subject: Why First Aid Is The Most Essential Aid [print this page] First aid is the name given to the immediate aid given for any illness or injury, before professional medical assistance arrives on the scene. Timely first aid can often make the difference between life and death for critically injured patients. Basic training in first aid is invaluable for all healthcare professionals who need to be able to systematically assess the situation, evaluate the extent of injuries and perform the correct first aid procedures that can put the patient out of harms way.
The first steps in first aid should be carried out with a cool head, and start with a swift assessment of the extent of injuries and immediate means of providing comfort. The patient may be injured in an accident or may be in physiological distress due to choking, a heart attack, allergic reactions to food or animal bites, drugs or alcohol or various other medical emergencies. As soon as the situation is under control, to whatever extent possible, professional medical intervention should be sought.
Some situations in which first aid proves to be invaluable are poisoning, altered consciousness states, burns and scalds, heart attacks or strokes, bleeding and wounds, bites and stings, or breathing emergencies such as choking or asthma.
In fact, some small illnesses or minor injuries may not even require further medical care and just the first aid intervention itself may be adequate to cure the illness. First aid techniques generally consist of a series of simple but potentially life-saving techniques that even non-experts can be taught to perform with equipment that is readily available.
The main aim of any first aid technique is the preservation of life. It also serves to prevent any further injury, and ensures that the condition does not worsen. For example, if a wound is bleeding uncontrollably a tourniquet may be applied above the wound to prevent further loss of blood. Last but not least, first aid techniques start the process of recovery.
Any first aid course should include basic training in CPR, or cardio pulmonary resuscitation. The three things you must immediately check are whether the person has an unobstructed airway, whether the person is breathing and whether the person shows a pulse at the wrist, carotid artery or groin. If the pulse is not discernible at any of these three major pulse points, immediately start CPR. This can save the persons life and it is the most important first aid technique that anyone can learn.
A first aid course should also include correct reporting techniques, so that when professional medical help does arrive, they are given an accurate report of the patients condition before the first aid was applied- including details of consciousness, breathing difficulties, colour of skin and so on. This will help the medical professionals greatly in providing continued treatment and care for the patient.
Many occupations and voluntary organizations require a basic certificate in an accredited first aid course. There are many nursing colleges in Australia where you can take the required nursing management courses and gain the required certificate.
