FIRST

AID

MANUAL
ADVANCING EMERGENCY CARE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

01. Introduction

02. Wounds

03. Respiratory Problems

04. Skin and Bones

05. Medical Conditions

INTRODUCTION
This manual, makes every effort to ensure that its readers
to gain knowledgeable content about policy, procedure, or
a standard for care and constitute a detailed guide which
contains useful information and suggested acts for
potential pathogenic conditions in everyday life. The aim
of the manual is the capability of eliciting information
regarding First Aid. The materials contained herein are
not intended to establish policy, procedure, or a standard
What is First Aid?
of care. First aiders are advised to obtain training and
information about first aid from this manual. Treatment for
injuries and conditions are given in the chapters that
follow, which are grouped by the type of injury.

What is First Aid?

First Aid can be defined as the emergency First Aid training gives you the confidence to
treatment of illness or injury in order to step in to help when an emergency occurs.
maintain life, to ease pain, and to prevent The action you take by responding straight
deterioration of the patient's condition until away, could save a life or prevent a person
professional medical help can be obtained. suffering permanent disability. Another
The purpose of first aid is to minimize injury benefit of having First Aid knowledge is
and future disability. In serious cases, first aid being able to identify potential hazards. First
may be necessary to keep the victim alive. aid is an important tool in quickly responding
The goals of first aid provider include to accidents to ensure that injuries can be
“preserving life, alleviating suffering, efficiently and promptly dealt with before a
preventing further illness or injury, and trained medical professional arrives to
promoting recovery.” Knowledge of first aid administer more specialized treatment. First
promotes the sense of safety and well being aid in schools is especially helpful as children
amongst people, prompting them to be more often get into accidents that can need swift
alert and safe in the surroundings they dwell care in order to prevent things from
in. Awareness and desire to be accident free escalating.
keeps you more safe and secure, reducing Whether it’s a minor injury or something
the number of causalities and accidents. more serious like a fracture, preventing
further complications is paramount.
First Aid Rules
1. Do not get excited. Check for danger first then check for responsiveness. Determine
whether the victim is conscious. If the victim is conscious, ask him what happened
and what is wrong now. If the victim is unconscious, proceed to check the airway,
and breathing circulation. Initiate resuscitation as appropriate.
2. Do not move injured victim unless necessary. If so, seek assistance and handle the
victim gently.
3. Keep the victim lying down with his head level with his feet while being examined.
4. Keep the victim warm and comfortable. Remove enough clothing to get a clear idea
to the extent of the injury.
5. Examine the victim gently. Treat the most urgent injuries first and then treat the
other injuries to the best of your ability.
6. Avoid allowing the victim to see his own injury. Assure him that his condition is
understood and that he will receive good care.
7. Do not try to give any solid or liquid substance by mouth to an unconscious victim
nor to a victim who has sustained an injury.
8. Do not touch open wounds or burns with fingers or other objects except when
sterile compresses or bandages are not available and it is absolutely necessary to
stop bleeding.
9. Do not try to stir up an unconscious person.
10. Seek medical attention immediately.

How to prepare Self

When responding to an emergency you should The actions described in this chapter aim to help you
recognize the emotional and physical needs of all facilitate this trust, minimize distress, and provide
involved, including your own. You should look after your support to promote the casualty’s ability to cope and
own psychological health and be able to recognize recover.
stress if it develops. A calm, considerate response from
you that engenders trust and respect from those The key steps to being an effective first aider are:
around you is fundamental to your being able to give or
receive information from a casualty or witnesses Be calm in your approach
effectively. This includes being aware of, and Be aware of risks (to yourself and others)
managing, your reactions, so that you can focus on the Build and maintain trust (from the casualty and the
casualty and make an assessment. By talking to a bystanders)
casualty in a kind, considerate, gentle but firm manner, Give early treatment, treating the most serious (life-
you will inspire confidence in your actions and this will threatening) conditions first
generate trust between you and the casualty. Without Call appropriate help
this confidence he may not tell you about an important Remember your own need
event, injury, or symptom, and may remain in a highly
distressed state.
WOUNDS

A break in the skin or the internal body surfaces is known as a

wound. Wounds can be daunting, particularly if there is a lot of
bleeding, but prompt action reduces the amount of blood loss and
minimizes shock. Treatments for types of wounds are covered in this
chapter.

External Bleeding Shock

1. Remove or cut clothing as necessary to expose the 1. If you suspect a person in shock, call your local
wound . emergency number.
2. Apply direct pressure over the wound with your 2. After calling for help, lay the person down and
fingers using a sterile dressing or clean, gauze pad. elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think
3. Maintain direct pressure on the wound to control this may cause pain or further injury.
bleeding. Raise and support the injured limb above 3. Keep the person still and don't move him or unless
the level of the casualty’s heart to reduce blood necessary.
loss. 4. Begin CPR if the person shows no sign of life, such
4. Help the casualty lie down—on a rug or blanket if as breathing, coughing or movement.
there is one, because this will protect him from the 5. Loosen tight clothing and if needed, cover the
cold. Since shock may develop (pp.112–13), raise person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
and support his legs so that they are above the 6. Don't let the person drink or eat anything.
level of his heart. 7. If you suspect that the person is having an allergic
5. Secure the dressing with a bandage that is firm reaction, and you have access to an epinephrine
enough to maintain pressure, but not so tight that it autoinjector, use it according to its instructions.
impairs circulation. 8. If the person is bleeding, hold the bleeding area
6. . Call your local emergency number for help if this using a towel or sheet.
has not been done already. 9. If the person vomits or begins bleeding from the
mouth, turn him or her onto a side to prevent
choking, unless you suspect a spinal injury.
Bruising
Caused by bleeding into the skin or into tissues beneath the skin, a bruise can either develop rapidly or emerge a few
days after injury. Bruising can also indicate deep injury.

1. Rest the bruised area, if possible.

2. Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day
for a day or two as needed.
3. Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don't make it too tight.
4. Elevate the injured area.

Cuts and Scrapes

Bleeding from small cuts and scrapes is easily controlled by pressure and elevation. An adhesive bandage is normally all
that is required, and the wound will heal by itself in a few days. Medical help needs to be sought only if: bleeding does
not stop; there is a foreign object embedded in the cut.

1. If the wound is dirty, clean it by rinsing under running water, or use alcohol-free wipes. Pat the wound dry using a
gauze swab and cover it with sterile gauze.
2. Raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart, if possible. Avoid touching the wound.
3. Clean the area around the wound with soap and water. Wipe away from the wound and use a clean swab for each
stroke. Pat dry. Remove the wound covering and apply a sterile dressing. If there is a particular risk of infection,
advise the casualty to seek medical advice.

Protection from Infection

An open wound can become contaminated with microorganisms (germs). The germs may come from the source of the
injury, from the environment, from the mouth, the fingers, or from particles of clothing embedded in a wound. Bleeding
may flush some dirt away; remaining germs may be destroyed by the white blood cells. However, if dirt or dead tissue
remain in a wound, infection may spread through the body. There is also a risk of tetanus.

1. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or large clean, nonstick pad, and bandage it in place.
2. Raise and support the injured part with a sling and/or bandages. This helps reduce the swelling around the injury.
3. Advise the casualty to seek medical advice. If infection is advanced (with signs of fever, such as sweating, shivering,
and lethargy), take or send the casualty to the hospital.

Nosebleed
Bleeding from the nose most commonly occurs when tiny blood vessels inside the nostrils are ruptured, either by a blow
to the nose, or as a result of sneezing, picking, or blowing the nose.

1. Tell the casualty to sit down and tilt his head forward to allow the blood to drain from the nostrils. Ask him to
breathe through his mouth (this will have a calming effect) and to pinch the soft part of his nose for up to ten
minutes, holding constant pressure. Reassure and help him if necessary.
2. Advise the casualty not to speak, swallow, cough, spit, or sniff since this may disturb blood clots that have formed in
the nose. Give him a clean cloth or tissue to mop up any dribbling.
3. After ten minutes, tell the casualty to release the pressure. If the bleeding has not stopped, tell him to reapply the
pressure for two further periods of ten minutes.
4. Once the bleeding has stopped, and with the casualty still leaning forward, clean around his nose with lukewarm
water. Advise him to rest quietly for a few hours. Tell him to avoid exertion and, in particular, not to blow his nose,
because this could disturb any clots.
5. If bleeding stops and then restarts, help the casualty reapply pressure.
6. If the nosebleed is severe, or if it lasts longer than 30 minutes, arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital.
RESPIRATORY
PROBLEMS Oxygen is essential to life. Every
time we inhale, air containing
oxygen enters the lungs.
Breathing and the exchange of
oxygen and carbon dioxide are
described as “respiration.”

Asthma

1. Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Get her/him

to take her/his usual dose of her/his inhaler; use a
spacer if she/he has one. Ask her/him to breathe
slowly and deeply.
2. Sit her/him down in the position she/he finds most
comfortable; do not let her/him lie down.
3. A mild attack should ease in a few minutes. If it
does not, ask the casualty to take another dose
from her /his inhaler.
4. Call for emergency help if the attack is severe and
any of the following occur; the inhaler has no effect;
the casualty is getting worse; breathlessness
makes talking hard; she/he becomes exhausted.

Drowning

1. If you have rescued the casualty from the water,

help him lie down on a rug or coat with his head
lower than the rest of the body so that water can
drain from his mouth. This reduces the risk of
inhaling water.
2. Treat the casualty for hypothermia; replace wet
clothing with dry clothes if possible and cover him
with dry blankets or coats. If the casualty is fully
conscious, give him a warm drink.
3. If the casualty is unconscious and you are on your
own, give CPR for two minutes before you call for
emergency help.
 Choking Adult

1. If the casualty is breathing, encourage her to

continue coughing. If she is not coughing and not
able to breathe, she is choking.
2. Stand behind the casualty with one leg back and
the other between the casualty’s legs, and put both
arms around the upper part of her abdomen. Clench
your fist with your thumb on top of your index
finger and place it between the navel and the
bottom of her breastbone. Grasp your fist firmly
with your other hand. Thrust sharply inward and
upward until the object is dislodged or the casualty
becomes unconscious.
3. If the casualty loses consciousness, carefully
support her to the floor, immediately call for
emergency help or send someone to do so.
Choking Child 4. If the obstruction still has not cleared, continue
CPR until help arrives.

1. If the child is breathing, encourage her to continue

coughing. If she is not coughing and not able to
breathe, she is choking.
2. Put your arms around the child’s upper abdomen.
Place your fist between the navel and the bottom of
her breastbone, and grasp it with your other hand.
Pull sharply inward and upward until the object is
dislodged or the child becomes unconscious.
3. If the child becomes unresponsive, carefully
support her to the ground and start CPR with chest
compressions. After 30 compressions, open the
airway and look in her mouth. If a foreign body is
seen, remove it but do not perform blind finger
sweeps. Then attempt to give two breaths and
continue with cycles of chest compressions and
ventilations until the object is expelled.
4. After two minutes, if no one has already done so, Choking Infant
the obstruction still has not cleared or the child has
not regained consciousness, call for emergency
help. Then continue CPR until help arrives. 1. If the infant is distressed, is unable to cry, cough, or
breathe, lay him face down along your forearm,
with his head low, and support his back and head.
Give up to five back blows, with the heel of your
hand.
2. If back blows fail to clear the obstruction, turn the
infant onto his back and give chest compressions.
Using two fingers, push against the infant’s
breastbone, in the nipple line.
3. Perform up to five chest compressions. The aim is
to relieve the obstruction with each chest
compression rather than necessarily doing all five.
4. Check the infant’s mouth; remove any obvious
obstructions with your fingertips. Do not sweep the
mouth with your finger because this may push the
object farther down the throat. Repeat steps 1–4
until the object clears or the infant loses
consciousness.
5. If the obstruction has not cleared and he becomes
unconscious, call for emergency help, then start
CPR with chest compressions. Continue until help
arrives.
 Hyperventilation

This is commonly a manifestation of acute anxiety and

may accompany a panic attack. It may occur in
individuals who have recently experienced an
emotional upset or those with a history of panic attacks.

1. When speaking to the casualty, be firm, but kind

and reassuring. If possible, lead the casualty away
to a quiet place where she may be able to regain
control of her breathing more easily and quickly. If
this is not possible, ask any bystanders to leave.
2. Encourage the casualty to seek medical advice on
preventing and controlling panic attacks in the
future.

Hanging and Strangulation

If pressure is exerted on the outside of the neck, the

airway is squeezed and the flow of air to the lungs is
cut off. Sometimes, hanging or strangulation may occur
accidentally— for example, by ties or clothing becoming
caught in machinery. Hanging may cause a broken
neck; for this reason, a casualty in this situation must be
handled extremely carefully.

1. Quickly remove any constriction from around the

casualty’s neck.
2. If the casualty is hanging, support the body while
you relieve the constriction. Be aware that the body
will be very heavy if he is unconscious.
3. If conscious, help the casualty to lie down while
you support his head and neck.
4. Call 911 for emergency help, even if he appears to
recover fully. Monitor and record his vital signs— Inhalation of Fumes
level of response, breathing, and pulse until help
arrives.
The inhalation of smoke, gases (such as carbon
monoxide), or toxic vapors can be lethal. Do not
attempt to carry out a rescue if it is likely to put your
own life at risk; fumes that have built up in a confined
space will quickly overcome anyone who is not wearing
protective equipment.

1. Call 911 for emergency help. Tell the dispatcher

that you suspect fume inhalation.
2. If it is necessary to escape from the source of the
fumes, help the casualty away from the fumes into
fresh air. Do not enter the fume-filled area yourself.
3. Support the casualty and encourage him to breathe
normally. If the casualty’s clothing is still burning, try
to extinguish the flames (p.33). Treat any obvious
burns (pp.174–77) or other injuries.
4. Stay with the casualty until help arrives. Monitor
and record the casualty’s vital signs— level of
response, breathing, and pulse (pp.52–53)—until
help arrives.
 N A N D B O NE
K I S
S
Minor Burns Major Burns
1. Cool the burn. Hold the burned area 1. Protect the person from further harm. If
under cool (not cold) running water or you can do so safely, make sure the
apply a cool, wet compress until the person you're helping is not in contact
pain eases. with the source of the burn. For
2. Remove rings or other tight items form electrical burns, make sure the power
the burned area. Do this quickly and source is off before you approach the
gently, before the area swells. burned person.
3. Don't break blisters. Fluid-filled blisters 2. Make certain that the person burned is
protect against infection. If a blister breathing. If needed, begin rescue
breaks, clean the area with water. Apply breathing if you know how.
an antibiotic ointment. But if a rash 3. Remove jewelry, belts and other
appears, stop using the ointment. restrictive items, especially from the
4. Apply lotion. Once a burn is completely burned areas and the neck. Burned
cooled, apply a lotion, such as one that areas swell rapidly.
contains aloe vera or a moisturizer. This 4. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool,
helps prevent drying and provides relief. moist bondage or a clean cloth.
5. Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with 5. Don't immerse large severe burns in
a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap it loosely water. Doing so could cause a serious
to avoid putting pressure on burned loss of body heat (hypothermia).
skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, 6. Elevate the burned area. Raise the
reduces pain and protects blistered skin. wound above heart level, if possible.
6. If needed, take an over-the-counter 7. Watch for signs of shock. Signs and
pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, symptoms include fainting, pale
naproxen sodium or acetaminophen. complexion or breathing in a notably
shallow fashion.

Strains and Sprains

1. Help the casualty sit or lie down. Support the injured part in a comfortable position,
preferably raised.
2. Cool the area by applying a cold compress, such as an ice pack in a towel, to the injury. This
helps reduce swelling, bruising, and pain.
3. Apply comfortable support to the injured part. Leave the cold compress in place or wrap an
elastic bandage around the area. Secure it with a support bandage that extends to the next
joint; for an ankle injury, the bandage should extend from the base of the toes to below the
knee.
4. Support the injured part in a raised position to help minimize bruising and swelling in the
area. Check the circulation beyond the bandages (p.243) every ten minutes. If the circulation
is impaired, loosen the bandages.
5. If the pain is severe, or the casualty is unable to use the injured part, arrange to take or send
him to the hospital. Otherwise, advise the casualty to rest the injury and to seek medical
advice if necessary.
 Cramps
Cramp in the foot Help the casualty stand with his weight on the front of
his foot; you can also rest the foot on your knee to stretch the affected
muscles. Once the spasm has passed, massage the affected part of the
foot with your fingers.
Cramp in the calf muscles Help the casualty straighten his knee, and
support his foot. Flex his foot upward toward his shin to stretch the calf
muscles, then massage the affected area on the back of the calf.
Cramp in the front of the thigh Help the casualty lie down. Raise the leg
and bend the knee to stretch the muscles. Massage the affected muscles
once the spasm has passed.
Fractures
Cramp in the back of the thigh Help the casualty lie down. Raise the leg
and straighten the knee to stretch the muscles. Massage the area once the
spasm has passed.

Back Pain
Lower back pain is common and most adults may
experience it at some point in their lives. It may be
acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term).

1. For minor back pain, advise the casualty to stay

active to mobilize the injured area. Encourage him
to return to normal activity as soon as possible.
2. An adult casualty may take the recommended
dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen tablets, or
his own pain medicine.
3. For disabling back pain with neurological
symptoms, arrange transportation to a hospital.

Fractures
1. Advise the casualty to keep still. Support the joints above and below the
injury with your hands until it is immobilized with a sling or bandages, in
the position in which it is found.
2. Place padding around the injury for extra support. Take or send the
casualty to the hospital; a casualty with an arm injury may be transported
by car; call for emergency help for a leg injury.
3. For firmer support and/or if removal to the hospital is likely to be delayed,
secure the injured part to an unaffected part of the body. For upper limb
fractures, immobilize the arm with a sling. For lower limb fractures, move
the uninjured leg to the injured one and secure with broad-fold bandages.
Always tie knots on the uninjured side.
4. Treat for shock if necessary. Do not raise an injured leg. Elevate an
uninjured limb if shock is present. Monitor and record vital signs while
waiting for help. Check the circulation beyond a sling or bandage every ten
minutes. If the circulation is impaired, loosen the bandages.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Headache
A headache may accompany any illness, particularly a
feverish ailment such as flu. It may develop for no reason, but
can often be traced to fatigue, tension, stress, or undue heat
or cold. However, a headache may also be the most
prominent symptom of meningitis or a stroke.

1. Help the casualty sit or lie down in a quiet place. Give

him a cold compress to hold against his head.
2. An adult may take the recommended dose of
acetaminophen tablets or his own pain relievers. A child
may have the recommended dose of acetaminophen
syrup (not aspirin).

Fever
The normal body temperature varies, but it is approximately
98.6ºF (37ºC). Fever is generally defined as a temperature
over 100.4ºF (38ºC).

1. Keep casualty cool and comfortable—preferably in bed

with a light covering.
2. Give her plenty of cool drinks to replace body fluids lost
through sweating.
3. If the child appears distressed or ill, she may have the
recommended dose of acetaminophen syrup (not
aspirin). An adult may take the recommended dose of
acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or his own pain relievers.
4. Monitor and record a casualty’s vital signs—level of
response, breathing, pulse, and temperature—until she
recovers.

Allergy
An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body’s defense
system (immune response) to a normally harmless “trigger”
substance (or allergen).

1. Assess the casualty’s signs and symptoms. Ask if she

has any known allergy.
2. Remove the trigger if possible, or move the casualty
from the trigger.
3. Treat any symptoms. Allow the casualty to take her own
medication for a known allergy.
4. If you are at all concerned about the casualty’s condition,
seek medical advice.
 Heart Attack
1. Call for emergency help. Tell the dispatcher that you
suspect a heart attack.
2. If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to
come to you, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the
nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if you have no other
option. Because your condition can worsen, driving
yourself puts you and others at risk.
3. Chew and swallow an aspirin while waiting for
emergency help. Aspirin helps keep your blood from
clotting. When taken during a heart attack, it could
reduce heart damage. Don't take aspirin if you are allergic
to it or have been told by your doctor never to take
aspirin.
4.

5. Begin CPR if the person is unconscious. If the person

isn't breathing or you don't find a pulse, begin CPR to
keep blood flowing after you call for emergency medical
help.
Fainting
If you feel faint
1. Lie down or sit down. To reduce the chance of fainting
again, don't get up too quickly.
2. Place your head between your knees if you sit down.
If someone else faints
1. Position the person on his/her back. If there are no
injuries and the person is breathing, raise the person's
legs above heart level — about 12 inches (30
centimeters) — if possible. Loosen belts, collars or other
constrictive clothing.
2. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the
person up too quickly. If the person doesn't regain
consciousness within one minute, call 911 or your local
emergency number.
3. Check for breathing. If the person isn't breathing, begin
CPR. Call your local emergency number. Continue CPR
until help arrives or the person begins to breathe.
Stroke
1. Look at the casualty’s face. Ask him to smile; if he has had a stroke he may only be able to smile on
one side—the other side of his mouth may droop.
2. Ask the casualty to raise both his arms; if he has had a stroke, he may be able to lift only one arm.
3. Find out whether the person can speak clearly and understand what you say. When you ask a
question, does he respond appropriately to you?
4. Call for emergency help. Tell the dispatcher that you have
used the FAST guide and you suspect a stroke.
5. Keep the casualty comfortable and supported. If the
casualty is conscious, you can help him lie down. Reassure
him that help is on the way.
6. Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink because
it may be difficult for him to swallow.
 E A RN F I RS
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'S
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DI A
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Submitted by:

Clemeña, Izyl B.
BSIT101A