WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ADMINISTERING FIRST AID?
First aid is the immediate medical attention provided at the scene of an injury. It usually involves simple and short-term treatments that can be administered without extensive training or advanced technology. First aid may include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating minor burns; applying bandages and dressings; using over-the-counter medications; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; providing massage; and offering fluids to relieve heat stress.
BLEEDING AND WOUNDS
Start by trying to stop the bleeding. Take a clean cotton pad or sterile gauze and apply direct pressure to the wound.
If the wound is on one of the injured individuals and there is no suspected fracture, elevate the affected body part.
Cover the wound with a sterile or clean bandage.
Apply firm pressure and secure it with a bandage.
Tie the bandage tightly enough to control bleeding, but not excessively tight to restrict blood circulation. If bleeding persists, add additional layers of bandages and secure them with a bandage.
BURNS
Avoid using iodine, cotton, oil, or greasy ointment on burns.
Comfort the injured person. Place the burned area under cool running water or immerse it in cold water for at least 15 minutes.
Carefully remove any jewelry, watches, belts, shoes, or tight clothing from the affected area before it begins to swell.
Cover the burn with a clean material, preferably sterile and non-stick.
Do not burst blisters, remove loose skin, or interfere with the burn.
Do not remove anything that is stuck to the burn. In the case of chemical burns, immerse the affected area in cold running water for at least 15 minutes.
Gently remove contaminated clothing while continuously soaking the affected area. If available, use a body shower to immerse the affected body parts.
FRACTURES
If there is a suspected neck or spine injury, avoid moving the victim.
Provide support to the affected area.
Use a splint (any solid object) to stabilize the broken bone and secure it with a cloth, bandage, or soft material.
Tie it firmly in place to prevent any movement of the broken parts.
Do not attempt to push protruding bones back into place.
Make arrangements to transport the injured person to the hospital.
POISONING
Immediately give the victim a large amount of water to dilute the poison and seek immediate medical attention.
If medical help is delayed, induce vomiting unless the victim has ingested a corrosive substance.
If the victim has swallowed strong acids or alkalis, provide them with fluids (such as water or milk) to dilute the poison.
If there is gas poisoning, quickly move the victim to fresh air. If breathing is irregular or has stopped, perform artificial respiration.
Call for an oxygen cylinder and an ambulance.
Transport the victim to the hospital for further treatment.
CHEMICALS IN THE EYE
Immediately flush the affected eye with water for approximately 15 minutes, gently separating the eyelids and allowing a continuous flow of water to wash away the chemicals until no residue is visible. Use an eyewash fountain or eyewash bottle to cleanse the eyes.
Cover the affected eye with a clean bandage and take the injured person to see a doctor.
OBJECT IN THE EYE
Foreign particles can be removed by the natural flow of tears or by flushing the eye with water using an eye washer.
If the above methods fail, gently lower the lower eyelid and pull back the upper eyelid to examine the eye.
Use the corners of a moist cloth to remove any visible particles.
Avoid rubbing or touching any immobile foreign particles on the eyeball.
Sharp objects embedded or penetrating the eyeball should be removed by a doctor. Cover both eyes with a light bandage and take the injured person to a medical professional.
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
Do not wait for medical assistance if the person stops breathing. Immediately perform rescue breathing by exhaling your breath into the person's lungs. Have someone else call for medical help.
Place the person on their back. If there is any foreign object obstructing the airway, place the person on their side with the head tilted back and remove the obstruction. Then, close the person's mouth and nose.
Exhale forcefully to expand the person's chest.
Remove your mouth to allow the air to escape.
Begin with four quick breaths, followed by one breath every five seconds.
If there is no exchange of air, check the position of the person's head and jaw. Ensure that the tongue is not blocking the airway.
Attempt mouth-to-mouth breathing again.
It is recommended to have an emergency resuscitation kit on hand, including a pocket mask, in case of such emergencies.
FIRST AID KIT COMPONENTS
Blaster
Gauze
Sterile cotton
Sterile dressing
Gloves
Betadine
Alcohol Swab
For more detailed information on first aid in labs, you can refer to the following links:
1. "First Aid in Laboratories" by the University of California, Berkeley: https://ehs.berkeley.edu/safety-subjects/field-research/first-aid-kits
2. "Laboratory Safety Manual" by the National Institutes of Health: https://oir.nih.gov/sourcebook/intramural-program-oversight/laboratory-safety
Remember, it is important to receive proper training in first aid procedures specific to laboratory settings to ensure the safety of yourself and others.