Brief Summary
This video provides essential first aid guidance, focusing on preventing cross-infection, managing catastrophic bleeding, and controlling various types of bleeding (arterial, venous, and capillary). It also covers wound assessment and management, including identifying serious wounds and the appropriate steps to take. Key takeaways include the importance of direct pressure, proper wound cleaning, and knowing when to seek professional medical help.
- Preventing cross-infection is crucial in first aid.
- Catastrophic bleeding requires immediate and effective intervention.
- Different types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) need specific management techniques.
- Proper wound assessment and care are essential to prevent complications.
Preventing Cross Infection
Preventing cross-infection is vital in first aid to protect both the responder and the patient. Cross-infection involves the spread of harmful pathogens through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials. To minimise this risk, disposable gloves should always be worn to avoid direct skin contact. In situations with a higher risk of splashes, face masks, eye protection, and aprons should be used. Thorough hand hygiene, using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser, is essential before and after treating a patient. Proper waste disposal in biohazard bags and disinfecting reusable tools and surfaces are also crucial. It's important to avoid touching your face while treating a patient and to assume all bodily fluids are potentially infectious.
Handwashing Technique
Handwashing is the most important infection control technique. Hands should be disinfected whenever they are visibly dirty or contaminated, and before any contact with clients, including putting on gloves. Disinfect hands after contact with a client's skin, bodily fluids, non-intact skin, wound dressings, contaminated items, after using the bathroom, after touching garbage, and after removing gloves. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. When using hand sanitiser, apply enough to fill the palm of one hand, spread it around the palms and tops of the hands for at least 20 seconds, ensuring it gets around cuticles and under nail beds. Continue rubbing until dry. If wearing a watch, remove it with personal protective equipment, sanitise it, and follow bloodborne pathogens rules. Use soap and water if hands are visibly dirty, use disposable towels to turn the sink faucet on, wet hands thoroughly, apply soap, rub hands together for at least 20 seconds covering all surfaces, rinse under running water, dry with a disposable towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet.
Catastrophic Bleeding
Catastrophic bleeding refers to severe, uncontrolled blood loss that poses an immediate threat to life, often resulting from traumatic injuries. Recognising the signs, such as spurting blood, pooling blood, rapid blood loss, and blood soaking through dressings, is essential for an effective response. Quick action is critical to control the bleeding and stabilise the patient. Immediate response steps include applying direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth. For severe bleeding from extremities, a tourniquet may be necessary, placed 5 to 7 cm above the wound, avoiding joints, and tightened until the bleeding stops completely. Note the time of application, as a tourniquet should not remain in place for more than 2 hours. If a tourniquet cannot be applied, use wound packing, filling the cavity tightly with sterile gauze or a clean cloth, and apply firm pressure. Monitor for shock, watching for symptoms such as pale, clammy skin, a rapid pulse, and confusion. Keep the patient warm and reassure them while waiting for emergency medical services. Never delay applying a tourniquet if direct pressure fails, avoid removing embedded objects, and always prioritise your own safety by wearing gloves and taking precautions to prevent cross-infection.
Managing Blood Loss
Managing blood loss is a critical responsibility of a first responder. Blood loss can be external or internal, and significant blood loss can quickly lead to shock and organ failure. Common symptoms include pale, cold, and clammy skin, a rapid or weak pulse, and confusion or fainting. Estimating the severity of blood loss helps determine the urgency of treatment. Minor blood loss (up to 500 mL) may not have severe consequences, while moderate blood loss (500-1,500 ml) requires close monitoring and intervention. Severe blood loss (over 1,500 ml) is life-threatening and demands immediate emergency care. For external bleeding, apply direct pressure, elevate the injured limb, and, as a last resort, apply a tourniquet. For internal bleeding, keep the patient still, monitor vital signs, and call for emergency assistance. Never remove large embedded objects; instead, stabilise them with padding.
Assessing and Controlling Bleeding
Bleeding is a critical condition to manage in first aid. External bleeding can be arterial (bright red, spurting), venous (steady, dark red flow), or capillary (slow, oozing). To control external bleeding, apply direct pressure using a sterile dressing. Elevate the injured area above the heart if possible. For severe arterial bleeding, a tourniquet may be necessary, placed 5 to 7 cm above the wound, ensuring it's tight enough to stop the bleeding but not left on for more than 2 hours. Internal bleeding symptoms include bruising, swelling, and a rigid abdomen. Watch for signs of shock. Keep the patient still, monitor vital signs, and never apply pressure or elevate the affected area. Always wear gloves, and avoid removing embedded objects.
Capillary Bleeding
Capillary bleeding is the mildest form of external bleeding, caused by damage to small blood vessels near the skin's surface. It is characterised by slow oozing blood that often clots on its own. To manage capillary bleeding, clean the wound thoroughly to remove dirt or debris, apply direct pressure using a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth, and cover the wound with a sterile dressing or adhesive bandage. Check for signs of infection in the following days. Even small wounds can become problematic if left untreated, especially in outdoor settings.
Capillary Bleeding in the Workplace
Capillary bleeding in the workplace, such as road rash, is characterised by blood droplets mixed with serous fluid. The key is to keep the wound clean, removing any debris. If debris is embedded, it requires medical centre attention. Road rash can be very painful due to nerve endings being exposed. Wash the wound with soap and water, cover it with a bandage, and apply direct pressure. Use an over-the-counter triple antibiotic to prevent secondary infection. Cover the wound with a bandage and tape. Monitor for signs of infection such as oozing, redness, swelling, and pus. If these occur, seek medical attention to prevent serious bloodstream infections. The wound should begin to crust over in 48 to 72 hours, with full healing in a couple of weeks.
Venous Bleeding
Venous bleeding occurs when a vein is damaged, resulting in a steady flow of dark red blood. To control venous bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth, and elevate the affected limb above the level of the heart. Secure the dressing with a bandage to maintain pressure. If bleeding persists, apply additional layers of dressing without removing the initial one. Always wear gloves, and do not apply a tourniquet unless the bleeding is life-threatening. If there's an embedded object, avoid applying pressure directly on it; instead, stabilise the object with padding around it. Venous bleeding can be dangerous if not addressed promptly, especially if the injured vein is large. Monitor for signs of shock.
Venous Bleeding Example
Venous bleeding is characterised by dark red, oozing blood. It typically stops on its own in 4-6 minutes, but can be easily controlled with direct pressure and a bandage. Decide whether the person needs an ambulance or can be driven to a medical facility. Encourage driving them in, even by a coworker, in case of psychogenic shock. If the cut has a fish mouth opening, it likely needs stitches. Clean the wound and use a triple antibiotic ointment. Check the person's tetanus shot record and provide a booster if needed. Apply direct pressure with a 4x4 bandage, drying off excess blood. Ensure the person has no other injuries or pain. Most venous bleeding will stop with direct pressure unless the person has a bleeding disorder or is on blood thinners. If the patient is stable, pink, warm, and dry, EMS may not be necessary. Wrap the wound with tape to control bleeding and cover it. Check nail beds to ensure circulation is not cut off.
Arterial Bleeding
Arterial bleeding is the most severe and life-threatening type of external bleeding, occurring when an artery is damaged. It is characterised by bright red blood that spurts in rhythm with the heartbeat. To control arterial bleeding, apply firm direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart if possible. If direct pressure and elevation are not effective, apply a tourniquet 5 to 7 cm above the wound, avoiding joints, and tighten it until the bleeding stops. Note the time it was applied, as a tourniquet should not remain on for more than 2 hours. Monitor the patient closely for signs of shock. Always wear gloves, and do not loosen or remove the tourniquet once applied. Avoid applying direct pressure over an embedded object; instead, stabilise the object with padding around it.
Arterial Bleeding in the Workplace
Arterial bleeding in the workplace is demonstrated by a pulsating, bright red wound, indicating a cut to the radial artery. Ensure the scene is safe, machinery is off, and gloves are on. Replace the person's hand with a 4x4 bandage and apply direct pressure. If the bandage leaks through, add another one. Sit the person down to prevent further injury. If direct pressure does not control the bleeding, consider a proper tourniquet device for delayed emergency response. Wrap the wound from the distal end with an Ace Wrap, but check nail beds to ensure circulation is not cut off. If the person loses consciousness or shows signs of shock, activate EMS by calling 911.
Wounds
Wounds are common injuries where the skin is damaged, classified as open (cuts, abrasions) or closed (bruises). Proper treatment is essential to stop bleeding and prevent infection. Wounds vary by cause: lacerations (jagged injuries), incisions (clean cuts), punctures (deep, narrow injuries), abrasions (superficial grazing), and contusions (bruises). A penetrating wound occurs when an object pierces the skin and stays embedded. Recognising a serious wound is vital; signs include infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pus), heavy bleeding, or exposure of deeper tissues. Embedded objects should never be removed on site. Effective wound management requires stopping the bleeding with direct pressure, cleaning the wound, and stabilising embedded objects. Animal bites and puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection. Always wear waterproof gloves and dispose of contaminated materials safely. Avoid washing heavily bleeding wounds, never remove embedded objects, consider tetanus vaccinations, and note that human bites pose a high risk of infection.
Using Gauze to Bandage and Dress Wounds
Gauze is used to bandage and dress wounds, particularly for venous bleeding. A dressing goes directly on top of the wound to absorb blood and keep it clean, while a bandage wraps around the dressing to hold it in place. For continual bleeding, hold pressure on the dressing to help the blood clot. Rolled gauze can be used as a bandage, applying firm pressure without cutting off circulation. The bandage can be secured with tape or by tucking it in. For more pressure, create a loop and tie it off. Common dressings include 4x4 gauze pads, which can be doubled up if needed. Combine pads are thicker and can cover larger wounds. Coband, a stretchy self-adhesive bandage, can also be used, but be careful not to apply too much pressure. Pressure bandages can be used loosely to hold the dressing in place. When dressing a neck injury, have the patient raise their arm above their head and wrap underneath the armpit to avoid occluding the airway.
Fun Questionnaires
The fun questionnaires are an essential part of the learning journey. As part of the Blended learning program, you'll need to complete these questions in your notebook. This activity is designed to deepen your understanding of the material covered so far and ensure that you can apply these critical first aid Concepts in real life situations. Take your time to work through each question thoughtfully use examples from your manual and your own knowledge to support your answers. Remember this exercise isn't just about answering the questions it's about reinforcing what you've learned and preparing yourself to act confidently in emergency situations. If you're unsure about any of the answers refer back to your notes or the manual for guidance additionally keep track of your questions or areas where you feel uncertain so you can address these during the interactive or instructor-led sessions. Once you've completed the questions make sure to review your answers and identify key areas for improvement this step is vital for your growth and development as a competent first aider.
Questionnaire and Answers
The video presents a series of true/false questions related to first aid practices. Key points covered include:
- Cross-infection can be prevented by wearing gloves and washing hands after providing first aid (True).
- It is not safe to reuse single-use gloves (False).
- Catastrophic bleeding is life-threatening and requires immediate action (True).
- Applying direct pressure is the first step to control bleeding (True).
- A tourniquet should not be applied directly on a joint (False).
- Capillary bleeding is slow and usually not life-threatening (True).
- Arterial bleeding is bright red and spurts with the heartbeat (True).
- Not all wounds require a tourniquet (False).
- If a wound is bleeding heavily, you should not remove the dressing to check if the bleeding has stopped (False).
- Puncture wounds have a higher risk of infection (True).
- Embedded objects should not be removed to stop bleeding (False).
- Pale, dizzy, and weak pulse after bleeding may indicate shock (True).
- Elevating a bleeding limb can help slow blood loss (True).
- Applying ice directly on a severed limb is not the correct way to preserve it for reattachment (False).
- Blood loss from veins is dark red and flows steadily (True).
- Hand sanitiser is a suitable alternative if soap and water are unavailable for hand hygiene (True).
- If someone is unresponsive and bleeding internally, you should place them in the recovery position (True).
- A wound infected with bacteria may show redness, swelling, or pus (True).
- Washing a wound with clean water can help prevent infection (True).
- You should not always remove bandages after 5 minutes to check if bleeding has stopped (False).
