FIRST AID

FIRST AID

History

The Knights Hospitaller were probably the first to specialize in battlefield care for the wounded. Similarly, knights founded the Order of St. John in the 11th century to train other knights specifically how to treat common battlefield injuries. St. John Ambulance was formed in 1877 to teach first aid (a term devised by the order) in large railway centre and mining districts. The order and its training began to spread throughout the British Empire and Europe. As well, in 1859 Henry Dunant helped organize villagers in Switzerland to help victims of the Battle of Solferino. Four years later, four nations met in Geneva and formed the organization which has grown into the Red Cross. Developments in first aid and many other medical techniques have been fuelled in large by wars: the American Civil War prompted Clara Barton to organize the American Red Cross. Today, there are several groups that promote first aid, such as the military and the Scouting movement. New techniques and equipment have helped make today’s first aid simple and effective.

Aims

The 3 main aims of first aid, commonly referred to as the “3 Ps” are:

· Preserve life

· Prevent further injury

· Promote recovery

In addition, some trainers may also advocate a 4th ‘P’ Protect yourself, although this is not technically an ‘aim’ of providing first aid, and some people would consider that it is adequately covered by ‘Prevent further injury’ as this is to the casualty, yourself or others.

Training

First aid scenario training in progress. Much of first aid is common sense, and people are almost certain to learn some elements as they go through their life (such as knowing to apply an adhesive bandage to a small cut on a finger).

First Aid training around the world

Australia

In Australia, Nationally recognized First Aid certificates may only be issued by Registered training organizations who are accredited on the National Training Information System (NTIS). Most First Aid certificates are issued at one of 3 levels:

· Level 1 (or “Basic First Aid”, or “Basic Life Support”): is a 1day course covering primarily life threatening emergencies: CPR, bleeding, chocking and other life threatening medical emergencies.

· Level 2 (“Senior First Aid”) is a 2 day course that covers all the aspects of training in Level 1, as well as specialized training for treatment of burns, bites, stings, electric shock and poisons. Level 2 reaccredidation is a 1 day course which must be taken every 3 years.

· Level 3 (“Occupational First Aid”) is a 4day course covering advanced first aid, use of oxygen and Automated external defibrillators and documentation. It is suitable for workplace First Aiders and those who manage First Aid facilities.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, there are two main types of first aid courses offered. An “Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons” course typically lasts one day, and covers the basics, focusing on critical interventions for conditions such as cardiac arrest and severe bleeding, and is usually not formally assessed. A “First Aid at Work” course is usually a four day course (two days for a requalification) that covers the full spectrum of first aid, and is formally assessed by recognized Health and Safety Executive assessors. Certificates for the “First Aid at Work” course are issued by the training organization and are valid for a period of three years from the date the delegate passes the course.

UNUSUAL ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

We often wonder how people actually survived accidents or about the unusual circumstances in which people were killed. Here are some really amazing stories- some from history and then one firsthand from a local citizen.

Unhappy endings

According to legend, the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus was killed when an eagle dropped a tortoise on his head. The bird was trying to break the tortoise’s shell on a rock in order to eat it. Aeschylus was bald, and the eagle thought the unfortunate man’s head was a good rock for breaking a turtle.

On Memorial Day of 1987, a forty-years old Louisiana lawyer was in his boat as a thunderstorm approached. He raised his arms over his head to the sky and said as if to challenge nature: “Here I am”. He was struck by a bolt of lightning and died instantly. The man’s first name was Graves.

Some people worry about being hit from falling from outer space. There is only one person in all recorded history who has been killed by a meteorite – Manfredo Settala (1600 – 1680)

Happy endings

A German soldier was riding in the back seat of a World War I plane when the engine suddenly stopped. He fell out of his seat while the plane was two miles above ground. As he was falling, the plane starting falling too, and he was blown back into his own seat by the wind. The pilot was able to land the plane safely.

Bob Hail jumped out of an airplane. His parachute failed. His backup parachute also failed. He hit the ground face first. After a moment, he got up and walked away with only minor injuries.