First Aid And First Aider (Primary 3)

Hi there, Primary 3 learners! Welcome back to our Physical & Health Education class. In our previous lesson, we learned about balanced diets. Today, we’re going to learn about First Aid and First Aiders.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define first aid and first aider.
• List the contents of a first aid box.
• Appreciate the importance of first aid in daily life.
• Demonstrate how to use at least one item from the first aid box.
• Discuss with peers the importance of knowing first aid.

First Aid and First Aiders

What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate help given to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill before professional medical help arrives. It’s like giving a helping hand until a doctor can take over.

Who is a First Aider?

A first aider is a person trained to give first aid. They know how to help people who are hurt or sick.

Contents of a First Aid Box

A first aid box is an essential kit that contains various items used to treat injuries and provide immediate care in emergencies. Here are some common and important items found in a well-stocked first aid box:

1. Bandages:
   • Elastic Bandages: Used to wrap around sprains or strains to provide support and reduce swelling.
   • Gauze Bandages: Used to cover wounds, control bleeding, and protect against infection.
2. Plasters (Adhesive Bandages):
   • Standard Plasters: Small, sticky bandages that cover and protect minor cuts, blisters, and scrapes.
   • Waterproof Plasters: Used to protect wounds that might get wet, such as when washing hands.
3. Scissors:
   • Medical Scissors: Used to cut bandages, tape, or clothing away from a wound.
   • Blunt-Tip Scissors: Specifically designed to prevent accidental injuries when cutting near the skin.
4. Antiseptic Wipes:
   • Alcohol Wipes: Used to clean wounds and kill bacteria, reducing the risk of infection.
   • Non-Alcoholic Wipes: Gentle on the skin and used for cleaning sensitive areas.
5. Cotton Wool:
   • Cotton Balls: Used to clean wounds, apply antiseptic, or stop minor bleeding.
   • Cotton Pads: Larger pieces used to clean larger wounds or to apply pressure to stop bleeding.
6. Adhesive Tape: Used to secure bandages or dressings in place, ensuring they stay on the wound.
7. Sterile Dressings: Larger pads that cover and protect more severe wounds, keeping them clean and free from infection.
8. Tweezers: Used to remove foreign objects like splinters or glass from a wound.
9. Safety Pins: Used to secure bandages, slings, or dressings.
10. Disposable Gloves: Protects both the first aider and the injured person by preventing the spread of infection.
11. Thermometer: Used to check for fever, which can be a sign of infection or other medical conditions.
12. Pain Relief Medication: Includes basic over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, used to alleviate pain or reduce fever.
13. Eye Wash: A sterile solution used to rinse and clean the eyes if they come into contact with irritants.
14. Burn Gel: Specially formulated gel that cools and soothes burns, reducing pain and preventing further damage.

Conditions that Require First Aid

First aid is often needed in various situations to provide immediate care before professional medical help is available. Here are some common conditions that require first aid:

1. Cuts and Scrapes:
   • Minor Cuts: Small wounds that can be treated with cleaning, antiseptic, and a plaster or bandage.
   • Deep Cuts: Larger wounds that may require pressure to stop bleeding and more extensive bandaging.
2. Burns:
   • Minor Burns: Small, superficial burns that can be treated with cool water, burn gel, and a sterile dressing.
   • Severe Burns: Larger burns that may need urgent medical attention, but initial care involves cooling and covering the area.
3. Nosebleeds:
   • Minor Nosebleeds: Often stopped by pinching the nose and leaning forward to prevent blood from going down the throat.
   • Persistent Nosebleeds: May require packing the nostrils with cotton wool and seeking medical attention if bleeding doesn’t stop.
4. Sprains and Strains:
   • Sprains: Injuries to ligaments, often treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
   • Strains: Injuries to muscles or tendons, also treated with the RICE method to reduce pain and swelling.
5. Insect Bites and Stings:
   • Minor Bites/Stings: Usually treated with antiseptic cream and antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.
   • Severe Reactions: In some cases, an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may occur, requiring immediate administration of an epinephrine auto-injector and emergency medical help.
6. Fractures (Broken Bones):
   • Simple Fractures: May require immobilization with a splint before professional medical care.
   • Compound Fractures: Where the bone breaks through the skin, requiring immediate medical attention and care to prevent infection.
7. Choking:
   • Mild Choking: Can often be resolved by encouraging the person to cough.
   • Severe Choking: May require abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to clear the airway.

Objectives of First Aid

The main goals of giving first aid are:

1. Preserve life: This means doing everything possible to keep the injured person alive.
2. Prevent the condition from worsening: This means taking steps to stop the injury or illness from getting worse.
3. Promote recovery: This means helping the injured person to get better as quickly as possible.
4. Provide comfort to the injured person: This means making the injured person feel as comfortable as possible.
5. Ensure professional medical help is obtained: This means making sure that the injured person gets the medical attention they need.

Lesson Evaluation

Now that you’ve learned about First Aid and First Aiders, let’s see if you can answer these questions:

1. What is first aid?
2. Who is a first aider?
3. List five contents of a first aid box.
4. Mention five conditions that require first aid.
5. State three objectives of first aid.

Conclusion

Great job today! Remember, first aid is about helping people in need. It’s important to know how to give first aid, even if you’re just a young learner. Don’t forget to check the comments section if you have any questions, and use the navigation to move to the next lesson. See you in the next lesson!