Better be prepared International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies promotes humanitarian activities in the National Societies in favour of the most vulnerable. Through the coordination of international relief in times of disaster and the promotion of development assistance, the Federation aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, the National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Community First Aid This manual can be quoted at any time, reproduced, translated or adapted, either in part or in its entirety, subject to prior notification and authorization from the Regional Representation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies or from the Red Cross Regional Centre of Reference in Community- Based Education for the Prevention of Disasters in Costa Rica. Regional Representation For Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean web: www.cruzroja.org Tel: (507) 380 0250 Regional Centre of Reference in Community-Based Education for the Prevention of Disasters. e-mail: CRREC@cruzroja.org Tel: (506) 226 4092
Community First Aid Index Introduction... 5 Objectives... 7 Wounds... 8 Haemorrhaging or Bleeding... 9 Fainting... 10 Convulsions... 11 Burns... 12 Blows and Fractures... 13 Diarrhoea... 14 Stings and Bites... 15 Poisoning... 16 Fever or high temperature... 17 HIV / AIDS... 18 Transport... 20 Glossary / Bibliography... 21 Home First Aid Kit... 22 Emergency Information... 23
Presentation of the Guide The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies presents this First Aid Guide with the aim of placing within your reach, easy to understand steps to take and actions to carry out to deal with emergencies which arise whilst you are waiting for appropriate medical assistance. Community First Aid If you wish to learn First Aid techniques which can help you to save a life, ask the nearest RED CROSS where you may take training courses which will help you to expand your knowledge.
Community First Aid
Introduction The Better be Prepared series is made up of 14 modules which have been drawn up in the Regional Centre of Reference in Community-Based Education for the Prevention of Disasters with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through the Regional Representation for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and its Regional Risk Reduction Programme, together with the National Societies in the region. These guides in community work arise from the need to implement risk reduction programmes of improved quality which facilitate sustainable development processes in the most vulnerable communities in the region. A methodology with simple, practical, standardized tools was required which could be used by each National Society without losing its socio-cultural identity, enabling its application and adaptation to different contexts. The modules are aimed at the permanent and voluntary staff of the Red Cross, members of other organizations which work in disaster risk reduction and the community in general. The modules are revised and updated versions of material originally drawn up by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1994; from that time to the present date, there has been support from international organizations which include: the Provention Consortium; UNICEF, PAHO/WHO, UDSMA/OAS and universities. Community First Aid Some modules have a note-book for field work called a Work Book, in these cases, the module can be used as material for consultation for the facilitator and for the participant, and the work book is exclusively for the participant to carry out assignments and field work. Each module can be used independently in accordance with its objectives, or be used as part of the series, in this case module 1 Education, Organization and Community Preparedness for Risk Reduction provides the basis for work with the VCA tools, and the others go into more detail on specific subjects such as: school plans, family plans, floods and so forth. Psychological First Aid and the Community Manual for the Mitigation of Disasters in Rural Aqueducts are materials which deal with subjects which require the direct assistance of technical experts in the area.
Community First Aid Human life is the most precious possession that we have and we must therefore protect it. The human body is very fragile and is constantly exposed to harm. The first minutes after the occurrence of an accident are the most crucial. If the flow of oxygen to the brain is maintained after a cardiac arrest, it is possible to continue to live without irreversible consequences; if a haemorrhage can be contained, shock and death through the loss of blood will be avoided; if you know how to assess the place where an accident took place, it is possible to avoid greater harm or becoming a victim yourself when trying to help the wounded person. How to act correctly to help a wounded person is behaviour which can be learned and which any one can adopt. We should be prepared! I invite you to learn simple practices to intervene and stabilize wounds or help someone who needs first aid. This knowledge can help you to save the life of someone you love, a neighbour or another human being. The contents of this practical guide can be used as a daily tool, and will always be useful, and you will need to refresh your knowledge regularly to build your confidence. As a tool it will also help in times of disaster in order to provide immediate assistance. Stabilizing a wounded person will help specialized teams of paramedics in the safe transfer of the person to health centres for specialized care. To be able to treat a light wound will help you to comfort the wounded person and also decongest the aid systems during a disaster situation. We must always try to be self-sufficient for first aid, but remember that, being able to distinguish a minor wound from a serious wound requires knowledge that you will gain through many other more specialized courses that you can follow at your local Red Cross. This practical first aid guide represents the first step to save lives.
Objectives 1. Apply basic care measures to people with health problems and wounds 2. Differentiate the treatment to be given in accordance with the type of emergency 3. Better understand which is the right moment to ask for specialized or medical help. Community First Aid
Community First Aid Wounds Wash the wound with soap and water Cover the wound with gauze or a clean cloth and fix it with sticking plaster or strips of cloth or bandages. If the wound is on the stomach or the torso and you see vital organs outside, do not try to put the organs back into place. Cover the wound and the organs without putting pressure on them with a clean, damp cloth.
Haemorrhaging or Bleeding Stop the haemorrhage, placing a piece of clean cloth or gauze (dressing) on the wound and pull it tight. Place a bandage round it and fix it into place. If the bleeding continues and if the wound is on the arm or leg, raise the wounded limb, placing more bandages over those that you have already put on. If there are wounds on the thigh, abdomen and/or thorax, do not raise the legs and arms. Community First Aid If the haemorrhage does not stop, take the wounded person to the nearest medical centre. Remember to always use latex gloves for your safety.
Community First Aid Fainting Check that the person is breathing and has a pulse Try to put the person who has fainted in a fresh, well-ventilated place. Raise the legs a little, with the person lying down (if there are no head wounds, or wounds to the stomach or legs). Once recovered, let the person lie down, fully stretched out, and breathe slowly and deeply.
Convulsions Keep curious on-lookers out of the way. Make sure the patient has room. Don t try to stop the convulsions. Do not hold the person down or introduce fingers or other objects into his/her mouth. Keep the patient away from objects that could cause him or her harm because of his/her movements. Community First Aid When the convulsion has finished, clean the nose and mouth of saliva and secretions. Remember to use latex gloves. Make sure that the person is breathing properly and that he/she has a pulse. Cover the patient with a blanket. Once the person has recovered, advise him/ her to visit a doctor.
Community First Aid Burns Take the person away from the cause of the burns With first degree burns, blisters do not form and you can wash them with clean water. Second degree burns form blisters. Cover them with gauze or a clean cloth. Third and fourth degree burns are very deep and skin is destroyed. Do not put on people s burns: Grease Pomades or oil Coffee Tooth paste Or any other substance If there are blisters, do not burst them If the burn is serious or is over a large area of skin, go to the nearest health centre.
Blows and Fractures What to do? IImmobilize the injured part of the body without moving it, keeping it in the position you found it, using cardboard, pieces of wood, bandages or strips of cloth. If there is a wound with or without a visible bone, cover it with gauze or clean cloth without applying pressure. Do not move or attempt to put the bone back in place. Community First Aid Transport the injured person to hospital.
Community First Aid What is Diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is loose bowel movements which occur more than 3 times in 24 hours What to do? Give a lot of clean drinking water or other drinks without alcohol. Give saline solution if you have these packages or prepare it at home. 1 Litre of Water SUGAR 8 tablespoons of sugar SALT 1 tablespoon of salt Continue giving milk to babies and normal food to children and adults. If the child is lying still, and has dry skin and a dry tongue with sunken eyes, take him/her quickly to a health centre, since s/he is very dehydrated and his/her life is in danger. 4. If the diarrhoea has blood and vomiting is also occurring, take the child immediately to the doctor. Do not give any medicine, only liquids.
Stings and Bites Stings Try to remove the stinger. Wash the affected area with soap and water Transfer the patient to the health centre to ensure that there is no problem. Snake Bites Slacken or remove clothing which could become tight in the event that the bitten area swells. Try not to move the bitten limb and try to keep it lower than the rest of the body, if possible Take the patient urgently to the nearest health centre Community First Aid Other Bites Check that the animal does not have rabies or any other illness, check for possible bleeding and take the patient to the nearest health centre.
Community First Aid Poisoning If the poisoning is a result of food, alcohol or medicine eaten or taken recently and the person is conscious, make the patient vomit, putting your fingers in their mouth. If it is a case of insecticide or an unknown product, do not give the patient anything to drink and do not try to make the patient vomit. Take him/her to a health centre as quickly as possible. If the poisoning affects skin or eyes, wash the patient with plenty of water, without rubbing, and then transfer him/her to the health centre. Take to the health centre the containers of the products which have caused the poisoning.
Fever or High Temperature Fever always occurs together with an illness or an infection. To lower the temperature, place damp towels on the patient s body. If this doesn t work, the person could take a shower. Give the patient medicine which reduces fever, for example, panadol or tylenol. Give the patient plenty of liquid and continue to provide food, as normal. Community First Aid Check the patient s temperature. The normal range is 36.4 C to 37.2 C Visit a doctor to check on and treat the cause of the fever. Before treating the person affected, remember to always use latex gloves.
Community First Aid What is HIV? It is the virus which causes AIDS. HIV / AIDS It attacks the body s immune system and weakens it; when this occurs the immune system can no longer protect us from illnesses. People who are infected with HIV or who have AIDS are called people living with HIV/AIDS PHIV. Person living with HIV/AIDS A person can be healthy for many years if they: have a healthy lifestyle take rest and exercise have a balanced diet treat any infections immediately use latex condoms each time that they have sex.
Have regular check-ups in a clinic where the personnel know about HIV/AIDS Remember that the physical care of a person living with HIV/AIDS is he same as that provided with first aid. Emotional care of PHIV Be a friend who does not look down on or pressurize the PHIV Be discreet about the status of people with HIV/AIDS Community First Aid Be respectful and include PHIV in decision-making Be impartial in the treatment of PHIV with regard to how the infection was contracted.
Community First Aid Transport If the transportation of ill or wounded patients is not done correctly, the patient s condition can worsen. If the person cannot walk, is unconscious or had an accident and the seriousness of his/her condition is unknown, the patient should be transported on a stretcher, avoiding abrupt movements. Make a stretcher with two long poles, sacks, jackets etc. When lifting the patient onto the stretcher, avoid abrupt movements, above all to the head and back.
Glossary First Aid: immediate, temporary care provided on-the-spot to people affected by an accident or suffering from sudden illness in order to avoid complications, reduce suffering and even save a person s life whilst appropriate medical help is being sought. Home First Aid Kit: is a box of resistant material acquired by a family to store first aid materials and medicines. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome PHIV: People Living with the HIV Virus Diarrhoea: Loose bowel movements more than 3 times in 24 hours Bibliography Consulted Community First Aid National Training Directorate, Costa Rican Red Cross, How to respond to an Emergency, 2003. Guide on Community First Aid. Caribbean Red Cross Societies. Salvadoran Red Cross Society, Course on Community First Aid, 2003. Brochure 1: International Federation of Red Cross Societies, San José, Costa Rica Better be Prepared series Community Education in Disaster Prevention. National Commission for the Prevention of Risk and Emergency Response, Costa Rica, Official glossary of Terms on Disasters. Regional Disaster Information Centre, 1992; Controlled Vocabulary on Disasters.
Community First Aid First Aid Kit Medicines should not be within the reach of children. This could be dangerous. Let s prepare a box or home first aid kit with: Scissors Gauze Bandages Plasters Sticking plaster Tweezers Latex gloves Alcohol Thermometer Soap Paracetamol Saline solution Torch or candles Matches A first aid manual We need to check the expiry date of the medicines that we have at home to avoid poisoning. Never treat yourself. Consult a doctor
Home Address Emergency Information Telephone Telephone Numbers Red Cross: Nearest Clinic or Hospital Fire Brigade Emergencies Police Taxi (24 hours) Family Members Name Telephone Number Community First Aid Neighbours Family doctor Information or special precautions (if you need medicine on a regular basis or occasionally, please write down the name of the medicine and the dose required). 23
Community First Aid