This week I'm sharing the notes I took during a half-day first aid course. I hope you enjoy and benefit from them, but please remember that this information is not a substitute for hands-on first aid training.
In a situation where someone is injured, a trained first aider can "do something, help somebody."
St John first aid training focuses on the acronym DRABCD.
D is for Danger - stop moving;
check for danger to yourself, others, and finally to the casualty; if possible remove the danger, and
R is for Response - ask the casualty "can you hear me?" "can you open your eyes?" and give a squeeze on their shoulders in case they cannot hear you. Tell them who you are. Hearing is the last sense we lose, and it can fade in and out. It is always a good idea to tell the casualty what you are doing. If no response, call for help!
Ask someone to call emergency services, then
A is for Airway -
check the airway. if not clear, turn onto side (rescue position) and remove any visible obstruction. Never reach fingers in if you can't see an obstruction and never reach back farther than the roof of the mouth. Once airway is clear, keep it open by lifting the jaw and tilting the head back. Then check for
B is for Breathing - look, listen, and feel. You need to see two breaths within ten seconds. If you see them, move the casualty into the
recovery position. If not, give two breaths and check for another ten seconds. If the casualty is still not breathing, perform
C is for CPR - with the casualty on his back on a firm surface, give 30 compressions (counting aloud will help you stay calm) at a rate of two per second. Pause every 30 compressions and blow two breaths, pausing between breaths. Immediately resume compressions. If you can't or won't give breaths, simply pump the heart with compressions on the breastbone. Scan the casualty's face and limbs for signs of life rather than just watching your hands. Take turns with one or more other people if possible. Continue until emergency services arrive, or, if you have access to one,
D is for Defibrillation - Get someone to bring the machine. Turn it on, bare the person's chest, and follow the voice prompts on the machine. Attach adhesive pads as per the diagrams on the pads. Continue resuscitation (CPR and defibrillation) until emergency services arrive.
I learned some fascinating things about hearts and defibrillation that I will share in my post tomorrow.
