What is First Aid?
First aid refers to the immediate care provided to an injured or ill person until professional medical help is available. It is an essential skill set in
nursing as it can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Why is First Aid Important in Nursing?
Nurses are often the first point of contact in
emergency situations. Possessing first aid skills enables nurses to stabilize patients, minimize complications, and prepare them for further medical treatment. Additionally, these skills can be life-saving in critical scenarios.
Basic Principles of First Aid
First aid principles can be summarized with the acronym
DRABC which stands for:
D - Danger: Ensure the scene is safe for the rescuer and the victim.
R - Response: Check if the patient is responsive.
A - Airway: Make sure the airway is clear.
B - Breathing: Check if the patient is breathing.
C - Circulation: Ensure there is circulation, stop any severe bleeding.
Common First Aid Procedures
Some of the common first aid procedures that nurses must be familiar with include:How to Perform CPR?
CPR is a critical procedure for patients who are not breathing or whose heart has stopped. The steps include:
Ensure the patient is on a firm surface.
Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, place your other hand on top, and interlock your fingers.
Perform chest compressions at a depth of about 2 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
Continue the cycle until help arrives or the patient shows signs of life.
Managing Wounds and Bleeding
Proper wound care can prevent
infections and promote healing. The steps include:
Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Clean the wound with sterile water or saline.
Apply an antiseptic.
Cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
Seek further medical help if necessary.
Handling Fractures and Dislocations
For fractures and dislocations: Immobilize the injured area.
Use a splint to prevent movement.
Apply ice to reduce swelling.
Elevate the injured limb if possible.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Burn Treatment
For burn injuries: Cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes.
Cover the burn with a sterile dressing.
Avoid applying creams or ointments.
Seek medical help for severe burns.
Dealing with Choking
For choking incidents: Encourage the patient to cough if they can still breathe.
Perform the
Heimlich maneuver if they cannot breathe.
Call for emergency help if the obstruction is not cleared.
Treating Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition. The steps to manage shock include: Lay the patient down and elevate their legs.
Keep the patient warm.
Monitor their vital signs.
Seek immediate medical assistance.
Conclusion
First aid is a crucial aspect of
nursing care. By mastering these skills, nurses can provide immediate and effective care to patients in need, thus improving their chances of recovery and survival.
