First aid
Basic First Aid Techniques
16
May
May
Basic first aid techniques provide a rich source of knowledge, giving you the confidence and ability to respond effectively to dangerous and unexpected situations. From fundamental concepts like assessing the victim’s condition and initial reactions to rescue techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and wound care, all are presented clearly and comprehensively.
Nam Việt’s basic first aid program also emphasizes applying these skills in real-life scenarios. You will be guided on how to operate under pressure, maintain calm, and manage stressful situations. Additionally, the program focuses on stress management and effective communication to create a safe environment and ensure maximum support for the victim.
I. What Are Basic First Aid Techniques?
Basic first aid techniques are the initial measures and procedures applied to save lives and protect individuals who are injured or facing an emergency. These techniques focus on assessing the victim’s condition, providing immediate rescue actions, and ensuring safety for everyone present.
Here are some key basic first aid techniques:
- Safety check: First, ensure the safety of yourself, the victim, and those around. Assess the situation and identify potential hazards such as chemical exposure, fire, or unsafe environments.
- ABC check: This critical step involves checking Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Ensure the airway is clear, the victim is breathing normally, and has a pulse. If necessary, perform CPR and provide artificial respiration.
- Injury assessment: Evaluate wounds and potential injuries. Handle issues such as bleeding, cuts, burns, fractures, or head injuries appropriately.
- Call for help: Contact professional rescue teams immediately and inform them of the situation for expert assistance.
- Psychological support: Maintain calm, provide reassurance, and comfort the victim to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Record and report: Document all first aid measures taken for reference and reporting purposes.
II. Standards of a First Aid Responder
A reliable first aid responder must meet several key standards to provide effective assistance in emergencies:
- Medical knowledge and skills: Responders need solid knowledge of basic medical concepts, body anatomy, organ functions, common illnesses, and basic rescue procedures. They should master skills such as CPR, wound care, and handling minor injuries.
- Professional training: Completion of an in-depth first aid training course is essential. The course should cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Certifications or diplomas in first aid are advantageous.
- Situational management skills: Responders must assess situations quickly, make prompt decisions, and adapt flexibly to emergencies while maintaining composure under stress.
- Communication skills: Effective communication with the victim and others is crucial. Responders must listen, ask precise questions, and convey information clearly while showing empathy.
- Understanding of laws and regulations: Responders should be familiar with first aid laws, regulations, and safety procedures, knowing their limits and responsibilities and complying with workplace safety rules.
III. First Aid Methods
1. Acid Burns
- Protect yourself: Wear gloves and protective clothing before approaching the victim to avoid acid exposure.
- Move the victim: Remove the victim from the hazardous area immediately.
- Rinse immediately: Use clean running water to flush the acid from the skin. Saline or washing solutions can also be used. Avoid using cotton or adhesive materials directly on the burn.
- Remove clothing and jewelry: Carefully remove clothing or jewelry covering the burned area to continue rinsing.
- Seek medical help: After cleaning, take the victim to the nearest medical facility for further care.
2. Frostbite
- Move the victim to a warm and ventilated area to prevent further frostbite.
- Gently warm the victim using heating devices such as blankets or warm water bottles. Avoid excessively hot water.
- Check the affected areas and apply anti-inflammatory or pain relief creams if necessary.
- Cover frostbitten areas with clean cloth or gauze to prevent infection.
- Provide warm drinks and nutritious food to maintain body heat.
- If the condition worsens, call emergency services immediately.
3. Heat Burns
- Assess the victim and environment:
- Check the victim’s consciousness.
- Ensure there are no additional hazards from heat sources.
- Treat the burn:
- Cool the burn with lime water or cool running water. Do not use ice directly.
- Remove clothing or jewelry unless fused to the skin.
- Cover the burn with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
- Apply antibiotics for small burns if indicated by medical personnel.
- Pain relief and protection:
- Provide pain relief if necessary.
- Keep the victim still to avoid further injury.
- For severe burns, call emergency services and transport the victim to a hospital.
4. Electric Shock
- Check the area: Ensure the surroundings are safe and there is no risk of further electrical contact.
- Turn off the power: If possible, cut off the electricity immediately.
- Assess the victim: Check responsiveness, breathing, and pulse. Call emergency services if necessary.
- Move the victim: Safely remove them from the hazard zone.
- Provide first aid:
- Check airway and breathing; perform CPR if needed.
- Check pulse and provide resuscitation if necessary.
- Assess and treat injuries such as burns or wounds.
- Transport to hospital: For serious injuries, take the victim to a medical facility immediately.
5. Drowning
- Assess the victim’s condition. If they are not breathing or have no pulse, begin CPR immediately.
- Ask someone to call emergency services.
- Bring the victim to shore safely using available tools.
- Perform CPR with chest compressions at 100-120 per minute and rescue breaths at a 30:2 ratio.
- Keep the victim warm using blankets or towels. Transport to a hospital for further evaluation and care.
6. Choking
- Check the victim’s condition and signs of obstruction.
- Call emergency services if severe.
- Guide or perform first steps: Have the victim lean forward and apply abdominal thrusts from behind.
- If unsuccessful, repeat abdominal thrusts using proper hand placement for more force.
- If still unresolved, perform advanced interventions such as chest compressions or the Heimlich maneuver.
- Monitor and stabilize the victim; transport to hospital if necessary.
7. High Falls
- Check surroundings to ensure safety.
- Assess victim’s consciousness and vital signs.
- Call emergency services if necessary.
- Treat wounds using clean cloth or bandages. Transport to hospital for serious injuries.
- Keep the victim warm and calm. Do not give medications or alcohol.
- Monitor and document the victim’s condition for medical personnel.
8. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Asphyxiation
- Move the victim out of the hazardous area immediately.
- Call emergency services (115 in Vietnam) immediately.
- Check breathing and pulse; perform CPR if unresponsive.
- Provide oxygen using masks or available devices.
- Continue oxygen support while waiting for professional transport to hospital.
9. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- Remove the victim from the CO area: First, move the victim out of the area with CO gas to a safe, well-ventilated place with fresh air.
- Call for emergency assistance: Immediately after moving the victim to safety, call emergency services to get guidance on first aid and transportation to the hospital.
- Perform first aid: While waiting for rescuers, the following first aid steps can be performed:
- Check the victim’s breathing: Ensure the victim is breathing and note their respiratory rate. If the victim stops breathing, perform CPR immediately.
- Check the pulse: Monitor the victim’s heart rate. If it is irregular, start CPR immediately.
- Support breathing: If the victim is breathing, help maintain airway openness by placing the victim on their side with the head slightly elevated.
- Keep the body warm: CO poisoning can reduce body function, so keep the victim warm with blankets or clothing.
- Transport to the hospital: Once the rescue team arrives, the victim should be transported to the hospital for continued treatment. Delay may be life-threatening.
10. Methane (CH4) Poisoning
- Remove the victim from the risk area: If possible, immediately move the victim out of the area contaminated with methane to avoid further exposure.
- Check breathing and health: Ensure the victim is breathing and conscious. If unconscious or not breathing, start CPR immediately.
- Call emergency services: After moving the victim to safety, contact emergency services for professional help.
- Provide oxygen: If the victim is conscious and able to breathe, supply oxygen to support respiration and reduce poisoning risks.
- Transport to hospital: If the victim’s condition is unstable or severe symptoms appear, take them to the nearest hospital for urgent care.
11. Lightning Strike
- Ensure safety: First, ensure your own safety and that of others. Move the victim to a safe area if outdoors, or ensure electricity is off if indoors.
- Call emergency services: Contact the nearest emergency service for professional medical support.
- Check electrical hazards: If the victim was electrocuted, ensure the power source is off before approaching.
- Assess the victim: Check breathing, heart rate, and lightning-related injuries such as burns or charred skin.
- Airway first aid: If the victim is not breathing or has difficulty breathing, provide airway support. Perform CPR if there is cardiac arrest.
- Check wounds and burns: Examine injuries and burns, apply cold compresses for minor burns, and dress wounds to prevent infection.
- Transport to hospital: After first aid, take the victim to the nearest hospital for further treatment.
First Aid Course for Lightning Strike Victims
12. Mechanical Accidents
- Assess the victim: Check vital signs and the victim’s condition. Begin CPR immediately if there is no breathing or pulse.
- Call emergency services: If the victim’s condition is serious, call emergency services or 115 for professional help.
- Treat injuries: Examine wounds, control bleeding with bandages, immobilize joints, and ensure the victim does not move unnecessarily.
- Treat shock: If the victim is in shock, elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the brain and other organs.
- Provide appropriate medication: Administer antibiotics or painkillers as necessary to prevent infection and reduce pain.
- Transport to hospital: If the victim is in serious condition, take them to the hospital promptly for expert care.
- Document and monitor: Record all first aid steps and continue monitoring until hospital handover.
13. Heart Attack
- Help the victim rest: Ensure the victim is resting and safe.
- Administer Nitroglycerin: If previously prescribed for the victim, help them take the medication.
- Ensure comfort: Loosen tight clothing to ease breathing.
- Check breathing: Begin CPR if the victim is not breathing until emergency responders arrive.
- Provide oxygen: If an oxygen tank is available, supply oxygen to support the victim.
14. Traffic Accidents
- Ensure safety: Place warning signs, control traffic, and ensure personal and victim safety.
- Assess the victim: Check the victim’s condition, keep them calm, and position them safely (e.g., tilt head if lying face down).
- Call emergency services: Dial 115 or contact local traffic rescue teams.
- Provide first aid: Stabilize head injuries, dress open wounds, perform rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
- Monitor: Continue observing and providing first aid until the rescue team takes over.
First Aid Course for Traffic Accident Victims
15. Food Poisoning
- Ensure safety: Place the victim in a comfortable and stable position.
- Assess the condition: Identify the type and severity of food poisoning by observing symptoms.
- Call emergency services: Contact emergency services or take the victim to a medical facility immediately.
- Support breathing: Perform CPR if the victim is not breathing until professional help arrives.
- Gastric lavage: If poisoning occurred within 1 hour, consider gastric lavage only after medical consultation.
- Provide water: If conscious, allow the victim to drink clean water to reduce toxins.
- Avoid self-treatment: Do not attempt unverified remedies; always seek professional medical care.
16. Animal or Insect Bites
- Protect yourself and the victim:
- Move the victim away from further animal or insect attacks.
- Ensure personal protection with gloves or other protective materials.
- Examine the wound:
- Check the bite for severity and concerning symptoms.
- If severe symptoms or allergic reactions occur, call emergency services immediately.
- Control bleeding:
- Apply bandages or waterproof material with firm pressure.
- If bleeding is heavy, apply pressure to main arteries nearby and call emergency services.
- Clean the bite:
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water or saline solution for at least 5 minutes to remove dirt and bacteria.
- Apply cold if needed:
- Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth on swollen or painful areas to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Reduce itching and allergic reactions:
- Use anti-itch or antihistamine medications as directed if the victim experiences swelling or itching.
14. Gasoline Poisoning
- Ensure safety: First, ensure your own safety and that of the victim. Place the victim in a safe location, away from gasoline or toxic fumes.
- Call emergency services: Immediately call emergency services (number 115 or local emergency number) to request professional medical assistance. Provide specific information about the victim’s condition and symptoms.
- Check airway: Check the victim’s airway. If the victim stops breathing or has difficulty breathing, perform CPR immediately if trained. If not, continue waiting for medical assistance to arrive.
- Remove gasoline source: If gasoline is on the victim’s skin, use gloves and a wet cloth to wipe it off. Avoid direct contact with gasoline and prevent it from entering the eyes, mouth, or open wounds.
- Support breathing: If the victim shows signs of respiratory distress, ensure their airway is unobstructed. Help the victim sit upright and comfortably, avoiding pressure on the chest or abdomen.
- Support the head: If the victim is unconscious but still breathing, place them in a lateral (recovery) position to prevent choking or aspiration.
- Monitor: Observe the victim’s symptoms and provide detailed information to medical personnel when they arrive.
15. Sleeping Pills Poisoning
- Call emergency services: Call emergency services (such as 115) immediately to request professional medical assistance. Provide information about the victim’s sleeping pill poisoning and necessary details.
- Safe movement: Ensure safety for yourself and the victim. If the environment is hazardous (e.g., toxic fumes, fire), ensure both of you are safe before providing first aid.
- Check breathing: Check the victim’s breathing. If breathing stops or there are severe symptoms, start CPR.
- Remove toxins: If there are remaining pills in the victim’s mouth, use gloves and cotton swabs or a suction device (if available) carefully. Do not attempt this if untrained.
- Keep airway open: Place the victim on their side to maintain a clear airway. Check for obstructions and remove if necessary.
- Keep warm and limit toxin absorption: Wrap the victim in a blanket or warm clothing. Avoid giving food or water unless instructed by medical personnel.
- Monitor until help arrives: Continue observing the victim’s condition and wait for professional medical assistance.
16. Dislocation
- Ensure safety: First, ensure the safety of the victim and surrounding environment. Check for any risks that could cause further injury.
- Call emergency services: Call emergency services immediately and provide clear information about the dislocation.
- Reduce pain and keep calm: Help the victim stay comfortable and reduce pain by instructing them to remain still and avoid moving the dislocated joint.
- Check and assess: Examine the dislocated area and evaluate the severity. Avoid moving the joint unnecessarily.
- Record time: Note the time of dislocation to provide important information to medical personnel.
- Immobilize the joint: Use a rigid bandage or splint to immobilize the joint, limiting movement and reducing pain.
- Reposition joint (if trained): Only trained professionals should attempt this. Do not attempt if unqualified.
- Cold therapy: Apply an ice pack briefly to reduce swelling and pain.
- Document and monitor: Record important details such as time, symptoms, and first aid procedures applied.
17. Choking on Food
- Assess situation: Determine if the victim can speak or move. Ask if they are choking or need help.
- Call emergency services: Immediately call for help if someone is choking.
- Perform Heimlich maneuver: If the victim cannot speak or breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver:
- Stand behind the victim and place your hands just above their waist.
- Place one hand over the other to form a firm grip.
- Apply quick inward and upward pressure to force the obstruction out of the airway.
- Repeat until the obstruction is removed or until medical personnel arrive.
- If the victim becomes unconscious: Place them on their side to maintain a clear airway. Check breathing and perform CPR if necessary.
- Continue medical support: After calling for help, keep monitoring and supporting the victim until medical personnel arrive.
IV. The Importance of First Aid Teams
1. Manufacturing Plants
First aid teams in manufacturing plants play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and health of employees in hazardous work environments. Key points include:
- Rapid response and immediate rescue: In emergencies, every second counts. First aid teams are trained to respond quickly, assess the situation, and provide initial aid. Their efficiency can be the difference between life and death, or between severe injury and recovery.
- Minimizing personnel and property loss: Quick and effective first aid reduces harm to employees and limits property damage.
- Enhancing safety and employee confidence: Presence of trained first aid personnel creates a safer workplace and boosts employee confidence in emergency situations.
- Compliance with legal requirements: In many countries, having a first aid team in manufacturing plants is a legal requirement.
2. Schools
First aid teams in schools are essential to safeguard students, teachers, and staff. Key points include:
- Rapid response: Schools face potential emergencies like injuries, poisoning, airway obstruction, or natural hazards. Trained first aid teams provide timely assessment and care.
- Emergency management: Teams know how to manage emergencies professionally, coordinating rescue actions and contacting medical services.
- Education and training: They provide training and awareness about first aid for students and staff.
- Creating a safe and confident community: Presence of first aid personnel reassures the school community and encourages a safer learning environment.
- Minimizing harm: Quick care limits injuries and property damage.
- Supporting teaching activities: Teams can assist in educating about first aid, accident prevention, and emergency response.
3. Tourism Areas
First aid teams in tourist areas are vital to protect tourists and staff. Key points include:
- Emergency response: Teams respond effectively to injuries, poisoning, sudden illness, or natural hazards.
- Provide initial medical care: Teams assess situations, treat wounds, support breathing, and safely transport patients.
- Training and education: Teams train staff and tourists in first aid awareness and safety measures.
- Creating safety and trust: Tourists feel secure knowing trained personnel are present.
- Supporting local emergencies: Teams may assist local rescue operations during natural disasters or accidents.
V. Where to Attend First Aid Training
An Toàn Nam Việt is a reputable organization providing professional first aid training in Vietnam. With experienced instructors, modern equipment, and quality programs, it is an ideal choice for those seeking to protect life and health.
By attending courses at An Toàn Nam Việt, you will learn basic and advanced first aid skills for cardiac arrest, breathing failure, poisoning, injuries, and other emergencies. Programs are flexible and suitable for all learners, including adults, children, medical staff, rescue personnel, and the general public.
Training at An Toàn Nam Việt equips you to handle emergencies confidently and become aware of life-saving responsibilities for yourself and others.
VI. First Aid Training Capacity of An Toàn Nam Việt
An Toàn Nam Việt is a leading first aid training center in Vietnam, providing ongoing training at factories, production sites, and construction sites nationwide (63 provinces).
First Aid Training License
- An Toàn Nam Việt has been licensed by the Department of Safety under the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs to conduct occupational safety training, including first aid training as part of Group 2 programs, reinforcing our training capacity.
Materials and Lectures
- Training materials are reviewed and approved to ensure accuracy and effectiveness before being used in first aid courses.
- Teaching methods are standardized based on An Toàn Nam Việt’s approach, developed by experts to ensure maximum knowledge absorption.
Facilities
- Control of classroom factors enhances teaching efficiency and learner comprehension.
- Our facilities support training courses with spacious classrooms, proper lighting, and modern training equipment.
