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StandardFirstAid/Rev2/06062017 - COPYRIGHTS © SINGAPORE FIRST AID TRAINING CENTRE PTE LTD
NOTES:
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF FIRST AID
First Aid is a lifesaving measure that can provide initial care to a victim of injury
or sudden illness, before advanced care can be obtained.
AIMS OF FIRST AID
•
to preserve life
•
to prevent condition worsening
•
to promote recovery
•
to provide pain relief
•
to provide reassurance
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF A FIRST AIDER
1.
Rendering first aid until medical help arrives.
The first aider is expected to attend to any casualty including those with
head injuries, severe bleeding, fractures, heart attack or lack of oxygen
which demand immediate attention.
2.
Keeping records of injuries.
Certain accidents have to be legally notified. Thus, knowledge of legal
requirements and how to record injuries is a must.
3.
Maintaining first-aid equipment and room.
The first aider will need to maintain the first aid equipment, first aid
boxes or first aid room, if any. It is important to check that the various
pieces of the first aid equipment are in order and the first aid box
contents are replenished regularly.
4.
Knowing the workplace and possible hazards.
The first aider must be familiar with the layout of the workplace so
that he can respond without any delay. It is important for the first aider
to know the processes and its associated hazards so that he can
anticipate the possible types of injuries and be prepared to render the
appropriate first-aid.
5.
Helping in accident prevention.
The first aider can play an active role by participating in preventing
accidents at the workplace.
UPDATING KNOWLEDGE OF FIRST-AID.
The first aider must keep attend a refresher course every 2 years to stay
current with the latest changes.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
Universal precautions can help protect the first aider from exposure to diseases
spread by blood and other bodily fluids.
•
Use latex gloves, face shields and aprons when dealing with bleeding
or large quantities of body fluids.
•
If these are not available, do not touch blood, blood tinged saliva or the
vomits of a victim with bare hands.
•
Use clean dressings or cloths when applying pressure to a bleeding
wound.
•
When latex gloves are removed, always wash hands or other skin
surfaces that may be contaminated with soap and water.
•
Do not wash or reuse latex gloves. Dispose of them in proper
containers or biohazard bags provided.
•
Do not use gloves soiled with blood on another casualty as this may
result in cross-contamination.
•
Do not eat, drink or touch your mouth, nose or eyes when giving first
aid.