first aid

Question 1

what is first aid

Answer 1

• ‘…the initial assistance or treatment given to a person who is injured or taken ill.’ St John Ambulance, St Andrew’s First Aid and the British Red Cross (2014, p.12)

Question 2

• NMC CODE

Answer 2

15 Always offer help if an emergency arises in your practice setting or anywhere else To achieve this, you must: 
15.1 only act in an emergency within the limits of your knowledge and competence 
15.2 arrange, wherever possible, for emergency care to be accessed and provided promptly 
15.3 take account of your own safety, the safety of others and the availability of other options for providing care 
The NMC has published guidance for nurses and midwifes on responding to unexpected incidents due to the recent terror attacks

Question 3

• First aid priorities

Answer 3

Assess a situation quickly and calmly
• Protect yourself and any casualties from danger…
• Prevent cross infection…
• Comfort and reassure casualties…
• Assess the casualty…(primary and secondary surveys)
• Give early treatment and treat the casualties with the most serious (life-threatening) conditions first
• Arrange for appropriate help…’

Question 4

• What should you do during the primary survey?

Answer 4

•  Ensure a safe approach 
• Assess for responsiveness then take appropriate action depending on findings, e.g. 
• Shout for help 
• Open Airway 
• Assess Breathing 
• Telephone 999/112 
• Perform emergency first aid, as required, e.g. basic life support

Question 5

ABCDE approach

Answer 5

Airway Breathing Circulation Disability Exposure

Question 6

• Risk management:

Answer 6

To prevent further harm, do not move the casualty unless necessary 
If the person deteriorates, re-start the assessment process at Airway 
To prevent further distress and accusations of inappropriate behaviour, explain actions and, if possible, obtain consent 
Consider asking a bystander to witness actions taken, e.g. removing jewellery and placing on other hand of casualty when unable to do so themselves

Question 7

• SHOCK

* What is it and what is the danger?

Answer 7

• What is it and what is the danger?
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Many organs can be damaged as a result. Shock requires immediate treatment and can get worse very rapidly. As many as 1 in 5 people who suffer shock will die from it.

Question 8

• The main types of shock include:

Answer 8

-Cardiogenic shock (due to heart problems)  
Hypovolemic shock (caused by too little blood volume)  
Anaphylactic shock (caused by allergic reaction) 
 Septic shock (due to infections)  
Neurogenic shock (caused by damage to the brain)

Question 9

• What are the signs of Hypovolemic shock?

Answer 9

• Signs of hypovolemic shock include: Tachycardia- Rapid heartbeat
• Tachypnoea - quick, shallow breathing
• Feeling weak
• Reduced energy
• Confusion or wooziness.
• Reduced urine output Hypotension Cool, clammy skin

Question 10

• What should be done during the secondary survey?

Answer 10

• SAMPLE

Signs & Symptoms 
Allergies 
Medications 
Past medical history
 Last eaten when 
Events/environment resulting in injury or illness

Question 11

• Minor Injury Units can treat:

Answer 11

- Sprains and strains  Some fractures  Wound infections  Minor burns and scalds  Minor head injuries  Bites and stings  Minor eye injuries/conditions  Minor back, shoulder and chest injuries

Question 12

• What are strains?
sprains? bruises?
fractures?

Answer 12

• What are strains?
-A Strain is caused by overstretching or tearing the tendons or muscles that support a joint. Most are minor but some may need surgical repair.

• What are sprains?
-A Sprain is caused by overstretching or tearing of the ligaments which are the strong fibrous bands that hold the joint together.
• What are bruises?
-Bruises occur when a muscle, tendon or ligament sustains a blow forceful enough to injure the capillary network under the skin.

• What are fractures?
-A fracture is a break in the continuity of the bone

Question 13

• What’s the difference between ligament and a tendon?

Answer 13

-Ligaments - connect bone to bone Tendons – connect muscle to bone

Question 14

• Assessment of bone and soft tissue injuries:

Answer 14

History of Trauma  Pain in the limb  Swelling/deformity of limb  Loss of function  Inability to weight bear in the lower limbs  Inability to use arm, wrist or fingers  Bruising

Question 15

• How to treat sprains and strains:

Answer 15

• R- Rest the injured part
• I- Ice apply ice to the injured part
• C- Compression via bandaging/Tubigrip
• E – Elevation elevate the injured part above the level of the heart to reduce swelling

Question 16

• Treatment of fractures:

Answer 16

•  Immobilisation of the affected limb.  Immobilise the joints above and below the fracture site.  Splints, slings and casts will be used in minor injury clinics to treat minor fractures.  Fracture needs to be reduced to ensure it is in proper alignment to heal.

Question 17

• What are the various types of cast?

Answer 17

• What are the various types of cast?

 Back slab  Plaster of Paris  Synthetic Casts (Hard and Soft)  Swimming Casts

Question 18

• Describe plaster care:

Answer 18

 Allow the cast to dry naturally, keep it elevated on a pillow for the first few days.  Exercise any joints that are not incorporated in the cast.  Avoid putting any objects down inside the cast.  Use crutches/slings as suggested by the health professional looking after you.  Take analgesia as prescribed.  If the patient experiences any sudden pain/ or unpleasant smell under the cast they should seek advice as soon as possible.