First Aid — Key Concepts and Q&A
Core Concepts
Q: The DRSABC framework — primary survey.
Used in every emergency to assess and respond systematically.
D — Danger: Check scene for hazards. Do not approach if unsafe (traffic, gas leak, electricity). Ensure your safety first.
R — Response: Call out, tap shoulder. Is person conscious? If no response, they are unresponsive.
S — Send for help: Call emergency services (India: 112 | Ambulance: 108 | Police: 100). Designate specific person: "You — call 112 now."
A — Airway: Tilt head back, lift chin to open airway. Look in mouth for obstruction. If foreign object visible, remove it.
B — Breathing: Look-Listen-Feel for 10 seconds. Is chest rising? Can you hear/feel breath? If not breathing normally → CPR.
C — CPR / Circulation: Begin CPR if not breathing. Control severe bleeding if present.
Q: CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) — how to perform.
For an unresponsive adult not breathing normally:
1.Position: Lay flat on hard surface. Kneel beside them.
2.Chest compressions: Heel of hand on centre of chest (lower half of sternum).
- Press down 5-6cm (2 inches). Fast and hard.
- Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute (to beat of "Stayin' Alive")
- Allow full chest recoil between compressions
3.Rescue breaths (if trained): After 30 compressions — 2 breaths.
- Tilt head, lift chin. Seal over mouth, pinch nose. Blow for 1 second. Watch chest rise.
- Compression-only CPR also acceptable if not trained in rescue breaths.
4.Continue: 30:2 ratio until: ambulance arrives, AED available and ready, person recovers, too exhausted to continue.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): Turn on, follow voice prompts. Place pads as instructed. Ensure nobody touching before shock. Resume CPR immediately after shock.
Q: Choking — how to respond.
Mild choking (can cough, speak, breathe): Encourage to keep coughing. Do not interfere.
Severe choking (cannot cough, speak, or breathe effectively):
Adult/child over 1 year:
1.5 back blows: Lean forward, firm blows between shoulder blades with heel of hand.
2.5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich): Stand behind. Arms around waist. Fist above navel, below breastbone. Sharp inward-upward thrust.
3.Alternate 5 back blows + 5 abdominal thrusts until object expelled or unconscious.
4.If unconscious → CPR (look in mouth before breaths).
Infant under 1 year: 5 back blows face-down on forearm + 5 chest thrusts (not abdominal).
Q: Bleeding and wound management.
Control severe bleeding:
1.Apply direct pressure with clean cloth/dressing. Press firmly and continuously.
2.Do NOT remove cloth if blood-soaked — add more on top.
3.Elevate the injured limb above heart level (if no fracture suspected).
4.If limb and pressure not working: tourniquet 5-7cm above wound. Note time applied. Do not remove.
For cuts/grazes:
1.Clean wound with running water (minimum 10 minutes for contaminated wounds).
2.Apply antiseptic if available.
3.Cover with sterile dressing.
4.Change dressing regularly. Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever).
Q: Burns — assessment and first aid.
Classification:
•1st degree (superficial): Skin redness, no blisters. Sunburn.
•2nd degree (partial thickness): Blisters, pain, wet appearance.
•3rd degree (full thickness): White/brown/black, no pain (nerves destroyed). Severe.
First aid:
1.Remove from source (turn off electricity, remove from fire/heat).
2.Cool burn under cool (not cold/ice) running water for 20 minutes.
3.Cover loosely with cling wrap or clean non-fluffy material.
4.Do NOT: apply toothpaste, butter, ice. Do NOT burst blisters.
5.Seek medical help for: 3rd degree, any size, face/hands/genitals/feet, inhalation injury, chemical/electrical burns, children/elderly.
Revision Notes
DRSABC: Danger → Response → Send help → Airway → Breathing → CPR
CPR:
30 compressions + 2 breaths (30:2) | Rate: 100-120/min | Depth: 5-6cm
"Stayin' Alive" = correct tempo | Compression-only OK if untrained
AED: turn on, follow prompts, stand clear for shock, immediately resume CPR
CHOKING:
Mild: encourage coughing | Severe: 5 back blows + 5 abdominal thrusts
Infant: 5 back blows (face-down) + 5 chest thrusts (NOT abdominal)
BLEEDING:
Direct pressure (don't remove soaked cloth) | Elevate | Tourniquet if severe limb bleed
Clean wound: running water 10 min | Cover with sterile dressing
BURNS:
Cool with running water 20 min (not ice) | Cover loosely
DON'T: toothpaste, butter, ice | Seek medical help for 3rd degree, face/hands/feet
EMERGENCY NUMBERS (India): 112 (universal) | 108 (ambulance) | 100 (police)
