Essential First Aid Procedures for Common Medical Emergencies

Fainting

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. It is often preceded by warning signs such as dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, and cold hands.

Causes of Fainting

• Emotional distress
• Excessive heat
• Hunger
• Sudden change of position

First Aid for Fainting

Support the person to prevent a fall. Keep their head lower than their knees, tilt the head back, and elevate the legs approximately 30 cm.

Seizures

Seizures involve violent, widespread twitching. They may be accompanied by excessive secretion, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and a lack of response to stimuli.

Symptoms

• Sweating
• Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
• Pallor
• Foaming at the mouth

Causes

Head injury, high fevers, hypoglycemia, and epilepsy.

First Aid for Seizures

• Clear the area of bystanders.
• Turn the person onto their side to allow saliva to drain.
• Move away dangerous objects.
• Place a soft cloth in the victim's mouth.
• Loosen tight clothing.

Injuries

Injuries can reach disastrous proportions if not treated with adequate first aid. The rescuer's conduct is a critical act that determines the subsequent evolution of the trauma.

Risks of Improper Assessment

Incorrect assessment after a fall can lead to fractures, bleeding, or skin punctures.

Trauma Recovery Factors

1. Proper protection of the affected area.
2. Adequate transportation.
3. Specialized medical care.

Sprains

Sprains are lesions of the ligaments in the joints, often caused by hyperextension or muscle contractions. Common sites include the ankle, shoulder, knee, wrist, and fingers.

First Aid for Sprains

Apply cold compresses and immobilize the area.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position, which can cause serious damage to soft tissues.

Commonly Affected Joints

Shoulder, elbow, fingers, and jaw.

Signs and Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Functional impotence

First Aid for Dislocations

Apply ice packs and immobilize the joint with extreme delicacy and care.

Fractures

A fracture is a broken bone caused by a strong blow, fall, or crush injury.

Classification

• Closed: The skin remains intact.
• Exposed: The bone breaks through the skin.

Signs

• Swollen and purplish skin
• Inability to move the affected part
• Apparent deformation of the injured limb

Open Fractures

These involve bleeding, a higher chance of muscle injury, and a very high risk of infection.

Major Fracture Locations

Limbs, pelvis, skull, and spine.