severity of the injury.

 
Clean the Wound: Rinse the cut under cool running water to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. Gently wash the surrounding skin with mild soap and water.
Control Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop bleeding. Elevate the injured area if possible to reduce blood flow.
3. ​Burns Pain: Burns often cause pain at the site of injury, which can range from mild discomfort to severe, intense pain.
Redness: Redness or erythema is a common early sign of burn injury, particularly in superficial burns.
First Aid for Minor Burns:
Cooling the Burn: Immediately apply cool running water to the burned area for 10-20 minutes to help reduce pain, swelling, and further tissue damage. Avoid using ice, as it can cause further damage to the skin.

Treatment for Each Potential Injury

4. Falls Physical Injuries: Falls can result in various physical injuries, including bruises, cuts, scrapes, sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and head injuries. Immediate First Aid:
Assess the individual for injuries and provide immediate first aid as needed.
Control bleeding by applying pressure to wounds with a clean cloth or bandage.
Check for signs of head injury, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or vomiting, and seek medical attention if present.
Keep the individual calm and comfortable while awaiting further evaluation or assistance.
5. Impact Injuries Pain is often the most immediate and noticeable symptom of an impact injury.

Swelling, or inflammation, is a common response to injury and occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues surrounding the site of impact.
R.I.C.E. Protocol
Immobilize the injured area, if necessary, to prevent further damage and promote healing. This may involve using splints, braces, slings, or casts to stabilize fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.
6. Heat-related Illnesses Muscle cramps or spasms, typically in the legs, arms, abdomen, or back.
Sweating heavily during physical activity in hot conditions.
Thirst and dehydration.
Fatigue or weakness.
Move the affected person to a cooler environment with shade or air conditioning.
Encourage rest and hydration with water or electrolyte-replacement drinks.
Gently stretch and massage the affected muscles to relieve cramping.

 

Treatment for Each Potential Injury

 

7. Electrical Injuries Electrical burns are a common symptom of electrical injuries and may vary in severity depending on factors such as voltage, current, and duration of contact.
Entry and exit wounds: Electrical burns may occur at the point of contact with the electrical source (entry wound) and at the point where the electrical current exits the body (exit wound).
Ensure the safety of the scene by turning off the power source or removing the individual from the source of electricity if it can be done safely.
Call emergency medical services (911 or local emergency number) immediately if the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or experiencing severe symptoms.
8. Chemical Exposure Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Difficulty breathing
Remove from Exposure:
If the chemical exposure is ongoing, move the affected person away from the source of exposure to a safe area with fresh air or uncontaminated water.
Decontamination:
Remove contaminated clothing or accessories to prevent further exposure to the chemical.

Treatment for Each Potential Injury

9.  Animal Bites or Stings Pain and Swelling:
Immediate pain or stinging sensation at the site of the bite or sting.
Skin Symptoms:
Itching or irritation at the site of the bite or sting.
First Aid:
Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.
Control Bleeding:
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to control bleeding.
10. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) Pain:
Persistent or intermittent pain in the affected area, which may worsen with repetitive movements or activities.
Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the affected joints or muscles.
Rest and Activity Modification:
Modify activities or work tasks to reduce repetitive movements, minimize forceful exertions, and avoid prolonged awkward postures.
Physical Therapy:
Work with a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program focused on strengthening and stretching affected muscles, improving posture, and enhancing ergonomics.

FIRST AID TECHNIQUES IN VARIOUS INJURIES

Importance of knowing how to administer first aid during community projects :

  • Immediate Response to Emergencies
  • Enhanced Safety and Preparedness
  • Empowerment of Community Members
  • Reduced Response Time
  • Building Stronger Community Bonds

ANY QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS?.

Thank You !!!

First Aid

By ase