What is first aid?

First aid consists of urgent measures taken immediately when an accident occurs to save lives or improve the victim’s health condition.

1. Basics of First Aid

a. What is initial first aid?

Initial first aid is the first step in the chain of medical rescue measures, carried out immediately when a medical emergency or accident occurs to minimize harm and protect the life and health of the victim. Initial first aid includes assessing the victim’s health status, treating injuries, and managing other issues such as breathing difficulties, chest pain, poisoning, and other emergencies.

The process begins by checking the victim’s condition and evaluating the severity of the situation. The first responder then treats injuries, controls bleeding if present, secures the airway if necessary, and performs cardiovascular rescue if the victim is experiencing cardiac arrest or stops breathing.

Essential skills and knowledge for initial first aid include assessing the victim’s condition, controlling bleeding, securing the airway, performing CPR, and handling other emergencies. Additionally, safety principles and effective communication skills are vital to ensure both the victim’s life and the safety of rescuers and bystanders.

Time is the most critical factor in saving a victim’s life during initial first aid. Therefore, mastering first aid skills and knowledge is crucial to protect lives and health in emergency situations.

b. Purpose of initial first aid

The main purpose of initial first aid is to ensure the life and health of the victim in emergency situations. Rapid and effective interventions are carried out to minimize harm and transfer the victim to medical facilities for further treatment. Key purposes of initial first aid include:

• Maintaining airway: Ensure the victim’s airway is clear by removing obstructions, placing them in the appropriate position (recovery or supine), and performing artificial respiration if necessary.
• Controlling bleeding: Stop bleeding using direct pressure or bandages.
• Treating injuries: Examine injuries and apply appropriate measures such as immobilizing fractures, stitching wounds, and dressing injuries.
• Cardiovascular rescue: Perform CPR if the victim suffers cardiac arrest or stops breathing.
• Transport to medical facilities: Ensure timely transfer to hospitals or clinics for further treatment.
• Psychological support: Provide mental support and help the victim remain calm to reduce psychological trauma.

Initial first aid is the most crucial phase in saving a life during emergencies. Its primary goal is to protect life and health and ensure the victim reaches medical care promptly.

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2. Situations requiring first aid

Many emergencies require initial first aid skills to assist and protect the victim. Common scenarios include:

• Traffic accidents: Leading cause of injuries and fatalities worldwide. First responders should check airway, pulse, control bleeding, and provide necessary care.
• Drowning: Can be fatal if not treated immediately. First responders must secure the airway and perform CPR if needed.
• Cardiovascular incidents: Includes arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR or use of an AED is required.
• Wounds and injuries: Cuts, punctures, burns, and abrasions should be cleaned, treated, and dressed promptly.
• Seizures: Ensure the victim’s safety and prevent further injury during a seizure.
• Poisoning: May result from chemicals, drugs, or alcohol. First aid involves removing the substance, administering appropriate antidotes, and monitoring vitals.
• Chest pain: May indicate heart or lung issues. Help the victim rest, administer prescribed medications, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
• Trauma: Includes bruises, fractures, or head injuries. Clean wounds, control bleeding, immobilize injuries, and seek medical care.

These are common emergency scenarios, but not the only situations requiring first aid.

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3. Standards for factory first aid teams

Factory first aid teams are trained personnel providing emergency support during accidents. Basic standards include:

• Knowledge and skills: Ability to assess injuries, manage life-threatening conditions, control bleeding, perform CPR, and other essential first aid techniques.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Assess situations, identify causes, and make effective decisions to rescue victims.
• Equipment readiness: Fully equipped with bandages, first aid kits, oxygen devices, suction machines, blood pressure monitors, heart rate monitors, and other tools.
• Teamwork: Communicate and coordinate effectively with other departments to provide timely emergency response.
• Regular training: Ongoing practice to stay updated with the latest first aid methods and equipment.

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4. Importance of first aid

First aid is an essential skill everyone should learn to help others during emergencies. Its significance lies in:

• Saving lives: Timely first aid reduces fatalities and serious injuries.
• Providing reassurance: Helps victims, families, and responders feel secure and supported.
• Promoting safety awareness: Encourages responsibility and preparedness in the community.
• Enhancing professional safety: Critical in healthcare, industry, and sports for managing emergencies efficiently.

In summary, first aid is a crucial skill that minimizes deaths and disabilities while fostering safety awareness and confidence in handling emergencies.

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5. Where to attend first aid training

An Toàn Nam Việt is a reputable organization in Vietnam specializing in first aid training. With experienced instructors, modern equipment, and quality programs, the center is ideal for anyone wishing to protect life and health.

Participants learn both basic and advanced skills, including CPR, poisoning response, injury management, and other emergency procedures. Programs are tailored for adults, children, medical staff, rescue personnel, and the general public.

Training at An Toàn Nam Việt not only equips learners with life-saving skills but also instills awareness and responsibility for personal and community safety. Experienced instructors ensure learners gain confidence and readiness for real-life emergencies.

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6. First aid training capacity of An Toàn Nam Việt

An Toàn Nam Việt is a leading center in Vietnam providing professional first aid training, conducting continuous sessions in factories, production facilities, and construction sites across all 63 provinces.

Training Certification:

• Certified by the Department of Safety under the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs, authorizing occupational safety training including first aid for Group 2 programs.

Materials and Instruction:

• All first aid training materials are reviewed to ensure accuracy and practical effectiveness before use in courses.
• Teaching methods follow An Toàn Nam Việt standards, developed by experts to maximize learner comprehension and skill acquisition.

Facilities:

• Classroom environments are controlled to enhance teaching effectiveness and learner engagement.
• Training facilities are spacious, properly equipped with lighting and teaching aids, meeting all training standards.