Emergency first aid kit and steps for prevention

Not everyone has the chance to attend a First Aid course before they are forced to use it to help someone – so we have compiled you another chart of quick actions you could take to save someone’s life. But it is advisable, before studying the information contained in the chart, to have completed a first aid course, since you may need to use those techniques in one of the following situations.

What does DRABC mean?

D – Check for Danger – to you, to others and to the injured person/ child.
R – Check for Response – is the person/ child conscious or unconscious? If the person is non-responsive – call for help and continue with plan.
A – Check Airway – is the airway clear of objects – is the airway open?
B – Check for Breathing – is the chest rising and falling? – can you feel or hear breath coming from the mouth or nose? – if no breathing, give two initial breaths.
C – Give CPR – if there are no signs of life, the person isn’t breathing and not moving, start with CPR.

What is the recovery position?

It is, simply put, a position that is used in First Aid to prevent an unconscious patient from choking. The body is placed facing downwards and slightly to the side, supported by the bent limbs.

Event and Recognition	First Aid	Actions
Unconscious person: Is unaware of their surroundings and does not respond to sound Makes no purposeful movements Does not respond to questions or to touch May or may not be breathing or have a pulse	To determine whether a person is unconscious or not, ask with a loud voice: “Are you okay?” If there is no response, tap on the chest or shoulder or gently shake the shoulders to see whether he responds and ask again. (If you suspect a head or neck injury, do not shake the shoulder). In the case of a baby, tap the feet. Check the ABC: Airway, Breathing and Circulation. If the person is not breathing, start mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no pulse, start full CPR. If choking is suspected, do the Heimlich manoeuvre. If you do not suspect a head or spinal injury, move the person into the recovery position. This will prevent the airway from being blocked by the tongue, blood or vomit. Look for a Medic-Alert tag that may explain the cause of the unconsciousness. Look and treat for any obvious injuries, such as fractures or bleeding. Keep the person warm. Do not give anything to eat or drink when the person awakes. Monitor the level of response, breathing and pulse regularly until medical help arrives. Note: If a back or neck injury is suspected, do not move the person.	Call an ambulance:112 on a cellular phone; or 10177 for the National ambulance service; or 082 911 for Netcare; or 084 124 for ER24
Drowning Breathing and heart may have stopped	Lift the child out of the water and carry with the head (face up or down) lower than the chest to reduce the risk of inhaling water. The unconscious child: Assess child’s condition and be prepared to resuscitate. Place in the recovery position. Remove any wet clothing. Cover with a towel or blanket.	Note: Take the child to hospital even if they seem recovered, as any inhaled water may have caused lung damage.
Electrical Injury May cause breathing and heart to stop Burns where the current entered and left the body Person may still be tightly gripping the cable	Don't approach the person who has been electrocuted until you're certain the area is safe. Break contact between the person and the current source as quickly as possible: the best way to do this is to shut off the current at the main fuse box. Don't use the switch on the appliance. It is not recommended to use a wooden stick or similar to separate the person from the appliance: some power sources can arc up to 8 metres. Check the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), start CPR if necessary and call an ambulance. Check for signs of shock (A life-threatening condition, which occurs when blood flow is too low to serve the vital organs. Major burns cause loss of body fluids, which can lead to shock.) With high voltages, the person may have been thrown into the air and may have sustained back, head or neck injuries. Internal body damage is not always obvious. Cover any burnt area with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth.	If the child seems unharmed, make them rest and observe their condition. Seek medical advice. Continue to monitor their condition and be prepared to resuscitate. Cool any burns with cool water.
Head Injuries The brain may be “shaken” by a violent blow causing concussion. Recognising concussion: Brief loss of consciousness, dizziness or nausea on recovery Loss of memory of immediately preceding events A mild headache	The Conscious Child: Treat any wound or bump with a cold compress. Be on the look out for any abnormal behaviour. Seek medical advice. Child who regains consciousness quickly: If your child has been “knocked out”, even briefly, call a doctor and seek medical advice. Make the child rest and watch them closely. If they have not recovered completely within 30 minutes, call an ambulance. The Unconscious Child: Follow theDRABCof First Aid and call an ambulance.	If unconscious call an ambulance.
Shock Recognising shock: Pale, cold and sweaty skin, tinged with grey A rapid pulse becoming weaker Shallow, fast breathing Later signs include: Restlessness, yawning, and sighing Thirst Loss of consciousness Note: The most likely cause of shock in a child is serious bleeding or a severe burn or scald.	Lay the child down flat, keeping the head lower than the chest. Call an ambulance. Raise legs, on pillows, to higher than the heart level. Loosen any tight-fitting clothing. Give constant reassurance. Encourage the child to talk or answer questions. Cover with a light blanket to keep warm and observe breathing rate and skin colour. Keep monitoring the pulse rate. Be prepared to resuscitate.	Call an ambulance

For more information see Kid’s first aid or Parenting