Module 7 – FIRST AID

Introduction to First Aid

First Aid

The process of providing help through an immediate and responsive

basic care to self or an individual who suddenly gets ill and injured is known
as first aid. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies (2016), defined first aid as an immediate assistance provided to a
sick or injured person until professional help arrives. First aid may be
delivered by the victim himself/herself and not merely by other people,
provided, he/she is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
According to Markenson, et. al (2010), first aid is the assessments and
interventions that can be performed by a bystander or by the victim with
minimal or no medical equipment. This idea is supported by Singletary et.al
(2015) that first aid can be initiated by anyone in any situation which includes
self-care.

Purpose of First Aid

The following are purposes why one should perform first aid:

1. to preserve and prolong life

2. to prevent the condition from further harm
3. to ease the pain and suffering
4. to assist and protect the unconscious
5. to support recovery

First Aider

First aider is the person knowledgeable enough in giving the correct

immediate care to someone who suddenly gets ill and injured. He/ She
should at least perform the basics of first aid before the medical help arrives.
Latha (2014) describes that first aider has the knowledge, training, and
experience of first aid to be applied in accidents or emergency situations.

Qualities of a Good First Aider

The first aider will not be effective if he/she does not possess good
qualities in the delivery of his/her service. Therefore, he/she should be:

1. vigilant and observant

2. sympathetic and gentle

3. a good communicator
4. resourceful

5. a good leader

6. cooperative in the team

7. able to work under pressure

8. knowledgeable of the basic first aid

Materials Commonly Used in First Aid

First aid materials are essential in alleviating pain and preventing

a triggered condition. If materials are not available during the time of
emergency, the first aider should be resourceful enough in looking for
alternatives. The following are first aid materials designed for its specific
use and treatment.

1. Dressing

A dressing is used not only to protect a wound and prevent it from

infection, but also to allow healing (https://www.stjohn.org.nz/first-aid/firstaid-
library/immediate-first-aid1/dressings-and-bandages/Retrieved, August 2,
2020).

Dressings can also be used to exert pressure on the wound to

promote blood clotting. Dressing, therefore, serve as compress in controlling
bleeding, as protection from infection, and as an aid for healing
(https://blog.physicalsports.co.uk/2017/12/11/first-aid-dressings-
explained/2017).

Cloth Dressing

Dressing should be clean and sterile to prevent it from contamination

and further infection. Its application depends on the kinds of wound and part
of the body being injured. There are several types of dressings but the most
common and available during the application of first aid is the cloth dressing.

The cloth dressing is most common to open wounds specifically those

minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, and injuries in delicate areas of the skin. It
is easy to fit any type of wound in any part of the body because of its varying
sizes and type. Cloth dressing could be a roller gauze, a sterile pad, or an
adhesive type.
 Physical Sports First Aid. (2017, December Goettel, D. (2020, July 13). Wise Geek.What is a Wound
11). Dressing?. Retrieved from:
First Aid Dressings Explained. Retrieved from: https://www.wisegeek.com/whatis-a-wound-dressing.htm
https://blog.physical-
sports.co.uk/2017/12/11/first-aid-
dressingsexplained/2017

2. Bandage

Bandage is a first aid material used to cover wounds, keep the

dressing in place, control bleeding through pressure, support a medical
device, provide support to the body, and restrict a body part. Bandage is
therefore essential in the care needed by the injured person
(https://docplayer.net/21473083-Dressing-and-bandage.html).

Types of Bandages

Bandaging should vary depending on its purpose such as on the type

of wound and the part of the body applied for. Lojpur in
https://docplayer.net/21473083-Dressing-and-bandage.html (Retrieved,
August 6, 2020) enumerated three types of bandages with their
corresponding uses. Images are also included in his bandaging discussion.
The three types of bandages are the following:

Roller Bandages – These are the common type of bandage made from a
long strip materials. Roller Bandages are consist of two types which can also
be used as wound compress:

a. Elastic Roller Bandage – is used to support a strain or a sprain by

wrapping around to the joint or limb many times.
 b. Cotton/Linen Roller Bandage- is used to cover gauze dressings which
comes in different widths and using clips, pins, or tapes to hold it in place.

All Safety Products. (2020). Bandages. Retrieved Sharma, B. (2015, August 24). The Health Site. What are
from: the uses of crepe bandages? (Query). Retrieved from:
https://www.allsafetyproducts.com/medicalbandages.h https://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/crepe-
tml - bandagesuses-sizes-bs815-321734/

Tubular Bandages – Tubular bandages are usually used on finger and toes
and keeps dressing in place on joint areas which usually move such as
elbows and knees.

Walmart.(2020). Image. Retrieved Sharma, B. (2015, August 24). The Health Site. What are
from:https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Bobs-Swelling- the uses of crepe bandages? (Query). Retrieved from:
FingerTubular-Cots-Blue-White-Dressings-10PCS- https://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/crepe-
Bandage?fbclid=IwAR0YNtzig4OcpI7zz- bandagesuses-sizes-bs815-321734/
RfNQ4mGc3Mv7gTC0hbWzOThkDL9_nhXqxEDE35L4

Triangular Bandage – This is made of cotton or disposable paper used as

slings to support, elevate or immobilize limbs. It is commonly applied when
there is a broken bone, a strain, and can be a support to a limb after an
operation. Triangular bandage can be transformed into a cold compress in
helping reduce the swelling. It is also used to control bleeding by applying
pressure to the wound.

Doctor Lib. (20 19). Medicine for the Outdoors: Nursing Central. (2020). Bandage. Retrieved from:
The Essential Guide to First Aid and Medical Emergency, https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Ta
5th Edition. Minor Bruises And Wounds. Retrieved from: bers-
Dictionary/731000/all/bandage?
https://doctorlib.info/medical/medicine -outdoors/28.html fbclid=IwAR3K41leDINFqqhtlt
SGBi2M2eTo6JZqZaGfxhdoEbLacSeORSsoPW4CV2I

The Outdoor Wear Team. (2019, December 5). 8 Uses for A Triangular Bandage. Retrieved from:
https://theoutdoorwear.com/8-uses-for-a-triangular-bandage/
Wounds and Their Proper Care

Wound

A wound is a break in the continuity of any bodily tissue. It is classified

into two kinds: the closed and open wounds. Lojpur describes open wounds
as a cracked open skin, exposing the tissue to the outside environment
making it more vulnerable to bleeding and infections. Closed wounds, on the
other hand, has no visible crack or opening in the skin and the underlying
tissue is not directly exposed to the outside environment
(https://www.britannica.com/science/wound ).

Types of Open Wounds

Wounds may be classified according to their appearance, depth,

size, and damage in the tissues, and severity. The following are the
different types of wounds.
Incision – It is a clean, straight cut caused by an object of sharp edges
like knife, blades, scissors, etc. It usually involves cutting the vessels
which result to profuse bleeding.

Prahlow, J. (2016, October 18). Medscape. Forensic Korbička, T. & Hudec, J. (2020). First aid: Wounds,
Autopsy of Sharp Force Injuries. Retrieved from: bleeding, bandages. Retrieved from:
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1680082overvi https://is.muni.cz/el/1411/podzim2016/aVLPO011c/um/
ew - 3.
_First_aid_-_wounds__bleeding__bandages.pdf

Laceration – Laceration is caused by tearing or crushing which result to

a messy appearance. Unlike incision, it does not bleed much but the
surrounding tissues are often damaged.

Dr. Bijan. (2020).Encino Commons

Urgent Care. Lacerations.
Retrieved from:
http://encinocommonsurgentcare.com/l
a cerations/

Abrasion – This type of wound is caused by a scraping force or a friction

to the skin common in accidents. An abrased wound is not deep, bleeding
is minimal, but it is usually dirty and may contain foreign bodies.

CFNE International. (2016). Abrasion.

Retrieved from:
https://www.cfnei.com/glossary/abrasion/

Puncture – This is a deep wound which may look small from the outside
but the damage in tissues may be serious. It is caused by stabbing objects
such as nails, ice picks, needles, daggers, etc. Animal and human bites
can also cause punctured wounds. Punctures on the major organs such
as chest, abdomen, and head are at a very high risk.
Puncture from a foreign object Puncture from a dog bite

Kelman, C., DPM. , & FACFAS. (2015, March 6). Dietrich, A. (2019, April 15). Woofster. Healing From A Dog
University Foot & Ankle Institute. A Hole in the Sole: Foot Bite: What To Expect When You Get Bit By A Dog.
Puncture Wound Treatment Hints. Retrieved from: Retrieved from: https://www.woofster.net/articles/what-to-
https://www.footankleinstitute.com/blog/puncture-wounds- exepectwhen-you-get-bit-by-a-dog/
of-the-foot-treatment-hints/
Avulsion – Avulsion is the tearing and torning away of a tissue from its
normal state or position. It also cause a tissue to completely detach. The
profuse bleeding depends on the size of the wound and the injured part of the
body.

Taber’s Online. (2020). Avulsion.

Retrieved from:
https://www.tabers.com/tabersonl
ine/view/Tabers-
Dictionary/734631/all/avulsion

Amputation – It is the complete loss of a body part such as a finger, toe, ear,
or limb. It usually caused by accidents, explosion, or from an existing medical
condition. It is a very severe condition with profuse bleeding. Medical
emergency is required.

Bowling, F. (2012, July 3).

Journal of Aging
Research.Transmetatarsal
Amputation: A Case Series and
Review of the Literature.
Retrieved from:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals
/jar/2012/797218/

First Aid for Open Wounds

Proper care should be provided to the injured person with open

wounds to prevent further danger like loss of blood and infection.
According to the Philippine National Red Cross (2017), dangers of open
wounds include haemorrhage, infection, and shock. However, these
dangers may be controlled by applying first aid. Lojpur identified the
following steps in caring for open wounds.

1. Stop the bleeding. Bleeding in some cuts and scrapes usually stops
on their own. If the wound continues to bleed, gently apply pressure
with a clean cloth or bandage. Continuously hold the pressure for
2030 minutes and elevate if possible.

2. Clean the wound. Flush the wound with clear and clean water. If
dirt, debris, or particles remain in the wound after flushing, a sterile
tweezer may be used toremove them. The area around the wound
must be washed with soap and water or a wash cloth.

3. Cover the wound. If bleeding slows, wound should be covered with

a clean dressing and bandage. Dressings and bandages can prevent
the penetration of bacteria while healing the wound.

4. Cover the wound. If bleeding slows, wound should be covered with

a
clean dressing and bandage. Dressings and bandages can prevent the
penetration of bacteria while healing the wound.

For severe bleeding, according to Philippine National Red Cross

(2017), observe and assess for shock. If these signs and symptoms persist,
seek immediate medical attention.


pale/cyanotic and clammy skin



irregular breathing



weak/rapid pulse



Weakness



thirsty sensation
In the case of amputation, the following are the guidelines
according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Socities (2016).


The amputated part must be wrapped in a sterile compress or
bandage.



The body part should be put in a clean watertight plastic bag,
sealing it firmly.

 
Put the sealed bag with the body part in the second plastic bag
with ice or water, making sure that the ice will not directly
contact the body part.



Bring the amputated body part to the hospital. 

Types of Closed Wounds

These closed wounds described as a soft tissue injury are identified

by Dr. Lojpur in his Dressings and Bandages
(https://docplayer.net/21473083-Dressing-and-bandage.html).

Contusion – This type of wound is caused by a blunt force trauma which

damages the tissue under the skin. It is commonly known as bruises.

Walden, M. (2020).
Sports Injury Clinic. Knee
Contusion. Retrieved
from:
https://www.sportsinjurycli
nic.net/sportinjuries/knee-
pain/acuteknee-
injuries/kneecontusion

Hematoma – Hematoma is also called blood tumor. It is a damge to the blood

vessel causing blood to collect under the skin.

Lefevre,N., Bohu, Y.,

Gerometta, A. & Herman, S.
(2020). Sports Surgery Paris.
Hematoma thigh hamstring
rupture. Retrieved from:
http://www.sportsurgeryparis.co
m/___hematoma_thigh_hamstri
ng_rupture-f-3-c-2330-sc-44-
a760267.html

The common signs and symptoms of closed wounds according to

Philippine National Red Cross in 2017, include pain, tenderness, swelling,
discoloration, and hematoma
(https://www.slideshare.net/mavee100690/basic-first-aid-philippinestandard).

First Aid for Closed Wound

Closed wounds, though there is no external bleeding, still need

immediate proper management. The Philippine National Red Cross (2017)
discussed the first aid for closed wounds in the acronym, RICES which stands
for rest, ice, compression, elevation, and splinting.

R – Rest the injured part of the body. Moving it may trigger the condition.

I – Ice Compress. Apply ice compression to the affected area allowing the
blood vessel to constrict.

C – Compression. Apply firm pressure to avoid further hematoma.

E – Elevate the affected extremities to promote venous return of blood

and avoid pooling in the area.

S – Splinting. This helps immobilize the affected area.

Further observation and assessment must be performed in an injured

person. The following are signs and symptoms which need immediate medical
attention.

spread of hematoma



intolerable pain



the injury is in the head including the neck and face 



the spine is affected



bleeding in the mouth, ears and nose



coughing and vomiting of blood
Name: ____________________________ Course & Year:_________
Subject:___________________________ Date of Submission:________

Module 7

IV. Assessment

Answer the following questions:

1. Why first aid is important to us as a human being?

2. Differentiate open wounds from closed wounds? Give at least 2 types

in each kind of wound and how to apply first aid for open and closed
wound.
Enrichment:

For your OUTPUT

Using a triangular bandage, demonstrate and explain on how to

make a sling as a first aid on a fractured elbow. Make a video, record
your performance and send it thru my messenger.