WHAT IS FIRST AID?
First Aid is the first assistance or treatment given for a sick or injured person (called casualty) before the arrival of an ambulance or qualified expert.
OBJECTIVES OF FIRST AID
TO SAVE LIFES
· If unconscious keep the airway clear
· Make sure the casualty is breathing
· Stop any bleeding
· Treat other injuries in the right order
TO PREVENT FUTHER INJURY
· Never move the casualty unless there is danger, to avoid further injury
· Comfort and reassure the casualty
· Give protection from the cold, exercise heat or wet conditions
TO OBTAIN MEDICAL AID
· Ask someone to call an ambulance or doctor as soon as possible.
· Always stay with the victim until help arrives.
BLEEDING
If too much blood is lost from the body through a wound or other injury, the casualty may die, always stop the bleeding promptly.
WAY TO TREAT
- If the wound is minor and dirty, lightly rinse it with running water, if available, until it is clean.
- Wash your hands before and after giving first aid and avoid getting blood on your hands or body especially if you have any open cuts or wounds.
Wash Hands & Use Sterile Dressing
- Stop the flow of blood by pressing firmly on the wound, or hold the cut edges together. Put a bulky dressing firmly on the wound. If a suitable dressing cannot be found quickly, use a folded pad of material or tissues. Keep firm pressures on the wound for 10 minutes with the casualty lying down if possible.
- If the wound is on a limb, raise the injured part to slow down bleeding. Comfort and reassure the casualty.
Stop the flow of blood by applying direct pressure and elevating the limb.
- If the blood comes through the first dressing pad, check that it is in the right place. If still bleeds, apply further pad – do not remove original pad.
- Keep the wounded part raised for a while, until the bleeding has stopped. A doctor should check all severe wounds. Some will need stitches to help them to heal.
- A puncture wound, such as an injury from a rusty nail, or a bite from a cat or dog, may become infected later. The casualty should see the doctor as soon as possible, because an anti-tetanus injection may be needed.
DIARRHOEA
SYMPTOM and CAUSES
- Abdominal cramp, diarrhoea, vomiting (bacteria food poisoning)
- vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramp, headache, fever (seafood poisoning)
- vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, dizziness, excess saliva, stomach pain, mental confusion (chemical food poisoning)
Influenza A-H1N1
What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.
Why is H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes.
How does H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include
-fever-cough-sore throat-runny or stuffy nose-body aches-headache-chills-fatigue
A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
