Dr Parvez Mohi Ud Din Dar, Dr Abhinav Mani, Dr Ayush Srivastava
World First AID Day is celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of September every year since 2020. This year, it is celebrated on the 9th of September and the theme for this year is “First Aid in Digital World”. This day reminds us of the importance of creating awareness of the First Aid training to save precious lives all around the globe. It is of utmost importance that all adults and children know how to offer first Aid in case of a medical emergency as every second counts in emergencies.First Aid is the initial medical help that aperson receives when he/she is in a medical emergency. First Aid plays a vital role in saving precious lives and can be provided by any person who knows how to provide first Aid.
In the world of first aid, few situations are as urgent and potentially life-threatening as encountering an unconscious patient. Whether it’s due to a sudden accident, illness, or trauma, the ability to manage an unconscious individual is a cornerstone of first aid training. When faced with an unresponsive patient, ensuring an open and clear airway is paramount to their survival. This fundamental skill in first aid can mean the difference between life and death. The first step is to assess the patient’s responsiveness by gently tapping their shoulder and shouting their name. If they do not respond and are not breathing or breathing abnormally, immediate action is necessary. Swiftly initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary and placing the patient in the recovery position are vital skills that can buy precious time until professional medical help arrives. Maintaining an open airway ensures that oxygen can flow freely into the lungs, which is vital for sustaining life until professional medical assistance arrives.
First Aid in Bleeding Trauma Patients
Traumatic injuries can happen in an instant, anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. It leaves victims in dire need of immediate assistance. When severe bleeding occurs, every second counts. The “Stop the Bleed” campaign, which gained momentum in recent years, has become a crucial element of first aid in trauma.
The Importance of Immediate Response: Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in trauma situations. Whether it’s a road traffic injury,fall from height, a workplace injury, an unfortunate mishap at home or a disaster due to any reason, severe bleeding can lead to shock and death of the victim within minutes. It is often the initial few moments following an injury that determines a victim’s fate, making the presence of knowledgeable bystanders invaluable.
The “Stop the Bleed” Initiative: The “Stop the Bleed” initiative is a nationwide effort aimed at training individuals to respond effectively in cases of life-threatening bleeding. Its primary goal is to equip bystanders with the skills and knowledge needed to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives.
Key Components of “Stop the Bleed”:Access the Situation: The first step in “Stop the Bleed” is to assess the scene for safety. Ensure that both the caregiver and the victim are safe. This initial assessment is crucial to prevent further injuries to both the victim and the person providing First Aid.
Apply Direct Pressure: If you encounter profuse bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth, bandage, or your hands. If gloves are available use them, otherwise,you can use a polythene bag as a glove to cover your hand to prevent direct contact with the victim’s blood. Press over the wound and hold the cloth/bandage firmly over the wound for at least five minutes to control the bleeding. If the bleeding starts again after the release of the pressure, continue applying pressure until help arrives or the bleeding stops.Do not remove your hands or clothfrequently from the wound to check whether the bleeding has stopped or not.
Use of Tourniquets: In cases of extreme bleeding, particularly from a limb, consider using a tourniquet if direct pressure is not effective. Apply the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound and tighten it until the bleeding ceases. Use whatever is available to you like rope, a long piece of cloth like a sari, a handkerchief etc. Remember to note the time of application of the tourniquet, write the date and time of application over the cloth if possible,and don’t forget to communicate this to medical professionals.
Elevate the Injured limb: If it’s feasible, gently elevate the bleeding extremity above the level of the victim’s heart. This can help to reduce blood flow to the injured area and decrease the amount of blood loss. If there is any suspected fracture or deformity in the limb, avoid elevating the injured limb.
Stay with the Victim: After you have taken the above initial measures, continue to stay with the victim and monitor the victim’s condition. Reassure them and provide emotional support while waiting for professional help.
First Aid for long bone fractures
Providing first aid for limb injuries is essential to stabilize the fracture, minimize pain, and prevent further damage until professional medical help arrives. The following steps should be followed when providing first aid for limb fractures:
Immobilize the Limb:Make sure that the place is safe for you and that there are no ongoing hazards before approaching the trauma victim. If the limb fracture is of severe grade, open wound, or associated with other injuries, call emergency medical services immediately.Immobilize the fractured limb to prevent further injury and reduce pain. Use improvised splints (e.g., pieces of wood, boards, rolled-up newspapers) to support the limb in its normal position. Do not attempt to realign the limb if you are not trained to do so. By doing so you may harm the victim.
Control Bleeding (if present): If the fracture is associated with an open wound and bleeding, apply direct pressure on the wound with your hand using a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the injured limb, if possible, to help reduce bleeding.Help the injured person to remain calm and reassure them that professional help is on the way. Continue to monitor the person’s condition while waiting for medical assistance. Remember that first aid for limb fractures is a temporary measure to stabilize it until professional medical care can be provided. Training and Education:Empowering bystanders with the knowledge and tools to control bleeding will be a game-changer. It will transform ordinary people into potential lifesavers, bridging the gap between the occurrence of a traumatic injury and the arrival of professional medical assistance. In many cases, bystanders are the first on the scene and can make all the difference in a victim’s survival and recovery. AIIMS Jammu offers training courses and resources to teach individuals the necessary skills for managing trauma and other medical emergencies. By taking thisBasic Life Skill and Acute Trauma Managementcourse, you can become a more confident and effective responder in trauma and emergency situations.
Conclusion: World First Aid Day serves as a reminder to us that first Aid is a skill every one of us should know. Remember when it comes to medical emergencies every second counts, so by empowering our communities with this knowledge and skill to respond timely and effectively to any medical emergency we can save countless lives and make these seconds count in a life-saving way. Always remember to do no more harm to the victim
(The authors are from Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Vijaypur, Jammu).
