First Aid Procedures Teachers Should Know

BLEEDING

1.       Apply direct pressure to the wound using a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth.

2.       Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if there is no fracture.

3.       Cover the dressing with a pressure bandage. If bleeding does not stop apply additional dressings.

4.       If necessary, apply pressure to the artery with your hand.

BURNS

1.       Stop the burning. Remove the person from the source of the burn.

2.       Cool the burn. Hold burned area under cool running water or immerse for 10 to 15 minutes. Use cool compresses if water is unavailable.

3.       Cover the burn. Cover burn with a non-adhesive sterile bandage or clean cloth.

4.       Prevent shock. Lay the person down and elevate the legs.

FRACTURES

1.       Help the person support the injured area. Stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

2.       Check for feeling, warmth, and color below the fracture.

3.       Immobilize the injured area. Apply a soft or hard splint above and below the fracture.

4.       Apply ice or cold packs and elevate.

5.       Treat for shock. Lay the person down and elevate the legs.

SPRAINS

1.       Rest the ankle or injured area.

2.       Apply ice or cold packs (wrap in cloth or put the cloth under to protect the skin)

3.       Compress by lightly wrapping an elastic bandage around the injured area.

4.       Elevate the injured area above heart level to reduce swelling.

EYE INJURIES

1.       Don’t rub the eye.

2.       For a foreign particle such as dirt, sand, or sliver of wood or metal have the person pull the upper lid down and blink repeatedly.

3.       Flush the eye with water.

4.       For any chemicals in the eyes immediately wash the eyes with lots of water.

SHOCK

1.       Help the person lie down on his or her back.

2.       Elevate the feet about 12 inches. If raising the feet causes pain or further injury, keep him or her flat.

3.       Check for signs of breathing, coughing, or movement, and if absent begin CPR.

4.       Keep the person warm and comfortable.

5.       Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking of the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth.

CHOKING

1.       Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist.

2.       Make the fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person’s navel.

3.       Grab the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick inward and upward thrust.

4.       Perform 5 abdominal thrusts. (Heimlich Maneuver)

5.       If you are alone, perform abdominal thrust before calling emergency hotline. If two people are available, one can call for help while the other performs the first aid.

6.       If the person becomes unconscious, perform CPR.

BASIC FIRST AID PROCEDURES (download here in Word Format)

Credits: DOH - Health Emergency Management System