First Aid Protocols for Common Medical Incidents

First Aid Protocols

Amputation

1. Control blood loss by applying direct pressure.
2. Place a sterile dressing or clean pad on the wound and secure with a bandage.
3. Call for help.
4. Wrap the severed part in film or a plastic bag.

Ankle Injury

1. Rest and support the ankle.
2. Apply a cold compress.
3. Bandage the ankle.
4. Check circulation.

Absence Seizures

1. Sit down in a quiet place.
2. Talk to the casualty calmly.
3. If they do not recognize you, continue to reassure them.

Alcohol Poisoning

1. Cover the casualty to protect them from the cold.
2. Assess the casualty.
3. Monitor vital signs or call for emergency services.

Animal & Human Bites

1. Wash the bite area thoroughly.
2. Cover with a sterile wound dressing.
3. Send the casualty to the hospital.

Allergy

1. Ask if the person has any known allergies.
2. Remove the trigger, if possible.
3. Treat any symptoms.
4. Seek medical assistance.

Anaphylactic Shock

1. Call for emergency help.
2. If an autoinjector is available, help the person use it.
3. Have the person sit up, if possible.
4. Monitor them; symptoms include a red, itchy rash or raised areas of skin, watery eyes, swelling of hands, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Abdominal Pain

Reassure the casualty. Provide a container for vomiting if necessary. Give a hot water bottle for abdominal comfort.

Abdominal Wound = Penetrating Chest Wound

Bruising

To reduce blood flow and minimize swelling: Raise and support the injured area in a comfortable position and apply cold compression.

Blisters

Wash the area and cover with an adhesive dressing. Do not burst a blister due to the risk of infection.

Bleeding Ear

1. Position the casualty half-sitting with the head tilted to the side of the injury.
2. Hold a sterile dressing in place and send to the hospital.

Bleeding Mouth

1. Position the head forwards and tilted slightly.
2. Place a sterile gauze pad over the mouth and press on the wound for 10 minutes.
3. Safeguard the airway by preventing the inhalation of blood.

Bleeding Varicose Vein

1. Control the bleeding.
2. Minimize shock.
3. Arrange urgent removal to the hospital.

Burns (Airway Involvement)

1. Call for emergency services.
2. Maintain an open airway.
3. Offer ice or cold water (if conscious and able to swallow).
4. Reassure and monitor the casualty.

Croup

Reassure the child and have them sit on your knee. Keep the child clear of hot running water or steam. Call for help if you observe:

• Distressed breathing
• Barking cough
• Rasping noise
• Croaky voice
• Blue-grey skin

Crush Injury

If entrapment is less than 15 minutes: Control external bleeding and steady and support any suspected fracture. You may then release the casualty.

If entrapment is more than 15 minutes: Do not move the casualty. Call for help and monitor vital signs.

Cuts & Grazes

1. Clean the wound under running water and dry using gauze. Cover it with sterile gauze.
2. Raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart.
3. Minimize the risk of infection.

Cheekbone and Nose Injury

1. Gently place a cold compress on the area.
2. If there is a nosebleed, try to pinch the nose gently.

Collar Bone Injury

1. Have the casualty sit down. Lay the arm on the injured side diagonally across the chest with the fingertips towards the opposite shoulder.
2. Support the arm with an elevation sling.
3. Gently place some soft padding for comfort.
4. Secure the arm to the chest with a broad-fold bandage.
5. Send to the hospital.

Upper Limb Injuries

Shoulder Injury, Upper Arm Injury, Elbow Injury, Forearm and Wrist Injuries: See Above Protocols