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Introduction:Principles of First Aid and Approach to an Incident.

Offshore First Aid Course

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Scope

Principles of First Aid What is First Aid? Aims of First Aid

Approach to an Incident Primary Survey Vital Signs Survey Secondary Survey Accessing Assistance

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Objectives

Understanding of the Definition and Aims of First Aid.

Correctly Approach An Incident in a safe and structured manner

Describe Primary Survey, Vital Signs Survey and Secondary Survey.

Correctly Access Assistance.

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What is First Aid?

“Emergency care provided for injury or sudden illness before medical care is available”.

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Aims of First Aid

The aims of first aid are: To preserve life To prevent further injury To protect the unconscious To promote recovery To access medical aid

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Approach to an Incident

A systematic approach: Primary Survey Vital Signs Survey Secondary Survey Accessing Assistance

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Approach to an Incident

Reduce risk of themselves or others Minimise risk of missing potentially serious

injuries Prioritise the casualty’s injuries to enable

management in order of severity

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Primary Survey

A quick assessment of the overall scenario prior to becoming involved (DR ABC) Danger Response Airway Breathing Circulation

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Primary Survey: Danger

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Primary Survey: Response

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Primary Survey: Airway

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Primary Survey: Breathing

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Primary Survey: Circulation

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Vital Signs Survey

Further assessment of the casualty’s physical condition, while waiting for the arrival of an ambulance. Pulse, Breathing Pattern Conscious Level

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Vital Signs Survey: Pulse

Rate Strength Rhythm

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Vital Signs Survey: Breathing Pattern

Rate Depth Quality Noise

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Vital Signs Survey: Conscious Level

Alert Voice Pain Unconscious

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Secondary Survey

A more thorough assessment of the victim1. Systematic Questioning (History Taking)

2. Head-to-Toe Physical Examination

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Secondary Survey: History

Where does it hurt? What happened? When did it happen? Why did it happen How did it happen?

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Secondary Survey: Head-to-toe Examination

General Signs and Symptoms Head and Neck Chest and Abdomen Spine (Back) Arms and Hands Legs and Feet