Disposal & Rules of First Aid

Disposal

The earlier the doctor takes charge the greater the chances of recover. First, take the casualty to the nearest shelter. The best, of course, is the hospital. Or it can be his house or the nearest clinic. The quickest means of transport should be made use of. A carefully worded message to the relatives, as to his condition and also to what place he is being taken, must be sent. Some one in the crowd will generally help in this. It is of course the duty of police and they are most reliable.

Rules of First Aid

The best advice to the First Adier is : "Make haste slowly"

Reach the accident spot quickly. This will help to save life.

Be calm, methodical and quick. By doing so you can lessen the pain and the effects of the injuries which may save life. Handling the casualty clumsily will only make the final recovery difficult.

Look for the following:
Is there failure of breathing?
Is there severe bleeding?
Is the shock light or severe?

Attend to these and then treat easily observable injuries.

Start artificial respiration, if the casualty is not breathing, it must begin at once as every second gained is helpful.

Stop bleeding by pressing on the pressure point and press firmly on the bleeding area with a pad, and keep up pressing on the bleeding area for at least a few minutes (minimum 3 minutes) by watch. Take help, if needed.

Treat for shock.

Avoid handling the casualty unnecessarily.

Use the First Aid Equipment, if available:

All passenger trains, some Railway Stations, lorries and buses keep them. Make use of the material so obtained. On most occasions standard First Aid Kit will not be available. You will have to depend on the material at hand and improvise them for your requirements.

Inspect the area. Take the casualty away from live wires, fallen walls beams, fire, broken gas chambers, moving machinery etc., to a safer place.

Clear the crowd with nice words. Do not allow people to crowd around the casualty. The casualty needs fresh air. If a doctor is present, he will guide you. Any other First Aider must be asked to help. If otherwise take the assistance of bystanders giving them correct instructions.

Note the weather, if it is fine i.e., without rain or heat or a cold breeze, treat in the open. Otherwise move the casualty into an airy room. If no suitable house or a doctor's clinic is nearby, it is best to protect the casualty with an umbrella or a sheet of cloth or even a newspaper.

Reassure the casualty. Soft words and encouraging talk will make the casualty take things easy and lie quietly. These will help recovery.

Arrange for despatch to the care of a doctor, or to the hospital. At the same time intimate the relatives where the casualty is being taken to.

Do not attempt too much: You are only a First Aider: give minimum assistance so that the condition does not become worse : and life can be saved.